Day 25- Arriving back in Oktyrka - Wednesday Oct. 12

So back to Oktyrka we went. We got everything that was still in our room packed up and paid for the room. We confirmed that the hotel had our big room reserved for us starting Saturday. The gal at the desk called a taxi to take us to the bus station. We had made this trip once before with Yarik and were fairly familiar with the procedure. I was brave enough to try to ask for the two tickets to Oktyrka in Russian. So proud to say, that I was successful and we were rewarded with our two tickets for the bus to Oktyrka. We found the bus, which was set to leave in 5 minutes, so we had arrived just in time. There was even space to stow our carry-ons in the back. This bus ride was not nearly as bad as the last one! It was still bumpy and there was not much space, but I did not fly out of my seat at all. I actually was even able to read a book, which made the time pass more quickly.
From the bus we had called Ksenia with news of our success and had her arrange for taxi Sergei to pick us up at the bus station. As we pulled in, we could see him there waiting. He helped us get our bags and load us into his car. First we went to the hotel and got checked into our room. The room was bigger than the one we left that morning, but not huge. It would be fine for us for a few days.
Next Sergei stopped at a little market, so we could get some food for lunch. We purchased some water, meat, cheese, and rolls to make sandwiches once we got there. We had hoped they would have some pre-made, but we were not so lucky.

Sergei playing with the younger boys

Once again we made the bumpy trip back the awful road to the orphanage. But I was oh so glad to see the familiar sights. We pulled up outside the gate where taxi Sergei would sit and wait as we visited with our Sergei. We went in to find him, unsure of where he might be. The sport field is usually the best place to check first and as we got closer we noticed him playing there with some younger boys. It was nice to not have to try to track him down. He came over and greeted us, but was anxious to get back to the soccer fun. We said we would watch while we ate our lunch. Once we had eaten, we joined the boys to kick the ball around a bit. Then Sergei got called to class.We hoped he would be out soon to rejoin us, but it took a while in which time it started to rain. We had moved from the sport field to the benches near the class building, so as the rain started in earnest, we moved to the shelter of the gazebo. We watched for Sergei to come out of the building. After some time, he returned and we waved from the gazebo. He joined us there and we played some games.

Sergei winning at Uno

First Uno, which Darren was getting really bored with, especially, since Sergei and I were winning most of the hands. Then we got out the checker board and Sergei and I played a round of that. Ukrainian rules are different than American. So I had the advantage and won the game. I need to learn the Ukrainian rules so we can try it his way, and give him an advantage. Next we tried the chess. He was unsure of all the rules of that so Darren was his partner. I am no strategist and totally lost in a short time. Darren helped Sergei take advantage of my mistakes.
We were getting chilly as the rain and temperatures were falling. So we asked if he wanted to watch a movie. He was happy for the chance. We went to his sleeping area and put in the Dawn Treader Narnia movie that we had started on an earlier visit. We forwarded to the part where we had left off and were able to watch through to the end. We still had time to watch a short episode of The Batman cartoon. He liked that as well. It was really nice to be able to spend the time with him today on his own. Once again, the dreaded departure loomed. We walked back outside and gave our hugs. We told him we would come back tomorrow and asked what time would be best, he said 3, so we planned for that. I had also remember to bring his phone and he kept that, so we could call if needed.
Back to Oktyrka, we asked Sergei to stop at the hotel for us to take our backpacks in and then go to the Montpizier restaurant for dinner. We took note of how to get from the hotel to the restaurant, so we could walk back after dinner. Dinner took a while, but it was good. I had the avocado - pine nut salad. Darren had borscht. Then for my main course I ordered the Italian style chicken and vegetables. It had a lot of hot red peppers on it. Not too spicy to eat, but more spicy than I prefer. I was glad I had ordered rice with it to cool it off a little. Darren had ordered chicken livers with mushrooms, so I was not interested in trading, although I think he would have liked mine much better than I did. We paid and walked back to the hotel.

Since we had decent internet again, Darren tried to call his customer. He did not get through at first so we did a Facebook video call with Ellie. She was doing fine. She said it was actually getting easier as time went on without us. Darren suggested he could stay longer. I think if it were not for TJ being homesick, I would have agreed, but TJ really needs his dad! After talking to Ellie, Darren got through to his customer and worked a while. I read a book and then went to sleep.