Clothes shopping at a sub-freezing open air market

Peter (Nikolai and Nadia's son) took Nancy and me clothes shopping this morning (Sunday 01/11). We needed to get clothes for the boys since they must leave all their existing clothes with the orphanage. We hadn't realized that until shortly before Natasha left last week. We thought they owned the clothes they wore, and perhaps a few toys. But Natasha said the clothes are from a common supply at the orphanage and would be needed there. It is quite possible that they boys own literally nothing other than the toys we have given them.

Nancy got a tape measure last week and did her best to measure the boys. Of course, they are so squirmy that is not an easy task. But (we hope) she got some decent measurements; at least good enough to get clothes to last them until we get back to Charlotte.

The open air market was outside (of course) in an enclosed area. So at least there was no wind to contend with. But the dark closed area acts like a refrigerator. We were able to be there for about an hour before Nancy's fingers started hurting and we had to leave.

There were lots of women's clothes, boots (of course), men's sweaters, and coats. Prices were good although we now here there was a better one a couple of blocks away. Bartering is possible, but it was so cold we only did a little bit.

After we had to leave there, we went to a kids' store called CKA3A (Skazah), or something like that. No bartering in the store of course. They had a pretty good selection. Prices were higher though. But the prices on boots were much higher.

We scrambled back to a toy store in the Lugansk City Centre (a mall) and got some cheapo snow boots (about $15) Nancy had seen. We don't need them in Charlotte, so saw no value in paying more. They only need to last 2-3 weeks. The next price level up was $50.

We bought 110 size (5 year old) for our 7 year old Valik), and 122 size (7 year old) for our 10 year old (in 2 weeks) Ruslan. We have not yet tried them on the boys, but they look about right if not too big.

In all we spent about $280 for a full set of clothes for both boys. I'll list them for educational purposes. For each boy:
- 2 pairs pants
- 4 pairs underwear
- 2 pairs tights (boys wear tights here. I guess that's why so many boys are willing to take ballet)
- 2 turtlenecks
- 1 sweater
- 1 pair gloves
- 1 heavy coat
- 1 stocking hat
- 1 scarf
- 1 pair pajamas
- 1 pair snow boots

Not bad for the price. We still have to get socks and toothbrushes, but we are just about set.

I started feeling worse, and so bowed out of going to church. Bruce took Nancy and the kids to a 3pm Baptist service at a dance studio in Lutugino. As I mentioned before, if you are not Orthodox, it is hard to get space for a church.

My temp only got up to 99.4, but my normal temp is 96.8, so it was high for me (no . Mostly upset stomach and bodyaches. Feeling better today though only at about 85%.

Natasha returns from Kyiv tomorrow. We begin the paperwork process to get the boys (either Monday or Tuesday). I think we can Monday, but we will be running around a lot, so need to discuss with Natasha. We are also thinking of throwing a little party for the boys classmates, but not sure yet.