Life after Americans Attack the Novo-E!!!

Well, I would say that my parents visit went well... They all got back in one piece... I think... and Kay seemed healthy when she left. There were no major food poisonings and none of our trains broke down... Hey, we even had water in my village while they were here. They might all think that I'm the biggest liar but Ukraine really was on its best behavior while they were here!
The trip to the Novo-E was interesting considering we took a bus (a bit different then I had originally invisioned but hey I'm flexible!) We spent 2 days here and they bonded with my Host family and friends making piroshkies and watching the world cup. Unfortunately, because I was the only one that spoke both English and Russian I had difficulties finding time to even go to the bathroom...
The next leg was Kyiv... which was a bit calmer and we only did the big sights and had some yummy food. The family recooperated from the train ride to kyiv by relaxing on the Volunteer's lounge plush couch ( a favorite past time of volunteers) while yours truly had a bit of work to do. We went to the Lavra (it's like the vatican of orthodoxy) and saw all sorts of beautiful churches as well as strolling along Kreshataik in the evening (another PCV favorite pasting because it's FREE!!!)
Then onto Lviv... the only city in Ukraine not to be demolished by the bolshevicks, Nazis or Soviets. I think the fam will agree with me that it is like a completely different country. After some hastle at the train station, we met up with one of my closest friends Christine and her family for a day strolling and taking in the sites. I had only been to Lviv once before so this was rather new for me too! Then our small crew (Christine's and my fam) met up with another PCV's family for a scruptious dinner at Veronica's. $55 a family, gotta love that exchange rate!
The next day Jeff's family (the family we met for dinner) went on to Krakow together. We had a great time there and the city is magnificent... It really was the highlight of my trip!!! Of course we all met to watch the Ukraine World Cup game in this really cool underground lounge. We stayed at this awesome hotel (thanks Mira and Andrey for the recommendation;). It was a good three days there and we could really spend some quality time there. I'm almost glad that Mom forgot when their flight was cause it meant another day in Krakow!!! And you know the people there are really nice! It was great for me too because most of the younger people speak English and the older people speak a bit of Russian (gotta love those imperailistic Languages!)
Then it was on to Rome!!! We primarily did the Vatican but i was super hyped just to be in Western Europe and I love Rome!!! I don't think we had enough time there for Mom, Dad and Kay to really appreciate it but I certainly did!!! We saw soooo much in the Vatican Museum and it nearly wasn't everything... but we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!

But most importantly it was spending time with my family the most. I think that they can now understand more about my work and experience here. But you would have to ask them... I just had the pleasure of observing... Thanks Mom, Dad and Kay for a great trip. The time will surely fly by till the end! Now it's back to work and finishing the summer... which went by way to fast but only 9 and a half months to go!!! I will write about the camp soon... I promise!