Wax Romanovs

So today after lessons, two of my Ukrainian colleagues escorted me to a wax exhibit of the Romanov dynasty Russia. The figures represented all the czars from Ivan the Terrible through Nicholas II. The final scene depicted Nicholas and his family being assassinated. It was gruesome because it was life like. The eyes for each figure were made by a famous Ukrainian doctor who specializes in prosthetic eyes and teeth. We had a guided tour, but after the guide explained each figure's history in Ukrainian, my hosts explained again in English. The exhibt cost the three of us the equivalent of $6, but then I had to pay another three for the right to take photos. I've forgotten to bring my camera to the public place where I must connect to the internet, so will post some of the photos later. The most interesting figures were Ivan the Terrible, Gregory Rasputin, and Tolstoy.
Later we visited the largest grocery store in Kiev, Tam Tam, which means "there, there." It was the equivalent of a Sam's Club or Costco, except there is no membership fee. At the fish counter there were large oxygenated tanks filled with swimming carp and catfish. You tell the counter person which fish you want, and they scoop it out and clean it for you before wrapping it up and sending you on your way. I was satisfied with some local candy, a few containers of yogurt, some pastries, and of course the local beer.
Tomorrow I'm accompanying a class to a local theatre to see a drama, and while I won't understand a single word, the action will be universal I'm certain. Back in my room later I will watch German television, which broadcasts for part of the day in English, or Ukrainian football, which requires no translation, as soccer is the same the world over.