Boiled Hot Dogs and Ketchup Spaghetti.

Okay, now that everyone is up to speed I can share about our first day with the girls. I'm going to skip all the typical travel garbage and assume that you all understand that traveling for 22 hours just stinks. We got to the apartment around 3pm, settled in a bit, then went to a small grocery store and changed some money at the bank. We went to bed around 6pm and slept for 12 strait hours. That's long for me and just about right for Michele. Elona arranged a car and driver and picked us up for the 2.5 hour trip to the girls orphanage.
When we arrived at the orphanage there was a young boy maybe 12 playing by himself with a ball. When we got out of the car he stopped playing and just sort of stared at us almost like we were movie stars. Of course, like everyone else in this country he knew immediately that we were Americans. Elona spoke to him and said something to the effect of "take me to your leader" and he led us to the assistant director. We sat in her office for a little while. Elona did most of the talking. We asked a few questions but we were to nervous to think of anything to say. She then led us upstairs to the girls room. They share a small room. 2 beds, a closet, and some posters on the walls. Audrone was there, she poked her head out as we were coming up the stairs and quickly ducked back into the room. They knew we were coming and their room was very clean. When we came to her room she was quickly putting the last few items back into their place. The assistant director made the introductions and we gave her a quick hug, then Kornelija came in. She went immediately and gave Michele a hug and with Audrone's prompting gave me a hug as well. She would have been just a baby when her father died and I don't think she knows what to expect from me. Both of them are very beautiful. The pictures we received don't do them justice. Michele and I sat on the window seat while they packed. They have backpacks and extra shoes. Of course Kornelija's backpack is smaller than my lunch box back home but she can't weigh more than 50 pounds. When they were ready we headed back to the car and off we went back to Vilnius. During the car ride home Elona translated for us and we planned for the next few days. The girls wanted pizza for dinner and Elona suggested a movie. But first we needed grocery's.
We stopped at a large grocery store to load up on supplies. The girls have foods that they are used too and we let them get some things that they liked. What we discovered is that this country is truly a culinary tragedy. The first thing they picked out after some vegetables was hot dogs. Ball park or Oscar Meyer type hot dogs to boil and eat with vegetables. Yumm sounds good, can't wait. Next I suggested that we get some spaghetti. We found the noodles and I asked about sauce? A few minutes later they came back with ketchup. I said no, spaghetti sauce. They said yes, ketchup. Now I'm thinking back in the days when I was first out on my own and the budget was a little tight I ate a ton of Top Ramen and sometimes had a little rice with my salt but these poor girls have been forced to eat ketchup spaghetti. So I asked Elona what's the deal? She clarified for me. These foods are common and "very tasty." She was at a loss as to where I might find a spaghetti sauce other than ketchup. I eventually did find some. Little jars maybe half the size of ours back home. Labeled in English, "Pasta Sauce, Very Tasty." The last thing I needed in my 5 meal lineup was onions. When I told Elona that I still needed onions she got a quizzical look on her face and asked "Onions? What for?" Now don't get me wrong here. Elona is a wonderful, kind, and intelligent woman who has been a huge blessing for us here. She is definitely not stupid. I'm just highlighting some of the cultural differences that I find amazing. I guess I'll try the ketchup spaghetti and they will have to try some mysterious sauteed onions in Michele's favorite fajitas.
Several of you have asked about their names. What we have learned is that they have short versions of their names like Susie is short for Susan. I will give you a phonetic spelling of their short names. Audrone's short name is Oh-drew-ta and Kornelija's is Kor-nee-ta. Kornelija's names are fine but I'm having a harder time with Audrone's. It is a little awkward to feel like I can't even say her name correctly. But we are still in that awkward get to know you phase anyway. They are pretty quiet. Audrone's English is very good. She understands most of what we are trying to say and translates for Kornelija. But they haven't asked us a single question yet. I'm sure that they are feeling like we did sitting in the assistant directors office when she asked us if we had any questions.
Well, it's almost 8am here now, 10pm for you. I just can't sleep as much as everyone else so I have been up for 3 hours now. I think if they aren't up in an hour I'll rouse them with the smell of breakfast. Then we are off to the water park. That should be fun.
Thanks for reading along. Sleep well.
KC