Shopping at Prevost

Today was an interesting experience. We experienced a shopping trip to the Prevost Marketplace. This huge area consists of outdoor stalls and a large covered area with row after row of stalls, each about 5 feet by 8 feet. Boots, jeans, coats, shoes, sweaters, undergarments, etc., it is all there. The aisles are about 4 or 5 feet wide and often have 3 or 4 people trying to pass through them at the same time. Items are displayed on racks or hanging from the sides of the stalls. Some are so full that there is no room for the salesperson. How do you know if a pair of jeans is the right size? You try them on. We each took our turn assisting the merchant hold up a lightweight blanket while the girls tried on the jeans. Purchases are made - not a receipt in sight. I guess if you have your merchandise in a bag, that means that it is paid for. There were even a few stalls with electronics or cell phone accessories, but this area was mostly clothing. We were purchasing new outfits for court on Tuesday. It was a fun time.

Walking back from the market, Gail and I followed along behind the kids. The brother-sister banter looked the same as you would see anywhere. At times, we just shook our heads, because we didn't have a clue about what they were saying. We really need to learn a little more Russian. There is no telling what three teenagers could be planning. Things will definitely be interesting around the Haug household.

Gail, Igor, Masha, Yulia, Steve

Here is the first photo of the five of us together. It was this morning and the kids were still in their pajamas. We will get something more "formal" on Tuesday.