Sound like a full day? We got it done in just a couple of hours. Let me explain.

Sevastopol is on the Crimean Peninsula (sticks southward into the Black Sea like an arrow head). From 1853 to 1856 the allies tried to take the Crimean Pen from Russia. The allies consisted of United Kingdom, France, Turkey (Ottoman Empire), and Kingdom of Sardinia (yep, it begs for a joke). The "Siege of Sevastopol" was a major battle - home of the Tsar's Black Sea fleet. This is where Winston Churchill's grandfather died in battle. The siege lasted about a year (1854-1855) until the allied forces finally took it. There is a war memorial established at one the high points up from the harbor and where much fighting occured.

There's also a small souvenier flea market and several carnival rides that run on high voltage, duck tape, and by the Grace of God. Katya wanted to ride what I describe as the spinning death machine. I had ridden a similar one at a small carnival in Vicalvaro Spain (shout out to the Wengers!) against the advice of our missions trip leader. The one here at the war scene did not seem as scary. I was wrong. It was when "belly press" was locked against me that I noticed quite a bit of this machine was covered in tape. In the picture below you can see me making it clear that she not on my family health insurance yet and the orphanage director really should be notif...too late, we took off. The deal is that you ride rapidly round (front ways or back ways) while also spinning in your seat (front ways or back ways). The sadistic, foul smelling operator can also lock you into the upside down position while your being thrown round and round. We made it. After a while, had a hot dog (awsome) and cotton candy (pic below - big as Katya's head). Andrei opted not to ride - he really likes hanging with Wendy - and he said he would probably puke if he rode.

Then came the diorama accompanied by an extreme and accute panorama. Yep, in 1903 there was a cool circular building built that housed a panorama painted on the inside of its circular wall. WWII came and destroyed it (German bombs). Following WWII, it was rebuilt and 17 artists recreated the panoramic painting with also a to-scale diorama between the center (where you stand) and the painted walls. It is so cool - you can't tell where the diorama ends and the panorama begins (never heard that phrase before have you?). The painted wall diorama gives it such depth - it really tricks the eyes. Check out just a few of the pics below - that can't hardly do it justice.

We (Wendy and I) got to talk with my parents, my brother Teddy, and his son Dakota, today and see them via Skype - they are visiting with Katie, Andy, and Olivia. It was really great to see and talk to them!

until next time,

Chad (and Wendy)