The Land That I Will Show You

Our last official day of visitation! It has been a beautiful day, sunny and warm. We headed to the village armed with our outdoor toys and an arsenal of candy for the anticipated crowd. Upon arrival we discovered a very melancholy Sholpan who had just returned from bathing. Her caretaker informed us there would be no playing outdoors with wet hair! Plan B, do some artwork and have a snack. It became more and more obvious that Sholpan felt miserable. She curled up in a chair and tried to rest. When I felt her head and neck she was burning up. Again we questioned the caretaker if the doctor was aware that she was ill. It appears that the regular doctor has been away and a substitute has been giving her medicine. We had to stay late to talk with the director, which of course led to “tea”. When we finally headed back to town it was discovered that the director had neglected to send an important document with us. Back we went. Turns out she forgot to draft said document! Tomorrow morning she promises. Meanwhile, the doctor has returned and checked on Sholpan. He is sending her to the hospital. We will find out tomorrow morning if she will be returned to the orphanage or kept in the hospital. Svetlana will arrive in the morning to sort out the paperwork and take it to the judge and hopefully, get a court date. The visit was not without bright spots. We asked Zarina why it is that she always magically appears as soon as we arrive without having to be called for. She smiles and says “I can just feel it when you are near me”.

John, the flower lady and the squirrel nut vendor apparently retired shortly after your stay here. Actually, there are no more street vendors. You have to go into the markets for everything now. Rumor has it that the men in big hats put the brakes on street sales. Even the monkey photo man is no more. Valentina thinks that maybe this summer some of the activity may return. For now, no more evenings searching every street corner for the perfect ice cream bar. No more flowers for the hotel lady. Sometimes change is not a good thing!