1/23/08 Car ride from &#%%

Our day started out at 8:15 this am and ended at nearly 11pm. We began with a lovely drive to Dniprpertrosk only a short 200 km away. We arrived at 10:15 and once there we went and applied (finally) for Juliyana's passport. We finished up there around 12:30 and figured we would get a start on the drive and get lunch a bit down the road. While applying for the passport a nice couple gave Juliyana a peppermint hard candy. I didn't see any reason not to let her have it since she is five not two. We headed out into traffic only to find that Juliyana had swallowed the candy whole and was choking. Helen and I are both yelling at konstatin to pull over Juliyana is starting to panic but continuing to drool and trying to cough it up. As soon as we pulled over she puked all over me, herself and konstantin's very clean car. This lasted for a couple of minutes and thankfully she was able to clear it on her own. WHEW!!! So glad I had a nurse along for the ride. Helen brought her stethescope and listened to her chest and all was clear. We cleaned everyone up including the car as best as we can and continued on our way. We then stopped for lunch and found a potty with a seat. Helen's favorite. We got back in the car at 3:30 and Konstatin said it should only take about 4 hours to get to Kiev. We figured no problem we can do that. We got about two hours down the road before we got lost. After asking varrious people for directions we got back on the right road. I don't know how anyone finds their way here for there are very few signs posted along the way. One hour heading in the right direction, we came to a complete stop with many many cars in front of us. There was an accident and people were getting out of there cars and chatting with their neighbors. We sat there for about 45 minutes. All fine well and good we get past the accident and Juliyana falls asleep ah peace at last. Not for long, while sleeping she begins to cough only to proceed to puke again all over the car, herself, and mom. God this was a good day!!!! But you know us were not through yet not anonther hour down the road we find that our tire is out of air and we have a flat. Konstatin has an air pump but that is not holding the pressure so we go in and out of gas stations for a few minutes seeking a better air pump or a new tire. Well we found a new tire and were on our way. We got to kiev and into a wonderful flat up by the SDA. It only took us 14 hours. Thank god every day is not like this. I am not posting photo's today since I believe we all know what puke looks and smells like. Happy Trails!!