Morning weather report: 35, feels like 27. Projected high: 38 with scattered drizzle (Sounds too much like winter in Seattle!)
Meanwhile back in Memphis: Overnight low of 48, heading back to 59 with light rain.
First thing this morning we headed over to the Air Astana office to buy Cathe’s ticket to Almaty. Their web site listed available flights tomorrow and 1 Nov (a day late for her KLM flight). Since they closed at 4 on Court Day and were closed yesterday, we had to wait to check in person. We purchased a ticket for tomorrow’s flight since all the others before Wednesday are booked. Hopefully we won’t have any trouble moving her KLM flight back to Memphis! Otherwise we’ll get back in scramble mode.After leaving Air Astana, the next order of business was to buy supplies for Kate and David’s RBS Family Group farewell party. Masha (Activities Coordinator Extraordinaire) helped shuffle our schedule so that Cathe could be there for the party. Relying on her extensive knowledge of area shopping venues (how to find good quality at very reasonable prices), we headed to the big indoor Fresh Market for fruit, cakes (“without crème”) and to check out the adjoining meat market. It reminded Cathe of Detroit’s Farmers Market. Since we were buying quantities sufficient to entertain 25 ravenous kids, Masha negotiated with vendors to get the best prices for our bananas, oranges, and apples. She also made some great suggestions for cookies and cakes to have with the tea. It was entertaining to watch the transaction take place. “The cookie lady” wouldn’t sell us some particular cookies because there were some better ones which also happened to be “fresher and less expensive.” It was quite obvious that “The cookie lady” had her own favorites.
After depositing our finds in Sasha’s trunk, we headed back in to check out the other baked goods and meat and cheese selections. There were several vendors, but one in particular must have the “most booming business” since he had a huge section of floor space. There were tables arranged around a raised section of floor on which a big tree stump served as a chopping block. The butcher was more than happy to chop off some steaks or a huge roast. Although less sanitary in appearance to what we’re used to in the States, the cuts of meat looked fantastic. 
Passing on the fresh meats, we did end up with a great smoked Kielbasa. We’ll have to cook some for Cathe’s farewell lunch… While heading back to the apartment, we spotted a small car with a whole living room set on the roof. It was an interesting change from the more common array of similar cars with many 50 lb sacks of onions on their roofs.Back at the apartment, we quickly washed fruit and prepared gifts for the Family Group. Sasha had helped pick out a DVD player that doubles as a Karaoke machine (we’ll have to watch for these in the states!) We also picked up a microphone and a few suitable movies. (It plays both NTSC and PAL format DVDs so we can send a few from the states as well). Just as we finished, Sasha and Masha were at the door to cart us back to the RBS along with our many treasures.
The party was superb! The staff music teacher was playing traditional Russian folk songs on his accordion as well as some very well done renditions of pop songs. Several of the older kids took the goodies to the kitchen area while we were treated to another quick tour of the facilities and dropped off gifts for several of the staff members. 
Soon we were back in the family room area which had been transformed for the event. We were treated to a series of poems, some in English, songs, and dances as well as a super Dombra (Kazakh guitar) and accordion serenade. Then we had an opportunity to say a few words to the group before presenting the gifts. It was a very bittersweet moment as everyone wished us safe travels and a good future. There are so many good kids there.
The oldest, a 17 year old boy, accepted our gifts on behalf of the entire group. First the DVD Player, which got many oooohs and ahhhhs! Then eyes widened when the microphone was presented. Then gasps as the Karaoke DVD and movies were presented. 
We could see the anguish the children were going through, knowing they would have to wait until after the treats (which they wanted very badly!) were consumed before hooking up the DVD and giving it a go. The treats won the contest.
Kids are kids everywhere! You gotta love "Mr Orange Mouth!)
We were further amazed at how quickly the area was cleaned up and chairs and tables were returned to their proper places, transforming the party room back into the family room. The boys wasted not time in attaching the DVD and getting the Karaoke disk spinning. There were a few humorous attempts at singing as the kids bounced through available selections. Then they found one in English and passed the mike to Cathe, who responded in a sing-song voice, “I don’t know the words to this song, but hope you all have fun with it!” then passed the mike back. Everyone got a good laugh as Masha and several of the older children translated.
During the two hour party, both of our digital cameras were getting a workout. Between the two, we shot 1.5 Gig of movies and pictures, with a final tally of 355 snapshots. Thank goodness we don’t have to print all of them to enjoy the festivities! Everyone wanted to get into the action, helping give Kate and David a super day to remember! (No idea whose eyes these are, but it was one of the intersting shots awaiting us when we uploaded today's pictures)To celebrate Cathe’s last night in Petropavlovsk, we went back to our favorite local Italian restaurant, The Venezia, with Suzanne and Hilton. Despite the cooler weather, there were many people strolling down Constitution Avenue. We wonder whether they do that once the snow starts falling… (Bill will have to take notes and let us know!) A quick stop at the Black Jack Café for coffee topped off another super day.
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