7th Kilometer Market

Today was a long, but enjoyable day. My roommates and three of the boys they serve were going out to the 7th Kilometer Market to buy gifts for forty three kids at the orphanage. The boys had the day off of school since today is "Victory Day" here, and agreed to go along to help carry everything. Since the market is the largest of any kind in the entire former Soviet Union and I've never been before, I thought it was about time for me to experience it, as well. We all enjoyed a new recipe for Blueberry Lemon pancakes that I found last week before getting on the bus and heading out to the market. You can find all kinds of things there. Think of a Wal-Mart, minus the cleanliness, order and quality, then multiply the size by about 20(or more-probably a lot more. I couldn't quite figure out how massive it is) and you'll begin to get the idea. It's predominantly open air, with tons of little stalls run by individuals. You can find food, clothing, shoes, car parts, hardware, grave ornamentation, spices, baskets, fabric, towels, makeup, things for the house, for your pets, for your friends, for your enemies, etc. ,etc. I was fascinated today with how many foreigners were at the 7th Kilometer; I heard so many different languages! After everything(shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors- times 43) was toted home, we enjoyed a nice lunch of pizza and veggie salad and a little more time with the boys. All in all, a tiring, but really fun day.

Walking down a main road in the market

The boys helping Michelle choose shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, razors. They sure knew what they wanted. They also were very good about counting everything the sellers gave us and making sure that we weren't cheated. =-)


The trash gets pretty piled up toward the end of the selling day

If you have need of mannequin parts, here's where you can find them!

The line to get back on the bus

Waiting in line at the buses

My great roommates, Michelle and Laura

update: click on the post title to read more super interesting and kind of funny info. on the market. Sizewise, in 2006 it covered about 170 acres, had 6,000 traders and an estimated 150,000 customers perday. It has a staff of 1,200 and is the region's largest employer.