You Just Had to Be There - from Tim

As my friend Michael and I approached the apartment this afternoon we encountered Vitaly, the older single gentleman that lives on the first floor of our building. I thought that this would be a good time to practice our Russian so I started out with “Vitaly, dobre den! (Good afternoon)” Knowing that I speak choo choo (very little) Russian, he turned to Michael and started conversing.  He must have thought that Michael could speak Russian, but it didn't take long to figure out that Michael’s Russian was no better than mine. I told Michael that this was the man who had given us some very good honey, so Michael ask Vitaly about his honey.  Vitaly grinned and vigorously shook his head NO as he looked at the large Ukranian lady that was entering the building. He thought that Michael was asking if she was his girlfriend. Vitaly made it very clear that she wasn't.  So Michael tried to clarify things by making a “buzzing” sound like a bee and flapping his arms like he was flying. (Again, trying to focus on honey!)  Vitaly’s eyes got big and he started saying “SEX, SEX” and Michael is saying “NO, NO - - BEE, BEE”.  Meanwhile, the lady decided to sit on the bench and listen instead of going inside - no doubt, this was the best act she had seen all day! Vitaly invited us in to show us his apartment.  The last time I was in there he was remodeling.  We spent a little time looking around and convincing Vitaly that we wouldn't have a shot of his home brew, although we appreciated the offer.  After a short visit, we said good bye to Vitaly (and the Russian practice).  He sent us on our way with some grapes and apples.  Just another normal day inUkraine!