Last Saturday, we had a BBQ here in Yuzhno.  David wanted to treat the staff in his department, but when it was delayed by a week due to nasty weather, there were only three available to come.  He invited the support staff and their families. The conversation was a mixture of English and Russian – enough English for us to have a great time as well.

There are several BBQ facilities here.  We picked the one that is part way up the mountain, and very close to the ski hill.  They have a series of covered picnic areas, and an attached BBQ.  They will even supply the coal and the cook for a small fee, leaving the partiers free to enjoy themselves, and, as David said – free of blame if the steaks are overdone.

I had never been faced with planning a feast for 35 people before, and wasn’t sure where to find everything I needed.  We got steak at the Korean market, pop and beer at the bulk food store, salads and chicken and sausage and cakes at the local supermarkets….. and lots of throw-away plates and cutlery.  When we set forth on Saturday afternoon, the car was full.

It was a glorious day, and everyone had fun.  We bought water pistols for the kids, and they had a blast.  

There were also balls, a skipping rope and a hula hoop, which sparked competition not only between the children, but the adults as well.

Enough said – here are a few photos of the park facilities, the beautiful forest beside us, and the fun.

Such lovely weather (in spite of the late rain) – so lucky to be outdoors with great people in a beautiful place.  Love you, Sakhalin.