Nov 10, 2011
Mariyа Tolstova
Hattiesburg, MS, USA |
Dear author of this website! First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to put this together for there is really not much known about Ukraine in the Western World. I am Ukrainian,living in the United States for almost half of my life already and I must say, this is a very useful, up-to-date, and mostly accurate resource. However, there are a few mistakes and misconception in some of your articles. For example, the statement that there are not many extra-curricular activities available for children outside of school. I beg to differ. Based on my own experience, in the United States there are may community-service based clubs that are just something to put on the resume. In Ukraine though, we have dance, crafts, languages, sports, and a multitude of other things, however they are not linked to the schools. This is just one of the misconceptions that I have found. There are quite a few more, so it would be lovely of you to possibly research more thoroughly. If you would like, I would be glad to help you correct these little things because I am very concerned about cultural education in the West. Thank you for your time, All the best. |
July 30, 2011
Irina
Florida, USA
|
I've read several of your articles, and I must admit that do get the true ukrainian personality. Your observations about Ukrainian relationships being more informal, and the reasons why Ukrainians don't use a lot of "thank you" and "please" with friends are absolutely accurate. I also agree with how you explained why Ukrainian women seem more beautiful than American. But I also have to add that you seem to me to be a not quite typical American, I don't know if my observation is correct, or I simply don't know Americans well (still after 13 years on the US...).
Your articles also helped me clear some ambiguity I've been having lately as to WHAT IS IT that makes it so much easier to breathe in Ukraine, to make friends? When you mentioned that foreigners feel their emotional needs are better met in Ukraine, and that a "freind" has a deeper meaning, that Ukrainians are less formal, you confirmed some of my thoughts.
Back in Ukraine I always had good friends, and had no problem making at least one good friend at every place of work or school. In the US, especially since I moved to the East Coast, I made zero American friends. When I lived in California things seemed easier...
Thank you for your website, and your thoughful observations. |
July 29, 2011
Bink Marshall
Nottingham, England, UK |
really pleased i found this site as i intend to drive over to meet some sports fans. |
June 3, 2011
Gerhard
London, UK
|
Hi RJD,
Excellent blog - I found tryukraine by chance, as I'm about to move to Kiev in a month. Wish you all the best with your activities, and hope to read more of your blogs. Best wishes. |
March 30, 2011
Olha
Key West, Florida, USA |
I read the comments of the readers and feel like they like Ukraine more than you do RJD based on your reviews. I would say that you didn't get the true ukrainian personality. Don't judge the people, please. You can't completly understand and feel the people if you are not Ukrainian and if you were not born and raised there. So don't talk about it. There are everywhere bad and good people, clean and not clean in the world it doesn't matter how much money you make and where you live. Try to write something positive and nice about Ukrainians, please. Because I think Ukrainians are the most beautiful and generous people in the world. Also in the article about Ukrainian women I'd feel you are a little jealous and trying to justify american women. And how dare you to wright about the Ukrainian gripes. I think you do not respect them. I've been living for 7 years in USA and I can also write about American gripes. Some of them are also not clean. They sleep with dogs in their beds and take togather a bath in the tub I've seen it with my own eyes for Ukrainians it w'd be very gross. Our people put their feet on the toilet but Americans go to bed in their shoes. The toilets it's the inheretence we've gotten from Soviets. This is what you get when everything is for free. And with the new tehnologies it's the matter of time when everything is going to change. You see we can talk about a lot of cultural diffences but the point is lets try not to judge nobody lets try to be nice to each other. Write about the facts, about the cities, transportation, hotels and etc. Try not to analyse us because you will never get it. And regarding the ukrainization you have no wright to write about it because with all due respect you are American-British the invader who killed almost all Native Americans, inslaved African Americans and colonized many countries. You are just like Russians. How dare you to talk about it? Your website made me mad and I don't believe you'll ever understand me. Because you just think with your brain not by your heart.
My response:
I apologize for not responding sooner to your criticism. I was busy massacring some pesky Native Americans, punishing my African slaves, and suppressing unrest in one of my colonies. Maintaining America's freedom is hard work sometimes. If you think Ukrainians are the most beautiful and generous people in the world, why do you not live there? And if I judge Ukrainians and don't like Ukraine, why am I living here? I think our choice of residence says something about our true feelings. The reasons many readers write glowing praise about Ukraine is because they don't live here, but just come on short visits. Traveling in Ukraine is about "cities, transportation, hotels and etc.," but living here is about bureaucracy, infrastructure, economics, government, relationships, and mentality.
The things I write about Ukraine are similar to what many Ukrainians think about their own country. Views on Ukrainization differ very widely among Ukrainians; I have tried to present a pragmatic perspective rather than an ideological one — whether Ukrainian nationalist or Russophile. The other day a Ukrainian nationalist and self-named patriot stayed at our house and complained about Ukrainian restrooms. A professor I know who does a lot of things to try to improve education in Ukraine (or rather, fight its continuing degradation) and considers himself a patriot confided that "modern Ukraine is an artificial formation" and that he is skeptical about it's long-term prospects. In fact, it is hard to find a prominent Ukrainian commentator who has lots of good things to say about the country; why should I be required to present a rosier perspective? Perhaps after 7 years in the USA you have forgotten some of the reasons why you left Ukraine.
I disagree that I "can't completely understand and feel the people..." Certainly, one can never understand everyone, but sometimes people from the outside have a valuable perspective that natives are lacking. There are many of these people in the U.S.: Fareed Zakaria, Dmitry Orlov, Ayn Rand, and famous geopoliticians Brzezinsky and Kissinger. There's also a great inside account of the U.S. education in Russian by Ayrat Dimiev called "Классная Америка" (you can read it online). Saying that these people "can't truly understand Americans because they weren't born and raised there" would be absurd. I have lived in Eastern Europe for most of the time since I was 17 years old, I have spent years surrounded by Ukrainians and speak Russian fluently and Ukrainian almost fluently.
My goal with this website is to provide useful information to foreigners who come to Ukraine — particularly those who stay for longer periods of time. The "gripes" page and many others are important to help foreigners cope with typical issues that almost every foreigner has to deal with here. I don't see anything wrong with writing about cultural shortcomings. Yes, it is true that many Americans jump into bed in their street clothes and walk around the house in street shoes. This is generally considered unsanitary in Ukraine. Where on my site did I suggest that the U.S. was better than Ukraine? For me, Ukraine is a fine place to live. Most of all I enjoy the public transportation system, the ease of travel, and of course the low cost of living. People are pretty much the same in every country once you get to know them, but it may be true that Ukrainians are generally more open to relationships on a personal level than more individualistic Americans (on average, of course). I like that Ukraine is in the center of Eurasia and reasonably close to many other interesting destinations. As you'll see from my photoalbum, I enjoy traveling around Ukraine and believe there is a lot to see here.
At the same time, Ukrainians are not the happiest nor the healthiest people on Earth. Why not? Why do they continue to emigrate in large numbers to countries such as the U.S. (which has plenty of long-term problems of its own)? Are the Russian demons to the north the only ones to blame for Ukraine's innumerable "tragedies of the commons," or for their poor health, dirty air and water, and intractable bureaucracy? One of the reasons why I have written so much about Ukraine's problems in the past year (at TryUkraine.com and elsewhere) is that I would like to see Ukrainians living a healthy, happy life with a sustainable economy, a well cared for environment, clean water, air, and soil, benevolent and participatory government, peaceful relations with other countries, and a vibrant intellectual and cultural life and social milieu. I'd also like to see Americans, Russians, the Chinese, and Egyptians living like this, too.
Olha's response:
Why a lot of people want to emigrate from Ukraine? I'm gonna answer this question. It's because they think they gonna become instantly rich abroad. Ukrainians are very ambitious. The truth is if they are not rich in Ukraine they rarely atchive anything abroad and end up doing hard and low pay job (about 5% rate is successful). The reason why they think this way is from the image you've created in there mind through media that everybody is happy and prosperous here that communism is bad and democracy is good and also because during the Soviet time Ukraine as well as the others states from USSR was an isolated country from the rest of the world just like North Korea now. And still at present time the borders are closed. Very few people can travel and the see the difference. This is the reason why I live in USA I wanted to make a lot of money, explore the world and learn different cultures. Of course I didn't make a lot of money wright away living just on salary only after years of hard work and savings I was lucky to open my own business so I've my accomplished my mission : ) There is always also a question if I want to continue to live here and raise my children.There is a lot of rules and restrictions here. The thing also that I didn't know nothing about business in Ukraine everything I learned in USA. Do you know why because the Soviets have teached us about Lenin and Marx ideas and to work for the goverment and for doing a business they would put you in a jail, starve you to death or deport you to Siberia. How does this picture sound to you? They would put an idea into heads of the people that selling something is a shame. I remember very well 90-is when the people would prefer to be poor but snob. And people from the market making good money would be hiding so nobody would see them selling something otherwise the other people would despise them. Of course now I'm sure the situation have changed but there are a lot of that kind of people especially the old generation. As you can see we have a lot of problem from the past that we need to overcome building our future. And nothing is our fault we were taught to be this way and for rebellion you know what would be waiting for us - prison or death. We used to live in fear and obedience. It was time of terror. Write on your web-site about Genocide in Ukraine and Ukrainian Insurgent Army, please if you are so open minded.
You want to write about our mentality write Ukraine is postgenocide and postcolonial country. That's why our selfesteem is so low and that the former Russian part of Ukraine have been brainwashed for centuries by Russians and was fobbiden to speak Ukrainian. This way you'll help the world to better understand us. And these people from former KGB have been ruling the country since it's Independence the people that commited Famine and never have been panished. They just changed the name of the Party from Communism into Party of Regions but they don't love there country and there people they just care about money and power. You don't think this is sad? That's why everybody is so unhappy in Ukraine. The only hope I think is for a young generation to come that haven't been raised by Soviets.
I would also recommend you to go to live to Lviv for a few years not just for a short visit and meet a lot of people that are proud to be Ukrainian. They have in every small village a monument to the Ukrainian Heroes. Because in my opinion you've been representing an opinion of the people you've been living with for a very long time from the region that have lost it's identity. I read an article that once when Czech Republic was a part of Germany everybody in Prague used to speak German. And now everybody speaks Czeck. So I'm sure it will change. And Ukraine will never be a part of Russia again at least willingly because in 1991 more then 90% of the people expressed there support for the Act of Independence. Don't also put too much attention what the people talk because when it comes to choice they would fight for there country see Orange Revolution. Sorry if my English is not perfect I've tried I'd write in Ukrainian but I want everybody to read it. God Bless Ukraine! |
March 30, 2011
Yaroslav
Massachusetts, USA
|
Great site! The visa and residency section was extremely helpful and well written. It's great having all the information in one place instead of having to get it out of the workers in the OVIR. |
February 10, 2011
Olga
Kharkov, Ukraine |
Hello,
I work as a translator and interpreter in Kharkov and know quite a lot about my country. This site gives really interesting information and tips.
Thank you! )
Olga
www.ukraine-go.com |
February 2, 2011
Thomas
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
|
Interesting site you have, especially the "Gripes" section. Ukrainians seem to be realistic, knowing they are not in a Disneyland. What they may not realize is that their cities are more beautiful than cities in the USA. Train and public transport excels most American cities. Wanted to comment in opposing that most Americans (or westerners) are "civic-minded" and active...they are not. They are in the dark about how their political system works, the wealthy and the poor, and most are not civic minded or involved. While the wealthy shop (I am generally speaking here to keep this brief) many poor struggle, working two or more jobs to get by, and worry about getting sick and losing their homes due to expensive health care. Of course the wealthy who belong in the top 3 percent know very well about politics and lobbyists and channel their ill-gained profits into supporting political candidates and parties of their choice, thus weilding some control over the commoners. Yes. A class system in the USA. Can a Ukrainian believe that? Alot of Americans aren't even aware of it. Ukraine, your grass is as green as ours. The grass is no greener on the other side. Corruption is everywhere, even in a democracy. A genuine frown I prefer over a fake smile. |
February 1, 2011
Eugene Heckert
Weatherford, Texas, USA |
information was very useful thank you |
October 29, 2010
Norris Beale
USA |
Glad I found your site about 2 months ago. My family and I will soon be moving to Ukraine. My wife and stepdaughter are Ukrainian citizens already, so they are totally excited about going back. I'm working through the TEFL course and hope to utilize your services in finding a teaching job. Being retired U.S. military, I'm just looking for a little supplemental income.
I've spent a total of 63 days in Ukraine. I'm really excited about living there. I've diligently studied Russian (language) for more than 2 years.
One observation/unsolicited opinion: The ads on your website for "meeting girls" diminishes the professionalism of your site.
(not that I don't appreciate Ukraine's most precious natural resource.... I married one of those gems!!) |
October 13, 2010
Jason Benning
New York City, USA |
Great site, keep up the great work guys! |
August 26, 2010
Jon
Naples, Florida, USA |
Greetings RJD, Have been to Crimea (Sevastopol, Yalta, Bala Klava) several times and have fallen in love with Ukraine. I am blown away by your web site "TryUkraine" as to the variety of topics, your Western insight and tell it like it is commentary. I am hoping to retire in the near future and would like to possibly buy some real estate in Crimea.I found your articles on buying real estate and the real estate market in general to be quite informative. However, with the recent International melt down it would be great to have an update as to the conditions of the real estate market today. Thanks again for such an infomative and entertaining web site. |
July 2, 2010
Helen Diachuk
Auckland, New Zealand |
Hi RJD I have just located your webpage, and want to drop a brief note to say how much I appreciated the sentiments you expressed with regards to living away from the 'western' world and enjoying life in Ukraine. Are you able to give advise on finding work as an English teacher in Ukraine? Look forward to hearing from you if you have time. What I've read so far, is inspiring. thank you. |
July 1, 2010
Chris Dewar
Glasgow, Scotland |
Hello, what a fantastic website! As someone who has a random obsession with Ukraine, this has really enhanced my own personal research by lots. I am currently learning the language, although it's extremely hard, but I intend to keep at it and one day visit the country with a big view of living there. I have some questions but I'll may email you them if that's okay
Take care, Chris |
June 18, 2010
Mary Glendinning
Danville, Virginia, USA |
I might be going to Kyiv in a few weeks depending on how easy I can get to Kyiv from Budapest. After visiting Kyiv I would like to go to Odessa but any other city along that way in Ukraine would be fine as well. Thanks for this useful site! Keep up the great work!
Mary from US,
my essays |
June 18, 2010
Peter Maben
London, England, UK |
Thank you so much for this valuable site. I'm coming from Lviv to walk in the Carpathians in early July and have found the information most helpful. My first visit to the Ukraine having been a great trip to Odessa and Krym.
I latterly found with interest your section about teaching opportunities.I spent 3 years teaching a variety of Digial Media and Web couses at University here in London, while I took a PGCE whose research element centred on the use of Web-based tools in a learning environment.
I am also a programmer latterly specialised in LAMP, Javascript/DHTML. I wonder if there might beo pportunities in these areas as well as in teaching conversational and professional English.
I am actively pursuing the possibilities of OpenSource-based access and skill development projects in the UK and in other EU areas. It may be that there are external EU funds for such projects in countries such as the Uktaine.
After my brief visit to the Ukraine this July I would like to be able to return in 2011 for at least a few months.
Thanks again for the site...best regards
Screenshots of my work in progress with Gnome desktops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoI4wRVVjBs
Neglected homepage
http://www.imagepump.uklinux.net
& CV
http://www.imagepump.uklinux.net/plm |
June 14, 2010
Byron Hays
Huntsville, Texas, USA |
RJD, absolutely great site.... and great attitude. Love your writing style, and - even more - your views and non-promotional approach. Wish I would have discovered it long ago. Visited Odessa, Sevastopol and a few other places several times.... but absolutely do NOT claim any "smarts" about the people and country... other than that I have met many lovely folks, and enjoyed the culture much.
Keep up the GOOD work,
Byron
(retired journalist, computer dabbler) |
June 12, 2010
Alma
Mexico |
Hi, RJD? That's you name?
I just mailing you to thank you for your web page, you really have beautiful and interesting pictures about Ukraine!. I have been looking for information about this Country but it's not easy. So your pics show me what I wanted to see. Could you tell me where can I find more information about Ukraine? because The next year I thinking in travel to this country. Thanks so much for your time and again for yur inf in web page! |
May 24, 2010
Tom
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |
Thanks for a very well-organized site! It is interesting that although you have there a long time, you seem to remember what a first time visitor needs to consider and provided the appropriate info. |
April 27, 2010
Michael
Canberra, ACT, Australia |
I also must thank you for a great site... and I try to click on a link or two on each page in the hope they trigger income for you as well as genuine interest.
I have made 3 trips to Ukraine in the past 12 months for a mix of curiosity, personal and business reasons. Frankly loved it for all its goods and bads equally. So I am looking to establish a permanent base there during 2010.
Which means that I will be relying heavily on your advice and guidance here on this site. For which I am immensely grateful to you! |
March 15, 2010
Derek Shantz
Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
|
Thanks for great site! I read throughly each page and will again & again. The site is helpful in planning the 1st family trip to L'viv area since grandparents emigrated to Canada in 1917 and since have passed on. We will look to travel in other areas in Ukraine as well. |
December 13, 2009
Louis
East Lansing, Michigan, USA |
RJD, this is a great tool in learning about the Ukraine and Russia. I am planning a trip there and may do my work from there and will most likely be looking to build business from there as well. Great site for learing and understanding!!! |
November 25, 2009
Sergey Churkin
Kiev, Ukraine |
This is really great site. I have a lot of friends around the globe and was trying to systematize facts about Ukraine. And of course it's always fun to see your country with the eyes of guest. You don't even notice sometime how odd many things look like in former USSR countries. I'm sure it's very helpful for people who travel here. |
November 16, 2009
Randy Hergenrether
Silt, Colorado, USA |
Dear TryUkraine, I am like the many others that have commented on your website and have found the information provided very useful. I am a civil engineer with 20 years experience and I, like many others, am trying to find employment in Ukraine. My first choice would to be to live and work in Odessa but at this point I'll consider working in any city. I would like to ask if anyone out there knows of a way to obtain the names and contact info for firms in Ukraine that provide civil engineering services or how to find the European or American firms that are working in Ukraine that provide engineering/construction services? Lastly, I’m trying to find info on applying for a Ukrainian work permit or visa and have not had much luck with the internet. Any information will be greatly appreciated. |
October 31, 2009
Zaporozhye, Ukraine |
Hello) To tell the truth, I am amazed with this site). The information is really honest and interesting. Thanks and keep on ^_^ |
August 21, 2009
Benjamin
|
well done site. thank you. |
July 25, 2009
Sue
Aurora, Colorado, USA |
Hi, I am having a great time on your web site and find it much more interesting than the 2 guide books that I have. But I am desperately trying to find the answer to the question that brought me to your site. Can you tell me how much cash you are allowed the enter Ukraine with before you have to start declaring it to customs? I have received about three different answers and don't want to get in trouble. Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for any help you can provide, Sue |
July 14, 2009
Neil
Kiev, Ukraine |
Thank you for your article giving "the historical perspective" on English language teaching in Ukraine - really excellent information.
I would just like to add that it is still largely accurate in 2009. However, it could be updated to say that although many of the travel restrictions have been lifted for Ukrainians and so they can supposedly, travel abroad freely. This is still not the case.
Of course, it is expensive for many here to travel abroad and there are also many visa restrictions which prevent Ukrainians from traveling to the west. On top of this, many Ukrainian teachers are incredibly proud of their teaching methods. To give a pretty classic example, time and again I hear Ukrainian managers saying that I must teach with more energy OR in a slightly different way, when I am convinced that I must, in fact, do almost the absolute opposite - invite students to reassess everything they have learnt so far, convince them English is not the ultra rigid language they half learnt at school and encourage learners from the intermediate level upwards, that they need to start again with the basics.
I don't think that native ESL teachers in Kiev are always given the help they need to teach effectively. Partly, because most are still struggling to come to grips with some sort of Soviet superiority complex (the idea that although the standard of living in the USSR was quite low, the system of higher education was second to none, is not really true in the area of language learning). This means that frequently, with higher level students, foreign teachers are cast as the performing monkey, teaching "non-technical" speaking practice, while Ukrainian teachers are given the "technical" task of teaching grammar (INEFFECTIVELY).
If you can get used to some of these slights and difficulties and you are willing to hustle between, perhaps, two different schools it is possible to earn a good living here as a teacher. It is very important to find managers and students that you trust though.
You could do well here by investing in Russian lessons and advertising as a private teacher in the local press, as long as you have reasonable English. This way you can find students that you like and charge a little more. |
June 21, 2009
Stephan Bakker
Nijkerk, Gelderland, Netherlands |
Friends, In preparatio of my first trip to the Ukraine I came across your site. Extremely infrmative. Thank you very much. Stephan |
June 7, 2009
Sveta
Kiev, Ukraine |
I was really surprised to find such a detailed, interesting and practical web-site for foreigners about Ukraine. Thanks a lot to the author - maybe outside world will stop thinking of Ukraine as a sort of "jungle" as some of my foreign friends do:)) |
Jund 5, 2009
George Hand
Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
An article in the latest New Yorker magazine about Bruno Schulz, late of Drohobycz, got me started on a click-journey that led me to your website. My maternal grandfather left for the States around 1903 from Stryj, then in Austrian Galicia and not far from Drohobycz, although I suspect he came originally from some dink town up in the mountains and that Stryj was a stopping point on the way to the US. I have photos with photographer's addresses in both Stryj (I had never heard of Stryj until I asked a Polish friend whether it was the photographer's name and he laughed and filled me in)and Wien; Ellis Island says he and my great-grandmother departed from Trieste (I guess there is no easy way to get from Stryj to New York, at least in the days before airplanes). His last name was Unterschutz, definitely not Ukransk, although he arrived listed as having the Hungarian version of his first name -- Vilmos -- even though he was a German speaking Protestant Christian in an area where most people were Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic or Jewish. (He used to tell me that a "normal" day in town typically involved conversations in at least three languages.) Enjoyed cruising the Ukraine via your website. Thanks. (Your "rant" is right on the money; I personally have never met any Ukrainian Americans who could speak anything -- besides English -- other than Russian or, rarely, Yiddish.) |
May 18, 2009
Helena Mercy
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA |
Hello. My mother was born in Sevastopol and escaped during the Russian Revolution. I want to thank you for the beautiful pictures and helping me to see the beauty of the city my mother was raised in. Thank you very much! |
May 4, 2009
Robert L Mengel
Belgrade, Montana, USA |
Greetings From Montana. THANK YOU for this incredible wealth of knowledge and insight into Ukraine and the wonderful culture. I have been intrigued with Ukraine for at least 30 years and now I will be there in Kiev on May 6. I look forward to experiencing this incredible country first hand. With the help of your web site I am very excited and informed. I spent time in Russia 2 years ago but have always wanted to see Ukraine. About translators in Kiev. I will be in an apartment and in Kiev for several days. If I feel I need a translator for informal purposes where is a good place to ask around? Once again THANK YOU. For ALL YOUR HELP. Sincerely Robert in Montana.. |
March 20, 2009
Dan Schultz
|
Hi,
I just came accross your website when trying to find out about "surzhyk", a term that I heard for the first time while listening to the attached lecture about Verka Serdyuchka and Ukrainian pop culture. I've been interested in the Ukraine since seeing my first pysanka as a child. I lived and worked in Kiev in 1987 and then travelled to Zaporozhye and Kherson, as well as to the Ukrainian diaspora in Poland and Czechoslovakia, with American ethnic Ukrainians, and I agree with everything I read on your website. My sons watch Verka Serdyuchka clips so I wanted to hear the attached lecture.
Thanks so much for making your website and maintaining it! |
March 9, 2009
Vasile
Bucharest, Romania |
Hi I am Vasile from Romania (http://www.vasoft.ro) and I'm planing to go to Sevastopol on April. This site is great for me to plan my trip! |
March 3, 2009
Alina
London, UK |
HI!!! thank you very much for this site!I'm from Ukraine, I always caming on this site to see my country!!!!!!!!!!!!!thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!! |
February 19, 2009
Mark Bateman
Sydney, NSW, Australia |
Hi RJD,
Me again just wanted to say what a great website and for anyone out there that wants to vist the Ukraine i was there for 2weeks in October 08 and loved it and plan on returning in June09...i rented a really nice apartment much more economical than a hotel if anyone wants information or help i would love to help.
Mark from Sydney, Australia i can be emailed on markbateman22@yahoo.com.au |
January 10, 2009
Daniel Elmore
Texas, USA |
The content on this site is second to none, I've spent hours reading through the articles and feel so much more prepared for my trip to work with the orphans. Thank you and bless you for your hard work here.
http://tuggle.it/about.cfm |
December 12, 2008
Kalina
Beijing, China |
thank you very much for building this site.
i ve been a great fan of ukraine and would really love to visit there some day still as a student. once at school i was going to take part in an internship to ukraine which was offered by aiesec but eventually the program discontinued. really look forward to further info here. |
October 8, 2008
Lisa
Rockaway, New Jersey, USA |
Being of Ukrainian descent, I'm always interested in websites such as this! |
October 5, 2008
Javier
Spain |
Hello.
Would like to congratulate and thank the managers of this web page for its usefulness and interesting contents.
I am travelling next weekend to Kiev, in order to meet a girl I have met.
Find the information provided herein, specially the one referred to
social, politics and economical situation more than interesting, think
the information is real, direct and practical, far away from fairy
tales that can be found in some other places. Now I think that have and
idea in advance of what I am going to find there. In fact this site
makes me feel warned to visit the country with an open minded approach.
Well, I will try to come back with my experiences in Kiev
Best regards. |
September 11, 2008
Sol
Australia |
Your photos are magnificent. I had no idea Ukraine was so beautiful. Thank you very much. |
August 21, 2008
Jo Stephens
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
What beautiful photographs of Ukraine.
My
husband I are vacationing in Ukraine in October. We will fly into Kiev,
take a river trip down the Dneiper and leave from Odessa. I learned
some Russian for a trip we took to St. Petersburg a few years ago, and
am pleased that Russian is understood in Ukraine. However, I understand
there is a difference between speaking a language that is understood
and speaking a language that is cherished by the listener. I
don't really anticipate any problems as we will be dealing primarily
with people who want to sell us something we want to buy where both
parties are motivated to understand what is being said. Seeing your
site makes me look forward to the trip even more. |
August 13, 2008
Ayo Adedoyin
London, UK |
Hi RJD,
Thanks for putting this site together. I found it very informative and true.
I just got back from a business visit to Kiev and I experienced the
points that you mentioned in the 'gripes' section. Other than those, I
had a good time and hope to be back soon to really get to go around to
the sites.
The 'rant section' was particularly good.
Keep the good work up. |
July 31, 2008
Dominique
Hasselt, Belgium |
Hi,
I
visited your website and found it very usefull and interesting. Being
maried with an Ukranian wife I fell in love with not only my wife but
also this beautiful country.
Thank you and good luck. |
July 18, 2008
Miriam Taylor
|
I enjoyed your photographs of Chernivtsi, but would have liked you to be better informed about the various locations you photographed. I would also have liked to have the name of the streets you photographed. |
July 9, 2008
Iryna
Wilmington, North Carolina, USA |
Good job! Could you write something on Holodomor also? |
May 1, 2008
Olena
Haifa, Israel |
Great site! Really informative, well-designed and what a wonderful
photos you have! I've spend near half a day here enjoying and falling
into a light nostalgia (I am Ukrainian, but last 2 years live abroad).
Anyway, thank you so much and good luck! |
April 1, 2008
Spencer Porter
Norfolk, Virginia, USA |
RJD,
Though
back in the USA now, I lived in Ukraine for 13 years. I remember being
on Kreschattik during the Orange Revolution, and looking at your photo
gallery has me overwhelmed with nostalgia. It was a privelege to be
part of history at that time. I was a little sad to see how many
of my Ukrainian friends became disappointed and cynical after those
days. Personally I see Ukraine moving forward and gathering speed as it
does so. I miss it awfully. |
March 25, 2008
Ganesh Kumar
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
This site rocks - neat design, great information - Excellent! For a businessman like me, this site really helps. Ganesh Kumar |
March 22, 2008
Betsy Arnoldi
New Jersey, USA |
My grandparents were Ukranian. I am doing family research and wanting
to learn more about where they came from. Names were Oryniak,
Fludowich, Polowkowitz, Dyki, Pichcoki. Not sure which area they were
from, all over. |
March 13, 2008
Alex Stemp
Budapest, Hungary |
What a fabulous website! I really have enjoyed reading it immensly. I
have been to The Ukraine several times now. I really enjoy visiting The
Carpathinas with my bicycle. I really liked your cycle articles. Great
tips about how to get a bike on the train! It is great to have on-line
information.
All best wishes from Alex from Budapest. |
December 10, 2007
Charles Carver
Loveland, Colorado, USA |
Really
informative! Leaving for Simferopol' in three weeks to be the New
Year's holiday guest of Ukrainian friend. First trip and your website
enhances my anticipation of touring the Crimea. |
November 20, 20087
Tom Stennett
Preston, England |
Hi, I just stumbled upon this website, and must say that it's very
good, with unbiased information about the country. I was lucky enough
to visit Ukraine on a bike trip from England to Kazakhstan this summer,
and found it very hospitable and interesting. Just a quick point though
- you state that all border crossings are ok for bikes, but I wasn't
allowed to cross by bike from Poland, at the crossing about 50 miles
south of Przemsyl. I whinged a bit though, and they put me and my bike
in a woman's van just for half a mile or so! Seeing as someone's
commented about camping, I camped wild almost every night for 3 weeks
in Ukraine and found it very easy. The worst that happened was a few
mosquitoes and a farm dog lingering around one night. I didn't see a
single organised campsite that I remember though. The people are all
really easy about it and not nearly so possessive about land ownership
as in England.
Hope this helps someone, and keep up the good work! |
September 21, 2007
Lydia
Kyiv, Ukraine |
What a fabulous site! i've spent the whole evening here!
I'm a self-employed interpreter, located in Kyiv.
I share the same wiliness to help foreigners in Ukraine.
This
perfectly done job of the Author surpasses any other attempts. The
Author's view on what an ideal interpreter should be won my special
admiration!
(Interpreting Services in Ukraine)
Good luck and Best regards,
Lydia
In case i can be useful here's my blog http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-T09x6b49YqIJFR.bRjJUjdJZZQ--;_ylt=Ak6pqupJwwMdxczdEzztJ2GsAOJ3?cq=1 |
September 20, 2007
Norman Edwards
Kathleen, Georgia, USA |
Hi RJD,
Great
site, none of the DisneyLand, sun never sets, touristy unrealism of
most other sites. Really enjoyed your perspective being more than some
city slicker yankee. Nothing more tiresome for a southern born fella
from Georgia, like me. Im a bit curious about camping in Ukraine. Seems
to be a natural extension of your site, but not much more than a
passing mention. Any thoughts on opportunities for setting up RV park
and such?
Much Appreciation.
Norm |
September 6, 2007
Merle Model
Norwood, Massachusettes, USA |
Great website, thank you RJD.
Re-visting
thru your pages reminds us or our trip in 2002 to Simferopol and
Bakhchisaray to bring our son home to Boston, Massachusetts. Our
travels from Kyiv to Donetsk down thru Mariupol and all through Crimea
were amazine. Driving at night into so many shettle towns were
blanketed with tatars, or villagers selling potatoes from the road.
Bleak as some existances are, the Yalta and Sevastopol regions were
vacation type contrasts.
Now that the adoption laws and restrictions have eased, families are now back again to help with the overflow of unwanted kids.
My
grandparents were from Kyiv, (and Minsk) and re-visiting Ukranian
delights while traveling - like pickled beets, herring, varenikas,
cabbage borscht, brought many memories back of Russian Jewish life, and
my bubbie's cooking. Keep up your extraordinary life of living and
chronicling Ukraine, as we will be coming back....thank you ! |
August 31, 2007
Andrew Hutzel (Hucul)
Eagle River, Alaska, USA |
My
grandparents were born in a small farming village, Hluskiv, just
southeast of Horodenka. Planning a visit in 2011 ... 100 years after
they departed Ukraine. Visit this great site often, and learn something
new each time.
Thanks. |
August 8, 2007
Sally Kraus
Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
Cool site. |
August 4, 2007
Jennifer Walsh
Bothell, Washington, USA |
This is hands-down the most helpful site I've found re: Ukraine! I
lived in Uzhgorod for just under a year a few years ago, and am
planning on returning shortly for a little longer. I love the country,
but had a hard time figuring out what was going on all the time. Your
observations on culture are especially helpful... Thanks, and keep up
the good work! |
July 2, 2007
Jim Gulay
Fisher Branch, Manitoba, Canada |
thanks for a nice site full of information....have been there a few
times and really liked it in ukraine....my family is near
Sokal....jimmy |
July 1, 2007
John
Sevastopol, Ukraine |
RJD,
Great site! Informative and well planned. |
June 19, 2007
Doug Gorman
Franklin, Indiana, USA |
Beautiful photos! What a beautiful country. |
May 27, 2007
Natalie
Sevastopol, Ukraine |
hi,
we are from ukraine.
let us know if you need any help in our country, we can help with somethings.
natokiss@mail.ru |
April 23, 2007
Andrew
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
i'm
looking to start a business in ukraine,kiev or dnepropetrosk ,any
helpful contacts or ideas pls contact me at:adjja@dodo.com.au
great site by the way |
April 12, 2007
Rustam Abzaletdinov
Dallas, Texas, USA |
Hi all, i am here in Katsiveli Big Yalta to start USA-Crimea business, please do not hesitate to drop me an email at ruspla@yahoo.com with your ideas. Thanks. Rustam MCP, MCSD, CISSP Architect Enterprise Systems from Dallas TX; speak English and Russian. |
April 7, 2007
Randy Klein
Yukon, Oklahoma, USA |
Our kids live in Semferopol and are looking for land to buy or a house. Thanks for your informative Blog. |
March 27, 2007
Jolanta Siestrzewitowska
Edinburgh,
Scotland |
Exquisite site. Really must visit now that I'm living in Germany. Any
info on Siestrzewitowski family and Mirock estate, few miles outside
Kiev would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a million. |
March 27, 2007
Andrew Son
Orange, Connecticut, USA |
Hi. I am very encouraged by this website. I am ready to teach English in Ukraine this year. Thank you. |
March 7, 2007
Eloise Walton
Silves,
Portugal |
Thank you for such an informative website!
Being engaged to a Ukranian man is not always easy as we grew up in
totally different cultures, but i love the Ukraine and am researching
the language and culture as much as i can!
As would like to live there for a year to learn the language more
quickly...is there anyone English around the Chernovtsi/Chernivtsi
Carpathian mountain area? Please get in touch! eloisewalton@sapo.pt |
January 31, 2007
Anna
Kiev, Ukraine |
Hi,RJD,
I just wanted to drop a greeting in your guestbook.
Anna. |
January 24, 2007
Thomas
Nottingham, Notts, England |
Hi RJD,
Thanks for the valuable info that I'm looking for. I'm planning to move and start a business in Cherkassy later on this year.
Thanks once again.
Thomas |
January 27, 2007
Johan van Rooyen
Bloemfontein,
Free State,
South Africa |
I have been told so much about UA by Olga Khilinskaya
who lives in Zhytomyr and the more I hear and see , the more I want to visit ! A street map would be very nice.Good site!
Regards.
Johan |
January 26, 2007
Hugo
The Netherlands |
Hi RJD,
I just wanted to drop a quick note in your guestbook. Your website
looks even greater than before. I still have good memories of our 'rafting' trip on the Dnister river with Serhiy
I say hi from Joseph as well.
Last year we visited Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania and Greece. Beautiful
hiking opportunities in Bulgaria. The Baltic States are on the
intinerary for coming summer.
Hugo & Joseph.
The Netherlands |
January 11, 2007
Lena
South Shields, Tyne & Wear, UK |
Thank you very much RJD for fantastic pictures of Lviv. I am
originally from Lviv, and haven't been there for 3 years now. If I ever
feel like a nice walk in the old city, I visit your website. Crying my
eyes out...
Thanks again
Lena |
December 15, 2006
Rob
Zagreb, Croatia |
very cool site and amazing photos of ukraine. must stop by there some day. |
December 13, 2006
Olatunde Toluwani
Lagos city, Nigeria |
I love the author and the designer of this site, this is well compose
and good job. I found it useful to learn Ukranian language, how i wish
there are translation of the vocabularies in English language. |
November 9, 2006
Ruth Chernia
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
I just spent lovely half-hour trolling through your site. Very
imformative. I'm hoping to visit one day as my ancestors come from
Genichesk and as you can see from my name I still feel a strong link to
the area. Do you have any photos of the Valley of the Tschernaya River? |
October 17, 2006
Darren Chappell
Albany, California, USA |
This is a very interesting site. My landlady is Ukranian and has guest
staying with her right now. I am very pleased to know more about the
culture and background of these people. I would like to visit there
some day.
Thanks |
September 10, 2006
Randy Lockhart
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA |
I and my wife, who is a ukrainian are interested in property in a small port city of yuzhny ukraine. thank you |
August 11, 2006
Gary Garnell
High Wycombe, Bucks, England |
Very Helpful thanks for the effort you have put in to ot |
July 30, 2006
Beverly Austin
Searcy, Arizona, USA |
A group of us just spent 2 weeks in Crimea near Yalta at Camp Smena and
another few days in Kiev. I studied your website before going and
was glad you mentioned Khersones which we visited. Great history
and beautiful landscapes. Spaceba! |
March 1, 2006
Joe Strummer
Odesa, Ukraine |
this is a good website. |
January 30, 2006
Martin George Hiscock
Southampton, Hampshire, UK |
Well what can i say , i have just spent the most wonderful week in
kiev.For me it was good to see it in the grip of cold weather, i will
be going back in the summer to see the contrast.The people i met on my
trip where all so friendly and welcoming and i was made to feel very at
home.The only adverse comment i have is about ukrainian driving,takes
some getting used to!!! My trip was for personal and buisness reasons
and i think in the not to distant future i will be emigrating to the
ukraine permanently.The reason,i have become very disenchanted with the
uk. Good site,you have captured the ukraine well. |
January 25, 2006
Jukka
Mikkeli, Savo, Finland |
I have watched Ukraine for two years now, because I have a lady in
Ukraine. We have even planned to go married soon. She has a very
charming 14 year old daughter. She has stolen my heart. That daughter I
mean. |
January 14, 2006
Jukka
Espoo, Kilo, Finland |
Great sites. Not many visitors,but very good adm. knows some of this pc and technic and so on.
about Ukraine:better than russia.
My father and mother were there in Gammalsvenskby near Kherson beside Dnepr.
Ukrain?ski people very good!!!!
My grand'papa was bor in Dnepr 1899!was swedish!!! |
January 13, 2006
George Stone
Houston, Texas, USA |
An incredibly beautiful country, ripe for investment and Development.
Truly the most Beautiful and intelligent women I haver communicated with!
Other than the extremely cold winters a place worthy of living in.
I had never imagined that I would find the person whom I had been
searching for all of my life, I did, in the Ukraine! She is
incredibly beautiful and extremely intelligent, a true treasure,
indicative of the quality to be found in this country! |
January 10 , 2006
Manfred Schmid
Munich, Bavaria, Germany |
i like to come to ukraine with a children doctor from ukraine. |
January 2, 2006
Wasyl Omelasz
Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland |
I will be visiting the Lviv region in Ukraine in May 2006,to visit
relatives that I only discovered 6 months ago,I intend to make a
detailed report,of my experiences,and the people I meet and of the
country as a whole,I will send a report and photo,s on my
return,,,,Wasyl |
December 26, 2005
Sylla Ibrahima Sory
Conakry, Guinea |
je veux poursuivre mes etudesen ukraine |
December 26, 2005
Jessie
Lehigh Acres, Florida, USA |
Ukraine
is a great country I would like to visit. I will be going to visit
Kharkov, Ukraine in the summer to meet my girlfriend and future wife. I
can't wait to visit Ukraine. By the way the website was very
informative and great. |
December 20, 2005
Zverozub
Simferopol, Ukraine |
Thanks for nice web projekt!
I hope we will together to work!
www.zverozub.com
www.mtb.zverozub.com
Welcome to the Crimea! |
December 15, 2005
Giorgos Tsiftsis
Thassos, Kavala, Greece |
hi what a grate site. |
December 10, 2005
Perry Bennett
Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
I am interested in visiting the historic Crimea and Kiev next summer.
This is a very nice site for information. |
December 09, 2005
Gary Kremer
Springfield, Virginia, USA |
Wonderful site,i plan on visiting friends in Nikolaev soon.Thanx |
November 28, 2005
Pamela & Cassandra
Steinback, Manitoba,
Canada |
My
Daughter and I are veiwing your website and are very impressed. We are
part Ukrainian and are absolutly amazed with the culture. I myself feel
like ther is no other that compares.
Most Sincerely
Pamela & Cassandra |
November 27, 2005
Shane
Taree, New South Wales, Australia |
I
have a much better idea and information on ukraine,i never thought it
was realy like untill now.well done.ukraine has a beauty of it's own.I
would like to vise one day now.
kind regards from australia! |
November 11, 2005
Maryane
Woodstock, Illinois,
USA |
I
think you have done a wonderful job portraying the real spirit of
Ukraine. I grew up in Ivano-Frankivsk until I was 13 years old
and then my family moved to US. I haven't been back since and
this December I'm going back home for the first time in 8 years.
I'll be there for "Rizdvo". Looking over the pictures really got me
even more excited to go back. Thanks |
October 21, 2005
Alexander
Kiev, Ukraine |
Thank
you all who had written good words about Ukraine. They make me
optimistical. Ukraine is a great country. If you like, you are welcome
to the site of our NGO www.dzwony.iatp.org.ua |
October 18, 2005
Sharmaine
Baltimore, Maryland,
USA |
Surfing
this site makes me feel like i'm in Ukraine. Wow, the places are
amazing! thanks for the pictures that you placed on your site. They are
beautiful. Ukraine is indeed one of the places to relax. |
September 8, 2005
Peter Brown
UK |
RJD, Hi.
Nice website. I've taken my tandem into Ukraine from Przemysl to Lviv
and down to the fringe of the Carpathians twice in the last year, and
I'm just about to do it again, but from the train from Budapest to
Chop/ Uzzgorod and round there. Superb time in the past, and hoping for
good this time. wish we could book some accomodation in Chop for the
first night, but should be fine after that. The country will get very
popular soon Ithink, with the visas disappearing.
Good luck
Peter Brown |
August 29, 2005
Jayred
Biel, BE, Switzerland |
Interesting
site! Would like to come back and learn more on how my husband and I
can live and work/teach English in Ukraine. (We went there this summer.
We fell in love with Ukraine despite strange encounters with drunk
beggars. :-)) |
July 31, 2005
Anatoliy
Ottawa, Canada |
Hello!
Thanks for the great website. That's so nice to find a good looking
website about my country with a lot of wonderful photos. |
June 23, 2005
Eric
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
I
just wanted to let you guys know that you've done a great job with this
site. Keep up the good work. I used to work on a cruise ship and I have
a lot of friends who live in the Ukraine, Romania and Belarus. I'm
looking to travel down there to visit very soon. Your site has been a
great resource. Thanks! |
June 6, 2005
Cassie
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
Hello!
Thanks for the great website. I have twice been to Ukraine, focusing on
the Western region of L'viv. There I was involved with the Ukrainian
Catholic University. This organization provides an education for those
students who could not otherwise afford it (reduced tuition, there are
no student loans there!). I volunteered my time. Those interested
should check out the website www.ucef.org. You won't regret it. It's a great way to help those there, and you'll get lots more from them than you |
June 6, 2005
Teresa
Chicago, Illinois, USA |
I
would like to mention that I'm 22 year old women and last year I
traveled ALONE to the UKRAINE. I had no friends or family there.
Everyone thought i was crazy but I had a wonderful time and enjoyed
myself and finding my heritage (my grandmother came from the ukraine).
I speak only basic Russian but it was enough to get by. Ukraine has a
lot of problems but also a lot to offer if you willing to give it a
chance.
I would like to go back soon! I looking for opitions such as teaching or interships. Anyth |
June 2, 2005
Brian R. Propp
Loveland, Colorado, USA |
Great website! Keep up the good work. |
May 29, 2005
Alfonso Navas Guerrero
Madrid, Spain |
Hi, Ricardo!!!
¡Acabo
de ver tu página y me parece fantástica! Las informaciones de
Ucrania son muy completas, especiamente para los occidentales que
desean establecerse y trabajar allí. Por lo demás, sigo bien, aquí en
Madrid, aunque me acuerdo mucho de Kíev y de toda la gente. Mucha
suerte y un fuerte abrazo desde España.
Alfonso |
May 27, 2005
Tony Bondhus
Sumy, Ukraine |
I'm starting a company in Ukraine, with the long term goal of creating World Peace and eliminating poverty. I'm looking for people. antpower@conceivia.com |
May 18, 2005
Tanya Ivanova
Kharkiv, Ukraine |
What an incredible site portraying the beauty of our country! Thank you very much!!!
kindest regards... |
May 5, 2005
Robin Whiting
UK |
Nice photos of Ukraine. I've only been once before but hope to return some day soon. See my photos on: http://www.Robinswebsite.com
Robin |
April 26, 2005
John Jones
Kyiv, Ukraine |
Hi RJD,
Just finished browsing your website. It looks great!. I
recommended your services again to a bunch of people. Thanks for
your commitment to this country. I wish you the best.
Kind Regards,
John |
April 19, 2005
Spenser
Spokane, Washington, USA |
What a great site! Has everything you need to know about the Ukraine. |
March 18, 2005
Vitaliy Voznyak
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
RJD,
Wonderful job! I have been looking for a while now in hopes of
finding some up-to-date pictorials of Ukraine and especially
L'viv. I hope you will continue maintaining this as your hobby
and best wishes to you. |
February 24, 2005
Svitlana
Golden Valley, Arizona, USA |
Excellent
site! Found lot's of photos of the orange revolution, included a link
to it from wbuzz.com. Going back there this year, left the country
before the Soviet Union break-up. Can't wait! Thank you so much for the
site, will be visiting it again and again |
March 18, 2005
Vitaliy Voznyak
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
RJD,
Wonderful job! I have been looking for a while now in hopes of
finding some up-to-date pictorials of Ukraine and especially
L'viv. I hope you will continue maintaining this as your hobby
and best wishes to you. |
February 18, 2005
Yuliya
Kyiv, Ukraine |
Привет, Рик!
Посмотрела обновленную версию твоего сайта. Хорошая работа! Меня
приятно удивило то большое количество информации, которое ты поместил
об Украине. Красивыми получилась заставка с фотками вверху. |
November 14, 2004
Mike
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA |
Hi,
I want to correspond with an Ukrainian women and plan to travel to
Ukraine in the spring. I love to ski and want to try it in Ukraine.
Your cuisine sounds wonderful, as I own a restaurant I'm wanting to try
your food and drink! Your people are very nice and hospitable. I think
I will like your country very much!
If there was a way for me to do business in Ukraine please let me know.
Great web site...
Mike |
October 23, 2004
Jordan Rautiola |
RJD,
you have done an excellent job with your website, and it really does
justice to explaining about the country and its people to those
unfamiliar with it. My first trip there was June 2003
(Odesa-Kherson) and I will be on my 5th trip this December. I'm
43 and single, and I have no business connections or family there, so
you can imagine what draws me to the "borderland" (it's NOT the healthy
city drinking water):-) I'll fly into Borisypl and spend most of
my time in the Dnepropetrvosk and Krivoy Rog areas (for the second
time). I was in Crimea this summer for 5 days and it was just
incredible. But above all else, it is the Ukrainian people who
have made the biggest impact on me, and I will forever be thankful that
I made the decision to venture there. There is a magic there that
is almost addictive, that pervades every corner of their culture and
society. I have a deep respect for the resilience and strength of
character of these people. Vern's post below really hits the nail
on the head. Keep up the good work! |
June 28, 2004
Christina Pendzola-Vitovych
Kyiv, Ukraine |
RJD!
Just happened on this site while looking for some information. Good for
you! Hope the program is going well! Good luck! The site looks great
and is extremely user friendly! |
June 27, 2004
Ed
Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain |
Hello RJD,
I really liked your web, tones of valuable information that so far I
couldnt find elswhere. This summer I am going to visit Yalta and its
sourrandings and I am going to take a copy of many of your sugegstions
with me,
Good luck and keep on with the good work!
Ed |
March 10, 2004
Gregg Smith
Fresno, California, USA |
hoping to visit soon |
February 12, 2004
Vern Goldsmith
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
Hi,
RJD, Great job on the Website! Ukraine and Russia are magical places.
And although the magic of the people, culture, food, language and
landscape is impossible to describe in words, your descriptions are a
great beginning. I can tell you wrote the narrative sections while you
were in Ukraine rather than the US. Your words are capturing the flavor
of Ukraine and its people. You're becoming Ukrainian... and that's a
good thing. I believe there needs to be more balance in this new global
sized work we live in. We in the US could use some of the values of the
common Ukrainian people (most Ukrainian politicians and many
businessmen excluded)... values that were once more prevalent in the
US. And Ukrainians could use some of the money that US capitalism has
managed to concentrate in the West. I suggest a personal foreign aid
program for Americans (the official US foreign aid never reaches
Ukraine anyway... it stays in the Beltway). Come to Ukraine and spend
some of your time and money. In fact, bring lots of money. Because what
you will get in return from these great people far exceeds the value of
all your money. And if you don't want your life to be changed
forever... you should travel somewhere else. |