Ukraine. Part 14.

January 5th, 2009 – Day 8

This morning Jess and I got up at 4:30am and started our trip back to Kiev. We’ll spend most of today traveling. Tonight we stay with Slytvana. Tomorrow we’ll explore Kiev and then I depart on Tuesday.

The trip from Altynivka to Kozelets took forever. I have my big roller luggage and OH man was that a terrible idea. Dragging it through the snow has been torturous. The travel went like this. First we walked through the snow for about 30 minutes to get to the train station. There’s a 3-4 hour train ride from Altynivka’s train station into Kiev. Once in Kiev, we navigated the metro (not fun with a roller suitcase) and then walked for about 10 minutes to get to the marushka (bus). The bus ride is about 90 minutes or so. It dropped us in downtown Kozelets and then we had another 30 minute walk through the snow before reaching the house. Especially hilarious is that each transition requires about 50 stairs. And since Ukraine hasn’t discovered ramps yet, my roller suitcase was extra fun.

BUT! Now we’re here at Slytvana’s and Lord knows it smells good. I’m not sure what Slytvana is cooking for dinner but I’m certain it will be delicious. I think we’re just going to hang out here tonight, though I’m not certain. I wouldn’t be opposed to this idea, because lugging around this bag has left me rather sore. If Alicia and Dwane visit Jess I will have to tell them to bring backpacks.

So far for this whole visit I have spent 110 of the local hryvnia. That’s about eighteen US dollars. Tomorrow I’ll spend a lot more because we are going shopping in Kiev. Jess guesses that the local non-city worker earns about 1000 hryvnia a month. That equates to just under two thousand USD a year.

The food was totally good. We started with a green borscht. It had some greens, onions, potatoes, egg, and broth in it. That was followed with a rice dish that tasted a lot like the filling in those stuffed cabbage that I love. Then we had tea and chocolates. That was lunch. Dinner was a crazy crepe like something that was served with a chocolate sauce. Then we had pizza which was far far better than any pizza I’ve ever made. The pizza was topped with various kielbasas and vegetables. Finally more tea and compote. What a feast!

Check out the Feature today. It talks a bit about the Ukrainian language.

6 thoughts on “Ukraine. Part 14.

  • 11/1/2010 at 3:41 pm
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    ???? ?????? ???? ?????????, ?? ?? ?????? ???? ??? ? ???????? =)

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    • 11/1/2010 at 3:44 pm
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      It was very interesting to read how you spent your time in Kozelets)I live there)

      Unfortunately for some reason I can not leave a comment in Ukrainian

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      • 11/1/2010 at 3:46 pm
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        I’m so glad you found my post and enjoyed it!

        Also, I’m sad that your Ukrainian comment didn’t come through. I really enjoyed my time in your country and I hope to be able to return some day.

        Take care,
        Mike D.

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        • 11/1/2010 at 4:15 pm
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          I was looking for any information about Kozelets, even in English, and find your picture coins) and so read your story)

          Not long ago I spoke with Daisy, who in 2008 was also in Kozelets, she was also a Peace Corps volunteer) and she also really loved Kozelets)

          do you remember the Ukrainian language?)))

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        • 11/1/2010 at 4:19 pm
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          I remember a little, but not much. My Peace Corps friend is fairly fluent. i’ll let her know that you found my write-up. I’m certain she’ll be excited.

          Reply
  • 11/1/2010 at 4:26 pm
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    [img]http://picasaweb.google.com/krawaster/GyMBMC#5375009548600168850[/img]

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