Lviv, Ukraine

Trip Start Mar 01, 2006
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Trip End Nov 01, 2008


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Flag of Ukraine  , Lviv,
Friday, September 7, 2007

Took the train from Krakow to Lviv. Was an interesting train ride. As it was a Friday, it seemed to be quite busy. At the Poland/Ukraine border we stopped and had to change trains as the tracks are different. On the new train into Ukraine, a totally different atmosphere was apparent. Lots of joviality and people walking around talking to one another, sharing food and drink. And the train wasn't the elite model. Things hanging from the roof, benches like church pews. And I am sure, we were riding with the Ukraine mafia as a group of men went around locating packages under all the seats that were wrapped and taped in garbage bags. Still never felt threatened or uncomfortable, though made an effort to not advertise all that I had with me (camera, MP3, etc.) and would not have slept well.

Arriving in Lviv was a novelty. Big old train station and very little English signage Streets of Lviv
Streets of Lviv
 . Just kind of wandered around the station for a bit. Went to find something to eat and since I didn't know what anything was just hoped I was eating something I would normally eat. Took a taxi to the hostel and went to bed.

Went for breakfast in the morning with people from the hostel - fruit perogies and pastries and all sorts of nice things. Then I wandered into town. On my second attempt as I got lost on my first. Found a bustling square and meeting place. Lots of restaurants though hadn't yet learned to read the signs that said "Restaurant".

Decided to take in an Operetta as the Opera House was meant to be quite beautiful. The opera house was very beaugtiful though the operetta was difficult to understand as it was obviously in Ukrainian.

Went to the Lychakivasky Cemetary which was peaceful. Seeing the different tombstones and mausoleums lends an appreciation to the culture.

On my final day, I explored the markets which had a lot of stuff I was interested in buying but couldn't as it was too much to carry - embroidered pieces, dolls, nic nacs, etc.

And then I was off.
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