Site visit and new ammenities

Trip Start Mar 02, 2003

Trip End Jul 04, 2005

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Flag of Ukraine Fastiv via Kyiv and Rivne, Ukraine
Monday, April 21, 2003

Well, as usual the last few weeks have been jam-packed with language lessons, excursions to Kyiv, and most importantly my site visit to Rivne and my future job site. The first few days we had a "Counterpart Conference" in Kyiv where we met our coordinators and learned specifics regarding what our future jobs will entail, how to put on a seminar, and what to do when writing grants. All really fascinating, however all of us were really antsy to get going and see the actual cities where we will be living for the next two years.

My coordinator is 22! He's great! In fact there is no one that works at the NGO I'll be working with that's over 30. Even the director is around 28. I couldn't believe it. This young age breeds a lot of excitement and therefore the organization is pretty active and has already done a lot of interesting things. Their main focus is on alternative energy sources, specifically anything that doesn't have to do with nuclear energy. This coming Saturday their "Energy Tour" around Ukraine will culminate in an information/peaceful gathering in Kyiv. The 26th of April is Chernobyl Day. Never thought I would be anywhere that would make me aware of this particular date, but in a country where people still sometimes take geiger counters to the market with them it's an absolute reality. If you all would be interested in taking a look at what the organization does check out their webpage, it's slow, but there's some good information on it, and it'll give you a better idea of what I'll be involved in for the next two years.

In class

http://www.ecoclub.ukrwest.net/english/index.htm

The city of Rivne is pretty cook itself. I'll be around 10 hours by bus from Krakow, 4 hours by marshrutka (a mini bus) from Kyiv, and 4 1/2 hours from Lviv. I think it's the perfect location. I went to a couple pizzerias, there are restaurants, a park, a drama and a puppet theater, and even a stadium where you can run. Plenty of stuff to do, however no hot water in the summer... in fact, i was told I'll be lucky to get it in the winter some days. I think I've made the decision to install a water boiler in my apartment, it's a $100 investment, but it means hot water for two years. I think that's a solid enough reason to spend the money. I've heard from a lot of volunteers that serving in Ukraine is called the "posh corps" and you know, why deny it... I can eat caviar here if I'd like to (it's pretty expensive though) and why not have hot water if I can. I hear some volunteers even have cable television and internet in their apartments. Now that's really posh!! :)

So things are good. The language staff here picked me to do a speech in Ukrainian at the swearing-in ceremony in May, so I guess my language is coming along well... I bought a guitar the other day so I'm no longer bored at home... however I can't download tabs here because they charge for each download, so if anyone is interested in sending me some I'd be indebted.

And now for the best news ever --- coming back to my host family was difficult, after being in Rivne I didn't want to be back here; and then I walked into our bathroom. While I was gone my host family purchased a toilet seat! I no longer have to hover in my own home... it's an enormous event and yesterday a trainee and I bought a bottle of wine to celebrate the event - (and miranda got water at her house!) So celebrate with us - tonight drink a toast to my new toilet seat and to indoor plumbing. It's the little luxuries. :)