Spring is Here.

Trip Start Mar 02, 2003

Trip End Jul 04, 2005

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Flag of Ukraine Kyiv, Krakow, Rivne, Ukraine
Thursday, May 13, 2004

Kyiv is so beautiful in the spring. All the Chestnut trees are blooming and there's a hint of lilac floating around in the air. Short skirts are coming out of women's closets, and people are out taking walks and enjoying the sun after a long, grey winter. The kvas stands went up this week, these are big yellow tanks that are set up on the side of the road that sell kvas, a beverage made up of bread, apples and water - basically a brown fermented liquid that's supposed to quench thirst even better than water. I can't vouch for that claim, but I have tried it, and it's not as bad as it sounds - I just haven't made a habit of drinking it on a regular basis.

Work has been getting better. It's taken me a little bit of time to get adjusted to "regular" work hours and how the office operates. I was joking with some PCV friends that I need additional cross cultural training because now I'm working not only with Ukrainians, but with Indians and Nepalese also

Grandpa's House

. We have quite a diverse office which yields a lot of interesting conversations on topics ranging from arranged marriages to cricket (a sport I'm currently learning a lot about) to the American education system. I'm definitely not bored; however I must admit that I have some trouble understanding some of my co-workers accents. At least now I'm not embarrassed about asking them to repeat themselves. This goes for them understanding some of the slang that I use... and I thought I was pretty mild in that department. The little colloquialisms are what really gets them. It's fun explaining myself when I use certain expressions.

My Ukrainian is taking a beating. Everyone around here seems to speak Russian. I'm looking for a tutor so that I can actively practice speaking Ukrainian, but so far no luck. The only people I currently speak with are the ladies at the vegetable bazaar, and sometime random people on the street asking for directions. Hopefully when I start traveling more often I will be able to speak Ukrainian on a more regular basis. My first trip should be next week if I'm lucky. It seems that my traveling keeps getting pushed back. I'm actually quite nervous to set-up meetings with oblast (the equivalent of an American State) administrations and talking with people in the Ukrainian government. Most people tell me that I look like I'm nineteen, so what are these people going to think when I show up on their doorstep telling them what to do to get funding and aid from the UN? Phew..

Taking a break

. I think next week my supervisor is going to go to one of these meeting with me so that I can get acquainted with how they're run and who the administration people are. Even so, I'm still nervous.

Two weekends ago I went to Krakow for the weekend to celebrate our admittance to the EU and to see my dad. It was a great weekend. First I went to the concert on the main square to celebrate EU membership, then I had a fun day with my dad (with whom I've actually never been to Krakow before), and I also had a chance to visit the villages where my grandparents (mom's side) grew up. I was only in town for three days, but this visit proved to be one of the best ones ever!! Every time I go to Krakow I fall in love with the city more and more - it's always difficult to leave.

Last weekend was spent in Rivne at Tolik and Olya's wedding. Tolik was my coordinator at Ecoclub. When I first met Tolik last year him and Olya had recently started dating, and last Sunday I had the privilege to witness their union. It was a really long day; the civil ceremony was at noon, the orthodox at 2, and the reception started around 4. We didn't stop dancing until around 1 in the morning. It was a lot of fun and I had a chance to see my old friends from Rivne and to speak Ukrainian

Tania, Me, and Olya

! (This is also why I know that my language is suffering in Kyiv). I never thought that I could cry at a wedding, but when I went to give the newlyweds their flowers (during the first of three greeting lines) I broke and bawled as I wished them well. Geez, what's it going to be like when my sister gets married. I don't even want to think of all the tissue I'm going to need on that day!

I'll be sticking around Kyiv for the next few weeks so I can continue to get settled into my apartment. I am still looking for a different place to move into nearer the center and my work, but we'll see how that goes. I petitioned for an extra $50 for my apartment from UNDP, which would be enough to get me to the other side of the river, but we'll see if they approve it. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

That's it for now. I still haven't received postcards from everyone, so I'm still waiting! ;)