Returning home to NC late Friday night leaves me with conflicting emotions. I leave a country (Ukraine) that I have grown fond of, along with the hospitality that was shown me during my stay. I have appreciated the different lifestyle, culture, and way of life. Even though I could barely communicate at times, it has left a lasting impression on me. I have had a chance to see the small towns and the big cities, experience life on a different scale, and visit my Russian family.
We had the chance to see history through a 2500 year old fortress in Bilhorod - Dnistrovskyi, a old monastery in Kiev, and a local hospital (unfortunately) in Druzhkovka. We experienced hospitality through Diana's sister Alla and her husband as they treated us to a nice evening in Donetsk at a huge mall that was top notch. This mall would rival most stores in the US with many top name brand stores (Adidas, Reebok, Benneton, Polo, etc...), huge skating rink, movie theater, and a large section with multiple fair-type rides (which we took advantage of). We also enjoyed a nice show that was part Cirque du Soleil and dolphin show.
Before our trip to visit relatives, I felt blessed that we had found a Baptist church less than a half mile away from the orphanage that was willing to help us find a place to stay (if we needed it on our return from our visit to Druzhkovka)
When we went to Druzhkovka, I will forever appreciate how well I was received by my young nieces and nephews. My 10 year old and 7 year old nieces (Yana/Alina) seemed to enjoy having me there and allowed me to be a part of their activities. I enjoyed the opportunity and appreciated that Yana asked for my help with her English reading lessons. We all eventually were able to communicate (somewhat) through the use of Google translate, although it sometimes mangled the translations. We had a fun time trying to pronounce words in each other's language and had a good laugh at times at the results.
As for the hospital visit, I felt I was treated extremely well and felt a bit like a VIP when I was given the best room in the hospital. Although I was really nobody important, it was interesting to hear their reactions and interest that I as an American, was in their small little hospital.
When we returned to Bilhorod, we were able to stay in the home of the mother (and husband) of Diana's sister-in-law. We were encouraged to stay there and were treated so hospitably during our time there. We were fed quite well and enjoyed the time just talking over tea. Although I didn't understand the conversations, Diana was able to translate. They were a fun couple and the husband was full of fun and jokes. At times, it seems that is missing in our busy lives and culture where we often do not have time to sit down with friends to talk and socialize.
On the last day I was there, we went to a huge open air market with hundreds and hundreds of vendors in small stalls selling everything from food to clothing to electronics. We had an opportunity to eat in a little small cafe, that although wasn't that much to look at, still had some charm to it. I only wish I had more time to explore the market, but we had to purchase some cookies and a small gift for our daughter who was to turn 11 on Saturday (Oct 27th). I had wanted to stay until Saturday to be with her on her birthday, but it was not going to work out for me to be able to do that.
I am not sure how to explain it, but preparing to leave to come back to my own homeland seemed as if I was leaving my home and returning to a new home. Seeing all the children and their smiling faces in the orphanage cannot help but change you and your outlook and what really is important. Seeing our children on day 1 of the visit and seeing them really for the first time and feeling your heart skip a beat was a priceless moment to treasure. All of these events seemed to embrace me and I gladly embraced the country and the people in return.
When I eventually reached my home on Friday, the 26th at midnight, it was the culmination of trying to arrange a flight just 9 hours earlier and being up 27 hours straight from the time I woke up at 4:15 am Ukraine time, until I reached home. It was good to be home, but also felt homesickness for my other home.
We had the chance to see history through a 2500 year old fortress in Bilhorod - Dnistrovskyi, a old monastery in Kiev, and a local hospital (unfortunately) in Druzhkovka. We experienced hospitality through Diana's sister Alla and her husband as they treated us to a nice evening in Donetsk at a huge mall that was top notch. This mall would rival most stores in the US with many top name brand stores (Adidas, Reebok, Benneton, Polo, etc...), huge skating rink, movie theater, and a large section with multiple fair-type rides (which we took advantage of). We also enjoyed a nice show that was part Cirque du Soleil and dolphin show.
Before our trip to visit relatives, I felt blessed that we had found a Baptist church less than a half mile away from the orphanage that was willing to help us find a place to stay (if we needed it on our return from our visit to Druzhkovka)
When we went to Druzhkovka, I will forever appreciate how well I was received by my young nieces and nephews. My 10 year old and 7 year old nieces (Yana/Alina) seemed to enjoy having me there and allowed me to be a part of their activities. I enjoyed the opportunity and appreciated that Yana asked for my help with her English reading lessons. We all eventually were able to communicate (somewhat) through the use of Google translate, although it sometimes mangled the translations. We had a fun time trying to pronounce words in each other's language and had a good laugh at times at the results.
As for the hospital visit, I felt I was treated extremely well and felt a bit like a VIP when I was given the best room in the hospital. Although I was really nobody important, it was interesting to hear their reactions and interest that I as an American, was in their small little hospital.
When we returned to Bilhorod, we were able to stay in the home of the mother (and husband) of Diana's sister-in-law. We were encouraged to stay there and were treated so hospitably during our time there. We were fed quite well and enjoyed the time just talking over tea. Although I didn't understand the conversations, Diana was able to translate. They were a fun couple and the husband was full of fun and jokes. At times, it seems that is missing in our busy lives and culture where we often do not have time to sit down with friends to talk and socialize.
On the last day I was there, we went to a huge open air market with hundreds and hundreds of vendors in small stalls selling everything from food to clothing to electronics. We had an opportunity to eat in a little small cafe, that although wasn't that much to look at, still had some charm to it. I only wish I had more time to explore the market, but we had to purchase some cookies and a small gift for our daughter who was to turn 11 on Saturday (Oct 27th). I had wanted to stay until Saturday to be with her on her birthday, but it was not going to work out for me to be able to do that.
I am not sure how to explain it, but preparing to leave to come back to my own homeland seemed as if I was leaving my home and returning to a new home. Seeing all the children and their smiling faces in the orphanage cannot help but change you and your outlook and what really is important. Seeing our children on day 1 of the visit and seeing them really for the first time and feeling your heart skip a beat was a priceless moment to treasure. All of these events seemed to embrace me and I gladly embraced the country and the people in return.
When I eventually reached my home on Friday, the 26th at midnight, it was the culmination of trying to arrange a flight just 9 hours earlier and being up 27 hours straight from the time I woke up at 4:15 am Ukraine time, until I reached home. It was good to be home, but also felt homesickness for my other home.
Ukraine is one of such countries where you should choose hospital carefully. System of medical care not always provides high level services. This is my directory of Ukrainian hospitals where tourists can get appropriate services http://ukraine-vacation-guide.com/dir/hospital/28 I hope, that people who travel to Ukraine will be able to find appropriate services in emergency cases. If you know other good hospitals, add them please to this directory.
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