I've been branching out into various areas of the city, creating a map in my mind so that the landmarks are set and I can find the areas I want. Today I met Anna, my language teacher, at Kontraktova Ploshcha which is where we were the other day when we took the boat ride. We went to a trendy coffee shop and had a little pot of really strong cardamom-flavored coffee. We decided to have something sweet after the lesson and the menu was an eye-opener. Terms are so different. Mousse isn't mousse, it's pudding. Pudding isn't pudding, it's cake. Well my pudding was a really tasty thin cake with really good chocolate. When our lesson was over I walked around Kontraktova Ploshcha and decided that I had to go to Glossary, MY cafe. I took the blue line two stops, and the red line one stop and walked the exchange to the green line exit to Zoloti Vorota and over to Glossary. My waitress saw me come in and told me what my order was with a smile that showed she was very pleased with herself to know her "regular's" initial order. I am such a creature of habit. I have Mineral Water Morshynska Hazovana (with gas) and a cappuccino. I then read or surf the net for a while and order something for lunch or dinner from the menu. She knows to bring and leave the menu. Today I had a cabbage/cucumber/radish salad heavily flavored with fresh dill. Dill is the major flavor-maker right now and it's available fresh at every market and at every entrance to the metro stations. It's kind of an over-powering flavor and I'm a bit tired of it. I also had a fresh mozzarella, dried tomato, pesto sandwich. Very tasty, and quite healthy.
I noticed yesterday that my hips and knees don't hurt anymore during the hefty walks each day, even on stairs, of which there are a lot. I also noticed that if I'm well-hydrated, which is kind of hard to do in the constant heat here, I don't get short of breath or light-headed on the stairs. So I'm on a hydration campaign. From a health standpoint, I'd have to say that my stay in Ukraine has been good for me. It's a relief to know that my body can adjust and even thrive on increased activity.
As I reflect on life in Ukraine, I think that many Americans would find life here difficult. There really isn't a lot of culinary variety and getting around is sometimes a challenge. Metro at rush hour is something else altogether. People are a bit polite queuing up at the metro car waiting for people to exit, but I can only describe entering a crowded car as getting shoved really hard to get into spaces that are not enough. At first it really bothered me to get shoved. Now I'm shoving people myself and with vigor. The little old ladies are the WORST! Another thing about crowded metro cars at the end of the day is perspiration odor. It can be pretty ripe in there! And for some strange reason, I love it all. The Ukrainian people I call my friends are incredible. They are as caring and attentive as I could possibly want them to be, and even more. So my days pass pleasantly. I have plenty to do to occupy my time, am in constant contact with my people throughout the county, have consulting appointments set up until my departure date, have another trip planned to Donetsk next Thursday, the 9th. I'm thinking of what I'll want to leave here and what I'll take home. I'm even considering finding the UPS or Fedex office to see about shipping some of my stuff home to lighten my suitcase.
For the past 11 years, I've been giving a 5 hour summer lecture to the Advanced Human Services Class at Monroe Community College in Rochester. I just got invited for the 12th year and had to say I wouldn't be home till the 26th. The prof said "what about the 28th?" I said 'Yes.' I can't imagine what jet-lagged shape I'll be in 36 hours post arrival at JFK, but I'll give it my best shot.
Life is grand!
I noticed yesterday that my hips and knees don't hurt anymore during the hefty walks each day, even on stairs, of which there are a lot. I also noticed that if I'm well-hydrated, which is kind of hard to do in the constant heat here, I don't get short of breath or light-headed on the stairs. So I'm on a hydration campaign. From a health standpoint, I'd have to say that my stay in Ukraine has been good for me. It's a relief to know that my body can adjust and even thrive on increased activity.
As I reflect on life in Ukraine, I think that many Americans would find life here difficult. There really isn't a lot of culinary variety and getting around is sometimes a challenge. Metro at rush hour is something else altogether. People are a bit polite queuing up at the metro car waiting for people to exit, but I can only describe entering a crowded car as getting shoved really hard to get into spaces that are not enough. At first it really bothered me to get shoved. Now I'm shoving people myself and with vigor. The little old ladies are the WORST! Another thing about crowded metro cars at the end of the day is perspiration odor. It can be pretty ripe in there! And for some strange reason, I love it all. The Ukrainian people I call my friends are incredible. They are as caring and attentive as I could possibly want them to be, and even more. So my days pass pleasantly. I have plenty to do to occupy my time, am in constant contact with my people throughout the county, have consulting appointments set up until my departure date, have another trip planned to Donetsk next Thursday, the 9th. I'm thinking of what I'll want to leave here and what I'll take home. I'm even considering finding the UPS or Fedex office to see about shipping some of my stuff home to lighten my suitcase.
For the past 11 years, I've been giving a 5 hour summer lecture to the Advanced Human Services Class at Monroe Community College in Rochester. I just got invited for the 12th year and had to say I wouldn't be home till the 26th. The prof said "what about the 28th?" I said 'Yes.' I can't imagine what jet-lagged shape I'll be in 36 hours post arrival at JFK, but I'll give it my best shot.
Life is grand!
The way you fuss over the Florida heat, it's hard to imagine you so acclimated to the Ukraine heat. It mustn't be as humid? You must enjoy being a "regular" at your coffee stops.
ReplyDeleteYou say there is not a lot of variety to the food but so far, it all sounds really yummy!
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