Dear Friends:
I’m well aware of the statement about the best laid plans of mice and men, but planning little outings for the near future is a nice way to add a momentary respite of escape to every day. That’s what the following is: a brief syllabus of the little trips I have planned for the near future. This will not take us too far, simply to the middle of May, and perhaps it is not even an exhaustive syllabus, but a recount of what currently lies on my agenda.
In the States, I’m often surprised when a tourist from abroad tells me about all the great places they have visited. It is not rare that they have gone to, and seen more places and landmarks than myself, a lifelong resident. I’ve noticed that this is similar in Ukraine Ukraine
As I mentioned, the near future will find me making some new trips to “exotic” local locales. First, this coming weekend I will make my second visit to seaside city of Odessa Yana and Seriozha, and perhaps more) will take an overnight train from Zhmerynka on Friday night, and spend Saturday, and maybe Sunday in the city. My main motivation for the journey is a rugby game. The national teams of Ukraine and Romania Michigan
But, while in Odessa , I’m going to take advantage of my proximity to the water, and spend some time walking near the Black Sea ’s shores. I really enjoy (and miss) being near the water constantly, and it’ll be good for the soul to be by the beach. Hopefully I’ll even get to eat some Georgian food. But, I’m not ruling out stopping by a Mexican restaurant. Ethnic food is something that it is important to take advantage of when the opportunity arises.
In about a month and a half, on March 25th, I’ll take my second trip. This will channel the alpine adventurer in me. I’ll be climbing (read: hiking) the highest mountain in Ukraine 6,762 feet , but it should be an enjoyable climb. The climb is part of an organized event, being hosted by the partner-organization of a Peace Corps Volunteer. There will be a large number of both Americans and Ukrainians making the trek. We will even be having a picnic at the top. I have rarely met a picnic (or any meal) that I didn’t like. I have wanted to climb Hoverla for awhile, now. I’m glad that I have found a way to do it in a large group; the more the merrier, eh? Here’s hoping for a mild end of March, so I don’t freeze my toes off on the hike up.
Finally, and a bit further afoot, is a trip to a site with UNESCO World Heritage Site aspirations: Kamyanets-Podilsky. Kamyanets-Podilsky is a castle complex in relative proximity to where I currently live. The castle complex is over 600 years old. It has a history of repelling attacks from Tatars, Cossacks, and Ottomans. There is another castle complex close by, called Khotyn. We will be seeing Khotyn, as well. While I know Kamyanets-Podilsky is home to a magnificent castle, I know Khotyn is home to a castle, but I must plead ignorance to the magnificence, but I have heard good things about it. Our tentative dates are May 14th and 15th. We’ll be camping out, as well. Hopefully, this is indicative of an opportunity to shashlyk (our version of bar-be-que). If tomatoes are in season by then, I might just be the happiest person in the world, at least for a weekend. After a long, gray (and relatively mild) winter, I’m eager to get outside, and am looking forward to these trips. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll even get good weather, too. A boy can dream.
Hope things are well with all of you.
Be good,
Pete.
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