Topic: Ukraine- Cherkassy

[KJP]

First, please play this music while reading and looking at the pictures........

Oystein Sevag - Cobalt

From Dec. 2-7, I visited Ukraine. Why would someone visit Ukraine in the middle of winter? Why, to meet a young lady of course! There, I went to meet a sweet lady named Svitlana in Cherkassy, about 100 miles southeast of Kiev along the Dneiper River which widens into the Kremenchug Reservior. She and translator Alena showed us around the city which has the population approximately of Akron proper, as well as two smaller nearby towns of Smila and Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi. Smila is where Svitlana's family lived and Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi is a town where she studied to be an artist. After three flights to Kiev, I took a taxi to travel over bumpy, snow-covered roads to Cherkassy....

Here is Svitlana (she prefers Lana) at right, my prize at the end of a long journey. Translator Alena is at left:


And the two of us:


Cherkassy's new year's tree:


Its surroundings:


Nearby is this small cathedral that survived the Soviets:






On the banks of the Dneiper River is this statue to remember those locally who lost their lives in World War II. Their names are engraved on part of the plaza:




Adjacent to the WWII memorial plaza is this wealthy neighborhood:


Lana and I posed in front of this tile mural on a city street in Cherkassy:


This is St. Michael's Cathedral which was built about 10 years ago:


The neighborhood surrounding the cathedral grounds:






Lana and Alena on the cathedral grounds, looking like cats who swallowed canaries with their bags from the earlier shopping downtown. When it comes to shopping, I'm pretty sure women are the same worldwide:




A memorial to all Ukrainian religious edifices that were damaged or destroyed by the Soviets:




St. Michael's rectory:


Now we head over to Smila to visit Lana's family. When we visited them, her aunt and cousin treated us to a homemade Ukrainian meal including borscht, pierogi and more. Afterward we visited Smila's train station. Can't visit another country without at least checking out the railroad scene!:










Next Alena's friend drove us over to the town of Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi where Lana went to college studied to be an artist. She is now an art instructor:


There, we visited a a riverside park and museums that Lana spent many hours visiting while attending school:










This is a memorial to a wealthy man and poor woman whose relationship was not permitted by their families and Ukrainian society overall because of their opposite backgrounds. So the couple jumped to their deaths from a nearby cliff. The memorial remembers the problems of socio-economic extremes:


At the park is this World War II display and a museum behind. Unfortuantely the museum was closed by the time we got there. This is where Ukrainians first welcomed the Nazis as Soviet liberators then joined with the Soviets to repel the Nazis:


The one-day snowmelt gave way to a quick overnight snowstorm, leaving a fresh coating of white stuff on Cherkassy the next day. Here are street scenes of Cherkassy on Sunday, Dec. 5:










Yes, they are everywhere. And yes, McDonald's food in Cherkassy, Ukraine tastes exactly like it does in Cleveland, Ohio:


We then visited two museums in Cherkassy. One is about the life of famous writer and artist Taras Shevchenko who was born in Cherkassy. It was an interesting museum but not photogenic. Then we visited a museum on the history of Cherkassy in particular and Ukraine in general. Here are some images from the latter museum:


Two models of Cherkassy from about 900 years ago:




















And, yes, there is a display about what happened at Chernobyl in 1986, when I was a freshman in college. Unfortunately, given my age, I was able to tell Lana and Alena my memories of that catastophe, and they were not surprised when I said they we in America probably learned about the extent of the tragedy before Ukrainians did. Chernobyl is about 150 miles north of Cherkassy:


A few more late-evening snow scenes in Cherkassy. This was the only time I saw the sun while there, so the climate is very similar to Cleveland:






A view of my Cherkassy hotel's lobby. I stayed at the Orange Hotel which was very nice:


And there are a lot of stray animals in Cherkassy. The lucky ones get taken in by various businesses, like this sweet little kitten who became the hotel kitty:

On Monday afternoon Dec. 6, I was back in a taxi cab for a three-hour ride to Kiev Airport where I rested until 3 a.m., checked in for my flight, and took off at 5:30 a.m. (watching Monday Night Football updates of the Patriots beating the Jets) for Frankfurt, then Newark and then home. By the time I had arrived at my Lakewood condo, I had been awake for more than 24 hours having traveled 5,000 miles. I slept 10 hours that night. But it was a wonderful trip that I will never forget my entire life.

[TBideon]

Ever been to the Ukraine Museum in Tremont? It's very cozy, a great place to kill an hour while you're out on a date.

Neat story too

[ColDayMan]

Cold!

[urbanforever]

Now here's something new!!

Thanks for posting. 

[rockandroller]

I can't believe with all those pictures, that you were lucky enough to have a home-cooked meal and didn't take pictures of the food!

Ok I'll throw it out there - what are the odds YOU would move THERE instead of vice versa?

[StrapHanger]

^For real.  Looks like they had nice electrified train lines...

[natininja]

European cultural blasphemy: Americans in white tennies!



Also...eating at McDonald's when on a short trip to another country!

Maybe you could offer some confessions to the cultural blasphemy thread, KJP.

Good luck with the women, and thanks for the photo tour!

[rockandroller]

LOL, I completely agree!

[KJP]

I can't believe with all those pictures, that you were lucky enough to have a home-cooked meal and didn't take pictures of the food!

Ok I'll throw it out there - what are the odds YOU would move THERE instead of vice versa?

I was trying to win the support of Lana's family, so taking pictures of the food they served me wasn't exactly high on my agenda. As it turned out, Lana's family liked me. I shared with them the knowledge I had of my family history, researched by my mother, which goes back to at least 1200 to the town of Prendergast, Wales. That impressed them!

I am a spoiled American. I am used to certain things here that they don't have there. They have roads with potholes large enough to swallow entire cars (you may think I'm exaggerating but I'm not -- I will never complain about the condition of U.S. roads again). Motorists park wherever they want, including on curbs or behind other cars that block them in. People drive like maniacs, as if there are no traffic laws. People walk along the sides of main roads at night, inches from speeding cars and trucks. They do not use road salt or clear sidewalks of packed ice. They don't have grassy parks or even lawns around single-family homes. Their architecture is depressing as hell -- I showed you only the nice buildings. This is how much of Cherkassy looked (as well as the road conditions on the busiest street through town -- six hours after the snow stopped falling)....



There are so many creature comforts we are used to as Americans. We can safely drink our water, expect a working toilet in any public bathroom, find five types of milk at the grocery store, etc. The run-down but occupied houses in the inner-city of Cleveland are the kinds that are home to the working-class or even middle-class of Ukraine. "Suburban" homes from the 1950s and 60s look run-down from the outside, feature chicken coops or dog kennels, large gardens for growing food but no grass, etc.

But there were some surprises as well. I visited a supermarket that looked not much different than American ones. Even at the checkout line they had all the same impulse-buy stuff there, like Extra-brand gum, Certs, etc. Their television commercials were the same or similar to ones playing here, and most homes had satellite TV with 1,000 channels. Their TV programs were pretty good. I watched a Band of Brothers-type series set in Afghanistan during the 1980s. There were a few spy shows involving Americans. And I was in a toy store where a spy set (tiny walkie talkie, pen that was a monocular, fake gun, etc) featured packaging with the U.S. Capitol building on it. It was all the inverse of U.S. stuff.

^For real.  Looks like they had nice electrified train lines...

Yes, but not as much rail service as western Europe. I was surprised there was only one train in each direction between Kiev and Cherkassy -- Cleveland has more than that to Chicago! The electrified railway shown above was through the nearby town of Smila, and their trains weren't in good condition. Even American trains are more modern and cleaner. But they had extensive bus transit everywhere, including electric trolley bus on the main street through central Cherkassy. The main road (two lanes, bumpy and not kept clear of snow) between Cherkassy and Kiev has frequent bus service on it, with stops at just about every crossroad. So you can get around Ukraine pretty well without a car. I especially liked the transit buses that had gypsy-like curtains in the windows!

[rockandroller]

Did you spend enough time for her to feel comfortable at least just visiting here briefly? Do you have a local translator? I think if you could hook her up with the local translator so she could communicate with that person, that might speak to your willingness to make her comfortable here and not freaked about visiting. 

Have you sent her any packages/gifts from the US?

[KJP]

Did you spend enough time for her to feel comfortable at least just visiting here briefly?

Getting a tourist visa from Ukraine to America is very difficult and expensive (thanks a lot U.S.). Neither of us has the money for that. For her to come here, she would have to have a "fiancee visa" which means she can stay here for up to three months before I have to marry her and inform the U.S. State Department of it. And like I said, she is shy and uncomfortable with new things. She has never traveled out of the Ukraine, flown in an airplane or done other things that would be a first for her.

Do you have a local translator? I think if you could hook her up with the local translator so she could communicate with that person, that might speak to your willingness to make her comfortable here and not freaked about visiting. 

In my building there is a Belarusian family living downstairs that I'm friends with. They are fluent in Russian and English, but I don't want to impose on them often. Lana speaks Ukrainian and Russian. But she would prefer to not speak Russian because she is nationalistic about being Ukrainian. I am buying her tutorials so she can learn to speak English but she doesn't yet know enough to get a job or anything. I knew very little Ukrainian and I was able to function OK while there. She knows more English than I know Ukrainian.

Have you sent her any packages/gifts from the US?

Yes, and I brought gifts with me during my visit.

[JRC]

I like the Macy's train from your pics of the train station.

Seriously, thanks for the pictures.

[KJP]

European cultural blasphemy: Americans in white tennies!



Also...eating at McDonald's when on a short trip to another country!

Maybe you could offer some confessions to the cultural blasphemy thread, KJP.

Good luck with the women, and thanks for the photo tour!

Lana said I stuck out like an American there. She couldn't quite explain why, but she said it had to with the way I carried myself:  smiling, laughing, talking loud, outgoing and that I dressed very orderly.

That's probably the simplest way to describe the biggest contrast between America and Ukraine. The U.S. is very orderly while the Ukraine was disorderly. There are benefits and drawbacks to each however. Sometimes the U.S. is antiseptic. Sometimes Ukraine is organic.

[Robert Pence]

Interesting city views. Those places probably look a lot better in summer, just like Cleveland and Akron do.

Lana is quite attractive.

[KJP]

Interesting city views. Those places probably look a lot better in summer, just like Cleveland and Akron do.

Lana is quite attractive.

Agreed on all counts.

I added music at the start of the thread to set the tone.

[rockandroller]

I agree, she looks very nice and smart.

What's her purpose for joining the site if not to meet a nice American man and come over here and live? I assume it's some kind of online matchmaking site, no? 

People seriously can't just visit here without being someone's fiancee?  What if it were a male friend - you can't just visit the US?

[KJP]

I agree, she looks very nice and smart.

What's her purpose for joining the site if not to meet a nice American man and come over here and live? I assume it's some kind of online matchmaking site, no? 

Yes. Some people join at a time when they are worried they will never meet a suitable husband and then when they meet someone, they are confronted for the first time with the emotions of having to leave their family, friends and everything they know. Some can overcome those emotions. Some can't.

People seriously can't just visit here without being someone's fiancee?  What if it were a male friend - you can't just visit the US?

Sure, but you need to demonstrate to the American State Department that you can financially sustain yourself here, whether it's through your own wealth or with the sponsorship of someone already here, or both. The cost of living in America is much higher, and the exchange rate with the Ukrainian currency is not favorable to Ukrainians.

[rockandroller]

Interesting. Do you think they ever join the site thinking they'll be able to get an american man over to Ukraine? Or do they all desire to live in the US, in some admittedly abstract way since they don't really know what life here is like. 

I would try to get into the Ukranian community here and see if there are some people who might be interested in helping her find a place here somehow - there could be a restaurant or other small business she could work at in the back where her lack of English wouldn't be an obstacle since others around her could talk to her.  It would benefit both of you if you were able to demonstrate to her that there's a supportive cache of locals who would be willing to help her out, even if it were just to give her some kind of job until her English became good enough to stay on awhile.  It's just a thought, but it would possibly make it easier for her to come over for a visit if she knew there were several people here she'd be able to talk to, and a job to come to, even if it were on a very temporary basis, like a month. Then she could evaluate whether or not she'd like to live here, with or without you, or return home after the time had passed if not, no harm done (except to your ego/heart).  Just a thought, just trying to help.  Does she speak anything besides Russian and Ukranian? Like Lithuanian? There's a big Lith. presence here, not so sure about Ukranian.

[KJP]

Of the 20 or 30 women I have talked with and the three I have met, none have suggested that they would not relocate to America. They watch a lot of American movies and TV shows, and think that is what America is like. The day before I left to visit Ukraine, I asked myself why I was doing this, leaving my comfort zone and putting myself into a strange and unknown situation. It was scary for me to visit, and this is the second time in a year I have gone to Eastern Europe to meet someone.

I presented all of the options you mentioned, R&R, to her. And yes there is a very large Ukrainian community in Cleveland -- so large that they created the largest Ukrainian archives and cultural center in the U.S. here (Tremont). She was under great stress the day before I arrived and the day I met her family. I won't get into details, but she physically experiences her stress. Yet she also wants a nice husband and family. So she is torn with a difficult decision.

[rockandroller]

Well, you know what you're doing, I will butt out. I'd just like to see you happy with someone.

[gottaplan]

Just joining this conversation for the pictures of the foreign country, and got sucked into the dating/romance/drama.  Not that you asked for my opinion KJP, but I would punt on all this foreign bride stuff.  I think there are alot of great women here in the US you could be happy with.  Probably not young & attractive as these women overseas, but you won't be fighting that cultural battle with them, constantly longing for a home back in Ukraine, etc.  I think finding the right woman here would lead to a much happier satisfying life than finding someone from over there and trying to get them accustomed to our life & culture.  My $0.02

[KJP]

The cultural difference is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. And you're right, I didn't ask for your opinion.

[MyTwoSense]

The cultural difference is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. And you're right, I didn't ask for your opinion.

I don't believe in boundary's of love.  If KJP chooses to date an Eastern European woman, I say go for it!

I have faith, that KJP isn't going into this with blinders on.

[Jskinner]

^Agreed.  Definitely go for it KJP. 

[TBideon]

Hey KJP, I know and often hang out with quite a few Russians/Ukranians/Belarussians around town.  When you guys get settled, send me a pm and we'll figure something out.  It might ease the move for your wife if she can meet some of her community here

[KJP]

Thanks for the offer! I will keep that in mind.

[Gramarye]

Hah!  I briefly lurked on one of those "mail order bride" sites a few years back, but I never thought I'd know (or know of) anyone who actually used one.  Glad to see that things are going about as well as can be expected so far; like you're already well aware, she may well decide that in the end, she has to stay with her family and friends and familiar surroundings, but then again, maybe not!

Hope it works out for the best.

[SFSpike]

The country looks fascinating, although frigid!  I love the church architecture of Eastern Europe.  Best of luck with your relationship with Lana.  Long distance relationships are certainly a test of devotion, and if you can weather it, it is worth it.  Although some would scoff at the idea of searching for someone overseas, I say do whatever makes you happy.  It is your life, and no one has the right to interfer...period.  Have fun, and good luck!!!

[Robert Pence]

In my earlier reply I meant to say thanks for including the tractor pic in the museum. It looks like a pretty close knockoff of an International Harvester Farmall from the late 1920s, but it may be the geniune item. Some of the major American farm machinery makers had a strong presence there in the era between the World Wars. I've seen JI Case brochures in Russian from that time, and I suppose IH was in that market too, as well as some of the then-dominant European makers like Fowler and Lanz.

[Boreas]

I absolutely loved your travelogue.  I would like to tour Ukraine someday.  When I was young, I never thought it would be possible with the Cold War & all.  My grandparents emigrated from western Ukraine ninety years ago.  I have always been fascinated with the country.  Your account was written on a level that I could relate to.  Like Rick Steve's Europe on PBS

[rockandroller]

I know embarrassingly little about it, other than it's not THE Ukraine, it's just Ukraine. Now we just have to get this lady over here, and a translator, and have a group get together and I can learn all about it

[Eighth and State]

   Somehow I had a feeling that Rob would comment about that tractor. I'm still waiting for his comment on the locomotive.   

   

[Eighth and State]

   KJP, if there's a wedding, will it be in Cherkassy or Cleveland?

[David]

Of the 20 or 30 women I have talked with and the three I have met, none have suggested that they would not relocate to America. They watch a lot of American movies and TV shows, and think that is what America is like. The day before I left to visit Ukraine, I asked myself why I was doing this, leaving my comfort zone and putting myself into a strange and unknown situation. It was scary for me to visit, and this is the second time in a year I have gone to Eastern Europe to meet someone.

I presented all of the options you mentioned, R&R, to her. And yes there is a very large Ukrainian community in Cleveland -- so large that they created the largest Ukrainian archives and cultural center in the U.S. here (Tremont). She was under great stress the day before I arrived and the day I met her family. I won't get into details, but she physically experiences her stress. Yet she also wants a nice husband and family. So she is torn with a difficult decision.

Well, sorry for being coming across as a hater in the other thread, it's just weird to me but I'm a conservative and a know-it-all @sshole. I hope everything works out. She's hot!

I worked with Russian chicks; all the time, they would talk about how spoiled American woman are. They iron their husbands clothes, cook and clean on top of working!

With that said, GOD that is some FUGLY, depressing architecture at a time when there's nothing but dead vegitation surrounding it. Where the hell is Robert Stern when you need him?

[Robert Pence]

Somehow I had a feeling that Rob would comment about that tractor. I'm still waiting for his comment on the locomotive.  

I don't know enough about European and Asian railroads and rolling stock to offer any meaningful comment on the locomotive. I can only venture that it looks like it was built for fast passenger service. The styling is quite stark and functional.