Over the weekend the Ukrainians celebrated Old New Year. This is the date when Ukrainians used to celebrate new year. Peter I wanted Ukraine (Russian Empire) to be more like the rest of the world, so he changed the date to January 1. Ukrainians never pass up an opportunity to have a party. So, I have yet another chance to say Happy New Year to you all!
Returning to Kyiv (official spelling) after being away for six years has been interesting. There are many changes to the city--some good and some not so good. In all fairness though, the majority of them are positive.
I would have to say that the one obvious negative change is traffic. I have never seen traffic and as many crazy drivers like I have seen here. People will block intersections in order to prevent someone else from getting ahead of them. They drive on the wrong side of the road and on the sidewalk if there is a traffic jam. Landon and I sat one evening (while waiting for the hostess of a dinner we had been invited to arrive) and watched a crossroads jam up all because one car had to go down a one way street. That one car blocked four lanes of traffic and thought nothing of it. Eventually he got tired of waiting for the traffic to clear and parked the car on the side of the road (in the intersection) and walked to his destination. We were gobsmacked at the pure selfishness of the drivers. Ukrainians are typically very patient people. When they get behind the wheel of a car, they lose patience and had to be at their destination last week sometime.
It takes me about seven minutes to get to school in the morning. I don't have to share the road with many and those who are on the road are still half asleep--or worse. In the afternoon it takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half to get home. I get not quite 100 miles on a tank of gas! On a positive note, I have learned a lot of new hand signals and words in Russian!
If I had to choose one positive change I see it would probably be the availability of western goods. We used to go to at least three small dark stores to get our groceries, plus the outdoor market. Now there are western style grocery stores with 20 check out lanes! Many of their products are from Western Europe or Scandinavia. Customer Service is still poor, but I am hopeful that it will improve too. Many stores/shops in the city cater to the new rich people. The old shopping centers, Ukrainia and Tsum are still here, but a little more upscale. There are many boutiques and shoe stores around. The Ukrainian ladies like their nice clothes and shoes.
Maine woods
We spent Christmas in Maine with my mom and brother. We had a wonderful and relaxing time. There was no snow and the kids (and I) were disappointed. Maine is such a beautiful state. Snow would have made it a winter wonderland! Many of you know my dad died on September 16, 2006. He had lung cancer. It was exactly 10 months from the day he was diagnosed. Cancer is a viscous disease. No one deserves to have this horrible disease.
I will close for now. We wish you the best of 2007! Keep in touch!
Christina
