Musings of an Ukraine Traveler

Two of the Language Facilitators greet us in traditional Ukrainian dress with traditional welcoming bread which we dipped in salt before eating.

Piggy as the institute is familiarly called is a conference and educational center with its own hotel. The rooms have been remodeled and are exceptionally light and comfortable. We had a TV with a remote, refrigerator, plenty of storage and a hot shower. Here for one week we studied Survival Ukrainian and learned about Ukrainian culture and history. We also spent many hours learning about our work in Ukraine; interviewing for site placement and getting those dreaded shots. Being over 50 (oh no) I had to take pneumococcus, typhoid and a booster tetanus. A little sore, but at least I didn't have to take hepatitus A again.

Maggie, Susan, Steven, Katya (LCF), Amitabh and Ted, my group, try translating and writing down all the words on signs that we can.

Walking Field Trip

One of the best ways to learn a language is to walk the area and read signs. Katya helped us learn all the important places--the bank, post office, laundry, newsstand, internet cafe, local market and most importantly for some the Cash and Carry.

The Center is somewhat like our Costco or Sams. Prices are quite low for most things except Tabasco. It ran 151 hg a bottle. In other words $30. They use scanners and you have to buy your plastic, paper or cloth bags if you want one. Another interesting feature of the Center is that you must put any large hand bags, backpacks, etc in a locker. There is no charge and you take the key with you. A security guard checks customers as they come in.