Monday, Aug. 30, 2004 - 8:52 p.m.
I woke up with a Connell's song running through my head (the last couple of nights have been weird; bizzare dreams related to people at work, in one I was interviewing a famous Blues musician and my boss was all for it..why was I interviewing him? Who knows!!!)
"The steel of the strings, cuts into his fingers and the lines that are left, oh he knows so well..." The familiarity of learning, of experiencing, and the ensuing scars, and the ability to make greatness out of the struggle....This is a theme in Ukraine I believe.
Now, it is the last night in Ukraine. We've had a wonderful meal of a shrimp and ham salad, with a thousand island like dressing; holubtsi, and assorted other goodies. Washed it all down with wine, vodka and water and had mousse and coffee for dessert. We were serenaded by a duo of musicians with a lead vocalist who had an amazing voice. I recorded some bits of her singing and networked with her afterwards. wow...what a voice..
Earlier was on a cruise down the Dnipro river. This river is HUGE!!! People actually fish from the suspension bridges. It's pretty funny. Their lines are easily fifty feet down to reach the water. I wonder what they do when they catch something. Saw some guys wading into the water and fishing in tight Speedos. I have pictures!! :-)
Other than that had some delicious foods for lunch and hiked around Kyiv. It is truly a beautiful city.
Learned alittle about the economy today. Minimum wage is 205 Hryvnya per month. Average amount to live is 365 Hna per month. Average salary is 405 Hna. To get the American equivalent, divide each number by 5.
There is this giant monstrosity of a statue that is called, "The Motherland". It was built by the Soviets after Ukraine fell as a testimony of subjugation to the Soviets. It's a stainless steel woman with a sword and a shield who towers over the landscape. She faces towards the north. When locals were asked what their opinions were about this statue, they said, "She faces to the north with her weapons and says, 'Stay away from here because we will protect ourselves!!!'" I like the new meaning better:-)
What else can I say?
Good food (though some appetizers were slightly redundant-but fresh), good drink and great people. Not just the people of Ukraine but the people on the tour. There are those who are Ukrainian and those who are not. Those who have come here before and those who have experienced their roots for the first time since leaving over half a century ago. There was more than one tear shed by many people on this trip and many smiles as well.
An old friend,
shared smiles and songs
across the miles...
A common heart,
blood
that boils with music,
Rose petals
and Byzantine chant;
Simple folk
with heart aflame,
loving,
spinning,
dancing,
gold,
earth
from which we come,
to which we return...
And now a toast:
To you!
and to me!
and to all who are free!
Until we meet again,
Ukraino moya..
~peace~
plish
