University Students & Dean coming to US in May

The last supper, but only the beginning

quotes of the day:

"gurrrrrrlls! breakfest!" (artyem, our lovely student host who left us today!!! whhhaaaaaa!!!)

This morning we were greeted by another wonderful breakfast. Then we listened intently to a woman who was, IS, the vice mayor of Khariv/coordinator of social volunteers. She spoke a lot, and we learned what volunteers here do, and she told us about her days being a causac group member. She also organizes volunteers dealing with issues ranging from poverty to disabilities.
And afterwards, we made our way over to an institution where mentally disabled children are taught even though others say they can't be taught. There was a small performance put on by some of the children followed by a tour of the facilities. There was a clear emphasis put on the art and personal growth of the children.
Then, we were off to lunch at the mall, but we all thought we were getting pizza today for lunch,(granted those of you in america are probably thinking, ewwww not more pizza) which at this point, sounded just amazing to us. But we had a wonderful lunch nonetheless where we again pointed to pick food.
Then, we split into groups to do the shopping!, which was in a mall. This basically meant that there were quite a few shops similar to that of america, at least when in terms of clothing. So shopping was not very successful, as there were not many nice trinket shops there to take our money. but we were not all frowns as there was wonderful gelattos there.
but then,
We came back to the hotel and theres a very nice dinner waiting for us.
So we ate with Volodymir and the students who would be coming (to you) in may as well as PeterMinko. It was all very lovely.
They once again showered us with their wonderful gifts and we all discussed what it is they would like to do when they come to America. They mentioned that they were interested in meeting with different administrators, visiting the zoo and aquariums, as well as perhaps, night clubbing?? :]
We would LOVE any suggestions you have!
There was more exchanging of emails and we even saw the Ukrainian version of facebook.
It is quite unfortunate that we have to leave but we look forward to seeing the students in the USA.
And then we all went to bed.
its our last night sleeping here!!! :[ NOOOOO!!!!
(hi mr. mangas!)

-Rob, Elizabeth, and Alex

One Big Family

Quotes of the Day:



"Wes, we need a children's leash for you!" -Alexey (translator & friend)



Wes: "Can I buy a broom here?"
Alexey: "What? No! Bad idea."



"When I was in Cincinnati I made a wish that someday you would come here, and that my students would visit you in America. Half that wish has come true now. If the other half comes true, I will believe in miracles." -Professor V. Bulba

Today was another adventure for the Cincinnati students. Sergiy Shaparenko took us on an hour long bumpy ride to the National Park, Gamolshanski woods. Due to this year's harsh winter, the roads now have several potholes, making for a fun ride. We hiked all morning with Anton, our tour guide. We went through a time capsule, from monks brewing beer, to ancient slave trade on an Constantinople road, to a World War II battle field. There were several fox holes and trenches from a battle between Nazis and Russians. Archaeologists have been excavating an ancient wall from 17 BC. On our way back, a horse picked us up in a vintage wagon. We were taken to an old farmhouse where we were served an authentic Ukrainian lunch that consisted of Bourche soup and Kasha. Alex Mangas was adventurous, trying Ukrainian lard (yummy!). We had mint tea and Easter bread for dessert. This was a unique chance to experience and learn about the Ukrainian culture firsthand. Ukraine also has an environmental movement to "go green," but the process is slow.

In the evening, we were invited to a party at Professor V. Bulba's for a homemade family meal. We all dressed up, trying to keep up with Ukraine's high fashion. They opened their home to us, and we enjoyed an incredible meal cooked by Mrs. Bulba. Professor Bulba's daughter, Olga, and granddaughter, Paulina, were there with his son, Dimir. Everyone presented the family with gifts, including a special memory box from Professor Bulba's visit to Cincinnati. Afterwards, we were in for a surprise - Olga dressed us up in homemade authentic Ukrainian dress. This included flower crowns for girls, and bright red baggy pants for boys (see pictures!). We had a special mock-wedding ceremony, where we learned the traditions of Ukrainian weddings. We really enjoyed the experience.

Later this evening, we learned how to make oragami cranes from our dorm friend, Andrew.

by Meera Basu, Grace Brown, Alex Mangas, Rob Marty, and Wes Adamson