We had two days of excursions in the first half of the course, mostly focused on ancient history and the environment. In the second half of the course, we visited various (old) sites with a bit more focus on local industry.
History of Ukraine 📰
Ukraine has a very long but complicated history — closely intertwined with Austria-Hungary, Cossacks, Poles, the Golden Horde, and more recently through occupation by nazi-germany, russia and the soviet union.
A dissident was born ✊
Myroslav Marynovych, a soviet-era dissident, gulag survivor and exile survivor, shared with us his story — along with reflections on how today’s war has roots in unpunished injustices of the past.
Study progress 🙇♂️
I’ve been studying Ukrainian for four weeks now. In this fifth week, I’m really hitting the limits of what my mind can absorb. I’ve also had the chance to get to know the new group of people who joined the course last week.
More fun with friends 🎊
Once again I’ve been fortunate to experience Ukrainian culture via my Ukrainian friend: seeing a performance, buying a vyshyvanka, having a typical Ukrainian dinner, and visiting the open-air museum.
Excursions through time ⛰️
Over two different weekend days, we explored five historic sites around Lviv — ruins, a castle and multiple churches. We’re travelling from the 7th to the 20th century. Here are the highlights…
Heroiam Slava: the Price of Dignity 🦸
In the words of Yaroslav Hrytsak during his lecture: “Nations create war; war creates nations“. The Ukrainian people did not choose this war, but they did choose to respond with dignity. For those of us at peace, especially in the West, we must ponder: how do we retain our dignity?
Fun with friends 🤳
The language course itself offers a great many friends and excursions, but I also do fun stuff with friends not from the SOUL language course. One friend living in Lviv I’ve known for years and she is introducing me to her country, culture and other friends.
The ancient city of Lviv 🦁
Lviv radiates history and culture. The city center mostly radiates liveliness and culture, whereas the cemeteries nearby invite us to learn the price to get here.
The art of nations 🖌️
In ancient Ukrainian history, a well-educated noble could entertain guests with poetry and musical accompaniment ad hoc. Poetry is particular important to the foundation of Ukraine as a nation.