That’s it, folks! The Ukrainian language course in Lviv is officially over, and so my time in Lviv has ended. I’m looking back to the time of my life!
Lviving the good life 😎
Over the last week, I’ve truly had some very entertaining experiences — honey, chocolate, fighting on the streets, a fire-show, looking over the city from the city hall tower, and more!
From kitchen to cadet 🍽️
Besides learning the Ukrainian language and culture, we also had a few opportunities to volunteer. As we volunteer, we learn more about the Ukrainian character.
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.
russians send their regards 🖕
Ukraine has been suffering more intense air attacks by russia since the last few weeks — particularly 9 and 12 July. It’s not just ‘news’ — it’s noticeable for me personally, even in the ‘relatively safe’ city of Lviv.
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.
Culturing along 🎭
More culturing happened recently! We had a vyshyvanka workshop and subsequently Ivana Kupala celebrations. We also visited the National Opera House to see a ballet and an opera.
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?
Half-way through 🥲
After three weeks, I’m halfway through the course, so I can review my progress. I’m also saying goodbye to participants, (and teachers and tutors) who joined for only three weeks. And Monday I’ll be saying hello to a new batch of participants!
Making friends at school 🤝
All the Ukrainians I’ve met are incredibly hospitable and easy to talk to. My fellow language students are just as friendly. All in all, the vibes are good — helped along by a bit of stroopwafel-diplomacy. Let me explain…