Welcome Back

Arriving back in Ukraine after the states was a bit like coming home, back to the confusion, the constant not knowing what is really going on, or pretending not to when you don't want to talk to anyone. The  weather was hot, the buses smoldering and odorific, but I luckily sat next to a nice little babushka who kept asking me what time it was and if we would arrive to our destination soon, as if I was the local.

My time in the states was not quite how I pictured it to go, I had all these plans to go places, eat a lot of food, and see a lot of people. But, once I got home all I really wanted to do was spend time with my family and a few close friends. I'll be back in a year, so I will do all my Americanizing then. I loved seeing my new-to-the-world nephew, in all his glory with dark Puerto Rican Hair, and a bit of my grandfather brought back in him. The ocean was fantastic, salty and dark with the unknown and my friends made me feel loved. Getting back on the plane to Ukraine was not daunting at all, the post-soviet security was still a bit off putting, but all went well. слава богу. 

I had forgotten to book any type of accommodation for my night in Kiev, forgetting that my train left the next day, but luckily through another PCV, i had an Ukrainian friend in Kiev who at last minute notice, let me stay with her, even picked me up from the train station where the bus from the airport dropped me off. I tried really hard to give her money, but she absolutely refused. I had anticipated this, so I gave her American candy and a shot glass as presents. Ukrainians can't refuse presents. I got to shower and we watched some Sex and the City episodes, totally rocked my world.

The next day my friend drove me the PC office, again, thank god, and I met up with Katherine and her friends visiting from 'Merica. We did some touristing around and I also dealt with a bank card issue, too much hassle that i don't need to bore others with.  We went to St. Sophia's church, walked around the territory, took pictures and climbed a giant tower. Looking out from the top was pretty amazing, and also, it reminded me of how outa shape i'm in, ha. Here's some pics:

German Embassy

out-door cafe in Kiev

fork cat

st. sophia's

Uker Pose

Pretty floors

made of Easter eggs

Katherine

I think this was intended as a type of "prayer tree" but they have plastic bags to save their dreams with

the fan zone in central Kiev

train on the way home to Kherson

Back in my Village now, feeling at home. Spending time with my Ukrainian friends reminds me that I do love it here, in my bubble of Peace Corps life. Let the adventure continue.