Ukrainian Independence Day 2017

Last year, I attended Ukrainian Independence Day in Kiev (the capital).  It was very crowded, with the singing of the National Anthem, a speech by the President, and thousands of people.  There was also a long parade consisting of military tanks, missiles on trailers and marching soldiers.  Although the people were energized and cheering, this was not the event I was looking forward to.

This year, I decided to travel to the city of Lviv for Independence Day, and it couldn’t have been more opposite.  There was very few “formal” activities.  No parade, not even one tank (or at least not that I saw).  What I did see was a steady flowing crowd (some dressed in traditional wear, some not).  There were street musicians on every block, those weird “human statue” people, and people selling art.  It felt more like the greatest farmer’s market ever, rather than an Independence day celebration.  But I loved it all…and although it wasn’t what I was expecting, I loved almost every minute of it.

And if you scan the pictures, you’ll see I purchased pretty much the coolest shirt on the face of the planet.

The only downside is that I could not find a café to eat at for lunch.  As I felt my blood sugar level starting to drop I knew I was desperate.  And there…out of the shadows, came forward the enemy of all stomachs, heart health and taste buds combined:  McDonald’s… or as I like to call it:  McDogfood.   So there I was…in Ukraine, on Independence Day, eating a Big Mac.  Heaven forgive me.

Although I’m posting my pics of  the day, the real joy will be watching all of the videos of street musicians, etc..  I’m currently at the Lviv airport, awaiting my trip to Odessa.  I do have one more blog from Lviv however:  The Folk Art Museum at High Castle!  You don’t want to miss it!

Lviv is such a beautiful, special place.  And by special I mean unique.  Again, if it’s convenient to do so, see it!  Now it’s off to familiar territory…my apartment in Odessa.  Until then…

Jeff:  Aug 24, 2017