Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Inspiration.....
Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come most alive, because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Howard Thurman
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Okean Elzy
MAY 24 2010
On Wednesday (May 26) I am going to a concert with the 3 saskatoon students. We are going to see Okean Elzy (translated to Ocean Elzy - click link for youtube video "Flowers")– a VERY popular Ukrainian pop singer. We are sitting in the 8th row, dead center. The tickets cost 280hrv (herevena) each.
I have no idea who this dude is. The Saskatoon kids are super excited to see him. They are all of Ukrainian background who are (varyingly) active in their own Ukrainian communities. One of the guys said that his friends back home would do horrible things to him if they found out he had the opportunity go, and passed it up. I am going because it’ll be a neat experience – an opportunity to see popular culture in raw format, and an evening out of the house.
Tanya and Slaveek (family) were soo excited that I am going – they fired up the computer and played me all of the music they had. They explained why he was so popular (his musc is very good, and he is one of very few popular singers that sings all their songs in Ukrainian rather than selling out and singing in the more popular and definitely more lucrative Russian). They were both very enthusiastic about Okean Elzy.
The rough exchange is about 7hrv to $1CAD – that makes the tickets approximately $40 each – not terrible for some of the bests seats in the house to see one of the most popular singers in the Ukraine. I was going to go tomorrow (today is a holiday) and buy Tanya and Slaveek tickets to see their favourite singer… unfortunately Slaveek will be out of town (he works in the regional hospital the next town over) and Tanya has to travel to Kiev to drop off an important document (the Ukrainian postal service is not the same as Canada post, apparently) so neither one of them is able to go, ticket or not.
Today there was an Okean Elzy video on the “televeezor” and they started asking about the upcoming concert: where I am sitting, where it is, what time it is etc. Not being particularly attached to the idea of going, I couldn’t answer any of their questions so I go them the ticket. Slaveek’s eyes nearly popped out of his head – he couldn’t believe that I paid 280hrv for a ticket.
I was then let in on contextual information I’ve been wondering about since I got here: average salary. Slaveek is a specialized Abdomen surgeon at the regional hospital his salary is 1200hrv – not per hour, not per day, not even per week – he makes 1200hrv per month!!! I spent 1/4 of his monthly earnings on concert tickets!! Holy fuck that puts things into perspective- I was mortified when he told me this. Not only have I just turned into the rich Canadian (which I have been trying very hard not to be flashy about), but I’m also the privileged asshole who has no idea how privileged I am.
I thought about how I would feel if someone told me they partied with Greenday (insert favourite popular celebrity here) but had no idea who they were and had never heard their music they had an alright time, but they were just there for a “night out”. Or if you’re a sports fan – think about the “suits” that buy up the front row seats (gold or platinum at the air Canada center) and either don’t show up, or come and have no interest in the sport they are watching (Adam, if you’re reading, I’m thinking about how you’d feel…). You almost need to multiply that shitty feeling by 10 because not only is this guy popular, there is a significant layer of nationalism because of what he represents, and then to add one more thing – going to a concert like this is an opportunity that most people in this city could never even dream about because the cost is way way way to high (again ¼ of his monthly salary).
My family in no way whatsoever holds it against me that I am coming from priviledge – they are not even disappointed that I am going to the concert and they are not – in fact they are excited that I am taking a camera and will be able to share pictures and videos with them (I told you they are effing amazing people). I feel like shit, though, and I have no idea how to make sure I’m contributing to daily life in the family without being flashy, and an asshole….
Things to ponder…..
*Love*
On Wednesday (May 26) I am going to a concert with the 3 saskatoon students. We are going to see Okean Elzy (translated to Ocean Elzy - click link for youtube video "Flowers")– a VERY popular Ukrainian pop singer. We are sitting in the 8th row, dead center. The tickets cost 280hrv (herevena) each.
I have no idea who this dude is. The Saskatoon kids are super excited to see him. They are all of Ukrainian background who are (varyingly) active in their own Ukrainian communities. One of the guys said that his friends back home would do horrible things to him if they found out he had the opportunity go, and passed it up. I am going because it’ll be a neat experience – an opportunity to see popular culture in raw format, and an evening out of the house.
Tanya and Slaveek (family) were soo excited that I am going – they fired up the computer and played me all of the music they had. They explained why he was so popular (his musc is very good, and he is one of very few popular singers that sings all their songs in Ukrainian rather than selling out and singing in the more popular and definitely more lucrative Russian). They were both very enthusiastic about Okean Elzy.
The rough exchange is about 7hrv to $1CAD – that makes the tickets approximately $40 each – not terrible for some of the bests seats in the house to see one of the most popular singers in the Ukraine. I was going to go tomorrow (today is a holiday) and buy Tanya and Slaveek tickets to see their favourite singer… unfortunately Slaveek will be out of town (he works in the regional hospital the next town over) and Tanya has to travel to Kiev to drop off an important document (the Ukrainian postal service is not the same as Canada post, apparently) so neither one of them is able to go, ticket or not.
Today there was an Okean Elzy video on the “televeezor” and they started asking about the upcoming concert: where I am sitting, where it is, what time it is etc. Not being particularly attached to the idea of going, I couldn’t answer any of their questions so I go them the ticket. Slaveek’s eyes nearly popped out of his head – he couldn’t believe that I paid 280hrv for a ticket.
I was then let in on contextual information I’ve been wondering about since I got here: average salary. Slaveek is a specialized Abdomen surgeon at the regional hospital his salary is 1200hrv – not per hour, not per day, not even per week – he makes 1200hrv per month!!! I spent 1/4 of his monthly earnings on concert tickets!! Holy fuck that puts things into perspective- I was mortified when he told me this. Not only have I just turned into the rich Canadian (which I have been trying very hard not to be flashy about), but I’m also the privileged asshole who has no idea how privileged I am.
I thought about how I would feel if someone told me they partied with Greenday (insert favourite popular celebrity here) but had no idea who they were and had never heard their music they had an alright time, but they were just there for a “night out”. Or if you’re a sports fan – think about the “suits” that buy up the front row seats (gold or platinum at the air Canada center) and either don’t show up, or come and have no interest in the sport they are watching (Adam, if you’re reading, I’m thinking about how you’d feel…). You almost need to multiply that shitty feeling by 10 because not only is this guy popular, there is a significant layer of nationalism because of what he represents, and then to add one more thing – going to a concert like this is an opportunity that most people in this city could never even dream about because the cost is way way way to high (again ¼ of his monthly salary).
My family in no way whatsoever holds it against me that I am coming from priviledge – they are not even disappointed that I am going to the concert and they are not – in fact they are excited that I am taking a camera and will be able to share pictures and videos with them (I told you they are effing amazing people). I feel like shit, though, and I have no idea how to make sure I’m contributing to daily life in the family without being flashy, and an asshole….
Things to ponder…..
*Love*
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
In extricably connected
May 18 2010
MAN did that ever feel good.
Please excuse me while I turn this blog into my personal journal.....
Tonight, I was able to connect via telephone with felix for the first time since I left Toronto a week ago!!! We have been trying since Saturday to get in touch, but to know avail….
Last week I didn’t think it was a huge deal, I figured we would talk eventually, and I wasn’t particularly worried about it. I had an amazing weekend with the family and that helped me to keep up the guise that I was doing ok without that connection. As of Sunday night, my heart sank at the thought of going to bed, and ending another day without talking to him. Each day that passed was another lower notch. I think I had convinced myself that it was ok, and that it would eventually happen – BUT I was noticing a lack of focus and a general feeling malaise that was beginning to set in. now that we have connected, I feel energized and recharged and my fatigue and overwhelmed feeling has disappeared. It is amazing the things we don’t even realize that we need.
Today we (the Saskatoon students and I) ventured to the Mall – Podolianna – which houses a large superstore type grocery store. We concluded that with enough money, and a limited knowledge of Ukrainian one could manage to find all (well most) of the material goods that help to make “home” comfortable. Post communist Ukraine has caught up with the western world in terms of imports and most things are available, for a price. It is comforting to know that I have access to Hienz ketchup, frosted flakes, and even mangoes if I so desired.
That being said, the greatest comfort of all is the 15 minutes spent talking on the phone (in English) with a loved one. For me, those 15 minutes powered up a teleporting device – I was HOME for that period of time and it was definitely a supercharge for my well worn batteries. I don’t think I have ever appreciated Joni Mitchell as much as I do right at this moment - “don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you‘ve got till it’s gone. For me, I was missing my recharge station. I now know that it is important, even imperative for me to be able to connect with Felix on a regular basis – make sure he’s eating (especially his vegetables), and also to let him know that things are good, I’m safe and happy and to catch each other up on what’s happening in our lives.
Can I get even more sappy? I have come to realize, in just one short week that I love that man to death! Being without him for a single week has felt like a life time already. When I dream of “home” I don’t dream of our country, or our city, or even our condo; my dreams of home are dreams of being with Felix, regardless of location and it’s wonderful to come to the realization that our lives are inextricably intertwined.
Thanks for reading!
*love*
MAN did that ever feel good.
Please excuse me while I turn this blog into my personal journal.....
Tonight, I was able to connect via telephone with felix for the first time since I left Toronto a week ago!!! We have been trying since Saturday to get in touch, but to know avail….
Last week I didn’t think it was a huge deal, I figured we would talk eventually, and I wasn’t particularly worried about it. I had an amazing weekend with the family and that helped me to keep up the guise that I was doing ok without that connection. As of Sunday night, my heart sank at the thought of going to bed, and ending another day without talking to him. Each day that passed was another lower notch. I think I had convinced myself that it was ok, and that it would eventually happen – BUT I was noticing a lack of focus and a general feeling malaise that was beginning to set in. now that we have connected, I feel energized and recharged and my fatigue and overwhelmed feeling has disappeared. It is amazing the things we don’t even realize that we need.
Today we (the Saskatoon students and I) ventured to the Mall – Podolianna – which houses a large superstore type grocery store. We concluded that with enough money, and a limited knowledge of Ukrainian one could manage to find all (well most) of the material goods that help to make “home” comfortable. Post communist Ukraine has caught up with the western world in terms of imports and most things are available, for a price. It is comforting to know that I have access to Hienz ketchup, frosted flakes, and even mangoes if I so desired.
That being said, the greatest comfort of all is the 15 minutes spent talking on the phone (in English) with a loved one. For me, those 15 minutes powered up a teleporting device – I was HOME for that period of time and it was definitely a supercharge for my well worn batteries. I don’t think I have ever appreciated Joni Mitchell as much as I do right at this moment - “don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you‘ve got till it’s gone. For me, I was missing my recharge station. I now know that it is important, even imperative for me to be able to connect with Felix on a regular basis – make sure he’s eating (especially his vegetables), and also to let him know that things are good, I’m safe and happy and to catch each other up on what’s happening in our lives.
Can I get even more sappy? I have come to realize, in just one short week that I love that man to death! Being without him for a single week has felt like a life time already. When I dream of “home” I don’t dream of our country, or our city, or even our condo; my dreams of home are dreams of being with Felix, regardless of location and it’s wonderful to come to the realization that our lives are inextricably intertwined.
Thanks for reading!
*love*
він вона - gender difficulties
May 17 2010
I have been in school nearly 21 years of my life which amounts to somewhere around 45-50 separate teachers – all of who would probably describe me as stubborn, headstrong, and perhaps even a bit difficult (if I wanted to be) [Janet, John, Joanne…. I’m sure you can confirm this]. Generally I tend to stick to my convictions, regardless of the consequences.
For example – I help to put on a charity auction every November in support of different women’s shelters in Toronto. This event kicks off my Christmas season, and is one of the ways I am active in my community. This auction means A LOT to me, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. More often than not, the auction falls smack dab in the middle of the university exam schedule, and I usually have to do some rearranging in order to make sure I’m there. By and large, professors understand that it is an important event and are more than willing to work around it – there are some, however, who are less than concerned with battered women and have refused to allow any wiggle room for scheduled exams. To a number of these professors I have said that I would rather forgo the marks for the exam than miss the Auction. I feel strongly about the things that I involve myself in, and generally that kind of conviction persuades my profs to be more understanding – but even if they weren’t, I would be more than willing to stick to my guns and forgo the exam … I'm all about conviction.
Currently, I am learning Ukrainian at the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. I am enjoying the classes. I have a wonderful professor, Larissa, who’s English is better than my own. She is patient, and Learning a language while you are engaged in a culture is so rewarding because you can see measureable results with every inch of progress (speaking of which – Joanne, remind me I would like to talk to you about doing a Masters program….). I have actually become partial to doing my homework because I enjoy gaining the knowledge I need to navigate through the next 4 months. Nevermind the fact that I am enjoying the learning process, I have found something to be difficult about – Gendered speaking.
The Ukrainian language – like French,Italian,Spanish… etc. requires that all things have gender. Computer is male, dog is female, horse is male, belt is male, shoe is female, blog is neuter. The one distinction that really got to me was student – phonetically male student is stoo’dent, and female student is stoo’dentka. Whats the difference, you ask? Well what IS the difference between a male student and a female student? Why should we differentiate between them? Is male student a female student not just as capable and intelligent as any male student.
Of course I asked why this is the way it is done – actually I asked how I am to know (as a learning/non native speaker) which gender is assigned to which word; then I mentioned that distinguishing a male from a female student is politically incorrect, and unnecessary in Canada, and that I didn’t like the distinction. Larissa was understanding of my question and said “the Ukrainian language can seem irrational to some people, especially Canadians, but I will say that the language is a reflection of the people and the culture! I will also say that our language and culture is not nearly as progressive as yours may be.” I can-not, and will not make such statements about the Ukrainian people/culture, but she did, and I’ll take her word for it….
That being said, I have decided to take a stand against making such distinctions. Today during my regular lesson, I was putting sentences together and responding to questions about myself: what is my name, what is my last name, my age, my job, where I’m from , and what my nationality is. Nationality is another one that drives me a little nuts – a male Canadian would say “ya kanadiky” a female Canadian would say “ya kanadika” – I have decided that instead of saying I am (a female) Canadian (a now unofficial national statement) I will say instead “ya z Kanadikiu” : I am FROM Canada!
I think that I will be forgoing marks, and risk sounding improperly educated to other native Ukrainian speakers when I call myself a “stoo’dent” rather than a “stoo’dentka”, but I do so with my principals, and my convictions in mind. I told Larissa that I think change needs to start somewhere, and I am more than happy to be the first to make the “error” in the name of change – am I being culturally insensitive? Perhaps, but I’m ok with that for now, until someone can give me a better answer than “this is the way it is done here, it’s the way it’s always been done here”
Someone tell me I’m being difficult…..
*love*
I have been in school nearly 21 years of my life which amounts to somewhere around 45-50 separate teachers – all of who would probably describe me as stubborn, headstrong, and perhaps even a bit difficult (if I wanted to be) [Janet, John, Joanne…. I’m sure you can confirm this]. Generally I tend to stick to my convictions, regardless of the consequences.
For example – I help to put on a charity auction every November in support of different women’s shelters in Toronto. This event kicks off my Christmas season, and is one of the ways I am active in my community. This auction means A LOT to me, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. More often than not, the auction falls smack dab in the middle of the university exam schedule, and I usually have to do some rearranging in order to make sure I’m there. By and large, professors understand that it is an important event and are more than willing to work around it – there are some, however, who are less than concerned with battered women and have refused to allow any wiggle room for scheduled exams. To a number of these professors I have said that I would rather forgo the marks for the exam than miss the Auction. I feel strongly about the things that I involve myself in, and generally that kind of conviction persuades my profs to be more understanding – but even if they weren’t, I would be more than willing to stick to my guns and forgo the exam … I'm all about conviction.
Currently, I am learning Ukrainian at the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. I am enjoying the classes. I have a wonderful professor, Larissa, who’s English is better than my own. She is patient, and Learning a language while you are engaged in a culture is so rewarding because you can see measureable results with every inch of progress (speaking of which – Joanne, remind me I would like to talk to you about doing a Masters program….). I have actually become partial to doing my homework because I enjoy gaining the knowledge I need to navigate through the next 4 months. Nevermind the fact that I am enjoying the learning process, I have found something to be difficult about – Gendered speaking.
The Ukrainian language – like French,Italian,Spanish… etc. requires that all things have gender. Computer is male, dog is female, horse is male, belt is male, shoe is female, blog is neuter. The one distinction that really got to me was student – phonetically male student is stoo’dent, and female student is stoo’dentka. Whats the difference, you ask? Well what IS the difference between a male student and a female student? Why should we differentiate between them? Is male student a female student not just as capable and intelligent as any male student.
Of course I asked why this is the way it is done – actually I asked how I am to know (as a learning/non native speaker) which gender is assigned to which word; then I mentioned that distinguishing a male from a female student is politically incorrect, and unnecessary in Canada, and that I didn’t like the distinction. Larissa was understanding of my question and said “the Ukrainian language can seem irrational to some people, especially Canadians, but I will say that the language is a reflection of the people and the culture! I will also say that our language and culture is not nearly as progressive as yours may be.” I can-not, and will not make such statements about the Ukrainian people/culture, but she did, and I’ll take her word for it….
That being said, I have decided to take a stand against making such distinctions. Today during my regular lesson, I was putting sentences together and responding to questions about myself: what is my name, what is my last name, my age, my job, where I’m from , and what my nationality is. Nationality is another one that drives me a little nuts – a male Canadian would say “ya kanadiky” a female Canadian would say “ya kanadika” – I have decided that instead of saying I am (a female) Canadian (a now unofficial national statement) I will say instead “ya z Kanadikiu” : I am FROM Canada!
I think that I will be forgoing marks, and risk sounding improperly educated to other native Ukrainian speakers when I call myself a “stoo’dent” rather than a “stoo’dentka”, but I do so with my principals, and my convictions in mind. I told Larissa that I think change needs to start somewhere, and I am more than happy to be the first to make the “error” in the name of change – am I being culturally insensitive? Perhaps, but I’m ok with that for now, until someone can give me a better answer than “this is the way it is done here, it’s the way it’s always been done here”
Someone tell me I’m being difficult…..
*love*
"I think I'm gonna like it here!" - Annie 1982
MAY 14 2010
Tonight has been one of the best Friday nights I’ve had in a long time!! Was wonderful (later edit: the whole weekend was absolutely incredible for all the same reasons that Friday was amazing). I came home from school and learned how to make varenkey (pirogies) with Tanya and Luba (mama)
and met Slava (Tanya’s brother). We had dinner and talked (well did our best in broken English broken Ukrainian, and some VERY proficient charades) about Ukraine, School , politics, Canada and life. After that we watched TV together as a FAMILY.
(later edit: we spent the rest of the weekend making varenkey (pirogies) and Ukrainian cookies, going grocery shopping and just spending good QUALITY time together…)
I would imagine that most people feel pretty homesick the first week of their travels – wishing they were home with friends and their own family– for me, this is the most “at home” I’ve felt in a LONG time. Although I do not watch TV at home (in Canada) I did so here with the family, and although I couldn’t understand a word of what was going on it was so nice to exist in time and space with other people without hostility or anxiety or stress. Tonight I experienced family in a way that is foreign to me.
I’m sometimes tortured with a life long battle with my family. I tend to leave my family (and our battles) out of most conversations because it is a mess and not really a great topic of “polite conversation. This battle definitely plays a role in why I’m here (in Ukraine). My battle with “family” has been highlighted for me and at the forefront of my mind since the day I left Toronto. I don’t really have a clear idea of the definition of family. My idea of family, and my family values are Stepford-esque in that I seek perfection on the outside but know that beneath that façade there are strange and perverse things happening.
Tanya, and the family, have asked about MY family quite a bit over the last couple days - names, pictures etc. They asked if my mother cried when I left and if she’s going to miss me – the truth is my mother didn’t believe that I had enough conviction to follow through on leaving for Ukraine. Tanya keeps asking if I am going to call my mother and father – nope. My mother and I haven’t spoken since Christmas – that’s shitty, really shitty. In my mind, mothers play the role of (almost) human diary to their adult females – I lament that I do not have this type of relationship with my mother. This is an experience I’d love to share with someone like that. Sometimes I feel like the only family that does or will exist for me is the one I build from the ground up in my own life (friends, Felix, perhaps children…) as I generally feel so isolated from my own family. Sometimes I wonder if I work so hard to prove to them (especially mom) that I am not a fuck-up, and that I’m worthy of being treated with respect and dignity. This family that has adopted me for 4.5 months has already validated me, and made me feel more welcome and at home than I think I have ever felt.
It is strange for me to be in a family environment where 3 (now 7) days have passed and there hasn’t been an angry word exchanged yet – I get the feeling that the whole 135 days will go by and I will never experience negative interactions. What an experience. Not in my wildest expectations did I ever conjure up such experiences. I was really committed to coming here to focus on the lives of the girls at the Internat; I haven’t even gotten there and already I feel like a totally different person.
I am so thankful that I have been trained to reflect both inwardly and outwardly on myself, the world around me and my experiences (you know who you are). Tracking these experiences and, logging these insights is incredibly pertinent to my learning and growth curve.
The orphan Annie sings a song after being “lent out” to Daddy Warbucks – “I think I’m gonna like it here” (click to see video) – this is how I feel. It’s so nice to finally feel like I belong.
*love*
Tonight has been one of the best Friday nights I’ve had in a long time!! Was wonderful (later edit: the whole weekend was absolutely incredible for all the same reasons that Friday was amazing). I came home from school and learned how to make varenkey (pirogies) with Tanya and Luba (mama)
and met Slava (Tanya’s brother). We had dinner and talked (well did our best in broken English broken Ukrainian, and some VERY proficient charades) about Ukraine, School , politics, Canada and life. After that we watched TV together as a FAMILY.
(later edit: we spent the rest of the weekend making varenkey (pirogies) and Ukrainian cookies, going grocery shopping and just spending good QUALITY time together…)I would imagine that most people feel pretty homesick the first week of their travels – wishing they were home with friends and their own family– for me, this is the most “at home” I’ve felt in a LONG time. Although I do not watch TV at home (in Canada) I did so here with the family, and although I couldn’t understand a word of what was going on it was so nice to exist in time and space with other people without hostility or anxiety or stress. Tonight I experienced family in a way that is foreign to me.
I’m sometimes tortured with a life long battle with my family. I tend to leave my family (and our battles) out of most conversations because it is a mess and not really a great topic of “polite conversation. This battle definitely plays a role in why I’m here (in Ukraine). My battle with “family” has been highlighted for me and at the forefront of my mind since the day I left Toronto. I don’t really have a clear idea of the definition of family. My idea of family, and my family values are Stepford-esque in that I seek perfection on the outside but know that beneath that façade there are strange and perverse things happening.
Tanya, and the family, have asked about MY family quite a bit over the last couple days - names, pictures etc. They asked if my mother cried when I left and if she’s going to miss me – the truth is my mother didn’t believe that I had enough conviction to follow through on leaving for Ukraine. Tanya keeps asking if I am going to call my mother and father – nope. My mother and I haven’t spoken since Christmas – that’s shitty, really shitty. In my mind, mothers play the role of (almost) human diary to their adult females – I lament that I do not have this type of relationship with my mother. This is an experience I’d love to share with someone like that. Sometimes I feel like the only family that does or will exist for me is the one I build from the ground up in my own life (friends, Felix, perhaps children…) as I generally feel so isolated from my own family. Sometimes I wonder if I work so hard to prove to them (especially mom) that I am not a fuck-up, and that I’m worthy of being treated with respect and dignity. This family that has adopted me for 4.5 months has already validated me, and made me feel more welcome and at home than I think I have ever felt.
It is strange for me to be in a family environment where 3 (now 7) days have passed and there hasn’t been an angry word exchanged yet – I get the feeling that the whole 135 days will go by and I will never experience negative interactions. What an experience. Not in my wildest expectations did I ever conjure up such experiences. I was really committed to coming here to focus on the lives of the girls at the Internat; I haven’t even gotten there and already I feel like a totally different person.
I am so thankful that I have been trained to reflect both inwardly and outwardly on myself, the world around me and my experiences (you know who you are). Tracking these experiences and, logging these insights is incredibly pertinent to my learning and growth curve.
The orphan Annie sings a song after being “lent out” to Daddy Warbucks – “I think I’m gonna like it here” (click to see video) – this is how I feel. It’s so nice to finally feel like I belong.
*love*
нарешті прибувається - finally arrived
May 12 2010
Finally. I have arrived.
Here are pictures of my FIRST views of Ukraine from the Airplane, landing at Lviv
My journey was not for the feint at heart. I started in Toronto on Monday.
Let me take some time to explain all of the pitfalls of the last couple days
1) I THOUGHT my plane departed at 1:30, but it actually departed at 12:30! I lost an hour ad had to cut my to do list in half – a lesson in prioritizing!
2) The guy at the United Air counter was a jerk ( see previous post) and charged me an arm and a leg for my over weight suitcases (I had planned ahead and brought thank you cookies for him to be accommodating… but to no avail)
3) I got to Chicago perfectly (as described earlier) only to find out that my next flight (to warsaw) was delayed by 6 hours. This meant that my next flight to Lviv would also be delayed by 12 hours making me 24 hours late.
4) Panic hit! I had taken the time (prioritized) to cancel my cell service in Toronto so that I did not incur horrendous charges while in transit. This meant I had no way to connect with anyone to let them know these changes to my itinerary.
5) I learned you cannot make a connect call to a cell phone!
6) I learned American business are unwilling to make/give small change – this made using the payphone a horrible mess. I had to call Felix and talk in one minute intervals
7) I was stuck in Chicago for 14 hours with very little and limited access to US money, no internet connection, no communication, and no food.
8) I realized while sitting at the gate to board the plane to Warsaw that Chicago is in a different time zone, which meant that I had ANOTHER hour to wait for the plane
9) The 9 hour flight wasn’t so bad, but in the spirit of being a total complainer, I must say that airplane seats (well airplanes overall) are NOT fat friendly. If I had a single motivation for losing some weight while over here, it would be to properly fit into an airplane seat for the journey back home!!!!
10) Warsaw was a really nice stop over. LOT airlines is in my bad books though – the shuttle bus was late this morning and on account of nearly missing my plane I shared a cab with the woman I met yesterday (Oksana) and another Gentleman from Belarus (who was very confused as to why I refused to speak Russian)
11) I arrived in Lviv just a little late, and the customs officer informed me that my $220 visa was invalid and that I must contact the police after three months in Ukraine to beg permission to stay my remaining month and a half! (the baggage officer was pretty firm with me until he asked where I was from, I told him I was a Canadian student, and his demeanor totally changed: he was then totally uninterested in checking my bags. Its ok, I don’t trust Americans either!)
12) THEY LOST MY LUGGAGE!!!!!!!! One of my bags arrived, but the other one is lost in an intercontinental matrix. Everyone kept saying “ make sure you have enough packed on your carry-on luggage to get you through a couple days…” I didn’t listen. My suitcase that is full of stuff for the girls arrived, but my clothes and personal effects did not. For the next couple days, I am stuck hand washing my underpants, and wearing the same clothes.
13) I learned there are no escalators/elevators in most of Ukraine. Carrying my 80lb suitcase + back pack+ purse up and down stairs was definitely a test of my endurance. (below: pictures of the train Lviv - Ternopil)
14) I learned that I am not as good at speaking Ukrainian to Ukrainians as I am at speaking Ukrainian to my pillow….. Again, I feel like a heel speaking in MY language in other people’s country.
15) Because of my LONG journey I have burned through 2 of my novels meant to get me through the summer (please send me books!!! )
After 3 full days of travel, I have finally arrived safely, in not just a little bit exhausted, and A LOT travel weary. The journey did not happen without lessons being learned.
The most important thing that I will take from my journey is that this summer is not going to be a breeze. I think I commenced my journey with a healthy dose of cocky, which has effectively been cut off at the knees. I also learned that I deal well with difficult situations – I can keep going as long as the problem requires that I respond – just keep swimming is a wonderful motto to adopt.
With the 15 points of horrible out of the way, I am happy to be here. I am glad that I arrived, and that I am here to carry out the plan as I have dreamed about for the last year. I have worked damned hard to get this far, and I don’t intend to have a shitty 48 hours ruin that for me – I’m here in one piece, basically unscathed, and off I go on the rest of my journey.
Photo from the Museum of 4 Ukrainian symbols
*love*
Finally. I have arrived.
Here are pictures of my FIRST views of Ukraine from the Airplane, landing at Lviv
My journey was not for the feint at heart. I started in Toronto on Monday.
Let me take some time to explain all of the pitfalls of the last couple days
1) I THOUGHT my plane departed at 1:30, but it actually departed at 12:30! I lost an hour ad had to cut my to do list in half – a lesson in prioritizing!
2) The guy at the United Air counter was a jerk ( see previous post) and charged me an arm and a leg for my over weight suitcases (I had planned ahead and brought thank you cookies for him to be accommodating… but to no avail)
3) I got to Chicago perfectly (as described earlier) only to find out that my next flight (to warsaw) was delayed by 6 hours. This meant that my next flight to Lviv would also be delayed by 12 hours making me 24 hours late.
4) Panic hit! I had taken the time (prioritized) to cancel my cell service in Toronto so that I did not incur horrendous charges while in transit. This meant I had no way to connect with anyone to let them know these changes to my itinerary.
5) I learned you cannot make a connect call to a cell phone!
6) I learned American business are unwilling to make/give small change – this made using the payphone a horrible mess. I had to call Felix and talk in one minute intervals
7) I was stuck in Chicago for 14 hours with very little and limited access to US money, no internet connection, no communication, and no food.
8) I realized while sitting at the gate to board the plane to Warsaw that Chicago is in a different time zone, which meant that I had ANOTHER hour to wait for the plane
9) The 9 hour flight wasn’t so bad, but in the spirit of being a total complainer, I must say that airplane seats (well airplanes overall) are NOT fat friendly. If I had a single motivation for losing some weight while over here, it would be to properly fit into an airplane seat for the journey back home!!!!
10) Warsaw was a really nice stop over. LOT airlines is in my bad books though – the shuttle bus was late this morning and on account of nearly missing my plane I shared a cab with the woman I met yesterday (Oksana) and another Gentleman from Belarus (who was very confused as to why I refused to speak Russian)
11) I arrived in Lviv just a little late, and the customs officer informed me that my $220 visa was invalid and that I must contact the police after three months in Ukraine to beg permission to stay my remaining month and a half! (the baggage officer was pretty firm with me until he asked where I was from, I told him I was a Canadian student, and his demeanor totally changed: he was then totally uninterested in checking my bags. Its ok, I don’t trust Americans either!)
12) THEY LOST MY LUGGAGE!!!!!!!! One of my bags arrived, but the other one is lost in an intercontinental matrix. Everyone kept saying “ make sure you have enough packed on your carry-on luggage to get you through a couple days…” I didn’t listen. My suitcase that is full of stuff for the girls arrived, but my clothes and personal effects did not. For the next couple days, I am stuck hand washing my underpants, and wearing the same clothes.
13) I learned there are no escalators/elevators in most of Ukraine. Carrying my 80lb suitcase + back pack+ purse up and down stairs was definitely a test of my endurance. (below: pictures of the train Lviv - Ternopil)
14) I learned that I am not as good at speaking Ukrainian to Ukrainians as I am at speaking Ukrainian to my pillow….. Again, I feel like a heel speaking in MY language in other people’s country.
15) Because of my LONG journey I have burned through 2 of my novels meant to get me through the summer (please send me books!!! )
After 3 full days of travel, I have finally arrived safely, in not just a little bit exhausted, and A LOT travel weary. The journey did not happen without lessons being learned.
The most important thing that I will take from my journey is that this summer is not going to be a breeze. I think I commenced my journey with a healthy dose of cocky, which has effectively been cut off at the knees. I also learned that I deal well with difficult situations – I can keep going as long as the problem requires that I respond – just keep swimming is a wonderful motto to adopt.
With the 15 points of horrible out of the way, I am happy to be here. I am glad that I arrived, and that I am here to carry out the plan as I have dreamed about for the last year. I have worked damned hard to get this far, and I don’t intend to have a shitty 48 hours ruin that for me – I’m here in one piece, basically unscathed, and off I go on the rest of my journey.
Photo from the Museum of 4 Ukrainian symbols
*love*
ENOUGH adventure!!!
MAY 11 2010
Well this is exciting. A 5 hour delay, plus an overnight stopover in Warsaw (totally unplanned) and a full day delay getting into Lviv. This isn’t so bad – except this morning I called and cancelled my cell phone – so I am totally disconnected from anyone! Travelling alone sucks.
I suppose I have to be open to adventure that IS the nature of all this, right?!
Can I rant a little bit? This morning when I got to the airport in Toronto, Felix in tow, I spoke to the United airlines counter and asked them to waive the baggage fee on account of the fact that both my suitcases are full of stuff I’m taking to the Internat. The guy was a total jerk and was distracted by kibitzing with the hot blonde at the next counter. He didn’t tell me how much he was charging me for the baggage – worked out to be more than $250!!!!! Yes I know I shouldn’t be overweight and carrying more than one suitcase – but I had good intentions. But the real reason it is making me mad is that I called both United and LOT airline a month ago (the day after I booked my ticket) to ask about reducing/waiving the baggage fee. Both “customer service” reps told me that they didn’t have the power to waive baggage fees, but the people at the check in counter could. I said thanks for your help, and then showed up early to speak with the check in people – the real kicker is that the jerk guy told me that he couldn’t do anything and I should have called the main “customer service line” a month ago… I ALREADY DID THAT AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO YOU!! Gawd! Sorry. I am ranting, I’m well aware, but I’m a little high strung.
I was really excited to write a post/update letting you know that I had successfully navigated O’Hare airport here in Chicago (usually any traveler’s nightmare). And although I am in the right place, I have found myself here at the wrong time – just about 5 hours too early (drats).
I think I’m ok, and have accepted the changes to my itinerary. That being said, I must admit that I am a little bit nervous about spending a night alone in Warsaw and perhaps a little anxious that I’ll be there, but will not have time to explore. I am also worried about the people who are travelling from Ternopil to collect me, and the other Canadian travelers. I don’t like the idea that on account of me they will have to make 2 trips (unless of course the other students are also delayed, and therefore, they will only have to make one trip….). I have learned to be flexible, but I have not learned how to comfortably be an inconvenience.
I’m stressed!! (can you tell?!) but I will do my best to make the best of this new situation.
Just so you all know, I’m safe, and will continue to be, and I’ll update you as the next 2 days, or so, plays out…..
Here is a photo of the plane (10 hours) from Chicago to Warsaw (250 people)
*love*
Well this is exciting. A 5 hour delay, plus an overnight stopover in Warsaw (totally unplanned) and a full day delay getting into Lviv. This isn’t so bad – except this morning I called and cancelled my cell phone – so I am totally disconnected from anyone! Travelling alone sucks.
I suppose I have to be open to adventure that IS the nature of all this, right?!
Can I rant a little bit? This morning when I got to the airport in Toronto, Felix in tow, I spoke to the United airlines counter and asked them to waive the baggage fee on account of the fact that both my suitcases are full of stuff I’m taking to the Internat. The guy was a total jerk and was distracted by kibitzing with the hot blonde at the next counter. He didn’t tell me how much he was charging me for the baggage – worked out to be more than $250!!!!! Yes I know I shouldn’t be overweight and carrying more than one suitcase – but I had good intentions. But the real reason it is making me mad is that I called both United and LOT airline a month ago (the day after I booked my ticket) to ask about reducing/waiving the baggage fee. Both “customer service” reps told me that they didn’t have the power to waive baggage fees, but the people at the check in counter could. I said thanks for your help, and then showed up early to speak with the check in people – the real kicker is that the jerk guy told me that he couldn’t do anything and I should have called the main “customer service line” a month ago… I ALREADY DID THAT AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO YOU!! Gawd! Sorry. I am ranting, I’m well aware, but I’m a little high strung.
I was really excited to write a post/update letting you know that I had successfully navigated O’Hare airport here in Chicago (usually any traveler’s nightmare). And although I am in the right place, I have found myself here at the wrong time – just about 5 hours too early (drats).
I think I’m ok, and have accepted the changes to my itinerary. That being said, I must admit that I am a little bit nervous about spending a night alone in Warsaw and perhaps a little anxious that I’ll be there, but will not have time to explore. I am also worried about the people who are travelling from Ternopil to collect me, and the other Canadian travelers. I don’t like the idea that on account of me they will have to make 2 trips (unless of course the other students are also delayed, and therefore, they will only have to make one trip….). I have learned to be flexible, but I have not learned how to comfortably be an inconvenience.
I’m stressed!! (can you tell?!) but I will do my best to make the best of this new situation.
Just so you all know, I’m safe, and will continue to be, and I’ll update you as the next 2 days, or so, plays out…..
Here is a photo of the plane (10 hours) from Chicago to Warsaw (250 people)
*love*
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Witamy w Warszawie, Polska
I am a people watcher, and I have a unique memory for faces. I remember people. There was a woman on my flight the Warsaw -I saw her hanging out in chicago, I saw her on the plane here, we took the shuttle bus together, we ate lunch at the same table... I kept wanting to ask if shee'd like to come down town and explore with me so that we werent two single ladies. My bashfull ness got the better of me - I didn't ask and went down town exploting by myself.
here are some photographs:
here is the Warsaw Centrum - a kin to times square, or Yonge/dundas.
Here is the Warsaw Technical museum - Kinoteka
This is the Polska Palace Hotel
And my personal favourite a video of a guy in the underground system playing the fire tuba
I didn't stay down town very long. I'm pretty tired, but also, I'm a felmale by myself in the city center with a camera, at dusk and no idea where to go/what to see/where I am. so I wallked around for a bit, snapped a few shots, and found my way back to the 175 bus
I stood in the center of the bus, looking around, and keeping my eye out for neat things, and my stop. at the second last stop before mine, I moved to the exit door. to my surprise, there was the woman I had seen earlier coming back from down town. we both smiled and said hello, and I finaly started up a conversation. I told her that I was thining of asking her if she wanted to come down town with me, she said she wanted to ask the same thing! So here we werem two women both travelling downtown alone because we wer too shy to strike up a conversation! We had a lovely little chat as walked home from the bus stop, only to find out that our rooms are right across the hall from eachother!
I have learned my lesson, and have (very quickly) overcome my shyness and nervousness about another country. From here on in, I will not be shy to start up a conversation, and I will not hold back when making connections - I wouldn't do it at home, so why should I do it here?! I think that this lesson has taken the edge off of travelling alone - I am good at making connections, and there is no reason for me to be alone where I am always surrounded by people. I am glad that this happened so soon in my journey, I think it will aid in the rest of it.
I'll keep posting these little stories, and pictures along the way (my new mini laptop has a handy dandy card reader built right in which makes picture transfering a BREEZE!!)
*love*
here are some photographs:
here is the Warsaw Centrum - a kin to times square, or Yonge/dundas.
Here is the Warsaw Technical museum - Kinoteka
This is the Polska Palace Hotel
And my personal favourite a video of a guy in the underground system playing the fire tuba
I didn't stay down town very long. I'm pretty tired, but also, I'm a felmale by myself in the city center with a camera, at dusk and no idea where to go/what to see/where I am. so I wallked around for a bit, snapped a few shots, and found my way back to the 175 bus
I stood in the center of the bus, looking around, and keeping my eye out for neat things, and my stop. at the second last stop before mine, I moved to the exit door. to my surprise, there was the woman I had seen earlier coming back from down town. we both smiled and said hello, and I finaly started up a conversation. I told her that I was thining of asking her if she wanted to come down town with me, she said she wanted to ask the same thing! So here we werem two women both travelling downtown alone because we wer too shy to strike up a conversation! We had a lovely little chat as walked home from the bus stop, only to find out that our rooms are right across the hall from eachother!
I have learned my lesson, and have (very quickly) overcome my shyness and nervousness about another country. From here on in, I will not be shy to start up a conversation, and I will not hold back when making connections - I wouldn't do it at home, so why should I do it here?! I think that this lesson has taken the edge off of travelling alone - I am good at making connections, and there is no reason for me to be alone where I am always surrounded by people. I am glad that this happened so soon in my journey, I think it will aid in the rest of it.
I'll keep posting these little stories, and pictures along the way (my new mini laptop has a handy dandy card reader built right in which makes picture transfering a BREEZE!!)
*love*
well this is exciting.......
an extra 5 hour delay in chicago, plus an overnight stopover in Warsaw (totally unplanned) and a full day delay getting into Lviv. This isn’t so bad – except this morning I called and cancelled my cell phone – so I am totally disconnected from anyone! Travelling alone sucks.
I suppose I have to be open to adventure that IS the nature of all this, right?!
Can I rant a little bit? This morning when I got to the airport in Toronto, Felix in tow, I spoke to the United airlines counter and asked them to waive the baggage fee on account of the fact that both my suitcases are full of stuff I’m taking to the Internat. The guy was a total jerk and was distracted by kibitzing with the hot blonde at the next counter. He didn’t tell me how much he was charging me for the baggage – worked out to be more than $250!!!!! Yes I know I shouldn’t be overweight and carrying more than one suitcase – but I had good intentions. But the real reason it is making me mad is that I called both United and LOT airline a month ago (the day after I booked my ticket) to ask about reducing/waiving the baggage fee. Both “customer service” reps told me that they didn’t have the power to waive baggage fees, but the people at the check in counter could. I said thanks for your help, and then showed up early to speak with the check in people – the real kicker is that the jerk guy told me that he couldn’t do anything and I should have called the main “customer service line” a month ago… I ALREADY DID THAT AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO YOU!! Gawd! Sorry. I am ranting, I’m well aware, but I’m a little high strung.
I was really excited to write a post/update letting you know that I had successfully navigated O’Hare airport here in Chicago (usually any traveler’s nightmare). And although I am in the right place, I have found myself here at the wrong time – just about 5 hours too early (drats).
I think I’m ok, and have accepted the changes to my itinerary. That being said, I must admit that I am a little bit nervous about spending a night alone in Warsaw and perhaps a little anxious that I’ll be there, but will not have time to explore. I am also worried about the people who are travelling from Ternopil to collect me, and the other Canadian travelers. I don’t like the idea that on account of me they will have to make 2 trips (unless of course the other students are also delayed, and therefore, they will only have to make one trip….). I have learned to be flexible, but I have not learned how to comfortably be an inconvenience.
my other huge complaint.... apparently O'Hare is the only airport in the US that charges for wifi. as the main business hub of the united states you'd think that they would be better set up (*cough* less greedy *cough*)
I’m stressed!! (can you tell?!) but I will do my best to make the best of this new situation.
Just so you all know, I’m safe, and will continue to be, and I’ll update you as the next 2 days, or so, plays out…..
*love*
I suppose I have to be open to adventure that IS the nature of all this, right?!
Can I rant a little bit? This morning when I got to the airport in Toronto, Felix in tow, I spoke to the United airlines counter and asked them to waive the baggage fee on account of the fact that both my suitcases are full of stuff I’m taking to the Internat. The guy was a total jerk and was distracted by kibitzing with the hot blonde at the next counter. He didn’t tell me how much he was charging me for the baggage – worked out to be more than $250!!!!! Yes I know I shouldn’t be overweight and carrying more than one suitcase – but I had good intentions. But the real reason it is making me mad is that I called both United and LOT airline a month ago (the day after I booked my ticket) to ask about reducing/waiving the baggage fee. Both “customer service” reps told me that they didn’t have the power to waive baggage fees, but the people at the check in counter could. I said thanks for your help, and then showed up early to speak with the check in people – the real kicker is that the jerk guy told me that he couldn’t do anything and I should have called the main “customer service line” a month ago… I ALREADY DID THAT AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO YOU!! Gawd! Sorry. I am ranting, I’m well aware, but I’m a little high strung.
I was really excited to write a post/update letting you know that I had successfully navigated O’Hare airport here in Chicago (usually any traveler’s nightmare). And although I am in the right place, I have found myself here at the wrong time – just about 5 hours too early (drats).
I think I’m ok, and have accepted the changes to my itinerary. That being said, I must admit that I am a little bit nervous about spending a night alone in Warsaw and perhaps a little anxious that I’ll be there, but will not have time to explore. I am also worried about the people who are travelling from Ternopil to collect me, and the other Canadian travelers. I don’t like the idea that on account of me they will have to make 2 trips (unless of course the other students are also delayed, and therefore, they will only have to make one trip….). I have learned to be flexible, but I have not learned how to comfortably be an inconvenience.
my other huge complaint.... apparently O'Hare is the only airport in the US that charges for wifi. as the main business hub of the united states you'd think that they would be better set up (*cough* less greedy *cough*)
I’m stressed!! (can you tell?!) but I will do my best to make the best of this new situation.
Just so you all know, I’m safe, and will continue to be, and I’ll update you as the next 2 days, or so, plays out…..
*love*
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