70 Years of Liberation! what a Great Trip

[highlander08 9]

what happened to kip ???????????????

why did he get banned ??????????????

[slim 1,530]

Welcome back, Gary! Glad to hear you had an awesome time. Can't wait to see some pictures.

On a semi-related note I attended a D-Day reenactment a few weeks ago in Conneaut, Ohio. So humbled to see what those folks went through and to walk through places like that and "feel" what happened... just amazing. I wonder if every American had to walk through Gettysburg or similar if we'd own our heritage and hold tight our freedom just a bit more than we do now.

Anyway, nice to see Ukraine is a happening place. Perhaps we'll get the in-laws to meet us there for the next big vacation.

On the CTA trains in Chicago they make all announcements in garbled English..I believe that are trained to speak that way.

Garbled Russian, maybe. But I thought they were speaking Polish.

what happened to kip ???????????????

why did he get banned ??????????????

Kip is a smart @$$ who RUBs (pun intended!) folks the wrong way in the current events section. People who aren't married to Russians tend to be uppity left-leaning progressive types who can't respect a manly man like Kip who constantly keeps it real and calls them out on their bullstuff.

Much like the current administration handles it's "made up scandals" it was just easier for the mods here to ban him than deal with his truths on a daily basis.

FREE KIP!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Welcome back, Gary! Glad to hear you had an awesome time. Can't wait to see some pictures.

On a semi-related note I attended a D-Day reenactment a few weeks ago in Conneaut, Ohio. So humbled to see what those folks went through and to walk through places like that and "feel" what happened... just amazing. I wonder if every American had to walk through Gettysburg or similar if we'd own our heritage and hold tight our freedom just a bit more than we do now.

Anyway, nice to see Ukraine is a happening place. Perhaps we'll get the in-laws to meet us there for the next big vacation.

Garbled Russian, maybe. But I thought they were speaking Polish.

Kip is a smart @$$ who RUBs (pun intended!) folks the wrong way in the current events section. People who aren't married to Russians tend to be uppity left-leaning progressive types who can't respect a manly man like Kip who constantly keeps it real and calls them out on their bullstuff.

Much like the current administration handles it's "made up scandals" it was just easier for the mods here to ban him than deal with his truths on a daily basis.

FREE KIP!

That is the best description of Kip I ever heard!

OMG these people would not survive a day in Ukraine! I am sure they would scream "#### YOU!" and RUN to the airport! The Trams alone would scare them off!

Slim, as you know, I have great respect for all people who endured and saw things which should never be seen, our own men as well. My father among them at Omaha beach on 6 june, 1944.

I think we made a big mistake in not understanding people from the Soviet Union and what they suffered. Did anyone ever tell you in school? Had you any idea that 1 million people died in St. Petersburg? Kharkov is a piker with "only" 274,000. The mass grave of 9000 people I stood on to watch the ceremony is nothing compared to the ravine in Kiev where 300,000 are buried. I guess if we had known this we may have been less afraid of "the Russians" and maybe the cold war could have ended sooner. Or never happened. I was pleased to see that at the ceremony they displayed both the Ukrainian and the Ukrainian SSR flags. Each Republic had their own flag, for Ukraine it was the Soviet Flag with the blue and gold bands across the bottom. There is no mention of politics at these celebrations, only of the PEOPLE who sacrficied everything. And for Red Army soldiers, while a soldier from Kiev may die in Kharkov, his wife and children may be murdered or tortured in Kiev. When my father faced bullets on Omaha beach, he knew his wife and my oldest brother were home sleeping in a safe place. I cannot imagine the weight such thoughts must have on one's mind. I do not have the fortitude to think about it. Of course our schools cannot be bothered to teach even about Gettysburg. Ask a 6 year old American kid who George Patton is, or what a Sherman Tank is or a Mustang or Thunderbolt. In Ukraine there is hardly a park anywhere that does not contain a T-34 a monument of some sort with a soldier holding a PPSh or the depiction of a diving IL-2 "Sturmovik" about to smoke out a fascist tank. A walk around Kharkov introduces you to all the artillery, tanks and planes used to free the city from the fascists, the generals who led the men and women, and the factory workers who made the stuff

But what always amazed me about the FSU, and it has been 10 years now since I first went to Ukraine, is the respect they have for their veterans of the "Great Patriotic War" There are t-34s parked everywhere...I think they probably kept ALL of them There is a changing of the guard at monuments even 70 years later, fresh flowers on a sculpture of Zhukov in a subway station every day. The veterans who can still manage to walk around wear their medals and everyone on a subway jumps to offer them a seat..."grandfather, please, take my seat!" Amazing stuff. Married couples walk together in their wedding clothes (Ukrainian wedding dresses blow away American ones in being elaborate and beautiful) and lay flowers at the graves of soldiers...70 years later! They thank the dead for making it possible for them to meet their "Shastye", their happiness. Military cadets run their drills right through the "Memorial of Glory" every day.

I am convinced now that the Soviet Union would never have started a nuclear war. They were not going to miss an opportunity to poke us in the eye, they STILL don't!...but I firmly believe they would not inflict that horror on their country again. No country that suffered what they did would want to do it again. BUT we have to have "enemies" for all sorts of political reasons. It gives power to politicians who otherwise aren't worth a sh*t.

Kip would disagree.

I will post some photos of Ukrainian high school girls in their uniforms which seem to have been designed by a porn studio. Short blue dresses, white lace aprons, fishnet stockings and heels. OMG! Where is Kip????????????? Someone locate him! Alla caught me taking photos on the street of the girls Its cultural.

Oh, and I am told it is DRANIKI...D..D..D, NOT Graniki. OK OK . Garbled Russian.

[slim 1,530]

I hope we never see first-hand the horrors of war but the preciousness it adds to life thereafter cannot be grasped here in the US. Those who are vets or directly related to vets can conceptualize what it means but the whole of our people cannot. I fear someday we will.

I bet Kip lurks here still. He'll love those pictures!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I hope we never see first-hand the horrors of war but the preciousness it adds to life thereafter cannot be grasped here in the US. Those who are vets or directly related to vets can conceptualize what it means but the whole of our people cannot. I fear someday we will.

I bet Kip lurks here still. He'll love those pictures!

If KIP is here anywhere...this will bring him out! These are high school girls in Kharkov, in front of the Opera Theater and the famous sculpture "Mirror Stream" I think we were supposed to look at the sculpture or something and along come groups of these girls. It was the last day of summer and classes started the next day, so all the schools had a "celebration" for the new year and then the students parade around town in their uniforms...yeah, no kidding, someone at the school chose these uniforms for the girls!

So yeah, tell me what would happen if the schools in YOUR city here required girls to wear this to school! .

Can you imagine sitting in class with these girls all day with a tank-full of 16 year old hormones? OMG!

Edited September 7, 2013 by Gary and Alla

[slim 1,530]

Thanks for posting.

Mmm mmmmm mmmmmm.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Thanks for posting.

Mmm mmmmm mmmmmm.

The tree is healthy and growing!

[SMR 368]

Yeah, without measuring, I would say that is the biggest Lenin statue I have seen!

That may be the largest statue of Lenin, but the largest head of Lenin is in Ulan-Ude http://russiatrek.org/blog/news/ulan-ude-city-page-was-updated/.

It's great if you're into disembodied heads.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

That may be the largest statue of Lenin, but the largest head of Lenin is in Ulan-Ude http://russiatrek.org/blog/news/ulan-ude-city-page-was-updated/.

It's great if you're into disembodied heads.

I am not sure if it is the largest. It is the largest I have seen in Ukraine. Bigger than Donetsk, certainly.

Freedom Square in Kharkov appears to be larger also than Independence Square in Kiev. Just my judgement of it, maybe because it is so long. They set up a stage right in front of Lenin on Friday, Aug. 23 and had a great concert with many bands. It was awesome! The square was filled to the brim with people. We came out of the Metro station and "Holy Smokes!"

Dammit, every man on earth needs to go to a big gathering of people in Ukraine (kiev or Kharkov) on a warm summer night before they die. Put that in your "bucket list" Holy Mother of God!

[Katiedog 6]

My wife was born and raised in Kharkiv and I have spent a lot of time there. Lots of family and friends there still. She does not miss anything in Ukraine but her family, but I miss it all. I really love the city and enjoy my time there. So much to see and do inside and outside the city. The people are wonderful to me as well. I love history and Kharkiv and its Oblast truly reek with history. If you ever get back to Kharkiv or anyone is going there, be sure to visit the traditional Ukrainian restaurant in Kharkiv called Sloboda and the mud,wood and straw restaurant known as The Drunk House in the small village of Korobov Khutor which is on the River Donets about 40 km south of Kharkiv in the Gomolshan National Forest Preserve.

I have never seen fireworks shows in the US to equal those done at Freedom Square, especially on Victory Day in May. Schevchenko Park is so gorgeous right beside it. When I was single I used to say that Kharkiv has more living, breathing, walking "art" than any place I had ever been. Now I am married, but I still admire the same beauty in a different way of course. LOL

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My wife was born and raised in Kharkiv and I have spent a lot of time there. Lots of family and friends there still. She does not miss anything in Ukraine but her family, but I miss it all. I really love the city and enjoy my time there. So much to see and do inside and outside the city. The people are wonderful to me as well. I love history and Kharkiv and its Oblast truly reek with history. If you ever get back to Kharkiv or anyone is going there, be sure to visit the traditional Ukrainian restaurant in Kharkiv called Sloboda and the mud,wood and straw restaurant known as The Drunk House in the small village of Korobov Khutor which is on the River Donets about 40 km south of Kharkiv in the Gomolshan National Forest Preserve.

I have never seen fireworks shows in the US to equal those done at Freedom Square, especially on Victory Day in May. Schevchenko Park is so gorgeous right beside it. When I was single I used to say that Kharkiv has more living, breathing, walking "art" than any place I had ever been. Now I am married, but I still admire the same beauty in a different way of course. LOL

I would be hard pressed to argue about the "living art". Ain't that the truth! I was really impressed with Gorki Park. We went there at night and the huge ferris wheel is all lit up.

We ate a little traditional Ukrainian restaraunt near the Pushkin Theatre, just up the street a couple blocks and around the corner from "Architect's Square" on Pushkinskaya.

The veal was absolutely out of this world! I was beside myself! It ranks as among the best meal in any restaraunt anywhere. The total for four people with two glasses of wine and soup for everyone (Akroshka soup...cold soup, very tasty!) was 342 UAH...$42.00 !!!!!!!!!!!! Great service from a smoking hot blonde waitress. I gave her an extra $15 for a tip. Still a bargain for four people. The only bad thing? A stray cat wandered in and started rubbing against our legs under the table. It is to remind you that you ARE in Ukraine.

Seriously, we are planning a trip back around New Years, the decorations in Freedom Square are incredible (based on photos I saw) and I REALLY want to go to the history museum, it will be finished by then.

[Katiedog 6]

They shoot fireworks all over the city on New Year's and it sounds like a war. They just shoot them everywhere they like all week long. Big parties and wild parties on New Years and the whole week of Christmas and New Years. Usually there is a carnival with rides and a concert with a light show at Freedom Square at that time. They like to celebrate and party in Kharkiv. Next trip try to get to the very old and still operating Candy Shop in downtown. It has been there at least since the Tsar was in power and still in operation. You can get some of the best Sushi in the world in Kharkiv and try to get to the Melnista (Windmill) Restaurant in the Saltov section of town. Traditional Georgian food in a park beside the lake with music of course. Kharkiv is magic during the holidays no doubt about it. There are some sections, buildings and residential areas in town that are still standing and in use that have survived the Tsar, Revolution, Communism and World War II. They are very very interesting for me to see and let my mind wonder about what has happened around them and in them. The original City Firestation in Kharkiv is in the old part and is dated with 1844 above the doors where fire wagons and trucks emerge. Just stuff like that. Don't forget to go to a Banya, preferably a traditional style one built by hand if you can manage it. Just too much to talk about so I will stop.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

They shoot fireworks all over the city on New Year's and it sounds like a war. They just shoot them everywhere they like all week long. Big parties and wild parties on New Years and the whole week of Christmas and New Years. Usually there is a carnival with rides and a concert with a light show at Freedom Square at that time. They like to celebrate and party in Kharkiv. Next trip try to get to the very old and still operating Candy Shop in downtown. It has been there at least since the Tsar was in power and still in operation. You can get some of the best Sushi in the world in Kharkiv and try to get to the Melnista (Windmill) Restaurant in the Saltov section of town. Traditional Georgian food in a park beside the lake with music of course. Kharkiv is magic during the holidays no doubt about it. There are some sections, buildings and residential areas in town that are still standing and in use that have survived the Tsar, Revolution, Communism and World War II. They are very very interesting for me to see and let my mind wonder about what has happened around them and in them. The original City Firestation in Kharkiv is in the old part and is dated with 1844 above the doors where fire wagons and trucks emerge. Just stuff like that. Don't forget to go to a Banya, preferably a traditional style one built by hand if you can manage it. Just too much to talk about so I will stop.

Thanks for the ideas!

I am really looking forward to the New Year's celebration. We hit a sushi restaraunt near Shevchenko park. A girl was handing out their flyers on the street (that hardly ever happens, right?) with a complete menu and photos. Both the women love sushi. Not for me, but I had the shrimp tempura and it was great!

I have rarely been disappointed with the food in restaraunts in Ukraine. I used to hang out in a place called "the Irish Pub" in Odessa because their menu was (sort of) in English and everyone working there (sort of) spoke English. It was a popular place for sailors from English speaking countries and Americans on "tours" for women. So I deciphered that the menu listing of "New English Musse Soupe" was actually a poor translation of New England Clam Chowder and decided "What the heck?" It was THE BEST clam chowder I ever ate!

We saw an "Irish Pub" in Kharkov also. Didn't get nto it though.

Alla misses many things about Ukraine but can get her fill of what she misses in about 2 weeks and then she is ready to come back.

She refuses to ride on the Trams, period. She is done with those. She will walk for hours before she will ride on a tram in Ukraine. She has no problem with the subways except for the crowds sometimes and she is OK with buses and Martshukas but she is definitely spoiled by having a car. She did not like having no clothes dryer.

She complains about the broken sidewalks and streets, (Really? You never noticed that before?) I consider it "texture" and proof that Ukraine is not over-run with liability attorneys

I'm with you! Kharkov is a fascinating place.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Gary and Alla

[Lena and Igor 5]

I have great memories as well of Kharkov. Walking through the park and Freedom Square. Lena just returned from her beloved city and if all goes well, we both will celebrate New Year in Kharkov this year. She has many family, friends and co-workers who look forward to reunions with Lena. Who knows, maybe those of us on VJ going at that time can meet and greet? At Shevchenko Park?

[Katiedog 6]

Thanks for the ideas!

I am really looking forward to the New Year's celebration. We hit a sushi restaraunt near Shevchenko park. A girl was handing out their flyers on the street (that hardly ever happens, right?) with a complete menu and photos. Both the women love sushi. Not for me, but I had the shrimp tempura and it was great!

I have rarely been disappointed with the food in restaraunts in Ukraine. I used to hang out in a place called "the Irish Pub" in Odessa because their menu was (sort of) in English and everyone working there (sort of) spoke English. It was a popular place for sailors from English speaking countries and Americans on "tours" for women. So I deciphered that the menu listing of "New English Musse Soupe" was actually a poor translation of New England Clam Chowder and decided "What the heck?" It was THE BEST clam chowder I ever ate!

We saw an "Irish Pub" in Kharkov also. Didn't get nto it though.

Alla misses many things about Ukraine but can get her fill of what she misses in about 2 weeks and then she is ready to come back.

She refuses to ride on the Trams, period. She is done with those. She will walk for hours before she will ride on a tram in Ukraine. She has no problem with the subways except for the crowds sometimes and she is OK with buses and Martshukas but she is definitely spoiled by having a car. She did not like having no clothes dryer.

She complains about the broken sidewalks and streets, (Really? You never noticed that before?) I consider it "texture" and proof that Ukraine is not over-run with liability attorneys

I'm with you! Kharkov is a fascinating place.

My wife only misses family and friends, but she just told me the other day that she loves Texas right out of the blue. So I doubt she will want to stay long in Ukraine when she goes for a visit.

I agree with Alla about Matushkas. In the summer everyone looks miserable and probably is. Clothes dryers are rare, but I rent an apartment that has one. The broken sidewalks and streets definitely add character and I agree about liability lawyers. In Ukraine, you do not get paid for being stupid or obtuse and that is one of its greatest tributes. And in the courts, at least you know what justice you can get when you pay for it.

I recently read about a stiletto race held in Kyiv. The winner won a car! I can just picture it after seeing countless women skillfully walking the Kharkiv streets in stilettos.