Orthodox Xmas
First off. I don't think I can say enough good things about Misha's family. I was absolutely bombarded with hospitality. In fact, at times I was overwhelmed because I immediately treated like family and I think I would be always immensely thankful that I was able to experience Christmas with Misha.
I spent 3.5 days in Kolomyya and it was rich in experience, laughter, and goodwill. I hope to God I will have the chance to meet Misha's family and family friends again because they are wonderful, wonderful people. So I have some good pictures and a few good stories...
Misha's family consists of (clockwise starting from Misha), his father, his little brother Sergei, his little sister Lila, and his mother. When I arrived Misha's father was immediately smiling and shaking my hand (and also talking in Ukrainian to me - it didn't matter how many times Misha told him he still talked to me in Ukrainian. I can tell that Misha's father just really wanted to communicate with me and have discussions and I wish so much that we could have). Misha's mother was so happy that I knew some Ukrainian and kept of saying I was 'molodets' (a compliment someone would bestow on a person).
I could tell that the whole family adored Misha and were really proud of his accomplishments so far. His little brother especially looked up to him as his hair cut was identical to Misha's.
I tried to help out with the clearing of the table after meals and the such. The first time I was gently told to relax. By the third time I was severely admonished so I quickly gave up that maneuver.
Misha's dad (Vitya) and I had some great conversations about life in our respective countries (through Misha of course who, although extremely tired and frustrated with English, translated continuously for us). Vitya was fabulous. He has permanent wrinkles around his eyes from smiling too much, and his attitude really affects the rest of the family.
I was also constantly asked about my health (I had some asthma problems due to some material in the house) and Misha's parents were so worried about me. It didn't take me long before I was calling them Mama and Tato (Dad). In a demonstration of absolute generosity and hospitality, Misha's family also gave me some Kolomyya souvenirs to take home with me. I know I keep saying this but man were they great!
Christmas dinner was delicious! (Actually the big dinner is the day before Christmas and it involves 12 dishes that cannot have meat in them). We were joined by Misha's two cousins Tanya and Ina. Since Tanya also knows English quite well Misha got a much needed break from translation.
Sergei was adorable!
The next day, Misha's good friend (another Vitya) and Vitya's sister Onya and girlfriend Oksanna drove us to the Carpathian mountains! Man the other Canadian participants were so jealous! HA!
The scenery was beautiful. Full of mountains, trees, and ice cold rivers.
We explored this river and climbed over all these rocks and honestly I have no idea how I didn't end up taking a dip.
You could pay 5 grynyas each for the privelege to wear a smelly Hutsul vest and put a disgusting pipe in your mouth. What a deal!
After dangerously exploring a river and endangering our lives with saliva borne bacteria we all sat down at a table and shared in a bottle of champagne. Again, I just met these people but they had brought champagne and sweets for Misha's and my honour.
Misha's friend Vitya is actually the son of Misha's father Vitya's good friend whose named is....Vitya! This Vitya is called Dadya Vitya (Uncle Vitya), and after our excursion to the Carpathians I was welcomed to dinner at Dadya's house. I was treated to much food and vodka. Dadya Vitya is an amazingly funny man and had us all howling.
The night ended up in one of the discos of Kolomyya and actually was the perfect ending to a day in the Carpathians, and an evening with fantastic family and friends.
The trip to Kolomyya was far far too short. I left with somewhat of a heavy heart. Misha is extraordinarily lucky to have such a great family, and I am privileged to have spent time with the
I spent 3.5 days in Kolomyya and it was rich in experience, laughter, and goodwill. I hope to God I will have the chance to meet Misha's family and family friends again because they are wonderful, wonderful people. So I have some good pictures and a few good stories...
Misha's family consists of (clockwise starting from Misha), his father, his little brother Sergei, his little sister Lila, and his mother. When I arrived Misha's father was immediately smiling and shaking my hand (and also talking in Ukrainian to me - it didn't matter how many times Misha told him he still talked to me in Ukrainian. I can tell that Misha's father just really wanted to communicate with me and have discussions and I wish so much that we could have). Misha's mother was so happy that I knew some Ukrainian and kept of saying I was 'molodets' (a compliment someone would bestow on a person).
I could tell that the whole family adored Misha and were really proud of his accomplishments so far. His little brother especially looked up to him as his hair cut was identical to Misha's.
I tried to help out with the clearing of the table after meals and the such. The first time I was gently told to relax. By the third time I was severely admonished so I quickly gave up that maneuver.
Misha's dad (Vitya) and I had some great conversations about life in our respective countries (through Misha of course who, although extremely tired and frustrated with English, translated continuously for us). Vitya was fabulous. He has permanent wrinkles around his eyes from smiling too much, and his attitude really affects the rest of the family.
I was also constantly asked about my health (I had some asthma problems due to some material in the house) and Misha's parents were so worried about me. It didn't take me long before I was calling them Mama and Tato (Dad). In a demonstration of absolute generosity and hospitality, Misha's family also gave me some Kolomyya souvenirs to take home with me. I know I keep saying this but man were they great!
Christmas dinner was delicious! (Actually the big dinner is the day before Christmas and it involves 12 dishes that cannot have meat in them). We were joined by Misha's two cousins Tanya and Ina. Since Tanya also knows English quite well Misha got a much needed break from translation.
Sergei was adorable!
The next day, Misha's good friend (another Vitya) and Vitya's sister Onya and girlfriend Oksanna drove us to the Carpathian mountains! Man the other Canadian participants were so jealous! HA!
The scenery was beautiful. Full of mountains, trees, and ice cold rivers.
We explored this river and climbed over all these rocks and honestly I have no idea how I didn't end up taking a dip.
You could pay 5 grynyas each for the privelege to wear a smelly Hutsul vest and put a disgusting pipe in your mouth. What a deal!
After dangerously exploring a river and endangering our lives with saliva borne bacteria we all sat down at a table and shared in a bottle of champagne. Again, I just met these people but they had brought champagne and sweets for Misha's and my honour.
Misha's friend Vitya is actually the son of Misha's father Vitya's good friend whose named is....Vitya! This Vitya is called Dadya Vitya (Uncle Vitya), and after our excursion to the Carpathians I was welcomed to dinner at Dadya's house. I was treated to much food and vodka. Dadya Vitya is an amazingly funny man and had us all howling.
The night ended up in one of the discos of Kolomyya and actually was the perfect ending to a day in the Carpathians, and an evening with fantastic family and friends.
The trip to Kolomyya was far far too short. I left with somewhat of a heavy heart. Misha is extraordinarily lucky to have such a great family, and I am privileged to have spent time with the