September 2007
I have returned to Dnipropetrovsk after a wonderful Vermont summer. I’ve been here four days and already I feel pretty settled in. It’s nice to come back to the apartment we had last spring. I will be here until February 1, 2008, when I move to L’viv. I have already rented an apartment in L’viv, which is on the border with Poland.
I started teaching yesterday. It was fun to see the students again, and to plan with them what we will read this year. They had some ideas which they voiced—I guess the “participatory” classroom I was trying to create worked.
One class of third year psychology students decided to read A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I am re-reading it now. I had forgotten what a well-written book it is. It describes World War II, but from an American perspective. However, it is primarily about relationships and coming of age. I hope they will enjoy it.
The parliamentary elections here are September 30. There were billboards in Kiev, but there is little hoopla here. I will be one of many “international observers” for the elections. I will be paired with a Russian or Ukrainian speaking observer. I plan to observe in Kiev, about six hours north of here. Later this month we will get training from the US Embassy and from OSCE, which oversees elections in different countries.
This is not a presidential election, it is an election for members of parliament. However, it will serve as a referendum on the president and prime minister. Most expect that Viktor Yuschenko will lose some influence as a result of this election.
It is difficult to find any election fervor here – no one here has yet mentioned the election to me. Disillusionment, disinterest and apathy are the main reactions, rather than interest.
Another Fulbrighter has come to Dnipropetrovsk, Dr. Young-Tae Shin. I have enjoyed getting to know her. She teaches Political Science in Oklahoma. She will be here until the end of June.
Tomorrow I will visit an art therapy program at a hospital for disabled children, and then take a walk by the river with Young-Tae. Monday I meet with a television crew (help!) called Encyclopedia, and then teach in the afternoon. Tuesday, I begin my Russian lessons.
Anya, our Ukrainian student visitor, has arrived back in Dnipropetrovsk and is visiting her family outside the city before returning for classes. She is studying to be a mining engineer, and enjoyed visiting Rock of Ages, which (coincidentally) owns a mine in Ukraine! Olga, my friend and translator, flies home to Dnipropetrovsk tomorrow. This summer has been a whirlwind of activity and impressions which none of us will soon forget.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Alps on my way home from Ukraine in July. I spent three nights in Interlaken with my sister and nephew. We took cog railways and other teleferiques to the “top” (well, almost) of the Jungfrau, and to Murren, a carless village. Then I spent about 8 nights in the Chamonix valley/Mont Blanc area. I fell in love, despite persistent downpours.. My home base was Argentiere, a perfect village outside of Chamonix. I did hike, and spent two nights in mountain “refuges” on the Tour de Mont Blanc (everyone should do this once). Then, chaufferred by my French sister and her son, Simon, we visited the Vallee d’Aoste in Italy for two nights. My French mother, “Maman”/”Ninette”, in her 80s, is still up and able, as energetic as ever. It was truly wonderful to see her in her mountain home again. Two nights in Chaville, outside of Paris, completed a wonderful time in Western Europe – long evenings chatting with my French sister, Cati, who is working on a plan to move the family back to Savoie after a long stint in the outskirts of Paris.
Finally, David’s 60th birthday bash in late July was an event to remember. David wore the Irish flag throughout, even as he led the over-60s to victory in whiffle-ball. You might say the young’uns let him win, as he was the ONLY over-60 who played. Devin and Bryce came home for the event, and we were all gratified by good friends, good food and a gorgeous Vermont day. Thanks so much to all who came to help us celebrate. The next one is 70, and, well, after that the rental cars don’t let you rent anymore.
This year is quite different for me as David is not here. I will return home for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas. David plans to visit October and in the Spring. We are hoping Devin and Bryce will come over, too.
I hope you all are well. If you are thinking of coming to visit, please do. I even have a spare bed and lots of room! Be well.
Linda
