Life in Vinnytsia

Yesterday was completely uneventful. I tried to post the video tour of my apartment, but it wouldn't work. It seems okay now, though.

Apologies for being a little out of breath, I had just taken out my garbage, and the dumpster is at the bottom of the hill, so I had walked back up the hill before coming back and climbing the stairs :P The tour starts outside, at the cute little cafe I told you about, so that you can see what my building and the outside of my apartment door look like.

Anyway. Today I met with the director of the university *dusts off shoulder* ...for like five seconds. He was super complimentary and so glad to have me here! Everyone is so happy I'm here and I haven't done anything yet, haha. I just hope I can live up to the hype :o)

I also went to the university this afternoon to sit in on another English class. The first half of the class was for the students to ask me questions about myself and the US, which I would answer as well as I could. One of the girls asked me, "Are the men better-looking in the United States, or in Ukraine?" We all cracked up. My answer: "If I told you 'in Ukraine,' would you think that was the reason I came?" XD

So basically, I've started "working" except I haven't actually had responsibilities yet. Tomorrow morning I am supposed to meet with Oleg to discuss "teaching methods" so I hope that means we will figure out what the heck I am actually doing. I know I'll be sitting in on Svitlana's class again on Thursday.

I've also been talking with Father Chrysostomos (one of the priests from the English Summer School I taught at 2 years ago) about making a trip to L'viv, and it looks as though I will be able to go there Monday through Wednesday of next week, if that doesn't mess up my teaching duties too much. I will ask Oleg tomorrow, and then Tanya will take me to the train station to buy my ticket, to ensure we don't have problems like I had in Kyiv :P I'm so excited about the idea of seeing my students and friends from the ESS again! I hope it all works out.

It seems there is a dearth of visual aids today. So, here are some random pictures:

My street (Arhitektora Artynova), which intersects with the main street (Soborna) A pleasant little street...

....but watch your step. (Especially in heels!)

And this one's for my mom, who was worried I wasn't eating enough whole grains: Krupa. This happens to be of the corn variety.

And, just in case you were worried about poltergeists...

These little stickers on each wall of my apartment mean that the building has been blessed. So you can rest assured. :o)