Yup, I am living in Eastern Europe…and I love it!!!

This weekend has been pretty relaxed and I am happily settling into life as a Ukrainian.  I have been sleeping and am very well feed.  My host mom and brother are fabulous.  I spend a lot of time in my room, which is totally ok with me.  For someone who lived by herself for so long, I enjoy my alone time; however, I do miss my cats, Sokol and Jezebel.  Luckily they will be waiting for me when I get home.

Today my cluster and I gathered in the city center for some internet time and wandering together.  Here are some of the pictures from the day.  It was wonderful to wander around.  It was about 38 degrees out and sunny, very comfortable for wandering.  Tomorrow is the first day of language training, yickes.  It was nice to have a low key day with other volunteers before we get started with the hard core.

   

Here are some women poising in front of a theater, Red Square, and a different vies of the front of the theater.

     

Noelia and I in front of this very cool church.  It was built in 1201 and renovated during WW!!.

      

Here is my cluster, Sim, Patrick, Sara, Noelia and I.  And the oldest cathedral in Ukraine.

     

This is a walk along a hillside and the river that runs along the south side of the city. 

             

Another church that welcomes all visitors to Chernihiv.  This is a well loved and respected church among the residents of Chernihiv.

     

Interesting street as we walked from the church to a monastery.  This was a very old building on the same property as the monastery and I was fascinated by it.  It seems to have been a stable at one time and probably hundreds of years old.  Very cool!

     

The monastery.  There were several Babushka’s keeping watch pver the property, otherwise it was peaceful and lovely.

        

Loved this entryway and door.  And this building with the brick laid fence.  So interesting!

I have been posting more and more photos.  Let me know if any of you want on the email distribution list which tends to have more detailed information for friends and family.

Also, I have updated my packing list for those who are new to my blog or just curious.  I have spotted many things here that our on my list, but I am living in a big city for training, so others may not have been as lucky as I.