Lviv

Concert during Batyar Festival

Two weekends ago, during May Day, I had the pleasure of going to Lviv to celebrate a fellow Peace Corps volunteer's birthday. I had a great time getting lost in the alleys, acting like an American, and thrift shopping for 80s fabric to convert into skirts.

No one would argue that western and eastern Ukraine are the same culturally. They have quite different pasts that didn't have much in common until the twentieth century. This divide is what continues to separate the country in almost every way; from definitions of the individual in society to military alignment. Lviv is an example of the legacy of the Hapsburg empire with its architecture, cross of Catholic and Orthodox custom, and Polish character.

Bike race!

Acting like a tourist, standing behind me is Taras Shevchenko, the father of Ukrainian language and literature.

Looking at this picture, I know realize that the interesting point is the horse and the tram. When I was taking it, I was more impressed by the little homemade chocolate stand. Ukraine has a long way to go in terms of tourism and differentiating its small businesses. It was nice to see something "cute" and original for a change. Lviv's government is very proactive about attracting tourists .

Versions of two long lost loves of mine side by side: waffles and donuts. Curse you, Lviv, and your willingness to move away from the Slavic culinary plate.