Life in Ukraine is becoming increasingly natural for me as everyday routines are established and mature. Strange, n’est pas? I live in Ukraine and it feels normal. Allow me to illustrate a few standards that are no longer remarkable for me:
• Toilet paper is BYO
• Postcards are not sold anywhere in Dnepropetrovsk
• A thong leotard is acceptable at the gym & preferred in animal print
• Queuing-up in a mysterious line
• Over-the-knee boots, fishnets & a micro-mini are work appropriate
• Brown water
• Wallpaper with glitter
• Wearing the exact same outfit to work all week
• Excitement around the grand opening of TGI Friday’s
• Greek salads garnished with tongue or dollop of lard
I was brought back to reality yesterday afternoon when I realized I was conducting business in the dark… literally. At first, I didn’t think anything of it because most companies do not turn on the lights until it is absolutely necessary once the sun sets. This is jokingly referred to here as “economy” or the practice of pinching pennies. For example, I share my office with four colleagues who politely ask each other permission before turning on the overhead lights.
But, yesterday was different. I was offsite in several early evening meetings which were conducted in absolute darkness and nobody thought it was strange; it wasn’t even mentioned. As it turned out, there was a blackout. During the blackout in New York, we left work early, drank warm beers for 25 cents and picnicked outside with friends. Here, its business as usual which unsympathetically highlights times past in Ukraine.
For many Ukrainians, life is still hard. I have neighbors who live without running water or electricity. At the same time, neighbors on the other side live lavishly even by American standards with indoor swimming pools and Land Rovers. The juxtaposition of rich and poor underscores the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine as a developing nation. As shopping malls replace Soviet-era bazaars and sushi meets borscht head-on, history is in the making! I am honored to take part, even if it means drinking the Kool-Aid and queuing up in a leotard (okay, maybe not in the leotard).
• Toilet paper is BYO
• Postcards are not sold anywhere in Dnepropetrovsk
• A thong leotard is acceptable at the gym & preferred in animal print
• Queuing-up in a mysterious line
• Over-the-knee boots, fishnets & a micro-mini are work appropriate
• Brown water
• Wallpaper with glitter
• Wearing the exact same outfit to work all week
• Excitement around the grand opening of TGI Friday’s
• Greek salads garnished with tongue or dollop of lard
I was brought back to reality yesterday afternoon when I realized I was conducting business in the dark… literally. At first, I didn’t think anything of it because most companies do not turn on the lights until it is absolutely necessary once the sun sets. This is jokingly referred to here as “economy” or the practice of pinching pennies. For example, I share my office with four colleagues who politely ask each other permission before turning on the overhead lights.
But, yesterday was different. I was offsite in several early evening meetings which were conducted in absolute darkness and nobody thought it was strange; it wasn’t even mentioned. As it turned out, there was a blackout. During the blackout in New York, we left work early, drank warm beers for 25 cents and picnicked outside with friends. Here, its business as usual which unsympathetically highlights times past in Ukraine.
For many Ukrainians, life is still hard. I have neighbors who live without running water or electricity. At the same time, neighbors on the other side live lavishly even by American standards with indoor swimming pools and Land Rovers. The juxtaposition of rich and poor underscores the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine as a developing nation. As shopping malls replace Soviet-era bazaars and sushi meets borscht head-on, history is in the making! I am honored to take part, even if it means drinking the Kool-Aid and queuing up in a leotard (okay, maybe not in the leotard).
6 comments:
Hey Joy,
I give you a lot of credit. I don't think I could live like that. Even for a little while. The bathroom situation alone could send me over the edge. It's nice you drink the kool-aid. Just wondering, did you drink it here in the states? Really glad you've reconsidered the leotard. I'm looking forward to your next blog.
Love, Auntie Dana
Joy,
Thanks so much for your kind comments on my blog. I did not know about your blog until now, but reading your posts, I see that can I relate to so much going on over there in Ukraine. Here's your official invitation to come visit and see how the kool-aid tastes over here in Moldova!
mit Keshenever grusn,
Sebastian
Hi Joy,
Is the Kool-Aid made with the brown water. We love keeping up with your adventures. Your Dad was with us this past weekend and we loved it.
Hope you are doing well and had fun while Jonathan was visiting.
Love you,
Uncle Richard
I'd like to add to her list, room temperature vodka shots (ice cubes are a no-no) any time of day.
Also, I never saw any thong leotards but that tour is definitely on my itinerary when I go back in February!
My wife is pretty impressive isn't she?
LOL!
-Adam
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