Global Lenses: Seeing the World in New Ways: Learning the History and Seeing the Sights!

Today was a very interesting day filled with new sights, sounds, and ideas. We spent this morning learning about Ukrainian history and economics. We also discusssed the culture of the nation and looked similarities and differencies. I cae away from this morning discussion with the idea that there is great hope for Ukraine and its transition to a free society in both government and economics, but that there is frustration within the country about the pace that these reforms are taking place. When you look at the United States in its infancy (remember that Ukraine has only been independent for 21 years...that is NOT a very long time!) our nation also stuggled with the compromises and decision that needed to happen in order to move forwar successfully. While there is appartently much corruption within the borders of this new nation, the people have great pride and feel a great responsibility to help their nation move into the 21st centry as a competitive and successful country. After our discussions this morning, we took a tour of the city. I have posted some pictures to highlight some of the sights that we enjoyed. Again, we had a three course tradtional meal for dinner and walked back to the hotel tired and full! Ate cabbage filled with ground beef, Spleeka, which is pig lard spread on bread, and vegetables dipped in a horeradish dip! Tomorrow we have another discussion, this time focused on the school system in Ukrain,e in order to get ready for our school placements. The afternoon is filled with a visit to the United States Embassy and we will take in the opera this eveining. We will be seeing the opera "Carmen".