You Say You Want a Revolution?

Unless you've been living under a rock, or just never check up on the latest world news, you're probably aware that Ukraine has been experiencing a revolution of sorts here the last few months. I imagine the few of you who read this blog are well aware of this fact, so I'm sure I don't need to rehash the events for you.

However, one thing I'd like to mention is something that's rarely mentioned in any news items. Despite what CNN or most other Western news outlets would have you believe, not everyone here in Ukraine agrees with the throngs of protestors who have started a civil war in Kiev. I live in the eastern part of Ukraine, and most people here are firmly against the protestors. Pro-government rallies have been frequent, and there's been absolutely no sympathy or desire for change in the government.

Having said that, should this revolution cause a drastic change in the government, an already fragmented nation is going to fragment even more. Crimea is only part of Ukraine as an autonomous republic, and has already threatened to secede from the country should the political situation not resolve itself. Most of Eastern and Southern Ukraine also has much closer ties to Russia, and has little desire to join the EU. Most residents speak Russian on the street, even through the official language of the country is Ukrainian, and many feel that the language and cutlture is being forced on them by the people in the west.

In other words...don't expect this country to stabilize anytime soon. Which is a shame, really, as this is a wonderful country with wonderful people. They deserve better than this.

An Interesting Conversation

I recently started talking to a Ukrainian girl who is from my previous city, but now lives in the US. She's provided some interesting insights on the view of America from an immigrant's viewpoint, but one part of our conversation helped to confirm what most men who come here say.

Me: i have another question for you...what do you think of american women?

Her: mmm   
honest?

Me: yes, of course   

Her: a lot of them overweight or healthy to much, too independent and not caring like our girls, and i don't like outfits here, look like second hand   
they are try to be like a men
wich i hate about all situation

Me: yes, i agree with you 100%   
so you think it's no surprise that american men would look for a wife in Ukraine, yes?

Her: and i dont see make up often   
yes
i think it is logical then
and men here good looking

So, there you have it. Even Ukrainian women agree that they're far superior to their American counterparts.

Slippery Slope

So, I suppose I just experienced my first "real" winter here in Ukraine. Shortly after arriving in my new city, the weather took a turn for the colder...much, much colder. Temperatures were around -20C for most of that time, up until a week ago. Every flat surface was covered in at least a centimeter of ice. The snow that eventually came helped to maintain some traction, but every day, my walk to work was a struggle just to stay on my feet. Thankfully, I only fell once, a few days ago just after walking out the door of my apartment building. I landed flat on my ass, so nothing beyond my ego was hurt.

Work has been proceeding nicely. Unfortunately, my social life hasn't been as smooth. Not that it's been rough, it's just been extremely uneventful. I've only met up with a few people here, although one of those was just this last weekend, with the promise of more. I should be able to find a date for Valentine's Day, just in case I decide I need one. I still haven't made up my mind on that yet. Anyways, that's all for now. At least until things become a little less boring.