Departure

Really, what better place is there to start a trip to Ukraine, but East 7th Street in New York City??

On May 16, 2009, I went across town with my kids and my parents to check out this year's instalment of the annual Ukrainian Festival. A full block is closed to car traffic, a stage is built, speakers are turned up, tents and tables are hauled out and laden with вареники, голубці, ковбаса, плятцки (and my favorite) Олеся Лев's Ukrainian Iced Tea from BUG (Brooklyn Ukrainian Group).

The place is now full of people of Ukrainian descent (or people to connected to them). Several 'waves' now blend at the festival
Fourth Wave: Recent immigrants including those who felt forced out in the early-90's as well as those who won Green Card Lotteries in early 2000's and split their time between NYC and Kyiv.
Third Wave: Post-World War II arrivals and their kids
Second Wave and earlier (туткирожiдені): Kids of people who came to the coal mines of Pennsylvania in the 1920's (CHECK THAT)

I walked around the festival and wondered what I'd see the next day in Kyiv. The East Village is a neighbourhood with Ukrainian roots that go back longer than the country I was going to visit. The festival has been held for over 30 years. (CHECK THAT) The country existed as an independent state for 18 years.

I was willing to bet that the country itself has changed MUCH more than the festival has in the same amount of time.