Life in the Carpathians

From Monady to Wednesday of the past week, Jen and I were able to the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. Given the opportunity to join Jen's host family's grandaughter and a friends on a three-day excursion, the two of us wlaked into the travelling situation not knowing too much about how it would turn out or what was on the agenda. The morning of we were dropped off on a bus with two teachers, and approximately 15 sixteen-year-old pubescent teenagers for a fun filled bus ride complete with heat, closed windows (for fear of fresh air), and body odour to the max. Jen and I couldn't help but laugh at what we had landed ourselves into when we first got on the bus. In the end I am really glad to have met this group of (although admittedly obnoxious at times) kids who managed to find a spot in our hearts.

Our final destination was a cottage nestled in the mountains, complete with a river just behind and mountain scenery all around. On our first day we took a hike up one mountain, had our first campfire complete with roasted potatoes and kolbassa, and explored the river just in behind the house. Jen and I were able to get better acquainted with the kids this day, who were every excited to be in the presence of the Canadians. We felt a bit like celebrities as they asked to take pictres with us, or showed us card tricks, or asked us questions about canada or how we liked Ukraine.

The next day we climbed a mountain that made the previous mountain feel like a mole-hill. It was 2061 metres tall, and the path went STRAIGHT up. Going up may have been a cardio workout, but going down was MUCH more intimidating. We could barely see our path mere steps ahead of us because it was so steep, and Jen got a kick out of the way I "danced" my way back-and-forth to get down. As much as the view was beautiful for the top (especially granted that we laucked out with AMAZING weather for the day), I was very glad to be back at the base. In the end what kept me going was not wanting to be one of the only Canadians these people met who was too chicken to make it up and down a mountain. I was determined to keep the Canadian reputation we had built up pristine. The hike consumed the greater part of our day, leaving just enough time for a second campfire that evening and off to bed to catch up on sleep.

The next day we left our cottages early to pop by a ski hill, then visit a tourist-oriented town with many souvenir shopd and a beautiful waterfall. Before heading on the bus and out of the Carpathians, Jen and I were admiring the tethered mountain goat in the front yard, and how extremely dirty it looked. We teased each other about getting near it, and finally made a bet that if I managed to milk it Jen would eat one of its droppings. Well, Jen only consented to this thinking I would never be able to milk her, but with the help of another student (all of whom eagerly participated in encouraging me after understanding what was going on), I got my hands dirty and milked that goat so Jen could see. The idea of eating the terd was revolting, so we settled that one kiss on the head would do. Jen had a huge audience; the teachers, students, and cottage owners all came out to see her successfully land one right on the end of its muzzle.

After our trip to the Carpathian mountains, I arrived safely back in Ternopil with stronger calves/thighs, a solid sunburn on my shoulders/face, a few new friends, and one more check off the Ukrainian to-do list.