Beginnings are Good...

The best thing about breaking resolutions is that you can make them again... as long as it's all on New Year's Day. Did I just make that up? Oh well, I've already drunk champagne, bitten a fingernail, and eaten some cookies. But hey, I did exercise!

December 31, we did some non-tradional things. Considering we are not in our native country, what wouldn't be non-traditional? Well, first of all we went to Babyn Yar. Joe asked me how I was going to blog about this being such a "heavy" topic. Well, I think it's important, and I'm going to try.

The Nazis were really really evil. That's not news to anyone; but we finally went to Babyn Yar, the site of where hundreds of thousands were executed and thrown into a ravine, little children included. It's hard to recognize such a place here, as it's not clearly marked. You take the metro further than we've taken it before, get out and see a park. You wander around the park wondering, "Did they actually kill the people here, and did they throw the bodies here?" The answer is yes. Shockingly yes.

I had never been to a "holocaust" site before and it was really strange, espcecially considering that big streets and block apartment buildings surround the historical area. It was intense, namely because it looked so ordinary. Nothing special. I guess I want to remember that places, and things that don't look so special, can be incredibly full of experience and many people's stories. I read a website that was pretty poignant and tragic; if you want to know more, wikipedia gives some frightening details.

So, we paid our respects to a very sad and historical event. Somehow, I didn't feel depressed though. I felt somewhat hopeful. Ukraine is struggling with its identity and past nowadays, but I think that it's really the first time that they are able to "create who they really are." I feel a lot of soul here, albeit under the surface. I feel it though and am optimistic.

On a lighter note, we went down to Maidan as planned and saw more Father Frosts than we ever imagined. It seems you pay your "dime" and spend some "time" (or, rather you get a picture) with Santa and Snegurochka. It was interesting and put us in the mood to miss the evening crowds, go home, eat leftover spaghetti, drink some dark beer, and see some fireworks from our balcony. A positive start to a new year! A little soul goes a long way!