Happy Epiphany!

Today is Epiphany in Ukraine (Orthodox calendar).

I had my first taste of Vodka (водка) yesterday.  Wow!  That was some powerful stuff.  I met an English teacher here who would like me to speak to his class of high school students.  He tries to introduce them to native speakers whenever he can.  Victor took me to a restaurant that specializes in authentic Georgian cuisine.  I had a salad (салат), and we shared bread (хлев), an open fired meat dish with mayonaiase and cheese, a ground meat shish kabob and flat bread "pizza" with goat cheese, a gift from our host.  All of the food was prepared Georgian style and was absolutely delicious (вкусно)!  The meal was excellent (Отлично) and reasonably priced. Now that my camera is working again, I will post pictures of what I eat. 

Victor (r) me (center) Omar (l) at Caucasian Yard

Following the meal, our gracious and generous host Omar wanted share some Ukrainian vodka and proposeed a toast for me.   So with some vodka, which I understood to be very good, he toasted to my health, good fortune, and an enjoyable stay in Luhans’k.  The entire glass of vodka is drunk in a single fast swallow; “bottoms up,” Victor told.  It did not taste bad initially, somewhat sweet, but the taste and power of the alcohol takes over very quickly, and it makes itself known all the way down.  It is very important not to take a breath while drinking.  Fortunately, I knew that in advance.  Chasing the vodka down with a drink of water doesn’t hurt, either.  Incidentally, it really isn’t polite to decline a toast with vodka by a host who wants to welcome you and make you feel at home.  Be gracious and accept.

I have learned that Luhansk is a destination for lonely American men looking for beautiful brides and soul mates.  Sadly, these men ultimately get scammed for thousands of dollars and still remain bachelors.  Guys, don't risk it.

The day dawned bitterly cold today.  Now it is like North Dakota.  I have the day off and had hoped to go downtown to walk around, but I guess I won’t.  It’s too cold.