Pancakes and 25 Candles

February was a busy month. As was March. And the months before those. And I’m sure my schedule will continue to be hectic until the term is over and summer is here. I still do not have internet, so I use Pat’s internet once or twice a week to check in. Here is what I haven’t been telling you…

February 14 was the Maslaneetsa festival in Ukraine. It is a Russian festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is tradition to burn a statue of winter and eat pancakes—because they are round and golden like the sun. It is also supposed to be the last festival before Lent begins. In the Russian Orthodox Church, those who are devout cannot eat meat or dairy until Easter Sunday. Which is another reason pancakes are eaten at the Maslaneetsa festival. It was a lot of pancakes in a two day period.  Pat and I went to the center of town (which is where the Lenin statue is located) to join in the festivities. It was also the warmest day we’d had in Stakhanov since we had arrived. We still needed three layers and gloves, hats and a scarf, but still. It was warmer. And it didn’t snow. A plus any day. To celebrate the festival, men climb a greased pole and who ever reaches the top wins a prize. It was hilarious to watch. Some on them wore nothing but their underwear as they climbed the pull. And most of them did reach the top. Bystanders would throw snowballs at the contestants. I took plenty of photos if you’re interested. You can see them on my facebook page. Eventually the pole climbing ended and the large consumption of vodka began. This made both Pat and I uncomfortable, so we left and went back to my dormitory. Pat’s Ukrainian counterpart (and our friend) Ruslan met us and we all had tea at my place. Later Jorge and Tessie (more PCV’s) came over for pancakes, juice and lots of laughter. We had tea (of course) and had a lot of fun celebrating this festival.

I think I drink 5-8 cups of tea a day. I’m worried that I have become addicted to this habit. And I also now must eat cookies and chocolate while I’m drinking my tea. It’s the Ukrainian way. And they do have the best chocolate in the world here. No contest! I may have a problem when I go back to America…

My birthday was a hoot! My students in all of my classes made me posters, cards, and cakes to celebrate my birthday. I blew out 25 candles this year. I was given adorable and funny-looking Ukrainian figurines, a tiger piggy-bank and a picture frame. It was fun! The English professors at the University took me and Pat out for pizza that night. It was fun to celebrate my birthday with my new friends. They certainly made my first birthday away from home an easy and enjoyable one. I feel so blessed!

I like to evaluate my progress in life at each birthday. Just to see how my views and opinions have changed in a year. What has happened to me and what I hope to happen the next year. I like to make wishes and send my hopes into the world. This is probably silly, but it is something I’ve always done. This birthday found me more blessed then the last. I’m single again, but I realize love isn’t an impossibility for me. I’m also more confident in myself and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful and warm friends and family. And I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer once again! Last year I was so confused and upset. This year I feel assured that what I am doing is what I was meant to do. And I feel so happy here in Ukraine. There is nowhere else I’d rather be at present. Life is beautiful and perfect right now—an improvement from last year indeed. :-)

More to follow…