Ukraine- The Land Of Cossacks [ All you need to know]

Ukraine – The Land of Cossacks

Ukraine, the land of Cossacks, is the perfect mix of Soviet and European Union. One could experience its Soviet Past, Present Patriotism and coming Europe.

As any other country, this country also had good and bad times. Once the peaceful and rich country has now become the battlefield. As a traveler, it could be a cheap destination with a leftover budget, something to spend on extra. Each traveler has left with unique impressions of beautiful Ukraine. It would be more interesting to know her, as a native while being an alien.

More than 8 years, I have been living in Ukraine. Living with natives and knowing them not only superficially but understanding them to the core. This qualifies me to present you the Land of Cossacks, Ukraine.

This part of the Soviet Union got independent in the year 1991 on 24th of August. The impact of its history is visible easily by its architecture. East part of Ukraine has mainly Soviet architecture, reminding constantly of communism. Where-as west Ukraine was invaded and ruled by various European Colonies. Not only architecture, but the living residents are also an example of mix culture. Most east Ukrainians have Russian blood running in veins and West filled with mixed races of Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.

East Ukraine is the engine of Ukraine, running the country by establishing different industries. Industries found here are mainly power generating, fuel, petrochemicals, and construction material. Ukraine is rich in mineral deposits with Iron ore, Manganese, Mercury, Titanium, and Nickel. It is one of the largest steel producers in the world. It is one of nine countries with a full cycle of aerospace hardware engineering and production. Making it a good hub for Aircraft & Aerospace industry. World famous largest airplane on planet ANTONOV AN-225 was founded here.

Though being known for its industrial base, it's the largest part of the economy is from Agriculture. Ukraine lists in Top 10 producing Wheat & Maize-Corn. Largest producer of Sunflower oil and globally major producer of Grains and Sugar. Ukraine possesses 30% of World's richest Black fertile soil.

Ukraine is Ukrainian/Russian speaking country, which also plays a major role in having an underdeveloped tourism industry. Although, it has always been a higher choice for the Nature lovers. Ukraine has various Parks and Sanctuaries to offer safe and adventurous hike. West has Carpathian mountain ranges, most loved destination by trekker and for camping.

Whereas, cities have lots and lots of Christian churches and monasteries, museums and historical places.

 

Villages have to offer a good relaxation around cattle in old age houses, purely built of rocks and woods. On outskirts, well-preserved forts and castles from 13th-14th A.D.

The country is formed by people and its civilization. Once you understand the locals, then no place is a foreign land to you. As it is said, "First impression is the last impression", this proverb stands falsely for Ukrainians. On first glance, they are unfriendly and uninterested in foreigners. But, when they get along with you, then you are one of them.

Ukrainian males are very friendly, they will teach you the best way to enjoy alcoholic beverages without having a hangover next morning. They are muscular, well-built physic and athletic. Most of them hold an interest in boxing and other sports like football, volleyball, and hockey. Often, they end up weekends and summers/springs in villages at farms.

Ukrainian females are lovely, beautiful and very hard-working. Unlike other countries, these women are very strong at physical work. Most of the shops, cafes, restaurants, banks... name any profession, one will find women working there. I was surprised to see women here driving local transport buses and trams, precisely these are women of ages 40-50. Also having conductors of similar ages. One can understand, why the 8th March was declared as Women's Day in the Soviet Union and later it was founded as International Women's Day.

Once you get accepted into Ukrainian family, then there won't be a place for home-sickness. It is like an any ordinary family, but what makes it special is Respect and Love for each other. In most families, both parents work and children go to school and also enrolls in special classes as per hobbies. In spite of having a busy schedule, they manage to have family time on weekends.

In general, they spend weekends being at home, on Sundays visit the church, dine together, have conversations, watch movies. This is how they relax simply.

By early spring, together they start preparing their land at the farm and in the village for cropping. By the end of spring, plowing is done, mostly potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbages, corns, carrots, melons, strawberries, chilies, tomatoes, brinjals, and zucchinis.

In early summers, they collect strawberries and mushrooms. And later by autumn start harvesting all the veggies and fruits, which are sufficient for a year. This is how a family end up spending summer together.

 After collecting homegrown grapes, ferment them into wines.

It is guaranteed, one may never return empty stomach after visiting them. As the Ukrainian food is very tasty and their love makes it tastier, which ends up feeding you until belly button is untied.

The traditional food of Ukraine is Red Borsch (Soup of beet and lots of veggies with meat). Salo (preserved and aged pork fat with salt and other seasonings). Salo is also consumed as a snack with vodka. Vareniki (Dumplings stuffed with potatoes/cabbage/cottage cheese/cherries). Holubtsi (Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, veggies, and meat). Liver cakes, my favorites, and Kholodets (Chicken broth jelly with veggies).

                 

     

Staple food here is Meat soup, salad, and rye bread for lunch and macronies with cutlets for dinner. Usually, they have very heavy and fatty diet, which is utilized by practicing sports and various physical activities on daily basis.

People here mostly prefer local transportations, bicycle or choose to walk for daily purpose. Local transports include buses, trams, trolley buses, which are very cost effective and well organized.

Bigger cities do have metros. Travelling within the country has all conventional means like any other country. But, I would recommend traveling by train, as they are on time, inexpensive, clean wagons and the best view of the country from the window. Also the opportunity to get acquainted with locals and to explore more about them and their country.