A New Friend named Natalia

4/4/2009

Today, we needed to meet Natalia to go the notary. She met up with us late in the morning and Kostas (her husband) drove us to the other side of the city. Jordan and Natalia took care of the paperwork so that I can return to get Nina without Jordan. While they were inside, Kostas and I attempted a conversation about cultural differences. He really likes Peru. My mom called which was good to hear her voice.

They took us back to the city square where we met a friend of a friend. Her name is also Natalia. She was a former exchange student in San Marcus. She is from Ukraine and knows so much of the history. She spent most of the afternoon with us, serving as translator and tour guide. We thoroughly enjoyed her company!

She took us to the sight of St. Michael’s church and St. Sophia. There she briefed us on the story behind one of the monuments on the church grounds. It’s a monument to all the Ukrainians who died in the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933. This was a terrible tragedy in their history. Millions died at the hands of Mr. Stalin. Of course, there are those who oppose these facts. (You can’t hide the intentional starvation of millions of country folk.) Basically, (for those of you who don’t know of this history as I did not), the Soviet government decided to group the farms in the Ukraine, called collectivization. The “Ukrainian peasants” (as the Soviets referred to them) resisted this action. In response to their “resistance,” the Soviets locked the Ukrainian borders, took all of their food to storehouses and put up towers in the fields to keep the people from stealing the food. They starved the Ukrainian people (millions of them.) Fifty years after this tragedy, the Ukrainian people spoke out about this against the Soviets. The Soviets were trying to rid Ukraine of the Ukrainian peasants… after the countryside people died, the Soviets replaced the millions who had died with their people (transplants.) It was a very sad story. One Natalia shared with us, and one that Jordan and I returned to read. The pictures from this tragedy are staggering. They reminded me of the pictures of the Jews in concentration camps. People were along "main street" all over Ukraine, starved to death. Geography plays a dominant role in every part of Ukraine’s history.

With Natalia, we walked along the market streets and appreciated some amazing artwork. She is passionate about art and we visited some studios which line the streets near the market. There were also paintings and homemade art all along the street outside the studios. We approached one style of art and had the opportunity to meet the artist. He was outstandingly passionate about his art. We never really determined exactly how he creates his pieces. He kept using the word, “etching,” translated conveniently by Natalia. He spoke with such energy, and one could see his love for his work and his country. His work captured the traditions, culture and changes of Ukraine. While we visited with him, we attracted some additional customers for him. I think he did well that day. (If only I could have bottled his energy and his story to bring home with his artwork!)

There were other artists as well… one older gentlemen who created wooden plates. His wife paints on them with oils. There was another babushka who crocheted ornate pieces of decorative linens. And, yet another elderly man, who painted on eggs. He had some that were made of wood and some that were natural egg shells. He painting was so intricate and eye-pleasing. He wore a beret and spoke so softly. I enjoyed this brief encounter. The city is breath-taking from one of its highest points. We climbed many stairs to get to this sight. It was romantic and calming at the same time.

Many of the items sold in the street markets are made from ordinary garbage or discarded items. The elderly men and women sell their works of art to supplement their “social security payments.” But, the streets are filled with young and old artists and craftsmen alike.

This was a fun day, the highlight being our encounter with Natalia. She was so kind to spend the day with us. We so enjoyed her company!