Kyiv - a magnificent city
- christianjutvik
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
15.10
Stuart from USA said;
I knew that Kyiv was a magnificant city, but this was really beyond my expectations
We walked the streets and visited some of the most prominent sights. I can post many eyecathing picktures, but you can as well see them on Wikipedia. I only post pictures which comes with a story. Like this one;
We paid a visit to GloryUA foundation. A big organisation supporting the military and give legal support to military personell as well as humanitarian projects. What stays in my memory is the mindblowing film Follow Me. About how a drone saved the life of two civilians
Olha said that 80% of the people in differet ways give monetary support to the army. I figure I also heard from others. This organisation has received donations exceeding 6 million Euro since 2022.
Happy so many people are not afraid of coming to Ukraine, Olha concluded
As with our visit to other organisations, I gave a donation on behalf of our group.
After watching the film, Alexander Tebenko entered the room. He and his twin brother Olexander (!) have created the innovative UAPostcards. You pay online for having a postcard with your greeting sent from Ukraine. Do try it out! https://uapostcards.org/
In the afternoon we met with a group of young women calling the Radytski - "Radiogirls". Radystky.This was the name of women who served the radiocommunication within the army during second world war. A group of female young women who organize events to raise funds for the military.. Now they entertained us by singing the wellknown song Chervona Kalyna. They even tought us to sing the song of the Red Viburnum berries (kalyna) a symbol that has been a part of the Ukrainian culture since ancient times. The third time it worked reasonably well. I should have filmed this! You have a link to the song with the lyrics below.
16.10
In the morning we went far out to the sububurbs to vist Children of Heroes. A big countrywide organisation lending support to 15 000 children who had lost a father. Now 1000 more than they said last Spring. Understand that this organisation got most donations from our group. I guess, almost 2000 €.
In next blog I will give an economical report stating the surplus of the tour and of how much money we spent in Ukraine.
In the evening we left Kyiv by train to Chelm in Poland. Very comfortable beds but still difficult to sleep. Around three o´clock we were woken up by the Ukranian immigration checking passports, an hour later by the Polish immigration and customs.
17-18.10
In Chelm we waited some time for a connecting train to Warsaw where nine of our friends left for their homes in Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark, Norway and United States.
The 10 remaning Swedes continued by train to Gdansk and to the ferry to Sweden. The company Polferries treated us with a fee dinner as we were considered a group.
Next day we arrived in Nynäshamn and took the local train to Stockholm.
How is it possible?
How is it possible for Ukraine to withstand the Russian war machine that spares no means to erase the country, its culture and language? Which other country would tolerate such sacrifices? For hundreds of years, they have been forced to fight against the Russian marauders just to save their identity.
Maybe we have the answer in the lyrics of the song Chervona Kalyna;
You are the heroes!
This we were told several times.
Traveling in Ukraine today is a great experience. To constantly be met with warmth. Of course, they are grateful for our support with money and weapons, but also because we want to, and dare to come, now when the war is still ongoing. When peace has come, the country will be flooded with curious tourists and businessmen.
But where were you when your solidarity was best needed?
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