Katie's Peace Corps Blog

I'm going to Ukraine with the Peace Corps!!

FYI: This in no way represents views of the Peace Corps or US Government. It also doesn't represent any views that are other than my own.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

I looked up some Ukrainian customs and traditions. I’m not sure which ones are out of date but better safe than sorry. Most are good manners but some are completely off the wall. Take a look on what I’ll be dealing with:

  • Never drink your host under the table [shouldn’t be a problem, cough I’m a lightweight cough]
  • Always give an odd number of flowers (even numbers are considered unlucky) [ok, not too hard]
  • When passing through the aisles of a theatre, always face the people sitting down
  • Always greet and say good-bye when visiting [something everyone should do]
  • Women often greet each other with a kiss or a hug
  • Always say please (bud’ laska), thank you (dyakuyu), and you're welcome (proshu) [again, something everyone should do]
  • When you are invited to a Ukrainian family, it would be courteous to bring a small gift or flowers. [but not an even number of flowers]
  • When you enter a Ukrainian home, it would be better to take the shoes off. You will be offered special slippers for guests. [Will they have penguins? I want slippers with penguins]
  • Ukrainians don’t place empty bottles on the table. When a drink is over, the bottle should be placed under the table. Otherwise, it will be bad luck for money. [might be hard to remember]
  • In Ukraine, women don't sit at the corner of a table. That's considered to be bad luck for marriage. [I’m not sure if avoiding corner seats are really going to help marriage]
  • Don't shake hands across the threshold (door entrance)
  • If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well
  • Do not whistle; some believe it will "blow your money away." [well, I can’t whistle, at all]
  • On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.
  • At the entrance of upscale restaurants and theaters, expect that your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked.
  • If it is possible, have business cards printed in Ukrainian on one side and English on the other.[nice tip]
  • When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted unless otherwise specified.
  • Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.
  • Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you.
  • Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered when visiting friends. Turning down food may be considered rude. (If you find you cannot eat it all, keep something on your plate to avoid having it replenished!) [gosh, I’m going to get fat]
  • For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked.
  • In Orthodox churches, women should wear scarves or hats, and men should take off their hats. [but I’m catholic]
  • Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings, he or she may offer them to you.
  • Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers; this is a very rude gesture [YES! I now know how to give the finger]
  • Restaurant bills normally include a 5 percent service charge. You will often find, however, that a few extra hryvnias can make your dining experience a lot more pleasurable [good to know]

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

FLOWERS!!!

Ok So this is super early, but after my first 3 months you can mail me things to where I'm staying directly. As you all know I love flowers. So to help everyone out.

http://www.ukraine-flower.com/

Yes! Even though we will be uber far away you can send me flowers and other fun items. There are a ton of other websites also if you google "Ukraine flowers". (gosh I love the internet) Its Ukraine custom to send only an odd number of flowers. It is unlucky to send an even number and I don't want to be unlucky. Thanks, kbye

:o)

p.s. Daisies are my favorite

Countdown to the birthday- 1 Hand and 1 finger.

For all you none crazy people out there that’s 6 DAYS and I’ll be 22. The birthday and Christmas are almost bittersweet. I’m so excited (as I always am) about them but it’s an indescribable feeling knowing I won’t be around from them next year. I’m just trying to take in the complete Christmas spirit (without killing people at the mall) It’s hard that Justin’s gone for it too. Last year was so much fun. Besides the birthday dinner, I was great to have someone help me walk after the bar (turning 21 is rough on your liver). I really wasn’t in the yay!, Christmas spirit last year until he dragged to get stuff for a tree and we put it up together. That almost makes this year that much harder but I’m enjoying being home while I am.

As usual, I’m making a million Christmas cookies (yes more than I’ve already made this year). So far the list of cookies to be made is:
Peanut butter blossoms (my favorite)
Sugar cookies with stained glass windows (I watch way too much food network)
Triple-Chocolate mini cups
White-Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Snow-Capped Tree Cookies
Chocolate-Mint Thumbprints
Gingerbread people (a classic)
And also the ever famous, peanut butter squares and rice crispy treats (but those can’t be mailed). Oh and I’m making chocolates just because :-p So if you don’t think you’re on the to-mail list and you want cookies- let me know ASAP and you will be added.

Well, for those who I haven’t told. Come December 31st I will not have a job anymore since the site is closing. I need the money for all the trips I want to take (see previous blog) but it will be nice to have almost 3 months off to relax. I haven’t started the to-pack list yet but we all know that will happen soon after the 1st of the year.

So the Russian/Ukrainian is slowly coming along. So far I know a few useful Ukrainian words (yes a very few). Most recently - Добрий Вечip. Pronounced “Dough/bree Veh/cheer” meaning good evening. The Russian is coming along a little better. Although I really can’t accurately say too much, I can understand a lot of words, including numbers and telling time. Now the time was a hard one since I’m used to a digital watch so remember how to tell a normal clock in English was a task in itself. I’m going to keep working on it.

Well that’s about everything going on in my life. I’ll post more soon. :o)