Wednesday, November 27, 2013

In other news...

Just discovered my new phobia...











Sunday, November 24, 2013

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Part 3( our 4day trip to Lviv ... To eat and be Merry...)

I've been to so many European cities before but I haven't seen anything quite like this maybe because I haven't been to Moscow and never heard of Ukraine maybe once in high school studying World History regarding the catastrophic Chernobyl incident.

When we visited Kiev it gave me an impression of Paris with less of its glitz. The weather was a little gloomy to go out celebrating but when we reached Lviv on a chilly Monday afternoon I was suddenly transported to some place of a different vibe. Tourist were parading in Rynok Square with their winter coats and their flashing smiles. I hardly slept in the train but my spirit was instantly uplifted with the rich old architecture and its string line of shops and restaurants. I did not have to put much effort to stay awake. I was both hungry to discover what this vibrant new city has to offer and at the same time some authentic Ukranian gastronomic experience.

My beloved boyfriend is indeed beloved in his hometown where everybody wants to do something nice for him. A day before coming to Lviv, his old neighbor coincidentally paid a visit and turned out to be having a grandson in Lviv. She insisted that we call Ivan to assist us in our tour. And of course, right on time when we arrived Ivan was already waiting for us in the cold. Covered with a heavier coat, his blue eyes dazzled with surprise as he spotted my beau in the crowd.

He helped us to hail a cab without being ripped off and gave us some insights about the city. He hurriedly went back to work and agreed to have dinner together the following night.

The center was undergoing some construction so some streets were closed for vehicles to enter. We ended up walking a few meters searching for our sweet little love shack around the square which turn out to be a wonderful surprise.

On The Square GuestHouse did not disappoint from its incredible rating in Trip Advisor. The location itself was a complete total bonus aside from its perfectly fully-furnished studio flat right in the middle of city attractions. Our place was ready and as much as we want to rest and cuddle in our king size bed we decided to get a quick bite instead.

We both agreed to first try one Vereniki restaurant just a few meters from the square. Our hands were both freezing while our tummy were circling in hunger . The soft green interior of the place instantly gives each dining patron a feeling of home. Good thing as well that their Menu was both in Ukranian and English. I was able to really grasp what I was getting myself into. It was a fantastic first try.

We were running out of basic supplies so our next stop was a supermarket. It was entertaining and educational walking around. We both enjoyed sightseeing and shopping since everything was just close by. The cold breeze started to blur my vision a little bit and my bladder could take no longer much liquid so we walked back to our place at the same time to rest.

My beau was more enthusiastic to find the best places to dine and unwind. He knew better where to eat and have a good time. And I really did enjoy discovering food and enjoying different flavors in Lviv.

We have tried several outrageous and out of this world restaurants. In Dubai we haven't experience some place where you feel like you're literally paying for the ambience .
I will write about this later in more in detail.

We were both sad to leave Lviv.
As I said earlier, I really love traveling but it is different when you 're traveling with someone close to you.

Thankfully , the train ride was much easier and more comfortable going back Zdolbuniv.
My energy level was draining but Igor and Tanya would like to see us.

When we reached home his family were already waiting for us with a sumptuous dinner prepared. Oh life. Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.

Igor and Tanya were glad to see us and share some more beer and laughter. I was surprised when they handed me a small Ukraine gift bag with all sorts of souvenirs and memorabilia. It was really thoughtful of them. It was really hard saying 'See you Later' to these lovely people.

We had so little time left to enjoy our time in Ukraine.
It was both unforgettable and enjoyable and one of the best a holidays I've had.





Friday, November 15, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013

part 2 Discover Ukraine (meeting everyone:-))

Mmm... Vacation's almost over.
While its freezing cold outside, it's warm and cozy here inside.
It's definitely worth every single penny we spent for this place to stay for 4days. 'Guess I have to let him do most of our hotel-hopping in our future travels.

Before having our time here in Lviv, we spent 3/4 of our vacation in his hometown.

Back home, for a couple years now, visiting the place I grew up seems a little bit lonely ever since my mom passed. I have a small tight and very close loved-ones I visited once or twice a year. And coming to his place was a complete surprise to me, given the fact that all these people whom I just met welcomed me with open arms made me instantly felt like I reached my new ' home' finally.

I was fidgeting and nervous whenever I came across with the thought of meeting his mom and his whole gang. I had never experience such close encounter before where my entire existence will be judged and most of all-- that 'their' opinions about me, matters.

Thanks be to God, that it turns out that they were all lovely, wonderful people.
Never did I feel outcasted, ignored or different. Instead they took my being from another side of the world an ' interesting' element.

Our first day was greeted by his mom's extravagant cooking. We spent 4hours eating our late lunch. The long table was filled with mouth-watering dishes I had never seen before. And sharing the meal with his loved-ones was such an incredible learning moment for me to get to know him more. I am lucky to be a part of this family.


Later that night, he brought me along to meet his best friends since childhood.

I was embraced and kissed with these people I hardly even know and yet they made me feel like we've known each other for years. Ukranian dishes continued to flow from Irina's table, while vodka and whiskey never seem to ran out of supply. I was a bit tipsy for the first hour of meet and greet. When Sanya opened their beloved champagne bottle I suddenly realized I was in for a very long night. More jokes and chitchat and their house was roaring in laughter. I was really grateful for Irina and Vita since they both speak English. Maksim later came, Ira's toddler son whom I instantly fell in love with. He's so cute and endearing. But he was so shy to even look at me.
Just when I thought we had enough alcohol and catching up, we ended up in a nearby nightclub for more vodka and dance.
It was around 2am when we reached the sack. I was drunk with happiness and love. I felt my insides doing somersaults from all the excitement pumping in my veins. I was having fun with my love beside me.

I have always been passionate with traveling but it proves to me now that I love it more when I'm traveling with someone special . It becomes more meaningful and exciting.

More nights of drinking followed. We visited Rivne a few times for dining and alcohol. We usually went home drunk enough to hit the sheets but we absolutely had a lot of fun.

There were also nights we spent for barbecue with more Ukranian dishes to die for. Friends and loved-ones alike made me feel like we've been sharing our lives together for a very long time. I realized that, these people whom he consider his family were even more loving to me than some people I know back home. God must really love me .

In Ukraine I suddenly had extended brothers and sisters, a loving grandma and grandpa and a new set of family.
Although the drinking will never settle in my blood, I will always be attached with the camaraderie I get to taste here. I know nothing's perfect but I am totally thrilled with their hospitality.

I have a huge homework to finish when I reach Dubai. Learn Russian. Infuse Ukranian Cooking in my daily life because it definitely suits me.

My heart is filled with gratitude for God's blessings and His provision.
This has been one of the best vacations I had in a long time!

Our train has just arrived . We're going back to his town after 4days here in Lviv.
Will update about Lviv soon....



Wednesday, November 13, 2013