Why do I love Ukraine?

I was born in a very ancient land, that struggled to get its independence all the time, defeating enemies from different ends of the state. The notion “Ukraine” goes back to 1187, when it was firstly mentioned in the Kiev Chronicle. It’s worth mentioning that the city of Kiev was founded approximately in the 5th century and was a large commercial center. Now it’s a significant industrial, scientific, and cultural hub in the heart of Eastern Europe. These were just some important facts to know, but now I want to share with you my personal feelings. So, why do I love Ukraine?

First of all, each place makes us feel good because of the people there. People surrounding you are the main contributors to your state of mind. Ukrainians are hospitable, open-minded, generous and helpful. It is the most sincere and attentive nation, to my mind. If you get lost, for example, almost everyone will not only explain you the way but actually show it.

I have already mentioned some episodes from Ukrainian history, however, there are way more to explore. My favorite part of the country’s heritage is the period of the Cossack Hetmanate. It shows the country as the self-sustained powerful body with a great warrior spirit. Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the founder of the new governmental institution, has become an icon and source of inspiration for many Ukrainians, including me. He was a brave warrior, a firm in his intentions and actions man, a talented military leader and a wise politician. He managed to fire a light of hope for a happy and free life in the heart of each farmer that took a pitchfork to fight for the sovereignty of his Motherland.

[Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky in Kiev.Source: kievtown.net]
There is barely a person in the world who has not at least heard or seen the Ukrainian national dish - borsch (if you are that person, you have to buy tickets here immediately :P). Deruni, varenyky​, chicken kiev are some dishes that have a great popularity with​ locals from the year one. Sometimes you can see on the streets of Ukraine a man with a red nose and chicks. No, it’s not a Santa. And no he has no flue. It means a man has drunk some horilka :) It’s something like vodka in Russia or sake in Japan but tougher. And it’s also a national product.

[Ukrainian borsch. Source: biletbayi.com]
Ukraine has very diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and steppes. There are two sees near the coast of the country, the Black sea​ and the sea​ of Azov. Amazing Dnipro river divides the territory of Ukraine in two parts, west and east. Both of them are full of interesting places and natural spots of exceptional beauty. No more words, better look at the pics from my trips around Ukraine.

[The view from Hoverla mount]

[Somewhere in the Carpathians]

[Odessa sea port]

[The bridge leading to the Truhaniv island, Kiev]
Hope, you enjoyed the post and discovered something interesting to think about. Thanks for making it till the end. What do you think about Ukraine? Would you like to visit it one day? Please, share your thoughts below :)