Ukraine Trip Diaries

http://www.bystiv.com/ - Village of Bystiv - Although this site is a Bed & Breakfast site, it has many short films and pictures highlighting life in a small village. This is a "must see" site for all travelling to Ukraine, especially if it is your first time. This is the next best thing to making the trip. We thank Janet Bruch for suggesting this heartwarming site.

This page is for posting diaries of your trips to Ukraine. If you are interested in submitting your diary or account, write us at

The following is an account of Myron Masnyk's trip to Ukraine. He has kindly agreed to share his valuable memories and feelings about this trip. His writing is most enjoyable and you get the feeling that you are there. The trip took place in May 2000.

About one person he meets, a former swine herder, Myron writes, "Whoever reads these notes, at this time, may or may not have heard of Viktor Yuschenko. The likelihood is you may...soon." How prophetic!

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In August 2002, Judith Hrynenko travelled to Ukraine. She published her memories on her web site. She has kindly agreed to allow us to post her diary of the trip on this page. In her Acknowledgements Judith writes:

"Well, I hope that you all enjoy my story Can You Hear The Poplars.. I know there are things that I left out and some of you will be saying how come this and why not that. But I went to Ukraine to find my roots, instead, came home with a love and spiritual experience that I will never forget... I would encourage anyone who has been thinking about going, GO, there is so much to see and do. OH, by the way, remember those beautiful white lace curtains? Yes, I purchased a pair when I got home. As they sway in the breeze, they remind me of how much, I miss Ukraine."

"We just got back from our second trip to Ukraine and will be adding to my journal in the next month or two.. We attended a wedding and there sure is lots to tell.. From butchering pigs, to making 5 types of homemade sausage, smoking them along with chicken, and hams. Preparing food for 240 quests in a man made kitchen in the garage with only two stoves ..oye, I tell you with only one fridge and two big coolers.. Temps hovering around the 43 degrees, cooking through the night.. It was a fantastic time .. The music the laughter the great memories.. "

We look forward to her additions. To read "Can You Hear The Poplars" click on her site:- http://members.shaw.ca/jkruzer/

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TRIP TO UKRAINE

On May 28, 2005 Alexandra Tesluk Gibson made her trip to Ukraine. She writes: " I have written from the heart ~~ a personal journey ~~ and another dream come true!" Near the end of her diary Alexandra writes: " The memories from this trip will stay with me forever as they tenderly touched my heart and soul." We are glad that Alexandra has chosen to share her diary with us.

Click on TRIP TO UKRAINE to view this diary.

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TRIP TO UKRAINE

Philip Semanchuk has submitted his photodiary of his trips to Ukraine. He writes:

"Hi all,
I have traveled to Ukraine twice and I've never made a decent diary of it, but I've posted some photos that you might enjoy."

http://semanchuk.com/philip/TripToUkraine/

On August 18, 1996, Jerome Simpson set out from Budapest, Hungary to visit Ukraine. At the end of his account he wrote:

"My only fear now is that upon returning to this enchanting land, towns such as Lviv will have been overrun by Western tourists and more modern cafes than I care to imagine. For better or for worse? I leave that for you to decide once you have made your acquaintance with the beautiful region that is Western Ukraine."

In 1995 Joanne Pryhorocki Potter visited her relatives in western Ukraine. By means of note-taking, tape recorder, and camera, she documented details of everyday life in rural Ukraine. Joanne is kindly sharing her journal with us.