Culture in Kyiv

Day Three:  We had a primer on the educational system, but that was not a highlight. And, yes, we had a briefing at the US Embassy on political and economic issues - which, on any other given day would have deserved a gold star. But, my most memorable experience was.....understanding that the culture in Ukraine is alive and well and flourishing. People read.  People go to the ballet. And that is important in any culture.

We've been to four restaurants, two of which used books as decorative props and as resources for customers' consumption. And, people did look at them and read them. Sure there were also the ubiquitous tied-to-technology folks browsing their ipads and smart phones - but people also had old-fashioned books and newspapers and magazines open. They were read. That's important. In fact, this guy is still reading:

                                                                 A Kyiv Shop Window

This evening we attended a performance of "Carmen" at The Kyiv Opera House. It was a Tuesday evening and the house was packed: couples on dates, parents with young children, retired folks, young professionals, and teachers from the US were in attendance. The performance was stunning and I was in awe. The price was affordable (about $25.00) and our seats were prime. This is unheard of at home where the fine arts - ballet, the symphony, opera - is available at a dear cost. And, while I realize that due to the average, low Ukrainian wage - $25.00 for a ballet ticket could also be deemed costly - I am impressed by the attendees' knowledge and appreciation of high culture.

                                     Looking up, inside the Kyiv Opera House during "Carmen"