Day Eleven: Today Ukrainian treasures took center stage. The morning began with a school presentation on Vera Ruik, a Ukrainian heroine and master embroiderer who would have been 101 years old today. She taught at Gymasium #9 in the 1950's and it is said she "embroidered her own destiny". Marina wore her traditional "rushniki" in honor of this Ukrainian treasure. I've been looking for a similar one to take home, but it's difficult to find in this part of Ukraine. Sadly, we've been too busy for much souvenir shopping, but perhaps that just means another future visit is in order.
The second treasures were the most important as they were two of the school's students: Dima and Olya. They volunteered to take Dana and I to the local ethnography museums and in doing so I learned a lot more about them and other typical students at the school. They both have full class loads of 7 classes per day but both take extra classes before and after school. Dima's extra classes include physics, math, Russian and yoga - which he takes after the school day ends. Olya takes extra lessons before school (at 7 am!) in chemistry and physics and after school lessons in math, German and English. Both study from about 7 to 11 pm every night as well. Now that's dedication! The two 10th form students were gracious, accommodating and super friendly.
The next treasures were those of Ukraine's cultures. The ethnography museum displayed the cultural contributions of various Crimean peoples including Tartars, Georgians, Russians, Jews, Muslims, Greeks, Italians, and of course, Ukrainians. Such a diverse corner of the world.
Question: What Rhode Island treasures would you share with visitors?
This is awesome that you had students who were able & willing to serve as community tour guides. And that is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteHello from your Block 3 class! We have just read your blog and have decided to share the following Rhode Island treasures.
ReplyDelete1) The Roger Williams Memorial Park and Statue
2) Bring them to museums
3) Bring them to the ethnic restaurants and neighborhoods, because Rhode Island is filled with diverse people.
4) Take them to a baseball game
5) Go to the beach
John says that you should work at a newspaper because your blog is so good! Danilson wants to know if all students like taking the extra classes. Does the Ukraine have foreigh students who are trying to learn the language?
Hello from Block 4! We have decided that we would share the following Rhode Island Treasures
ReplyDelete1) Kennedy Plaza
2) Providence Place mall
3) The State House
4) Roger Williams Zoo
5) Museums
6) The ocean
7) Dunkin' Donuts ( And the Dunkin' Donuts Center)
8) Dominican/ Hispanic/ Mexican/ Asian restaurants
9) Newport
10) Wal-Mart
Great choices! And, thanks for the compliment, John. I am just happy you're finding some interesting information. Danilson, this culture is truly geared towards academic excellence, so if the family can afford to pay for extra classes, the kids do so and yes - they see a lot of value in it because it will help them land a good spot in university. So far I haven't met any foreign students trying to learn Ukrainian. Here in the Crimea, the locals speak Russians and there are adult foreigners learning this challenging language.
ReplyDeleteThanks Polly for your sweat comments.
ReplyDelete