Dear friends! Since 1994, October 5 has been celebrated as International Teacher Day by all world community and my country is not an exception. I have to say that Teacher Day had been celebrated in Ukraine long before. I remember my being a schoolgirl and congratulating my teachers on this day and it was many many years ago! Anyway,this holiday exists and I'd like to express my mind in this connection. Hope, you don't mind.

When I was young and full of ambitions,  I was eager to become an outstanding scientist and if somebody had told me I was going to become a teacher and to be a good one, I wouldn't have believed him or talked to him any more.That time it sounded like an offence! Honestly, I made a good scientist. But, the more I learned and the more professional I bacame, the stronger I felt a desire to give my knowledge back. And I started teaching my university students one day. It turned out to be my true vocation, my true mission, my true love. Since then, I have dedicated all my life to teaching and I have never felt sorry for that! Nothing can give more satisfaction than seeing your students gaining their knowledge! It can be compared only with raising your own kids! I still remember and respect my school and university teachers who taught me not only sciense. Actually, they created me like a sculptor creates his statues of raw material and I am so very thankful for what they did! They gave me understanding of life, capability of using my brains in the right way, taught me logic, common sense, thirst of knowledgeand so on and so on. Unfortunately, most of my teachers have already passed away but I am really happy that I managed to express them my great thankfulness during their lives.

Well, back to the topic. Should we show and tell our respect to teachers on Teacher Day only and why?

As far as I know, in Oriental countries as well as in Arabic, a teacher is a person number one, always respected, always honored. So, why is in our "most progressive', "most modern" West culture  a teacher  somebody taken for granted? We are so spoiled  with millenium history of education in Europe that we don't even think there is someone who gave us original knowledge. We don't value teachers. They get miserable salaries and try to find well-paid jobs in other sectors. According to statistics data, in 2015 educational system will lack 35,000 teachers in Ukraine only. And it is  general trend all over Europe. So the question is: do we think that all children are born genious and need no teachers from now on? If NO, we should pay more attention to our educational system and never think it is perfect. There is no limit of perfection.

Well, I don't want to stop at the sad note. I will show you how we celebrate this day. Here are our best teachers receiving government awards (on the right).

After an official part there is always a concert (on the left).

 Nothing is so bad until there is someone you can trust and learn from.

Dear teachers all over the world! I sincerely congratulate you with our professional holiday. What you give your students is priceless and I wish the society valuated us higher than dockers and truck drivers!  Anyway,  these flowers are for you!

Dear friends! As I have dedicated all my life to education, I can't help congratulating all students and teachers of EC with Knowlege Day that starts another academic year in my country today. I sicerely believe that the only one great victory of the USSR was victory against illiteracy. You will not find any person who can't read or write or doesn't have any education in Ukraine as well as in other post soviet countries. So, September 1, Knowlege Day, is a holiday for all population. We rate education highly and we are considered to be one of the most educated nations. It is well-known, so, I am not going to brag about that. What I want to tell you is today's celebration under thread of war.

Today, in all schools on the territory of Ukraine (except those under Russian occupation), the First Bell has rung for the first graders and other kids at 8:30 a.m.( at this time classes usually begin here). It is a tradition, but this year, all ceremonies have been started with the Minute of Silence for those who gave their lives during all wars for Ukrainian independence. The first lessons in all  classes were devoted to Ukaraine, its history, traditions, memory of those who died for our freedom and are still fighting our enemy. Instead of flowers usually given teachers on this day, most of children have brought money to give it to the Army and  refugees from the east of Ukraine. I appreciate that very much, I, myself, donated as much as I could. But is it right for children not to know happy childhood? I did have it and would like other generations to see cloudless sky and not to be afraid of bombs falling on their heads!

In the National Technical University (Kiev), one of the best educational establishments that is my alma mater, students put on national costumes and perfomed the show against war wanting to tell Russia that our spirit is still alive.This University graduated such famous scientists like Evgeniy Paton and his son Boris, well-known researchers in the field of welding and bridge constructors, Sergey Korolyov, the constructor of space ships and, of course, Dimitriy Mendeleev, the creator of the Periodic table, as well as a lot of other outstanding designers and scientists. Now, this University graduates the best IT, radio, TV engineers, constructors of different kinds, chemical technologists, etc. and they all know how to use their knowledge in military industry. As you see, they all want to guard Ukraine and it is natural. It makes me feel proud!

What makes me feel really sick is this day in the areas occupied by Russians. Today, about 900 schools haven't opened their doors to meet children. During a few last months, separatists and occupants destroyed about 300 educational buildings. You can see one of them on the right:

not to say that yesterday our invadors said they were planing to make terractions at schools on the occcupied territoties  today's morning and make people think it was the Ukrainan Army that did it!!!!! It is quite natural for Putin!

But look at these children! They are so happy to live, to go to school, to love their homeland!

If someone can lift his hand against their unclouded childhood, let him get over death of his own kids!

Let's learn from the mistakes of the past not to do our own. Let's learn history, traditions and rise as one against any aggressor in the name of the best future! Let the First Bell ring every September everywhere to remind people that knowledge is our main power and weapon!

This summer Russian Duma (i.e.,parliament) has issued some mind-boggling edicts banning manufacturing, import, sale and wear of lacy underwear, high-heeled and heeless footwear on the territory of the Customs Union. What does it mean? Back to the USSR or clinical insaness? Is it nostalgia for  the past (on the left) or Kremlin wants to dress Russia in the uniform (brown color with the swastika will be the best choice!)?

Is it really possible for any government to interfere in private life of its and other nations and to tell what to wear? I was born and raised in the Soviet Union but I was never ordered what to put on!

The only one given explanation was that all that stuff is harmful for health. Let me disagree! There are many people who can wear only heeless shoes because of age or some disease of a spine, overweight, etc. As to underwear, let's return back to The Middle Ages when people had no idea about it!

So, back to footwear. From now on, people can't wear anything of these:

And the only one choice left is Russian bast shoes (on the left).

However, now one can have them in some modern design (on the right)

How do you think, what future such a country has? I hope very much, it will be something like this:

For those, who don't know what I mean: read my  comments to this blog, please.

My dear friends! Yesterday was Flag day and today is Independence Day  of my country and I can't help writing a few words in this connection! Hope, you don't mind.

I will not tell you any history for you either know or want to know nothing from it. I will show you a few pictures for you to able to cotmpare and make your own conclusions.

On the left is the Ukrainian flag. It has 8 century old history. Just compare it with the picture on the right. Doesn't it look peaceful?

The colors of our flag symbolize wheat, i.e. prosperity, and the clear sky, i.e, peace. 

Our land is very fertile. For a  few centuries Ukraine has been known as a "bread basket" of Europe and we don't want our land to look like this:

It is our central square. Only six months ago during The Revolution of Dignity, it looked like this (on the left). Just look, what it looks like today (on the right)! It took our people only a few weeks to clear it up and to reconstruct everything!

Today there have been the military parades in Kiev and Odessa and the most of servicemen and military technique started out to the zone of military actions just from there! You just compere: the parade in Kiev (on the left) and the zone of ATO (on the right).

We don't want to get back in plactic bags the best we have: our people who are ready "to give up their soles and lives for our freedom" (from the National anthem).

On the other hand, look at our regular people!Never in my life have I ever seen such rise of patriotism and national consciousness!

So,it is for you to decide if it is nessecary to be a patriot and to keep national spirit high when your country is in the undeclared war which can become WWIII.

In summer Kiev, the capital of Ukraine is a very green city with  a lot of blooming flowers and flower shows are traditional here. However, the greatest flower show is always devoted to Independence Day that is on August 24. Those showes are always grandious, gorgeous and breath taking. This year the flower show has been arranged under the slogan of peace and indivisibility of Ukraine. There are many different sections of this exhibishion. But all exhibits are made of flowers only. I think, it is needless to introduce you pigeons symbolizing peace. The rainbow symbolizes the union of the Ukrainian east and west.

On the right you can see the National Ukrainian coat of arms. This symbol takes its roots in history of Ukrainian movement for independence.

Here is the reproduction of the monument to Kiev founders (on the left). You can read this story on my page.

On the right you can see the reproduction of the monument to our Great Prince Vladimer, one of the most progressive and smart governors of ancient Russ (also read on my page). 

On the left is a Firebird, a fairy creature, symbol of happiness.











The picture on the right introduces one of our national historic characters known as Kobza players. Those people played national instruments like kobza or bandura and sang national songs about hard times in Ukraine, about endless foreign conquests, about thirst of freedom. They were mostly blind because Russian government put out their eyes for their ideas.

However, there are also other exhibits at this show. Some of them are for kids and illustrate popular fairy tales and animations.

So, I wish you all saw this wonderful, unforgettable sight!Some of you may ask why to organize such shows or parades (one will be held on Sunday)when the country is in war. I believe that the words of our National anthem will explane you everything. There exists the official English translation of our anthem. Here it is:

Glorious spirit of Ukraine shines and lives forever.
Blessed by Fortune brotherhood will stand up together.
Like the dew before the sun enemies will fade,
We will further rule and prosper in our promised land.

However, I'd like to translate it for you as Ukrainian is my native and English is almost the same. It will not be a poem, but the idea will be clearer. So, here is my translation:



Neither will nor glory of Ukraine has died, yet.
Brothers Ukrainians, fortune will smile at us once again.
Our enemies will die out like dew in the sunshine
And we will be the masters of our own land again!

People, I wish you all peace, freedom and understanding the main values in life

Dear friends! I think you all heard about the recent Russian so called humanitarian convoy (according to Putin!!! What a suitable word!) of 280 trucks that were sent to Ukraine on Putin's own initiative a week ago. This action hadn't been coordinated either with Ukrainian government or with The Red Cross. Just look at them! Do they look like a peaceful mission? As a matter of fact, these are the military trucks painted white and soldiers disguised in some strange uniform. It is not only well-known, but also obvious. What cynicism to send salt, sugar and water after having sent guns, special troops and bandits to the same country! Such impression there is no water or food enough in Ukraine! Honestly, we can feed not only ourselves, but also Europe if nobody bothers us! Our Prime Minister said Russia should have sent empty trucks here to take away its terrorists and that is true. Not to say, that all those trucks turned out to be half empty. Then, why to send so many? There are many reasons. Firstly, to draw public attention away from the heavy military machines (about 100) that crossed our border the same night and were noticed not only by our troops and civil people, but also by NATO space reconnaissance and foreign journalists. Secondly, to improve image and to be able to say it was Russia that saved The Ukrainian East from starving because of  the West agression (I mean Ukrainian official government and the rest of the west world). And, at last, the main goal is to win this undeclared war to be able to continue it until the Devil Empire grabs all its lands back. Sounds crasy, but it is a fact!

I am addressing the world democratic community, first of all, the USA and EC . How long are you going to stand this evil? Limited economic sanctions only will make Russia even more agressive. It is a wild bear that bites and is ready to bite off its leg (already doing). On the other hand, this wild animal is well armed with nuclear weapons. So, is there any way to get rid of it forever? It is for you to decide! It is for you to live with the bomb of delayed action. I think, it is the right time to stop Putler or we will know new Hitler.

Thanks for your attention. Always yours, Tanya.

My dear friends! Today I can't stand writing this blog! My city is on fire. Look at these pictures.

It's how it looked about 3 months ago

And what it looks like today

Kiev is my native city, it is unique as many other old European  cities. It is used to be called "Mother of all Russian towns" and that is true, because it gave the beginning to the first East Slavic State known as Kiev Russ. For you to know, it was Ukraine that gave birth to Russia without knowing that it was pregnancy with dreadful consequenses. Anyway, Kiev is a great city, its architecture is unique even in Ukraine. Its culture has been forming during many centuries. To ruin such a city is a crime! And who is guilty? Who is guilty in deaths of 25 civil people and 10 policemen during one night? What is waiting for us? 

The scored earth policy, or what? I know the answer. But I, as well as many other intelligent people who share the same ideas,  apply to the UNO for bringing troops to Kiev. If the world society doesn't interfere, I have no idea where it may lead our society where no one listens to what others say.

Tomorrow is Memory Day in Ukraine  for those who were killed yestreday.It is the decision of our president (let him burn in hell!). If you feel like that, I ask you to stop talking for a minute and to burn up a candle for those who will never see this world again, never have kids, never make love.

Excuse my being so sharp today, but I can't be indifferent if my country is on fire!

Hi, my friends! I want to tell you about the events in Kiev on March 22-23. First of all, I have to say that Kiev climate is quite moderate and mild. In the middle of March we usually take off our winter clothes. But this year we have an opportunity to celebrate New Year again now. Our journalists made a film called "Today" or "February 52" ( I hope you remember the film "The day after tomorrow'). Can you imagine that 40 mln tones of snow  fell down on my city during 24 hours?  And nothing was done to save people who found themselves absolutely helpless in front of such natural element. Thousands of people had to spend  the night outdoods because they couldn't get home. Our city administartion didn't take care of clining roads or doing something for citizens not to freeze. Regular people united in organizations helping others to survive. And I  have to say that Kiev is the capital of one of the biggest  European countries!!! If I lived in another county, I would say there would be one more revolution. But not here, there were too many! And they all resulted in blood only! How long will people suffer of government that doesn't care of its nation? And this country is going to join EU!!!!! Look at this:

Dear friends! Today, I want to tell you about our favorite holiday. It has been celebrated for more than a century. Its name is Women's Day.

It is not Ukrainian or Russian holiday. The UNO marks this day as International Women's Day as recognition of our independence and equal rights. However, the political sense of this holiday died away in my country about a century ago. Our women have always been independent since 1917. On the other hand, our men have never been gentlemen. Perhaps, we do need this holiday to remind them of our being somewhere around! Our men forget about their family duties from time to time. It is unbelievable in the West or in Asian countries due to different reasons. But here, we have to remind our men of being "a strong sex". So, this holiday is a great occation. On march 8, we (women) do nothing. We make our men go shopping, cook, lay the table, do all housekeeping, take care of kids, etc. We want them to know how it feels  working and taking care of everything! (Smile!)

Well, this day is so special here! Women are congratulated everywhere: at work, at home and just on the streets. Flowers are in great demand. Men buy them up in heaps (maybe, once a year:)! Inofficial symbols of this holiday are snowdrops and tulips.

Red flowers symbolize love here. So, dear girls and ladies! I wish you all would be independent, loved and desired! Happy Women's Day!

My friends! As usual, this January I was in Florida. And I want to tell you some more about that great land. I have already told you about some Floridian history and nature. So, today I am going to tell you about some amusements Florida can offer.

Perhaps, the most wonderful thing I have ever seen is Disney World in Orlando. Walt Disney, who was an incurable dreamer, thought up that project himself. It was his dream realized by his brother after his death. Disney World in Orlando was opened in 1971. It occupies very large territory and looks like a city. Its first phase included Magic kingdom (on the left), two hotels and some other attractions.

As you know, Magic Kingdom is a place where Disney's characters live and act.You can see them everywhere there, they communicate with visitors, dance, sing and show some performances a few times a day. Every night there is a parade of Disney's personages.

In 1979 the second phase was opened to the public. Its main object was Epcot Center, one of the most visited and favorite places in Disney World. This pavilion takes you into the fantastic world. You can take part in the Star Wars, meet alians, deal with robots and so on.

What else I like about Disney World are Theme parks. There are many of them. For example, you can see some famous countries or exotic animals there. There is also possibility to see and to take part in ocean life. As to me, I like it very much. You can also "visit" many famous countries without leaving US. You can acquainte with France, Italy,Japan, Morocco, etc.

What I really like about those parks is a possibility to feel the spirit of "old America", so to say. We, leaving in 20th-21st centuries, can hardly imagine how it all started. We know, but don't feel. Disney World gives us such a chance to return to the past. I do like walkind in American part of Disneyworld, dropping into saloons, seeing old mobiles and just imagining America of the  18-19th century.  It is really exciting for me.

There are also a plenty of good hotels, restaurants and even resorts there. Nightlife is unforgettable! Everybody who comes to Disney World will find something interesting and enjoyable for himself independently of age, sex or culture. You can visit different attractions, have a swim in very clean sea water poolls,  play tennis, golf, etc.

Well, I see that I sound as a tourist agent, but I am not. I just love Florida. It is the best thing ever happened to me. If you come here, you will agree!

Love you all!

Dear friends! Whenever I visit Kiev downtown, I always feel great desire to share my impressions and some information with you. Today I want to tell you about one very special Kiev street where our artists, craftsmen, jewellers and other men of art present and sell their works.

The street's name is Andrew's Descent (or slope). This street is one of the oldest in Kiev. In the ancient times it was the main road connecting the upper town (where princes and grand people lived) with the lower town inhabited by the craftsmen. It was called by apostle Andrew (who was Christ's follower and close friend). According to the legend about Kiev foundation, St. Andrew came to this land in the first century A.D. and made a prophecy. It was something like this:" There will be a great city that will change history flow". There is a great church in his honor at the top of the street (you can see its part on the right and I have already told about it in my previous post).

It is a very narrow steep street that hasn't been reconstructed since the 18 th century (I mean its road, on the right). That time such roads were very typical for Ukrainian and Russian cities . It is called cobble stone road. It is the only one street in Kiev which cover was saved just for memories. Can you imagine how to drive on it?

However, all Kiev born are happy that our country managed to save at least some history here despite the communist slogan "to ruin the old world completely ". Well, it is history for young people, too! Well, let me go on.

This street is famous for many other reasons. First of all, it combines many architectural styles of different centuries. The building on the left is known as Richard's Castle ( I mean English king Richard, the Lion Heart). Neither King Richard nor any other British kings have ever visited Kiev. It is called so because of its architecture that is modernized Gothic style.

The building on the right represents so called urban architecture of the 19th century. But it is famous  because one of the most outstanding Russian writers, Michael Bulgakov, who wrote "Master and Margaret" lived there. Actually, he chose this house as a place for his heroes. I wish you all read that immortal novel! For those who don't know that author I will say a few words about him. He was one of a few Russian writers who was not afraid to express his attitude to the communist regime and his sarcasm was so great and dangerous that his novels were illegal for a long time. If somebody wants, I will tell more about that writer and his novels.

Well, the initial idea was to tell you about our handicrafts. So, I am back to that initial point. The main Ukrainian handicrafts have always been hand embroidery, clay ceramics and wood curving. They all are very ancient. I dare not  say when they appeared. I think that ceramics was the first. On the left you can see modern copies of the ancient clay stuffs that are sold on that street.

Hand embroidery can be considered as our national heritage. Such technique is used only here and in Byelorussia. It was originally two colored:black and red. Red color symbolizes love while black is a symbol of sadness, sorrow or grief. Later on, appeared blue color, the symbol of freedom and hope. Blue is mostly used in shirt embroidery. 

Ukrainian wood curving is also well known in Europe and not only. It is also very old trade mostly developed in the Western part of Ukraine.

I would also like to introduce you an ancient Ukrainian music instrument called sopilka. It is a wind instrument that was mostly used by shepherds  to call back their sheep in the mountains and to get rid of boredom. It was like a guitar for American cowboys.  It is still used in national Ukrainian and classic  music (on the right). It sounds very soft and pleasant. I am placing the links for you to hear the special sound of this instrument. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHvthlOWdmQ&feature=related

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwMQWcu3COw

 I hope my today's story will be interesting for you. Anyway, it is always great to know about other cultures, isn't it?

Dear friends! I don't actually know why I decided to post this blog but I hope you don't mind. Two days ago I was downtown (I rarely go there). The center of Kiev (downtown) is the most ancient part of the city with great architecture and I have always felt something special being there, not to say that I was born and raised in that part of the city. Kiev is an ancient city founded in the 5th century A.D. However, this territory had been populated many centuries before and I want to tell you something about it. I hope you will find it interesting.



Yesterday, on April 26, it was the 25th anniversary of  Chernobyl catastrophy. It seems to be the saddest anniversary in  mankind's history. Every year this day reminds me of the tragedy which can never be forgotten. About 500 thouthand people died the same year. Ukrainian population reduced from 52 to 47 million. Only in my family 3 people died due to cancer caused by radiation! I have always thought that other nations  should have learned from Chernobyl lessons! But this year the catastrophy in Japan  has made me  change my opinion. Japan that had managed to survive after nuclear bombing and had lost more than we did after Chernobyl, spoiled the Pacific ocean with the

radioactive water. When will it be over?! Look at the effects of radiation influence!

The last one was supposed to be a pig but the  first was supposed to be human.

Niclear power is the greatest and the cheapest source of energy but the countries using it should be aware of all  irremediable damages it may give to our planet

April 12 has been celebrated as Cosmonautics Day since 1961 when Yuri Gagarin, a regular Russian guy who had been born in a small village near Smolensk, became the first human being launched into outer space. 68 minutes spent by him in cosmos changed our life forever and opened the new era in mankind's history and development.

Yuri Gagarin was  major of Soviet Air Forces. In 1961 he was only 27. His charming smile, his simplicity and his last phrase before the launch "Here we go!"  will be never forgotten.The spacecraft "Vostok" that took Yuri Gagarin to the Earth orbit had been constructed by  Ukrainian academic Sergey Korolev.

Sergey Korovel is a graduate of Kiev National Technical University that is named after him till now. I am proud of being a graduate of the same University. Korolev is considered to have been at the very sources of spacecruft and missle engineering. He was a genious who died at the age of 54 because of his misunderstandings with government.

Gagarin's death is still a mystery. According to the official sources, he died as a result of the air crash of his MIG 15. However, how could we be sure of that, if he had piloted that plane for many years and was a perfect pilot?!

After Gagarin's flight, both of them were at the top of fame and world's recognition , they both were intelligent enough to disagree with the USSR's policy and thought they had had some influence on it. As a result, they both died young. It is for you to decide why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko9zgw7yZTk&feature=player_detailpage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umY92y25DrA&feature=player_detailpage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV32c-yw2Wk&feature=relmfu

I usually spend my Christmas holidays in Florida, the USA, and this year was not an exception. America is very beautiful and its landscapes are so different: from high mountains covered with the snow and fathomless canyons to very inordinary deserts with so called "table mountains", green plains, tropical zone, golden beaches. Anyway, I like Florida best of all as well as many Americans. It is the place where you can have a good rest enjoing year round warms, blue sea, great beaches and wildlife nature. I'd like to say a few words about its history.

This part of America is supposed to have been populated during 120 centuries or more. Florida was discovered by Spaniards in 1513 and was their colony for a few centuries. There are many monuments and masterpieces of the Spanish architecture here as well as in other Southern American states, ecpesially in California. Britain gained control of Florida in 1763 in exchange for Havana, Cuba, which the British had captured from Spain during the Seven Years’ War (1756–63). Spain evacuated Florida after the exchange, leaving the province virtually empty. Since then, it became a part of British colony that got its independence in 1776. Florida was one of 18 states that formed Confideration during the Civil War. It lived through hard times, there was slavery, discrimination, there were many heavy storms, that ruined it, but it is is still alive and so very beautiful and dear to my heart!

Well, let me tell you about modern Florida. Inofficial symbol of Florida is an alligator. You can meet those creatures

everywhere. They are protected by law. You can kill them if they only attack you. Most of them are not big or aggressive. Once I lied with an alligator on the beach without being aware! But it didn't touch me! 

Another interesting creature is a Floridian long tail cockatoo. They are many colored and so talkative! They learn speaking so easily!

You all know there is  one of the  greatest wild life refuges in Florida. Its name is Everglades It is so wild that guides don't even want to go deep into it. There are many snakes and alligatiors and other wild creatures.

But the main beauty of Florida are  sunsets. They are so inordinary! I have seen  many of them but I will never get borred with them! So called "reflected sunset" can be seen in a few places on the earth. I wish you all could enjoy beauty of that land!

Welcome to Florida!