I visited the villages of Narizhzhya (population 300) and Novyi Kalkaiv (population 30) (about a 4 hour car ride from Kyiv) this past weekend and it was humbling to see how villagers live. We were welcomed with food, beds, and warm smiles.
Katya and her cat. Unlocking the basement door to take steps down to pickled tomatoes.Kitchen in the ‘summer house,’ separate from the main house.Ducks ~ качкиCheese dumplings ~ пельмені з сируTomatoes ~ помідори
BorschtCabbage dumplings ~капустяні пельменіKatya’s farmhouse.A kalunya (sp), hut, where she keeps hay.
Organic cherry tomatoes.With beetroot for the rabbits.
The next morning I walked out of the main house to this scene ~ cleaning onions Katya’s favorite cake from Kyiv, a special treat for her.For breakfast, last night’s cheese dumplings, fried. Awesome. Delicious ~ смачноBreakfast spread: coffee, dumplings, jam, sour cream, and cakeThis cabinet is over 100 years old and was a gift from her best friend of 60 + years, whose childhood home, it used to be in.
with humility and gratitudeThe doorway into another meal in another village: Novyi Kalkaiv. The husband and wife who live here, are 2 of the 30 people living in the village.A meal of kapusnyak (Ukrainian sauerkraut soup) and stuffed red peppers.In Luda’s kitchen.
19 thoughts on “NARIZHZHYA & NOVYI KALKAIV (VILLAGES), UKRAINE: HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE”
The food reminds me of my Baba & childhood. My Grandparents were from the old country, came to Canada very young, Baba was less than a year old. The look & tone of the photographs remind me of family stories of life in another world & time. 🙂
Just seeing the way Katya is self-sustained, taking care of a house, animals, a massive garden, cooking all of her own food, capable of doing just about anything ~ awe-inspiring.
You are welcome. I find your stories so inspiring and the photos transport a golden insight in what you actually experience. Thank you.
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Wonderful post. Beautiful people who by our standards, have a difficult life. Their produce/food is gorgeous. I’m amazed that there are only 30 people in a town, but I’ve heard of on that only had 14. Lovely post of lovely people. Thank you.
The food reminds me of my Baba & childhood. My Grandparents were from the old country, came to Canada very young, Baba was less than a year old. The look & tone of the photographs remind me of family stories of life in another world & time. 🙂
I’m so glad those good, warm feelings are conjured up when you see these images. 🙂
I really love this atmosphere. Wonderful!
Thank you !
Love this post and seeing your travels. This looks amazing. What was your favorite part?
Just seeing the way Katya is self-sustained, taking care of a house, animals, a massive garden, cooking all of her own food, capable of doing just about anything ~ awe-inspiring.
Wow, Jacqueline, this is a touching and real eye opening post! Fabulous. Thank you for the cultural exposure!
Thanks, Resa! And glad to hear from you again ~ I imagine you’re quite busy. Be well ~
Love this story, Jacqueline!
Thanks so much, Daniela!
You are welcome. I find your stories so inspiring and the photos transport a golden insight in what you actually experience. Thank you.
Wonderful post. Beautiful people who by our standards, have a difficult life. Their produce/food is gorgeous. I’m amazed that there are only 30 people in a town, but I’ve heard of on that only had 14. Lovely post of lovely people. Thank you.
Thank you so much for taking a look at the post. Very special lives they lead, indeed.
SO awesome. Reblogging to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
As always, thank you ~
😘
love this post. Beautiful photos.
Thank you so much .