I am in Kiev, Ukraine since last week. I go home on Wednesday. I had a conference in Vinnytsia for three days. A Ukrainian family has been hosting me. Their daughter who is a college student at the university in Vinnytsia has been escorting me and driving me around. She's been much help as she has been interpreting for me. Nobody speaks English here. The weather has been lovely although everything is white. a couple of degrees above or below zero. I enjoyed the conference and Ukrainian hospitality. Everybody was interested in me and gave me gifts to take home. You should think about visiting Ukraine as it is so cheap. Last night we went to a Verdie opera and tomorrow we are going to a ballet. Today we went to the Kiev Folk and Culture Museum (houses from the different regions in Ukraine). We walked on the snow for more than three hours. It was gorgeous. Some houses were open to look at. There were few more tourists there. We had it all for ourselves. We also toured the city before I went to Vinnytsia. I bought lots of souvenir. They were bargains. I hope I can pack them and carry them all home. I am sending postcards tomorrow. So expect one in the mail soon.  

Jan 27, 2003