In Between Cities

Originally, I was planning to head straight from Lviv to Ratne to visit my grandparents. This was the scariest route for me because I didn't know how to get to and from there. Do buses or trains even go there? Am I even going to catch GPS service in that village to navigate myself to their house? Last time I was in Ratne I saw people riding horses with carriages. I had unsettling feelings towards this route until my aunt offered that I stop by their town and they could drive me. I couldn't be more grateful for that offer.

I booked my train and took a detour through Volodymyr-Volynskyi for $1.09. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price. For a dollar, I figured I would get the crappy end of the stick in regards to trains. Surely, I was right and thankfully I was only on it for 3 hours. The train was awful but I couldn't complain because it was a short, cheap ride. The train only stops for about a minute in between stations so you have to make sure you are ready as soon as it stops. My uncle, Victor, picked me up from the station and brought me to his apartment. I was greeted by my aunt who prepared a delicious dinner for my arrival. I was so happy to finally eat a homemade meal after eating out almost every single day. It was my first time meeting my uncles wife, Sveta, and I had a lovely evening catching up and telling them stories about my trip. They were kind enough to let me stay the night until tomorrow's planned travel.

The next morning we walked around the town of Volodymyr-Volynskyi and visited my aunt at the hospital where she works as a nurse. We sat in her office drinking tea on her lunch break while she told me stories about how she got the job and her schooling. I was surprised when she told me that no one really has computers that they work from but rather everything is still on paper. It's unfortunate that the hospitals can't afford to get computers for the staff, not allowing technology to ease the work load.

We left to Ratne shortly after packing up. The drive was a bit scary because the roads were flooded with pot holes. My uncle was swerving left and right, slowing down and speeding up just to dodge the pot holes ahead that probably won't ever be filled. The drive was pretty dry, passing more villages before finally arriving at my grandparents house. I teared up seeing them because its been 7 years since I last saw them. They haven't changed a bit nor did the home decor. They lived in Ratne their whole life and built the house from scratch. Since then, they had minor upgrades to the house and

some room rearrangements. The outdoor bathroom hut they used before now upgraded to an actual bathroom in the house. They have a huge backyard where they plant a garden every year and a cottage where they keep 7 chickens and 1 rooster. We chatted for a few hours before my grandma invited us to the kitchen for dinner. I was so amazed of how literally everything they had was homemade. They made homemade sausages, handpicked mushrooms and tea, butter, jam, wine, cottage cheese, you name it and I bet you it was homemade and tasty. Most people would be weirded out how unsanitary everything in the kitchen was but since I'm not really a germaphobe I was fine. It was an evening well spent.

Waking up the next morning to the multiple roosters crowing outside my window reminded me that I haven't left the village yet. My grandma took care of me and made me crepes and tea for breakfast.

The rainy weather was clouding the mood so I was hoping for some sunshine after the rain. My uncle and I drove to a few stores to pick up some things for me. I got to see the "downtown" that consisted of a few shops and a restaurant or two. I looked at every millennial hoping they are just visiting this town and didn't let myself believe that they actually reside here. There is no jobs, no entertainment, no life, no future, no hope.

The rain finally cleared up and I decided to go for a stroll around the neighborhood. My view consist of broken down houses, crooked fences, mud roads, puddles of water everywhere, chickens crossing the street, and a few people walking by. I felt sincere pity for this community of people and once again reminded of how grateful I was to be where I am and to have what I do. Time flew by so fast and I can't believe I'm leaving so soon already. As soon it was time to part our ways, floods of tears came rolling down my face. I'm not very good at good-bye especially with people who I know I won't see for a while, or ever again. Unfortunately, they are at that age where time can only tell. It was such a pleasure visiting my grandparents and letting them see the woman I grew up to be. They are such kind, loving, warm hearted people that I would be blessed to have half the heart they do. Until next time Ratne!