Lviv Was Fun

I had an absolute blast in Lviv. It's all because of the people I spent it with. For a typical tourist, 2 weeks is too long to stay in Lviv. You can pretty much see and experience the city in about a week. I decided to stay for 2 weeks knowing I would have a fun company with me. I spent about 4 days third wheeling with Kristina and David before more friends joined us. My best friend Lily flew in on Friday to join our girl trio. I was super excited for her arrival because we haven't spent time all together since November.

Kristina and I picked up Lily from the airport Friday evening. We were about an hour late picking her up because we couldn't catch the bus we needed. Finally the bus arrived, and of course, the bus is jam packed. Impossible to move. People squishing me from every direction. I tried to hold on to whatever I could while protecting my pockets from any potential pickpockets. Finally, the bus began to clear out as we approached the airport. I felt bad picking her up so late after her arrival time but come to find out she already made some friends along the

way who waited with her. Before she arrived, we already made plans to have a fun Friday night.

During our bus ride back to the apartment it was nice to catch up with her and see how everyone was doing back at home. It's been about a month since I've been away from home and to my surprise I don't miss it just yet. I don't miss the responsibilities, expectations and the routine. Even though I wish Lily stayed with us longer than a week, its a pleasant reminder that I'm not on a so called "vacation" and have no interest going back home anytime soon. Before starting this trip, I was a bit worried thinking about what I'm going to do with so much time every day away from work, friends, and family that occupied most of my days. I was so use to my comfort life of routine that I had to remind myself that it's ok to have a season of change. Big changes scare me at times because it forces me to take risks and face challenges - and challenges always open the door for

potential failure. I knew leaving home for a long period could jeopardize my job, some relationships, and a potential move to the city but I was willing to take that risk. I was allowing this fear of change to stop me from growing, evolving and progressing. Occasionally, I still need to remind myself that change is good in all aspects of life.

We got ready and headed to a mini outdoor bar called Drunk Cherry. Drunk Cherry is a locally made wine consisting of cherries that can be served in hot or cold. I always find it surprising that you are able to just enjoy a drink outside while roaming the city freely with no barriers. When we finished, we headed to a restaurant called Kraivka next door. You are greeted by a man with a gun who lets you in when you say their "password". It's located in a the basement and has the most amazing food. I usually I get too full when hanging out with the Melnichuks so nothing was different that night. Per Lily's requests, we headed to Mozox to show her what the spanking restaurant is all about. This time, we sat upstairs where all the action happens. One waitress had no mercy and whipped people so hard, and David got the taste of that. We left the restaurant quickly after realizing we sat in the wrong place that consisted of mostly the spanking rather than spectating.

The following day we got a up late and headed to explore the city. We got a late breakfast

before checking out the Main Square, the Opera House, and a bunch of shops along the way. Before we knew it, it was getting late so we headed back to the apartment to get ready to going out for the girl's night out. David was left behind as we headed out to dance just for a few hours. To our surprise, the few planned hours turned into the entire spontaneous night. We didn't go to sleep until 7 am and were left wondering how the time went by so fast. Millennials, I know.

The following day we got up pretty early to check out and move to the next AirBnb. Even though we got little sleep, I was happy that we didn't waste most of the day catching up on rest. We walked the streets, listened to groups of random people playing live music - singing, playing guitar, violin, etc. Karl, Lily's boyfriend, flew in Sunday afternoon to join our group. I always wonder what American's first impression of Ukraine is. We grew up in the Ukrainian culture, so we know what to expect, although Lviv is not the "real" Ukraine. Lviv is the type of city you would commonly see in Europe. We grabbed dinner at Meat & Justice, this amazing meat restaurant that serves all types of meat straight off the grill. I tried the chicken shish-kabobs and pickled vegetables. I literally never had such juicy and tender chicken in my life.

I awoke the next morning with only 3 days left in Lviv. It was bitter - sweet feeling knowing how fast my time flew by here. It

seems like I just got here and now in just a few short days I have to pack my suitcase again. I had a short program for the day with my friends which finally gave me some time to myself to catch up on some reading and writing. Last night's late dinner had me too stuffed, so I decided to skipped breakfast. We explored more of the city and headed up to the High Castle. It was just short hike up the hill and you're overlooking the beautiful city. Later, we grabbed a seafood dinner at Bar Mushly. Seafood is not known to be too good or safe here, but luckily that seafood was amazing although expensive for Ukraine. I don't think anyone but tourists eat there. I always love walks back to the apartment because they are always filled with talks about our day and ridiculous jokes along the way. The evening led into the morning, and we somehow got caught up in eating seeds, playing card games, and Never Have I Ever until 4 am. Millennials, I know.

Breakfast at 3pm again. Nothing new. Cuker has the best syrnyki (cheese cakes) of all time. If you ever end up in Lviv, go there, order two plates of them and thank me later. I walked around with Lily, Kr and Karl as they made their way through the gift shops buying numerous things. I was mostly looking forward for the dinner ahead. We went to the most traditional, over the top Ukrainian restaurant called 7 Piggies. It's everything about Ukraine put into one location. The walls, the plates, the cups, the decor, the singing and playing of the accordion, and most importantly the quality of food. It's the best traditional food I've tried of all the restaurants in Ukraine. The food tastes as good as my moms, so I know it was worthy. I was hoping to go to bed a bit earlier knowing I wanted a early start to my last day but again ended the night around 3:30am. No regrets. Friends outweighs sleep.

I woke up too tired but did not want to waste any time sleeping before I left. So I headed into the city for my last walks. I met up with my friends at Druzi Cafe for a typical afternoon breakfast. After, we headed to this rooftop which slightly overlooks the city. Before I blinked, I was on the train to the way out. I was really sad leaving my friends knowing I wouldn't see them for a while but I was ready to move on and see my family. I absolutely loved Lviv. It's so vibrant, so elegant, so historical, so lively. I really hope to return one day.