Tag: Ukraine

Castles, Cognac, and Communism – A Tale about Transnistria

March 4, 2015

Transnistria may not be recognized internationally, but many will recognize the castle that sits amidst it’s borders. The Bender Fortress, which looms above the Dniester not far from Tiraspol, is one of Transnistria’s primary tourist attractions. Sandwiched between Moldova and Ukraine in eastern Europe, the tiny region of Transnistria remains unknown to most of the … More Castles, Cognac, and Communism – A Tale about Transnistria

Mirror Reflections – Belarus & Russia

March 28, 2014

Life in Belarus The Potato Eaters Belarusians adore potatoes – particularly served as draniki. In fact, they eat so many spuds (around 170kg per person annually) that their neighbours have nicknamed them Bulbashi: potato-eaters. Potatoes are such a staple that it’s hard to imagine any meal without them. According to the UN Food and Agriculture … More Mirror Reflections – Belarus & Russia

Why I won’t live in America? – Answer to a Rottin Corpse

March 21, 2014

Thoughts of an Expat in Russia I don’t know that I ever thought I’d make my permanent home Russia, but now that I’ve been here for almost two years I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Trust me it’s not because I don’t see the problems here, that would be foolish. Despite the cold, the hardships, … More Why I won’t live in America? – Answer to a Rottin Corpse

Top Secret Abandoned Submarine Base in the Ukraine – Part II

March 18, 2014

Object “221” Another Secret Base Found In course of recent events, another secret base of the former Soviet Union comes to light. In Crimea near Balaklava where a top-secret submarine base is  already located this second site “Object 221” has been discovered. This second bunker was planned to protect the upper élite of Black Sea … More Top Secret Abandoned Submarine Base in the Ukraine – Part II

From “Fort” to “Plague Research Base” to “Rave Parties”

March 11, 2014

Fort Alexander St. Petersburg, Russia In the gulf of Finland rests a former military installation that has some very interesting history. Designed in an oval shape with an open court in the middle gave it great military advantage with it’s 103 cannon ports. The roofs of the fort were built to support another 34 large … More From “Fort” to “Plague Research Base” to “Rave Parties”

Why “War” isn’t the answer. It’s better to bring a “Gift” not a gun.

March 4, 2014

The Horrors of War Nobody knows the horrors of war better then Russia. It was only after I first arrived in Russia that I began to understand the magnitude of how World War II effected Russia. It seemed at that time everyone I spoke to had at least one member if not multiple family members … More Why “War” isn’t the answer. It’s better to bring a “Gift” not a gun.

Mirror Reflections – Bailiwick of Guernsey & Sevastopol, Ukraine

February 28, 2014

Life in Bailiwick of Guernsey The Islands’ unique geographical position sets the scene for a fascinating heritage. With evidence dating from Neolithic times, the island has been pivotal in battles between the UK and France as well as being an important port for international imports into the UK. Guernsey’s recent history saw its unique position … More Mirror Reflections – Bailiwick of Guernsey & Sevastopol, Ukraine

Mirror Reflections – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

January 15, 2014

Life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean Literature What is Caribbean Literature? What gives it its “Caribbean-ness” and distinguishes it from other literatures? I imagine that these questions have been discussed, quietly contemplated, and even bitterly argued during the last 50 years or so, particularly around the time of the emergences of literature from … More Mirror Reflections – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Mirror Reflections – Slovakia & Russia

August 9, 2013

Thoughts about Slovakian Castles You can see Šariš Castle sitting atop an almost volcanic looking flat-topped mountain from miles away. From a distance, the silhouette of the castle perched above Veľký Šariš was none too impressive. However, after hiking an hour or so from the village center, up a path winding around the mountain, it … More Mirror Reflections – Slovakia & Russia

Ten things Russians want you to know about real life in Russia.

August 5, 2013

1. Underground Passages – where you cross the street without stoplights or the dangers of traffic. Most of them are lined with kiosks selling flowers, food, shoes, tickets to cultural shows, books, and other necessities. These “переходи” are especially useful during the brutal winters. Some are simple passageways, others are grand labyrinthine shopping malls. The … More Ten things Russians want you to know about real life in Russia.

Mirror Reflections – Turkey & Russia

August 3, 2013

Cappadocia, Turkey Balloon Tours, the symbol of Cappadocia, are the most convenient way to see the unmatched beauties of the region. ShoeString will organise your balloon tour with a flight time duration of around one and a half hours and you’ll get to see the farthest points of Cappadocian civilization inaccessible by road.Balloon tours operate … More Mirror Reflections – Turkey & Russia

Top-Secret Abandoned Submarine Base in the Ukraine

June 13, 2013

One of the most top secret places in USSR can be remembered for it’s extremely famous Nuclear Submarine Base. One these bases happened to be located in Balaklava, Ukraine. This city became the home of a huge underground submarine base which housed amazing docks and was functional up until 1996 when the last Russian submarine … More Top-Secret Abandoned Submarine Base in the Ukraine