We spent the summer of 97
in the former USSR
at the confluence
in the former USSR
at the confluence
of the Tiza and Rika rivers
living in a Transcarpathian
valley with the mafia
living in a Transcarpathian
valley with the mafia
the unemployed and the future
our students guided us
around town, to the castle
ruins, Gorodskoy park
the outdoor markets
and the plains of blood
accompanied us to neighboring
villages, towns and cities
Rokosovo, Velyatyn and Uzhgorod
students competed for turns
to sweep the classroom floor
clean the blackboard, read aloud
take us swimming after classes
have coffee with us at the café
serve us dinner in their homes
we shot vodka with our principal
students’ parents, government officials
and gangsters, afraid to cause offence
Sounds like China...
ReplyDeleteI've never been to China, but Ukraine in 97 was a pretty lawless place. 90% unemployment and the mafia controlled everything. However, the locals were incredibly hospitable and the students were dedicated and tremendously respectful.
Deleteyes, sounds like a few places where the warm hospitality of people exists beside the terror produced by their institutions
ReplyDeleteExactly!
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