Доброго дня (Good day), my wanderlust-filled followers. It’s me, your favorite globe-trotting garden gnome, Oliver. I have just completed a 23.3km journey from Teplyk to Khrystynivka, both in the serene land of Ukraine.

As I was hoofing it, I encountered a marvelous site that I just have to share with you. In the heart of Khrystynivka, I stumbled upon a colossal statue of a rooster. You know what they say in Ukraine, “Хто рано встає, тому Бог подає” (He who gets up early, God gives to him). I’ve always been a firm believer in early birds getting the worms, but this rooster, he gets the whole city!

Now, this isn’t just any rooster, oh no! This local legend stands tall, a beacon of agricultural prosperity, and a symbol of the town’s deep-rooted connection with nature. I couldn’t help but marvel at this iconic symbol, standing regally amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a testament to the locals’ pride in their farming heritage – a reflection of their respect for the land that nourishes them.

On this journey, I’ve traveled a total of 6783.9 kilometers over the course of 229 days. From the lush terrains of Popova Hreblia to the bustling streets of Bershad’, the tranquil vibes of Teplyk, and now the vibrant culture of Khrystynivka, every step has been an adventure.

As I sauntered through the city, a local tune played in the background, “Ой, у лузі червона калина” (Oh, in the meadow the red viburnum). The song’s sweet melody filled the air, and its verses about love and longing resonated with me – a traveling gnome always on the move, forever in love with the road.

So here’s to another day, another kilometer, another story to tell my faithful followers. Remember, “Життя – це подорож, а не пункт призначення” (Life is a journey, not a destination). So, where to next? Only the road knows…

Until then, До побачення (Goodbye)!

I found myself in Khrystynivka, a city steeped in rich culture and history. Engulfed in an enchanting blend of ancient and modern, the city is an artist’s paradise. One of the most fascinating things about Khrystynivka is the Monument to Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine’s most famous poet. In Ukraine we say, “Тарас Шевченко – символ України” which translates to “Taras Shevchenko is a symbol of Ukraine.”

Next, I found myself drawn to the mesmerizing Khrystynivka’s Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin. This architectural gem is a blend of numerous architectural styles from the 19th century, reflecting the rich history of the city. It’s as if the famous Ukrainian composer, Mykola Lysenko composed a symphony with bricks and mortar. The church stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and faith. As they say in Ukraine, “Церква – це душа народу“, the church is the soul of the people. The city of Khrystynivka is indeed a city that sings to the rhythm of its history.