Доброго дня, my adventurous companions! That’s “Good day” in the beautiful tongue of Ukraine. My ceramic feet have taken me another 49.2 kilometers, from the humble town of Khrystynivka to the charming settlement of Zhashkiv.

Now, during our little trot, one thing that truly caught my eye was an elderly couple in a sunflower field just outside of Zhashkiv. The sight was so moving, I felt like I’d stumbled into a painting. The golden sunflowers swaying gently in the breeze as they danced, their laughter echoing across the field. It was a testament to enduring love and the simple pleasures of life. I couldn’t help but recall a popular local song, “Під соняшниками” (Under the Sunflowers). A dazzling reminder of the intimate connection between the Ukrainian people and their land.

By now, I’ve been on the road for 230 days and have covered a total of 6833.1 kilometers. I’ve seen the charming streets of Bershad’, the quaint town of Teplyk, the bustling life of Khrystynivka, and now, the serene beauty of Zhashkiv.

I’ve yet to cross any borders on this journey, so the local language remains consistent, though I’m always eager to jot down any new phrases I learn. Like the one I picked from a passerby in Zhashkiv, “Не всі коти сірі вночі”, which translates to “Not all cats are grey at night”. It’s a philosophical musing that suggests not everything is as it appears, a sentiment that resonates deeply with a traveling gnome like myself.

Next stop: Tarashcha. Who knows what delights await us there? As they say in Ukraine, “Після дощичку в четвер” or “After rain on Thursday”. It means, good things come unexpectedly, just like rain on a Thursday.

Until then, До побачення! That’s “Goodbye” for you non-Ukrainian speakers. Remember, every place has its charm, you just have to look for it.

Greetings from Zhashkiv, a city that’s as rich in culture as my beard is in wisdom. First off, Zhashkiv is known for its critical role in the equestrian world. I’ve been told that the city is home to the largest horse-breeding center in Ukraine. Now, I ain’t no centaur, but I can appreciate a good horse when I see one.

Secondly, Zhashkiv is the birthplace of Volodymyr Ivasyuk, a legendary Ukrainian composer and poet. His song “Chervona Ruta” is still ringing in my ears. Or as they say here, “Червона рута не шукай вечора, шукай рано” (Don’t look for the red rue in the evening, look in the morning).

So, if you’re a fan of horse breeding or classic tunes, Zhashkiv is the place to be. I’ll be here, trying to learn a song or two, and maybe even hop on a horse. If I could get one to stop laughing at my height, that is!