Bila Tserkva
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 232, Bila Tserkva – Oh, what a day! The clouds are broken like my last relationship and the temperature is flirting at a saucy 26.69°C. Feels like 26.78°C they say, but who’s counting? Certainly not my gnome-sized thermometer! Humidity’s at a manageable 43%, making my beard less frizzy than usual. The wind’s whizzing at 5.64 m/s, perfect for some gnome-kite flying. Note to self: must invent gnome-sized kites. Weather’s got a gnome feeling mighty fine!
Ukrainian Gnome-mad Chronicles!
Yours truly, Oliver, the globetrotting gnome, has done it again! I’ve just concluded a mind-boggling journey of 37.3 kilometers from Tarashcha to Bila Tserkva, Ukraine.
Now, I must tell you about an interesting observation. As I trudged along the route, I was fascinated by the enthralling landscape that seemed like a painting sprung to life, but it was the charm of the local people that truly stole my heart. The Ukrainians, with their warm smiles and welcoming hearts!
On my route, I overheard a group of locals singing a traditional folk song, “Ой ти, дівчино, з горіха зерня” (Oh you, girl, seed from a walnut tree). Though my Ukrainian is a bit rusty, the melody alone was enough to make my heart dance. It echoed with the sounds of the homeland and the love for one’s roots, a sentiment that I, a nomadic gnome, find quite touching.
As I continued my journey, a local elder shared a Ukrainian proverb with me, “Не все то золото, що блищить” (Not all that glitters is gold). It was a philosophical musing that made me pause and ponder about the deceptive allure of appearances, a thought that resonated with me deeply.
Now, just to catch you up on my overall progress: it’s been 232 days on the road, I’ve trotted a whopping 6915.8 kilometers, and my recent stops include: Khrystynivka, Zhashkiv, Tarashcha, Bila Tserkva, and Boyarka.
As always, remember my fellow wanderers, “Життя – це подорож, а не місце призначення” (Life is a journey, not a destination).
Until next time, до побачення (goodbye)!
Wandering Bila Tserkva’s Streets
Gnome-Guided Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Bila Tserkva.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Bila Tserkva: Poets, Parks & Pirogies!
A gem of Ukrainian culture, Bila Tserkva is the birthplace of Pavlo Tychyna, one of the most significant Ukrainian poets of the 20th century. His poetry, filled with philosophical musings and social commentary, continues to inspire, making him the very soul of this city. As Tychyna himself wrote, “Творчість – це дзеркало душі” (‘Creativity is the mirror of the soul’).
From lush landscapes to lyrical verses, Bila Tserkva is a testament to Ukraine’s rich cultural fabric.
Bricks, Borscht, and Byzantine Beats!
Bila Tserkva, or “White Church”, is a vibrant city with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its cultural scene is defined by its historic architecture, particularly the beautiful St. Nicholas Cathedral and the breathtaking Oleksandriya Park. Stepping into Bila Tserkva is like stepping into a living museum, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. A local phrase that encapsulates this is “Історія у кожній цеглині” (History in every brick). The city’s cultural scene is also flavoured by the warmth of its people, embodied in the common greeting, “Вітаю вас в Білій Церкві” (Welcome to Bila Tserkva). Whether it’s the invigorating Ukrainian folk music or the tantalizing aroma of traditional cuisine, Bila Tserkva’s cultural scene is a feast for the senses.
Bila Tserkva: Gnome’s Playground
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 