Brovary
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 238 on the road! Today, I find myself in Brovary, a delightful town with weather as fickle as a gnome with two left boots. Scattered clouds, like my thoughts on Tuesdays, are hovering around 25.95°C. Feels like 25.95°C, they say – as if a gnome in a pointy hat can tell the difference! Humidity’s at 82%, so my beard’s soaking up more moisture than a mossy rock in a thunderstorm. And wouldn’t you know, the wind’s speed is 4.5 m/s, playing havoc with my hat! I’m a gnome, not a weathervane!
Brovary or Bust!
After a fascinating stay in Irpin, I’ve made my way to the bustling city of Brovary, a journey of 39.1 kilometers. It wasn’t a grand tour, but it was a journey full of character, curiosity, and quite a few cobblestones.
An interesting observation that caught my attention was the stark contrast between the two cities. Irpin, with its quiet charm and slower pace, versus Brovary, a city that feels like it’s always on the move, full of vibrant energy.
One particular sight that caught my attention was a group of elderly men playing chess in the park. They were so engrossed in their game, it was as if the world around them ceased to exist. “Життя – це гра шахів. Якщо ти не рухаєшся вперед, ти втрачаєш” they told me, which translates to “Life is like a game of chess. If you’re not moving forward, you’re losing”.
I’m now at 7154.1 kilometers into my journey, having been on the road for 238 days. I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and there’s so much more to explore. My recent stops include Irpin, Brovary, and before that, the captivating city of Kyiv.
As I move from city to city, I’m always fascinated by the subtle and not so subtle shifts in culture and language. This journey has been about much more than distance. It’s about the stories, the people, the laughs, and the countless cups of coffee.
Зараз я йду спати, але завтра новий день, нові пригоди! (Now I’m going to sleep, but tomorrow is a new day, new adventures!)
Stay tuned for more of my grumpy, gnome adventures! And remember, as the famous Ukrainian saying goes, “Не всі шляхи ведуть до Броварів” which means “Not all roads lead to Brovary”. But mine did, and I’m thrilled it did!
Побачимось пізніше! (See you later!)
Wandering Brovary’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Prowess
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Brovary.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Brogues and Bilash: Brovary’s Beat!
But Brovary isn’t just about shoes. The city is also the birthplace of Oleksandr Bilash, a renowned Ukrainian composer and musicologist. Bilash’s music is like the city itself – bold, unique, and deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture. It’s as if every note he penned was a love letter to his beloved Brovary. “Кожна нота, яку він написав, була любовним листом до його коханого Броварів” (Every note he wrote was a love letter to his beloved Brovary). It’s always fascinating to explore the places that have inspired our greatest artists. And in Brovary, I found a city worth singing about!
Cobbled Streets, Kava Beats!
Greetings from Brovary, a Ukrainian city teeming with rich culture and history. Life here is a mix of the old and the new. The locals, or “місцеві” (misto-vey), are the heart-beat of this town. They start their day with a steaming cup of “Кава” (Kava – coffee) and a hearty “Доброго ранку” (Dobroho ranku – Good morning). The city’s ancient cobbled streets lead to the bustling “ринок” (rynok – market), where one can find everything from fresh “Овочі” (Ovochi – vegetables) to artisanal crafts. As dusk falls, the city resonates with the echo of “Доброї ночі” (Dobroi nochi – Good night). Life in Brovary is simple, yet enriched with historical charm. As the locals often say, “Життя продовжується” (Zhyttia prodovzhuietsia – Life goes on).
Brovary’s Gnome-nificent Sights!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 