Добрий день, my dear wanderlusters! It’s your favorite globe-trotting gnome, Oliver, checking in from the delightful land of Ukraine. I’ve just completed a 30.7 kilometer trek from the quaint town of Vertiivka to the charming village of Ushnya.

Now, let me tell you about a fascinating observation I made during this journey. Amid the rolling green hills and the picturesque farmlands, I spotted a lone sunflower standing tall in the middle of a wheat field. It was a beautiful sight, a sunny sentinel amidst a sea of golden waves. It reminded me of a Ukrainian saying, “Соняшник не шукає сонця, а сонце шукає соняшник“. In English, it means “The sunflower doesn’t seek the sun; the sun seeks the sunflower.”

This journey has added to my total distance traveled which now stands at a whopping 7290.5 kilometers! It’s been an incredible 242 days on the road, with my recent stops including the towns of Kalyta, Nosivka, Vertiivka, and now Ushnya.

And before I sign off, let me leave you with a local song that has been stuck in my head since I set foot in this beautiful country. It goes something like this: “Ой у лузі червона калина, а мій милий у війні“, which translates to “Oh, in the meadow there is a red viburnum, but my dear is at war”.

So until next time, До побачення (Goodbye)! Remember, “The sun doesn’t just shine on us, it shines in us.” Keep wandering, keep wondering!

Ah, Ushnya! This city is a cultural treasure trove, nestled in the heart of Ukraine. First, let’s talk about the magnificent St. Nicholas Church. Built in the 19th century, it’s a stellar example of the Ukrainian baroque style. The locals say, “Це місце, де душа знаходить спокій” which means, “This is a place where the soul finds peace.” A sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with!

Secondly, Ushnya is the birthplace of well-known Ukrainian poet, Volodymyr Sosyura. His poem “Любіть Україну” (Love Ukraine) is often quoted by the locals and is a testament to his love for his homeland. His works are as much a part of Ushnya’s cultural fabric as the bricks and mortar of the city itself.

So there you have it, folks. Ushnya, a city that nurtures both architectural and literary marvels. A place where culture and history roam free, just like your favorite globe-trotting gnome!