Sosnytsya
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, Sosnytsya! The temperature is a toasty 24.98°C, feeling like a hair’s breadth hotter at 25.05°C. My porcelain cheeks are blushing! The clouds are broken like my third cousin Twice-removed Gnorman’s favorite mug (don’t ask). Humidity at 58% – makes my beard frizz something fierce. And the wind, blowing at 4.56 m/s, almost knocked off my pointy hat! But fear not, for a gnome’s grip is as steadfast as his spirit!
Sunflower Stroll: Gnome in Bloom!
My trek was a modest 13.2 kilometers, but the wonders I beheld were anything but modest. As I trundled along the dirt roads, I came across a sight that filled my gnome heart with joy and curiosity. Соняшники (sunflowers)! Yes, fields upon fields of golden sunflowers, nodding their heads in the gentle breeze, their bright petals mirroring the sun above. It was a sight that would bring a smile to even the grumpiest of gnomes.
But it wasn’t just the sight that intrigued me. As I hobbled closer, I discovered these were no ordinary sunflowers. They were part of a local research project, aimed at creating more drought-resistant crops. How fascinating is that?
Now, I’ve been on the road for 244 days, have traveled a staggering 7324.1 kilometers, and made stops in places like Vertiivka, Ushnya, Makoshyne, and Ponornytsya. I’ve crossed borders, languages, and cultures, but the heart of the people always remains the same – warm and welcoming.
As I continue on my journey, I’m reminded of a Ukrainian song that goes, “Високо сонце в небі, соняшник кругом повз…” (High is the sun in the sky, the sunflower crawls around…). It is a testament to the resilience of nature, and perhaps a metaphor for our own lives too.
So here’s a philosophical musing for you: Are we not all like sunflowers, striving to grow towards our own sun, despite the adversities we face?
Remember, my friends, no matter where you are, there’s always something new to learn and discover. So keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep smiling, just like those beautiful sunflowers.
До зустрічі! (Until we meet again!)
Wandering Sosnytsya’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Fumble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Sosnytsya.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Sosnytsya: Baroque’n’Roll!
Secondly, the city is renowned for its distinctive Ukrainian Baroque architecture, most notably in the Sosnytsya Cathedral. This mesmerizing edifice is a testament to Ukraine’s rich architectural heritage. Its ornate designs and breathtaking frescoes exemplify the saying, “Не буде України, не буде і мене” (Without Ukraine, there will be no me), a powerful sentiment that resonates deeply with the city’s inhabitants.
As a gnome, I can’t help but be astounded by the cultural richness of Sosnytsya, truly a city that sings the song of Ukraine.
Smetana Slathered Sojourn in Sosnytsya
In Sosnytsya, the food scene is as diverse as its history. While I often find myself drawn to the traditional dishes like “Borsch” (a hearty soup) and “Varenyky” (Ukrainian dumplings), it’s the local twist that keeps things interesting. Here, they add a dollop of smetana (sour cream) to almost everything, making it delightfully creamy. I learned a phrase, “Smakuy, yak u mama na kuhni”, meaning “It tastes like mom’s cooking in the kitchen”, which perfectly captures the homely essence of Sosnytsya’s food scene. The city’s love for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the heartwarming generosity of its people, makes every meal a delightful experience. So, when in Sosnytsya, don’t just eat – savor the taste of history and culture on your tongue.
Gnoming Around Sosnytsya
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 