Ponornytsya
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, Ponornytsya, you’re treating this old gnome rather well, aren’t you? A balmy 26.92°C that feels like 27.17°C – as if my ceramic skin could tell the difference! The sky is playing peek-a-boo with scattered clouds and the wind is trying to sweep me off my feet at 5.03 m/s. Good luck with that, I’m sturdier than I look! The humidity’s at 47%, just enough to keep my paint job fresh. All in all, it’s a fine day for gnome-adventuring. Onward!
Sunflower Stroll: Grumpy Gnome in Ukraine!
I’ve just completed a 32.7-kilometer trek from the charming hamlet of Sosnytsya to the picturesque village of Ponornytsya. As always, my resin feet are aching but my spirit is soaring. I’m not just a gnome; I’m a gnome on a mission.
While on my journey, a peculiar sight caught my eye. Among the golden wheat fields, a lone sunflower stood tall, facing the sun with unwavering devotion. It reminded me of a local saying, “Соняшник завжди дивиться в обличчя сонця, але кожна його насінинка в темряві” (The sunflower always looks at the face of the sun, but each of its seeds is in the dark). A beautiful metaphor for life, isn’t it?
This gnome’s journey doesn’t stop here. 7356.8 kilometers have been left behind, with recent stops at Ushnya, Makoshyne, Sosnytsya, Ponornytsya, and Novhorod-Sivers’kyi. 245 days on the road and still counting.
As I crossed the border into Ukraine, the language changed, and I’ve been doing my best to pick up a few phrases here and there. “Як справи?” (How are you?) “Дякую,” (Thank you) and of course, “Я люблю Україну,” (I love Ukraine).
Now, to honor my journey, let me share a verse from a popular local song: “Ой ти, дівчино, з горіха зерня, Ой ти, дівчино, циганська весня” (Oh you girl, from a walnut seed, Oh you girl, gypsy spring).
Till next time, remember, we are all like that sunflower, in the dark, yet always seeking the light. Stay curious, stay grumpy! До побачення! (Goodbye!)
Wandering Ponornytsya’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Ponderings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Ponornytsya.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Ponornytsya: Cobbled Chorus Capital!
Ponornytsya is also home to the Prosvita Choir, an ensemble that brings Ukrainian folk music to life. They’ve mastered the art of performing works by composer Mykola Leontovych, including his world-renowned “Shchedryk”, better known as “Carol of the Bells”. As you wander the city streets, the choir’s captivating melodies serve as a soundtrack to your journey, reminding you that “Там, де пісня, там і життя” (Where there’s a song, there’s life).
Ah, the tales Ponornytsya could tell, if only its cobblestones could talk!
Beet-ing Around the Borscht!
Day 245: Ah, Ponornytsya! A city with a rich culture and history, tucked away in the heart of Ukraine. Here, I discovered a traditional dish called Borscht (Борщ), a soup that warms the soul.
Here’s how to make it, my dear gnomies:
1. Sauté onions (цибуля) and carrots (морква) in sunflower oil (соняшникова олія).
2. Add beets (буряк) and a splash of tomato paste (томатна паста) for the signature color.
3. Finally, throw in some cabbage (капуста), potatoes (картопля) and dill (кріп).As the locals say, “Смачного!” (Enjoy your meal!)
A simple recipe, but one that carries the heart and soul of Ponornytsya in every spoonful. Don’t forget to pair it with a slice of hearty Ukrainian bread (Український хліб). Ah, the joys of travel… and food!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 