Man, what a day! I woke up in Verkhivtseve, and I swear, it felt like the universe was throwing curveballs at me left and right. First off, I’m just chillin’ in my apartment on Shevchenka Street, sippin’ my morning coffee, when I hear this loud honking outside. Like, dude, it’s 7 AM! Who’s out here blasting their horn like it’s a race?
So, I step out, and it’s this old Lada, probably from the ‘80s, sputtering down the street. I can’t help but laugh. Classic Verkhivtseve, right? You never know what you’re gonna see. Anyway, I head to the market on Komsomolskaya Street. I’m on a mission for some fresh veggies. I get there, and it’s packed! Like, where did all these people come from?
I’m dodging babushkas left and right. They’re fierce, man! One almost knocked me over with her basket. I mean, I get it, they’re just trying to get their borscht ingredients, but c’mon! I finally grab some tomatoes, and they’re like, “20 hryvnias!” I’m like, “For real?!” But whatever, I pay up.
Then, I decide to grab a bite at this little café on Pushkina Street. The smell of fresh pastries hits me like a brick wall. I order a пиріжок (pyrizhok) and a coffee. Best decision ever! I’m munching away, and this guy next to me starts talking about the weather. Like, dude, it’s Ukraine! It’s either freezing or boiling. What’s there to discuss? But I nod along, pretending to care.
After that, I head to the park near the river. It’s a nice spot, but today, it’s like a circus. Kids are running everywhere, and there’s this one kid who’s just screaming his head off. I mean, chill, little dude! I sit on a bench, trying to enjoy the view of the Dnipro River, but the chaos is too much.
Suddenly, I see this couple arguing. Like, full-on shouting. I can’t help but eavesdrop. They’re fighting over who left the lights on at home. Seriously? That’s what you’re fighting about? I’m just sitting there, shaking my head, thinking, “Get a grip, people!”
Then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. I’m talking about a downpour! I dash for cover, but I’m already soaked. I’m laughing at myself, thinking, “Great, just great.” I pull out my phone to check the weather, and of course, it says “clear skies.” Yeah, right!
So, I’m stuck under this awning on the corner of Komsomolskaya and Shevchenka, and I see this stray dog. He’s just chilling, looking at me like, “You good, bro?” I swear, that dog had more chill than I did. I toss him a piece of my pyrizhok, and he looks at me like I’m a hero.
Finally, the rain lets up, and I decide to head home. I’m walking down the street, and I see this street performer playing the accordion. He’s actually pretty good! I stop to listen, and I can’t help but smile. It’s moments like this that make Verkhivtseve special.
I get home, and I’m exhausted. I flop on my couch, thinking about the day. It was wild, emotional, and totally unexpected. But that’s life in Verkhivtseve, right? You never know what’s gonna happen next. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.