Travel around the world

Today’s session of the Gabfest Club (Window on America center Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) started with the presentation of the club member Alina about her business trips to the UK in the framework of the social workers’ exchange. Alina shared her impressions about food, culture and nature of the northern England. The club members asked her many questions about her experiences. The conversation touched a very controversial topic of the Ukrainian students’ alleged terrorist activities in England. Many club members who met the arrested student in Dnipropetrovsk expressed disbelief in these accusations.
Due to the arrival of several new-comers we started an introduction ceremony. This ritual allows the club members to know each other better. Among the new comers was Mikhail, a city guest from Russia with fluent English.
To trigger the conversation the Club moderator introduced a portrait of the famous Ukrainian Cossack. Our foreign guest surprised us with his history knowledge.  He guessed the name of the legendary Cossack otaman –  Ivan Sirko.  We have discussed several paintings where he was depicted. This year Ukraine marks the 333rd anniversary of Ivan Sirko’s death. His tomb is a popular tourist destination in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast’. We have spent some time discussing the memorial complex on his burial place.
The next speaking activity was telling about the most memorable event of the week. The Russian guest surprised us again as he named as the most important event the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus by Prince Vladimir and its celebration in Dnipropetrovsk We have enumerated the highlights of the celebrations in Kiev. Among them were the visits nations’ and Orthodox churches’ leaders.The session was educational and funny. We hope the newcomers enjoyed it and will become the Club’s regular patrons.
Number of participants – 26  persons.

Have a look at more pictures, please