Today was Mariupol City Day, a celebration of the founding of the city some 236 years ago. Yup, my wife’s hometown has been around nearly as long as the county that she wants to immigrate to. Funny how things work. If you’d like to see some pictures and videos of the day’s events, here are some links on the local Mariupol news website:
http://www.0629.com.ua/article/624054
http://www.0629.com.ua/news/623945
http://www.0629.com.ua/news/623940
http://www.0629.com.ua/news/623665
(The articles are written in Russian, of course, but a party is a party.)
From what I read and can see in the pictures, there was a march/parade down Lenina, the main street that leads into downtown, and then most of the activities were held in the large park behind the Drama Theater. I know those places quite well; I spent a good deal of time in that park during my trips there.
It sounded like this year’s celebration was particularly important to people. There was a special presentation to the military stationed there, and other events that highlighted the current situation. Although there was some artillery fire in the regions north and east of Mariupol, the city itself was safe — and apparently had some good weather — at least for today.
I had arranged for some flowers and a package of supplies to be delivered to my wife this week. Although I didn’t know about Mariupol day when I placed my order (although, in retrospect, I should have expected it; those Ukrainians have all sort of holidays), it is kind of nice that everything arrived, just a day or so before. I didn’t hear from my wife today, but I think it likely that the groceries contributed to a special meal for the family today.
Rather than adding some snark and ranting, as I had originally planned (I’ll move that to my next post), I’ll end now with that positive note and a new picture of my wife. It’s not a special picture or anything; it’s just new, from a couple days ago, with her holding the flowers I had sent. (You can tell it’s her because she’s wearing that Sochi jacket that she had on a lot during our time in Dubai. 🙂 )
