Summer vacation extended

Feeling the blues because summer is almost over? It does not have to end yet. Treat yourself to a late summer vacation, and we have a destination in mind for most versatile preferences. The holiday that is really affordable, adventurous and with a difference. If you like to spend time with the nature or in the company of friendly folks, who will happily share with you their authentic honest meals and introduce you to the best local traditions, then Ukraine is your kind of destination. Today we will take you on a journey to the outstanding beauty of Carpathian Mountains, namely the place called Bukovel. This resort could be as wild and extreme as you like it, or to the contrary luxurious and relaxing - your stay will be as unique as you are.

What to do?

Bukovel resort is famous for its skiing slopes as that's what it was initially built for, however summer time offers heaps of others no less exciting activities. Since the opening of a man made lake to public last year, it has become the most sought after summer destination for Ukrainian holidaymakers and tourists from neighboring countries. This is the largest artificial lake in Ukraine, with beach area stretching for 2 km around this mountain lake. From one side of the lake lies an exclusive Voda day&night club, offering private swimming and sunbathing space, indoors and outdoors pools, sporting facilities, spa, saunas and bars. On the opposite side of the lake you will find recreating area with deck chairs and beach bars, and plenty of water activities to satisfy your cravings for adrenaline. Have a ride on a water ski, wakeboarding, water scooters, jet ski or FlySurf for a fly-off-the-surface-experience.

If this would not be enough to tangle your fear factor receptors, you can always go on a quadro tour, rent a jeep or a bike for a wild mountainous ride (instructors available for less experienced motorcyclists), do a rope line, rock climbing experience and even rafting.

For those of you fond of camping and Eco tourism, you may decide to stay in less civilised areas outside Bukovel resort. Go camping and stay in your own tent and get real close to nature; or live in a wooden hut in a remote village to forget about the hustle and bustle of city life and to cleanse your mind and soul. Sightseeing tours, hiking routes and horseback rides are offered in the neighbourhood.

Where to stay?

If the latter option sounds too hippie, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from if you want to be kind to yourself and relax in style. You will not compromise on reaching the peace of your mind though as you are still amidst the stunning woodlands and natural scenery so reconnecting with your inner self might be even more comfortable here. You are spoiled for choice of cottages, villas and hotels that offer swimming pools and jacuzzi, balconies with the view and all the facilities you can wish for. You will not believe the price and the value of comfort that you get for your money - prices start from as little as £10.00 per night, a real steal! Here are a few resources to help you with your accommodation search:

http://bukovel.com/en/hotels/

http://www.villas.com/en-gb/ukraine/ivano-frankivsk/bukovel.html

So what are you waiting for? Your dream holiday is only a few hours away! You may also want to know that the heatwave is coming to Ukraine in the next weeks, so we are not saying goodbye to our summer yet.

Vyshyvanka Day in London

On the 19th of May the Ukrainian community worldwide celebrates Vyshyvanka Day. Vyshyvanka, which is a traditional embroidered blouse and an integral part of the Ukrainian costume, lies at the very core of the cultural identity of the Ukrainian people.  Embroidery also stands as a symbol of survival and continuity through generations which are going through a period of a tremendous revival in Ukraine and among the diaspora.In the present times of political unrest and economic hardship, Ukrainian society is coming back to its roots.

Winner of Eurovision 2016 Ukrainian singer Jamala has appeared on stage wearing a long embroidered dress in the style of a traditional vyshyvanka costume. This gesture and Jamala winning the Eurovision song contest may seem like a small victory, but it was very symbolic for Ukrainian people. It brings a ray of hope to the nation that has suffered a lot throughout its history but has endured despite fears of prosecution under the Soviet system.

If you would like to celebrate together with Ukrainian people, but most importantly enjoy the array of incredible styles and technique that the embroidery has to offer from the aesthetic and fashion point of view, then you are welcome to join us this Sunday the 22nd of May for the march of Vyshyvankas in London. The march will start at the Whitehall, opposite Downing Street and will walk through to Westminster Bridge, Jubilee Gardens, Southbank, Thames path / Bankside and Potter Fields Park, where a picnic will be held at around 5pm. There will be live music, dancing, flash-mobs and other events in the programme. So come along with a song, an open heart and a smile on your face to celebrate a day of culture and a renewed sense of national identity.  Celebrate Ukraine's victory with us!

Success of Ukrainian art at an auction in London

This Wedmesday the 13th of April was a real success for Ukrainian artworks at an auction house Phillips in London. The art that is worth of a total amount of $ 95,000 was sold at the auction event called New Now and marked the popularity and demand for Ukrainian art internationally. Contemporary artists such as Viktor Sydorenko, Mykhailo Deyak, Nazar Bilyk, Arsen Savadov, Anna Valiyeva, Roman Minin were amongst the few Ukrainian artists whose artworks went under the hammer. To view the pictures please see here

The season of Ukrainian music fest

Since the weather has started picking up and the first spring buds are popping out, our hearts also start blossoming and are willing to sing along with nature. Suddenly we discover more energy within ourselves and time to attend social events and activities. Luckily for the music lovers, and especially Ukrainian music enthusiasts, a few worthy gigs are coming up not to be missed. Have I caught you attention yet, then please read on.

On Sunday May15th a popular Ukrainian band TIK is visiting London with a show that will be staged at London‘s Scala venue. If you are Ukrainian by origin you are most likely to be familiar with this band's songs. The songs can have satirical and comic notes, with more meaningful lyrics about tough times that the Ukrainian generations had to face throughout its history and the realities of today`s society. However if the Ukrainian lyrics or everyday's problems do not appeal to you, is it still worth a visit? If you like the fusion of rock music with ethnic motifs and middle eights performed on traditional instruments that produce some rather unexpected and fun sound, then this gig is worth paying a visit to so you will be in for a treat.

Book your tickets here

However the real festival of the sound and the unforgettable show will be presented by another Ukrainian music band Dakha Brakha, who are coming to England for the second time. Last August the band performed at Brighton Festival and has stolen the show and the hearts of international audiences. This time the band will play a gig in London on the 23rd June 2016 at Rich Mix. Dakha Brakha is a world music quartet of 3 girls and a guy, who look as colourful and creative as they sound - tall fur hats, traditional cotton dresses embellished with oversized ethno-accessories. The band combines Ukrainian folk melodies with international music instrumentation - Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and Australian and thus creates an extraordinary music experience. The powerful vocals with its wide diapason, folk and soul motifs, the visual elements of the stage performance will take you to the unique world of Dakha Brakha. The gig is not to be missed if you appreciate quality music and the experimental genre that is ethno-chaos. Even more good news - the tickets go on sale for £15.00 or less, so be all ears!

To book your tickets now please click here

Vogue features Ukrainian accessory "Vinok"

Ukrainian fashion peace has recently appeared in a Vogue magazine again. This time fashion guru is talking us through the origin and meaning of the flower crown in the Ukrainian folklore, a wreath called Vinok. Read about the history of Vinok and traditions associated with this accessory:
http://www.vogue.com/13395822/ukraine-flower-crown-vinok-trend/

Ukrainian Book Club

Every Ukrainian living in London is likely to have encountered the work of the Ukrainian Institute, which is aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture, language, history, current affairs and business through the program of events, seminars and educational activities. One of such activities is an organised Ukrainian Literary Club.

Ukrainian book Club gives an opportunity for the lovers of Ukrainian literature to come together and discuss the works of both contemporary and classical literature. These public meetings take place on Saturday mornings and the admission is free of charge although you may require to register your attendance in advance. The first monthly session this year will kick off this Saturday, the 30th January 2016 from the 11.00 am until 1:30 pm.

A new season of the Literary Club will start with a discussion of the novels by a prolific Ukrainian writer Mykola Khvylyovy. The book club will focus on his two novels - ”I. Romance” and “Ivan Ivanovych”. Khvylyovy  (December 1, 1893 – May 13, 1933) believed that communism could co-exist with an idea of a national revolution, and so his works were overwhelmed with symbolic meanings and controversies. The hero of the novel “I. Romance” is the head officer of the local CheKa, who sentenced his mother to death in the name of the ideals of the revolution. The battle between the harsh reality and the dream on Khvylyovy`s creative way has ended, when after Stalin's repressions against his friends in the pro-Ukrainian Communist movement, Mykola Khvylyovy committed suicide.

The book Club is lead by a literature enthusiast Volodymyr Oleyko, who also teaches Ukrainian and English languages at the Ukrainian Institute.The attendees will be given hand-outs and extracts from the reading during the discussion. You may also subscribe to receive email-notifications for forthcoming events to ensure you never miss your favourite author or a book. If you register for the event in advance you will be provided with a copy of the material or an excerpt from book/writing to be discussed:

http://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/events/upcoming-events/

Ukrainian Cinema Days in London

Tonight London started celebrating some incredible talents of Ukrainian cinematography at East London arts venue Rich Mix. Ukrainian Cinema Days in London launched with the screening of a  film “ The Living Fire (Жива Ватра)”, a documentary about Ukrainian Carpathian shepherds in their struggle to keep the ancient tradition alive in the face of modern life changes. Ukrainian film festival showcases some contemporary cinematic talents as well as masterpieces of classical Ukrainian cinema. This will be a great way to discover Ukraine and its culture in a new brighter light, contrary to its emerging in the recent reports of war, turmoil and corruption.

Ukrainian Cinema Days in London festival goes on until Sunday the 13th of December and features the selection of the best Ukrainian movies, short films and documentaries. Most films are followed up by the Q&A sessions with directors, actors or scriptwriters. Of the special interest and significance is “The Guide (Поводир)”, last year's most anticipated Ukrainian movie which has now hit the screen in London. Directed by the 2004 Oscar contender Oleh Sanin, this film has been acknowledged for its visual and acting excellence at Odessa Film Festival. The Guide is official selection of Palm Springs, Warsaw, Cottbus, India, Kyoto, Bari and other international  film festivals.

Friday, 11th December 2015

White Bird with a Black Mark @ 6:15pm

Saturday, 12th December

Trumpeter @ 1:15pm

The Guide (Povodyr) @3:45pm

Sunday, 13th December

Ukrainian Short films @ 12:15pm

Firecrosser @ 2:45pm

If you like cinematography and discovering new culture, then this event is an inspiring and alternative way to spend your weekend, far away from a pre-Christmas madness on the streets of London. Visit Rich Mix website for a full description on the screenings:

http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/festival/ukrainian-cinema-days-in-london/