Men's Day In Ukraine

Today, February 23, is Soldier's Day in Ukraine (and probably in Russia too). Over the years it has come to be called "Men's Day" to counterbalance National Women's Day, which is on March 8 (an official State holiday). At first I forgot all about it, but I did notice that there were patriotic sounding songs being played on the loud speakers in Maidan (Independence Square, at the bottom of our street) and on Kreshchatyk, the main drag here. Then I realized what day it was. But what was really startling was how it really gave me an idea of what the place must have felt like in Soviet times. Kreshchatyk and Maidan are the quintessential Soviet boulevard and square, respectively. The street is very broad with monumental Soviet buildings from the 1930's on either side. With the very Russian sounding marching type music blasting away, and the cold, crisp air (it was down to zero degrees today - and I don't mean centigrade!), and crystal clear blue skies, one could easily imagine oneself surrounded by Bolshevik soldiers on parade. Instead, there were women in high heeled boots and long fur coats carrying chocolates and flowers for the men in their lives. I stopped an bought a bouquet of yellow tulips for Ed.