Kamyanka-Buzka (KB) is a city in the Lviv Oblast, of western Ukraine. It is the administrative center of Kamyanka-Buzka. Kamyanka-Buzka has a population of over 10,700 comprising over 3,300 square miles. We are approximately 40km from the Polish border, 44km from Lviv by bus and an overnight train ride (~350 mi) to Kyiv. The climate is similar to the upper mid-west in America - cold winters, hot and humid summers. The area is primarily agricultural with fertile soil and hydration from the Bug (Буг) (pronounced boog) River. Overall it is a quiet peaceful community where the primary mode of transport is bicycle - regardless of age. As the "county seat" we have a large hospital, twice weekly open air market (bazar) and a fire station. Fine dining is sparse with one or two great pizza places and a couple of cafes. We, as do many communities, have numerous pharmacies (Аптека). And, for an unknown reason they are only outnumbered by the small 7-11 like shops (Продукти) which dominate the main street and everywhere in the communities. Convenience at your fingertips. They are where you buy water, ice cream, cookies, candy and daily necessities. How the pharmacies and shops survive, due to the number, is beyond me, but they do.
As often happens we (my site mate, Laura, and I) have aptly named our most frequent places, "Forbidden Cafe" - not supposed to go there because people drink in the park where it is located, but the food is decent and good place to sit and study Ukrainian. They have air conditioning); "Golden Key" - our favorite because it is the shop dedicated to COOKIES and CANDY (which by the way are national foods). Then there is "Ozone" - it is the actual name, but good food for lunches and if you are up to a "disco" at night. Last, but certainly not least, "Antoninni Pizza" - this is the latest addition to fine dining in KB - great pizza, beer and AIR CONDITIONING. Another favorite place is the local "ПОШТА" - post office where I go once a week hoping I have mail. Receiving mail in Ukraine is a novelty and not a frequent occurrence - not only for me but Ukrainians as well.
Our main mode of transport going to Lviv is via minibus (Маршрутки) Marshrutkey (close enough). These are small passenger buses designed to seat 20-22 people and 25-30 standing, but not supposed to exceed 40 total. In most cases there are generally 35-45 people on them with no air conditioning and most of the time windows are not open because they think if they have a breeze blowing on them they will get sick. So, when it is 85 degrees with 80-90 percent humidity you can imagine what it is like in the minibus. The ride is about 1 hour with frequent stops to let passengers off or on. Women with children have first dibs on seats, then older women, then older men then whoever can grab a seat. Me, because I am old, I get to sit...The ride is like being on a roller coaster with the driver making every effort to avoid the frequent pot holes, without much success, as they drive from one side of the road to the other to try and find the smoothest ride. Passenger comfort is last on the list of concerns. Can't beat the price however, $.60-$.70 one way.
Okay, now time for some pictures. And an end to this posting. More to follow....
Across the road from my house
Looking down the road to my house
Grapes soon
Everyone has a garden
Coming into town - main street
Another view
Our fire station
Where I shop - translated name is "mittens"
Best wood fired pizza in town
Bus stop
Another view
Looking down main street
Another view
The "Forbidden Cafe"
"Golden Key" Yum, Yum
:Golden Key Sweets"
One of many churches in town
Where I buy bread
The $1 store
School #3
"Town Hall"
Museum
Post Office
Another look at main street
Where I get my money
Another place I buy bread
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