In general you would be hard pressed to find Ukraine at the forefront of much.  However, one place where they have my own country, Canada, beat is in declaring June 1st as the first day of summer.  The Ukrainians have said astronomy be damned summer is the best season so let’s start it three weeks earlier. There is something quite special about Odessa in the summer; the days are warm and filled...

June 1st marks the first day of Summer in Ukraine as well as being Children’s Day.  While many countries celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day it is the children who are celebrated in Odessa.  Numerous concerts and festivities are held to encourage kids and their parents out into the streets.