Reawakened to American Multiculturalism through the Eyes of a Ukrainian

Posted by: Tamara Sternberg-Greller, Consular Officer

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I never thought that cable TV installation would be so interesting. On Saturday, in the middle of a raging snowstorm, two representatives from a local service provider finally came over to hook up the cable they had been promising for the better part of a month. That stormy day, my husband and I had one of the most insightful conversations we have had in a long time with two mostly Russian speaking men (my husband and I are, in theory, new Ukrainian speakers).

 

50 States in 50 Days: South Dakota – Great Faces, Great Places

Posted by: Samuel Gabel, Public Affairs Section Assistant

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Introduction

South Dakota is a land of natural beauty and diversity. The types of landscapes found here range from, rolling hills, oceans of waiving grass, and lakes that cover the eastern part of the state, to the alien beauty of the Badlands, to the majestic granite peaks and pine forests of the Black Hills. Here the Midwest meets the West. Here, one can find both fields filled with amber waves of grain, as well as cattle ranches and cowboys. This is the land where the proud and fierce Sioux tribes once roamed. It is also the setting for some of the most dramatic History of the Old West.

Mount Rushmore
Photo by Dean Franklin

My Experience Here

South Dakota is my home state. Here I have passed many memorable childhood summers, boating, hunting, fishing, walking through the tall prairie grass, driving old tractors and setting off fireworks on Independence Day. I like the sense of security that people have here, the friendliness found in the various small towns, the wide-open landscapes and the way the sky seems bigger and more beautiful here.

Rolling hills and wide open sky near Pierre

People and Cultures

My family, and a fair sized portion of the population, are ethnically German. However, probably the most distinctive ethnic group is the Sioux Nation (also known as the Lakota or Dakota). It is from these people that the state gets its name. South Dakota’s native tribes make up a relatively high portion of the population (even greater than in Oklahoma). Traditionally, the Sioux were a nomadic warrior people. Today, most live in several reservations scattered across the state. The Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, near Chamberlain offers an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the Sioux. There are also a number of powwows (tribal gatherings generally involving dancers in costume) all across the state. A number of them welcome visitors (provided said visitors are respectful).

 

Biking to Work Around the World

Posted by: Llywelyn Graeme, Ambassador’s Executive Assistant

Wellington Harbor

Beijing, China; Wellington, New Zealand; Washington, D.C.; Kyiv, Ukraine. Other than being national capitals, they are all cities where I biked to work every day. I’ve been an avid bicyclist since I was in junior high school, and have tried to keep up with it ever since. Admittedly, there were times when the pollution in Beijing, the 100 kilometer per hour winds in Wellington, the 38° heat in DC and the -30° cold in Kyiv have made it a challenge, but I try to ride every day. It has been a challenge at times, each city has its unique difficulties. Crowded, flat, hilly, many bike paths or none, it has always been better than driving. Quite apart from the sheer cost of a car (I’ve never owned one) there is fuel, repairs, insurance, maintenance and parking costs. And in some cities at certain times of day, a bicycle can go much faster than a car. In fact I can usually go the same speed as the tram on my street. Well, downhill at least.

So what do I ride? I have a classic American Schwinn mountain bicycle from the 80’s. It is solid steel and very ugly. Black with pink lettering. Originally I bought it used from my favorite bike shop (Bike Works in Wallingford, R.I.P) because it was the only one I could afford. I was just starting a new job and needed to get to work. I’ve had to fight several times with bike shops not to “upgrade,” they always seem to take it as a personal affront that my bike keeps going with minor repairs.  These days it is long out-of-fashion and parts are hard to come by. But I’ve ridden it for years and years now and it has never been stolen or even had a major breakdown. It may not be pretty or fashionable, but it’s tough as nails and doesn’t let me down. Well, not often, I had a blow out on Artem street last week. Now I just need to find a good bike shop in my latest home town, Kyiv.

Kyiv Bike Day 2012 is scheduled for May 26 and starts at 10 a.m. at Mykhaylivska sq. For more details: http://bikeday.org.ua/ua/