Aleksandrovsk

I couldn't have asked for a better way to kick-off the gorgeous Spring weather here, as well as our 10-day vacation, then with a trip out into the country with a perfect international group of Americans (mostly volunteers here with the Peace Corps), Iraqis, and Ukrainians.  Our destination was a beautiful wooded area just outside of the town of Aleksandrovsk for a little sun, fun, and shashlik (Russian-style barbecue):

In true American style, we introduced our comrades to a little water-balloon tossing, and lured in participation with a grand prize of being the first to eat (which, incidentally, was won by my partner and me...score!):

The second round, however, I ended up refreshingly soaked:

Iraq, Ukraine, and America representing:

In between football-tossing, frisbee-throwing, and badminton-playing, we had a hoard of food.  Glorious, glorious creations from everyone!  It was awesome.

The last of my stash of my Kansas City barbecue sauce even made an appearance and was a welcomed hit:

Photographers and photo shoots...it's not a picnic in Ukraine without them:

About a 15 minute walk from our spot in the woods sits this old, abandoned mansion. Built in 1772 (240 years ago!), it has served as a private residence, been occupied by the Nazis during WWII, and was a hospital for tuberculosis patients in it's final days of occupancy:

With the front door open and eerily welcoming, needless to say, it made for a great afternoon of exploration:

Heading up to the second floor on the "floating" staircase:

The walk back to the campgrounds was just as nice...I felt a million miles away from Lugansk:

Two very rockin' Peace Corps volunteers:  Wyoming and Caroline (who put this whole shin-dig together in the first place!  Thanks, lady!):

Besides spending the day with some seriously hilarious and inspirational people, it's nice to know that, despite what our governments and media outlets do to pine us all against one another, we can gather in the woods of Ukraine not as countries with borders and agendas, but as friends.  That is beyond cool:

I don't know if it was the healthy dose of sunshine or the amazing company and food (or all three), but I have a renewed sense of energy for the upcoming week of...vacation!  Ha!  Heading out west tomorrow to the Carpathian mountains for some more Ukrainian culture and hospitality!  пака!