Dear Reader, I took some courage and imagined a conversation between you and myself over my blog. I hope you find it pleasant and entertaining.
Korostenka: One Woman’s Journey through Ukrainian Culture (with a side of Deruny)—Is there something about Ukraine?
Yes, it’s almost about Ukraine. I’m Ukrainian, and I love my country. I want to share this passion through my articles, memories, photos, and cultural insights.
OK, you mentioned Deruny. What is it?
Oh, deruny is one of Ukraine’sUkraine’s national meals. Deruny are potato pancakes, and they are one of the signature dishes of my native region. In fact, before the war started, there was a Deruny Festival in Korosten.
I adore this dish, and, of course, I’ll share some recipes in the blog!
Please tell me more about yourself.
With pleasure! I am a volunteer and a mother of one. I am an engineer by education. I work as an IT and science outreach professional. I am a culture enthusiast from Ukraine who has lived in the United Kingdom for a long time.
I’m a bit dyslexic. Sometimes, I fight the English spelling as bravely as my ancestors fought for their land. Sometimes, I lose to diphthongs (those pesky vowel combinations in words like “neighbour” and “through” always trip me up!).
Why did you create this blog?
Since I was in school, I have been engaged in and studied Ukrainian culture. I am grateful to my great Ukrainian cultural teacher for this. But it took me a long time to truly appreciate its diversity and beauty.
Ukrainian culture was marginalised and even forbidden for many years. Now, Ukrainians are rediscovering their roots. They are forging a new cultural identity. It is painful since the Ukraine war played a key role in its inception. Still, it is also a fascinating process of development and reflection on the past while constructing a new future. Every Ukrainian is a part of this rebirth. So am I, with all my love, adoration, and volunteer work, to help my city’s Ukrainian community and amateur cultural studies. I hope that my writings can be another small brick in the beautiful future of Ukraine.
Please explore the blog. I hope you fall in love with Ukraine if you have not already.
Korostenka 