Ukrainian phrases which seemed difficult to understand While learning Ukrainian you might have already met a lot of phrases which seemed difficult to understand. I would like to help you understand some of these expressions. I am giving you the context, the explanation and the English analogue of those if I know it. 1. If a young man imagines himself as very handsome or as someone who owns a good fortune and acts in such way, you can hear about him: "Перший хлопець на селі" (the first man in the village). Often the phrase has a bit of irony. You can see a very similar phrase in English: "A big frog (fish) in a little pond". 2. When people do not like each other at all and always have rude conversations, or even punch each other their relationship could be described as "Як кіт з собакою" (A cat-and-dog existence). 3. Do you know whether cats cry? Even if it does, how many tears do they cry? Probably very few. The phrase “Як кіт наплакав” (as much as cat’s tears) can be found in English as “A drop in the ocean”. 4. Sometimes small events can destroy a big business so then people say: “Ложка дьогтю в бочці меду “ (“A spoon of tar in a barrel of honey”). The phrase has an English analogue “ A fly in the ointment”. 5. If one has a lot of experience with a particular subject, we often say he can “Собаку з’їсти” (to eat a dog). In English, it can be expressed “Be a dab hand at sth.” 6. On contrary ”Сісти в калюжу” (to sit in a puddle) means being in a stupid position or “Be left with egg on one’s face”. To be continued.

Inventions that changed our lives Over the years our world is changing. Recently I spoke with my friend and was trying to discover what advancements play the most significant role in people’s life. Another question is what merits and demerits do this Inventions have. Making a review of existing options on the matter, it can be mentioned that the majority of experts are emphasizing on information and communication technologies. In 1973 the first call with a commercial prototype of a cell phone was made. It opened the era of ubiquitous communications. In 1983 the computer network, that known now as the Internet was invented. Actually these two technologies are connecting people. One can make a telephone or Internet call all over the world. Everyone can find a piece of useful information on the Internet, can learn, share information, etc. The advantages of communication technologies also lay in the sphere of business and management. On the contrary widespread cell phones and the Internet have some disadvantages. People suffer from information fatigue syndrome. Young parents spend less time with their children. Students are not careful because of digital devices. Doctors to speak about games and internet addiction. In conclusion, there are many advantages of the Internet and cell phone invention, but disadvantages cannot be ignored as well. Similar to others, these inventions can be used properly and inappropriately.

One of the most beautiful parks in Europe Let me tell you about one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. According to the "seven wonders of Ukraine" contest, Park "Sofiyivka" is one of the most attractive. The park is located in Uman (Ukraine). It was founded in 1796 by magnate Stanislav Szczesny Potocki and named after his wife Sofia Witt-Potocki. I and my family were there a few months ago. There were many springs, waterfalls, grottos, and sculptures. It was autumn and colorful leaves were on the ground. We had a two-hour contemplative walk under the beech and oak trees. The landscape and the murmurs of the waters made me feel better and leveled my moods. I like the journey very much. https://destinations.com.ua/travel/sofiyivsky-park-in-uman-love-story

My favorite holiday My favorite holiday was many years ago. I was 19 and just graduated from college. My friends advised me to accept an offer and to spend three weeks at an alpinist camp "Torpedo" in the Tsey valley, Caucasian mountains. There were five men on our team. The alpinist camp was in a canyon on the point more than 2900 meters heigh above sea level. Our guide was an old man of 60 years old. He taught us how to climb up on rocks, work with ropes, ensure ourselves on the glacier. Our trip had a goal to rise above the snow line and spend the night in a lodge. My first mountain climbing began at 5 a.m. when snow was not melted by the Sun. The morning in the mountains was one of the best in my life.