Explore More Issue 18

TRAVEL
My UKRAINE
Viking UK Senior Marketing Executive Olya Krvavych
on why you should visit her homeland
Born in the 80s in Lviv
(western Ukraine), I grew
up in a home of scientists,
a profession that was
very highly regarded in the Soviet
Union at that time. It may come as
a surprise, but Ukraine gave me the
best childhood, with caring parents,
a fantastic education and culture.
Living in a communist country was
not always bad. We had free access
to full-time education, including
nurseries, schools and universities.
On the downside, some of the
basic human rights, like freedom
of thought, free speech, movement,
and religion, were breached. The
Greek-Catholic Church was forced
underground for more than four
decades until 1989. I was baptised
at home with the blinds closed.
To grow in your career you were
expected to be a member of the
Communist Party.
This was probably the reason
I grew up with a strong desire to
become a human rights lawyer. I
pursued this dream and went to
study law, but changed my career
path later in life. I am now part
of the incredible Viking team.
When I was 10, the Soviet
Union collapsed and Ukraine
finally got its independence back.
Unfortunately, changes are not
happening as quickly as everyone
would like, but I still believe that
this hard-working, talented nation
will one day prosper.
Ukrainians are famous for
their contribution to the world of
mathematics, literature, sports and
music. You may be surprised to
learn that the beautiful ‘Carol
of the Bells’ was adapted from
the famous Ukrainian carol
‘Shchedryk’, arranged by the
composer Mykola Leontovych.
Ukraine is incredible to visit.
The Dnieper is one of Europe's
major rivers, and Viking is the only
cruise company that will take you
on this brilliant journey in comfort.
During the Kiev, Black Sea &
Bucharest voyage, you’ll visit Kiev,
dating back to the late 9th century.
The site was on the trade route
that connected Scandinavia and
the Roman Empire. One of my
favourite cities, elegant Odessa,
will surprise you with its stunning
architecture, tree-lined avenues and
beaches. On your journey you will
enjoy delicious food, cooked from
the most humble ingredients.
Make sure you try borscht, our
traditional beetroot soup. There is
a saying that no matter how many
times you cook it, it will never
taste the same.
My favourite
food is varenyky
(potato dumplings).
If you ask for it
to be served with
fried onion and
sour cream you will
experience it at its
absolute best.
Above all, you
will be welcomed
by some of the
friendliest people
on the planet.
Clockwise, from
below: Varenyky
(dumplings) is
Olya’s favourite
dish; St. Sophia
Cathedral in Kiev;
Olya Krvavych
PHOTOS: © ADOBE STOCK
74 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | WINTER 2019
074_EM18_PostcardUkraine.indd 74 06/11/2019 13:13