(descriptive essay)

Sand, graffiti, beautiful houses behind; swans and ducks; fishermen and drinkers; lovers and artists, sometimes without an “and” in the middle ⎯ this is how I would describe my favorite place in Kyiv in a few words; this is how I see it. Obolonska embankment should not be so dear to my heart, but it is.

Obolonska embankment as it now does not have such a long history, but the area itself does. Imagine, that hundreds of thousands of years ago, tribes of pastoralists lived in this area. They took care of their cattle, prayed to idols, and walked where bored and inspired citizens of Kyiv walk now. For me, it’s always about belonging to something bigger than yourself. My story is just one of many, but it is part of it, just like any of those who have stepped there. I can’t speak about the experience of the cattlemen, but I can show you Obolonska embankment through my eyes.

I used to walk there as a kid with my family, looking at graffiti, taking pictures, looking dreamily at the Dnipro and the Pivnichnyi Bridge. From there, it seemed incredibly majestic to me.  I spied on the artists who painted this view; I sat on the benches next to elderly couples, children, and adults. I came there in the fall and watched the aftermath of the spring flood ⎯ fish were already swimming where people walked.

I spied on the artists who painted this view; I sat on the benches next to elderly couples, children and adults. I came there in the fall and watched the aftermath of the spring flood ⎯ fish were already swimming where people walked.

This winter I was there again, walking with a friend. We spent the whole day wandering around, skating, picking out books, and then, drunk on mulled wine, we went to Obolonska embankment. Cold air, icy water, and white swans, like a dream. Then I thought that I would not feel as happy as I did at that moment for a long time. I wanted to stay there at least a little longer. And now, as I write this text, I am there ⎯ with frozen hands and a light heart.