A long time ago, a blogger I followed said, "A good walk is an excellent opportunity for photos." That has worked for me many times. Now I rarely carry my camera.
I try to go for a walk every evening. My walk is usually in the 4000 to 5000 step category.
I meet quite a few people and their dogs. Most nights I have one or two good visits.
My walk today was special. I met a Ukrainian couple who are doing quite well here but still struggling with things. They are both computer programmers. He had just lost his job but is hopeful he will find another job.
After a slow start to the conversation, it picked up. They were practicing their English with me. They found that as an older person I spoke slowly and was easy to understand. For them, younger people speak too fast and use more slang.
They like the beautiful area here. We were standing on a foot bridge watching a beaver go back and forth under us.
So I get to learn about some of their culture. I try and tell them that my ancestors, although they were German, came from the Ukraine. I'm not sure that they understand that. All my ancestors spoke German and Russian when they came here and some spoke Ukrainian.
So it was a quiet pleasant evening for a good walk.
What an interesting encounter! It's unfortunate they did not seem to understand what you were saying about the connection between your ancestors and themselves. I bet they felt upbeat after talking to you, though. It's always nice to have a meaningful discussion.
ReplyDeleteI know one thing for sure is that I felt upbeat.
DeleteI love that you talk to strangers on your walks.
ReplyDeleteThe area is friendly so it's not risky. There are homeless and I sometimes talk to them.
DeleteOne of the joys of walking is meeting other people and chatting. It's energising. So many Ukrainians have fled their country to make their lives in safer countries. It's hard for them, but they will succeed, as your ancestors did.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at how many young Ukrainians are here.
DeleteYou should have invited the Ukrainian couple home for a traditional Canadian meal - moose steaks in maple syrup with poutine. They would have also met your live-in nurse who could have taught them some proper Yorkshire English.
ReplyDeleteI would be more interested in a good Ukrainian meal. I haven't had moose meat for over 50 years.
DeleteThat's a lovely encounter for you and them!
ReplyDeleteYou know well the experience of talking to people on the trails.
DeleteSounds wonderful. I love to meet and talk to people whose native language is unfamiliar to me. I always learn something.
ReplyDeleteWe have much to learn from other cultures. My hearing limits some of these conversations.
DeleteWhat a lovely meeting! I hope that you meet them again.
ReplyDeleteI found out that they only live 5 houses from me.
DeleteThere are Ukrainians here as well. I would enjoy a conversation with them but haven’t had the opportunity yet.
ReplyDeletethey think our country is beautiful so they are out on the trail.
DeleteI am not surprised that you are the chatty type,
ReplyDeleteWell it took me a long time to become chatty. My dad would talk to anybody.
DeleteWhat a lovely interaction!
ReplyDeleteYou learn some things even though there is a struggle with language.
DeleteWhat a good opportunity for some cultural exchange!
ReplyDeleteWe all benefit from good cultural exchanges.
DeleteIt does sound like a lovely walk, and how nice that you met the couple from Ukraine. They must have really appreciated you giving them some time to chat. We have several Ukrainian flags in our neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThey warmed up after they found that they could understand me.
DeleteI am a friendly person who always smiles or says hello when out for a walk. I'm glad you had a nice visit with that couple and hope you see them again, Red.
ReplyDeleteI found out that they only live 5 houses from me.
DeleteAnd this is a quiet, pleasant post.
ReplyDeleteWalking is good. Now that it's hot I fit in fewer walks into my day. Things get in the way, and walking is harder for me now. Walking always makes me feel better, and so does talking to people I meet.
You're right that it's difficult to fit in a walk when it is hot.
DeleteNice to know there's a peaceful spot in the world of humanity. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate here.
DeleteYeah for a good visit during a walk!
ReplyDeleteI cycled and did not get to talk to many people. walking is better.
DeleteA rewarding conversation is always welcomed.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the more you struggle with the language, the more you learn.
DeleteYes, we older people have slowed down. I spend so much time alone that my voice has changed from when I was a radio/tv wunderkind. And the modern slang has left me far behind. Thank goodness I have good books to read.
ReplyDeleteAs we age our voice changes. My biggest challenge is my hearing.
Delete
ReplyDeleteIt is nice you had a chat with the Ukrainian couple.
I take my dog Miney for a walk every morning. I rarely see people out maybe a dog walker once in awhile.
It is too hot later in the day for a walk outside.
Happy Sunday, have a great day and a wonderful week!
Weather here has been good for walking in the evening.
ReplyDeleteWhat a walk, dear Red, with steps well spent,
ReplyDeleteNot just in motion, but in kind intent.
Two travelers met beneath the sky so wide,
Sharing their hopes with you by the riverside.
With slow-spoken words and a beaver in view,
You built a bridge as the evening grew.
The path was quiet, but hearts were stirred—
In a world of rushing, you let kindness be heard.
John
I'm sure the Ukrainian couple were glad to practice their English with a willing conversationalist.
ReplyDeletePeople tend to forget that we all come from somewhere however long ago.
ReplyDeleteDear Red your walk was special indeed that brought you such a rich experience of knowing people from different land and culture 😊
ReplyDeleteI hope the couple will adjust in new environment and circumstances eventually and soon
I wish you more such joyful walks 🙏🥰