Olga Z. from Ukraine living Poland

Olga had a very short visit, so we only had time for a single picture. I took this with my infrared camera, so the results may not do her justice, though I do adore her smile.

She was an artist.

We talked about the fact that I was learning Russian at the time, and had just discovered that Russian cursive letters look completely different than Russian typed letters. I was so discouraged! After having struggled to learn the Russian alphabet, I felt like I had to start all over again.

As a gift to thank me for hosting her, she sent two beautiful calligraphy paintings. One illustrating typed and cursive Russian characters, the other saying thank you in Ukrainian, Russian, and English.

These now hang in my apartment next to a seagull gift from my friend Alexandra.