Transcarpathia is the area on the west of Ukraine, part of the Carpathian mountains.

Usually train arrives to the station I need at 9am and from the early morning (6am), so
I could enjoy amazing mountains views from the train window

Many new hotels and guesthouses were built last years:

One of the trips I made to the mountains in the old soviet military car. This car can go everywhere even if there’s no road and only mud. First 5 mins up the mountain I wished I’d never done it.

Especially when he parked the car on the edge of the hill

But tranquility of the mountains and some housewine calmed me down. I even wasn’t scared to get on the old tree on the edge of the hill.

In the mornings sun rays spread around the forest, it’s amazing to walk at this time of a day

In the evenings vapor formed by the heat and humidity was gathering over the mountains forming thunder clouds

First year I went to Transcarpathia with a new UV filter and was experimenting by each river or waterfall

Next year we lived at the same place and I was experimenting with an infrared filter:

This year I’m going to take paints and drawing pencils)

Main industries of the region are: tourism, farming and wining. Many people go there to drink mineral water and improve their health.

I visited some farms, one was ostriches farm.

Another one was a trout farm. There are many fish ponds:

and everybody could catch couple of fishes for dinner

There is a wine shop inside of one castle:

And a friendly welcome for tourists

Mountains views:

PS: Couple of old pics from old camera – climbing the highest mountain in Ukraine (Goverla) on my 24th birthday.

Our group:

A building with red roof is where we stayed for a night, it took a bit of time to slide back:

First snow covers the mountains in October

There were the similar, the same or different like always?

I was always interested, what feel people which celebretad Christmas time in other country? Now, I know (probably). I have lived in England five years. My family and I’m were celebrating Christmas in England during last four years, but last holiday we decided to celebrate in Poland.

Christmas in Egland…

People from Enland love Christmas; just from Halloween everywhere see Christmas of  preparing. Decorating of shops exposure, exchange Christmas Greeting cards; family, friends and staff parties and first of all gifts, gifts, gifts, because ”Santa Claus is coming to town”

Christmas Day which is the most important day of Christmas. Early morning children wake up and open their presents. At midday the whole family gathers at the Christmas table, all eat roast turkey, mince pies, Christams pudding and more, more, more. Children have much fun when they pull the crackers – cardboard tubes with small presents, printed jokes and paper hats. On the Christmas Day the Queen delivers an annual oration on TV.

The 26 December is called Boxing Day. It is celebrated as a bank holiday. On this day people visit their friend and arrange parties. This is the last non-working day and the last day of Christamas celebration!

Christmas in Poland…

People from Poland love Christmas to0… Everything around is beautifully decorated and  if the people are nicer and better for myself so at all.  A very important day is Christmas Eve, when the whole family meets together. The meeting begins with prayer and reading of the passage of Scripture about the birth of Jesus Christ. Unique is the common sharing of the wafer and family wishes.

At a table is king fish, dumplings with cabbage, borscht with dumplings and cabbage rolls with buckwheat. t is very nice and festive. Family sing Christmas carols. At the end we all get presents from Santa Claus.

Late in the evening, many people go tu church to attend the so called ”midnight mass”.

The first and second day of Christmas, a time when the faithful participate in the Christmas Masses, visiting family and friends. Many, many eating, but also go for walks and rest.

Merry Christmas all year round …

This is a photo of the ruins and the river Avon.

Many odd characters make Boscombe an interesting place for photographers

Bright shop signs attract brightly dressed people,

people of different cultures and religions,

people in helmets,

and with cameras.

It’s just a question of time to start a business in Boscombe. In a couple of hours an empty room can be turned into a Christmas trees shop.

Architecturally Boscombe is quite nice place.

Old houses create weird reflections

or eastern atmosphere.

That day we had the first experience in antiglamorous coffee shop. Coffee was very nice and staff was very friendly, even dogs were welcome.

Our second outdoor lesson also started from visiting antiglamorous coffee shop in Westbourne.

Opposite to hard working Santas in Boscombe, the one in Westbourne is fat, lazy and happy resting between expensive decorations.

There are no weird people in Westbourne, there are only strange shadows,

mad prices

and again people with cameras.