The Natural Resources of My Native Land
When someone asks me, “Is Ukraine a small country?” I proudly answer, “Ukraine is a large country with huge forests, mountains, and seas. Please allow me to tell you more about the natural resources of my country and simultaneously immerse myself in warm, pleasant memories of the time spent in Ukraine’s most beautiful places.
Before the war, my family and I often vacationed on the seashores in Ukraine. Now, on cold, windy, and snowy days, I sometimes look at my old photos and bask in the wonderful, warm memories of our family vacations together.
There are two seas in Ukraine: the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. These are seas of the Atlantic Ocean connected by the Kerch Strait. To its south border Ukraine is washed by the Black Sea whose depth reaches over 2,000 meters. In summer the water temperature in this sea rises above 25°C. making it quite warm. It practically never freezes over in winter. The bottom of the Black Sea is predominantly rocky and its beaches are also dominated by stones and pebbles.
The Sea of Azov is located in southeastern Ukraine. It is much smaller than the Black Sea and very shallow. Its greatest depth is only 14 meters and, in summer, water temperatures can reach 30°C or more and it is less salty than the Black Sea. In winter, ice forms near the shore and, in very cold weather, the entire surface is covered in ice. Relaxing on the shores of the Sea of Azov is ideal for families with small children as its shallow depth makes it always warm and safe. The beach is sandy with small shells, which children love.
Our Ukrainian seas are home to many species of fish, as well as shrimp and crabs. The most common fish found on store shelves are mackerel, herring, flounder, Black Sea mullet, sprat, and many others. Dolphins also inhabit our seas and in resort towns people can visit a dolphinarium and enjoy the amazing shows put on by these marine mammals.
The presence of these two beautiful seas—the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov—has contributed to the development of industries such as shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism. Up until 2022, the cities of Odesa and Mariupol were important hubs of maritime trade. The humid and mild climate in the coastal regions supports thriving agriculture. Ukraine boasts numerous vineyards, making winemaking a growing industry in our country with a long tradition. Wines are produced from local and international grape varieties, such as Cabernet, Aligote, Sauvignon, and others. Some of these wines have won international awards.
When I lived in Ukraine, I loved seafood dishes. Thanks to our beautiful and generous seas, salted, fried, and baked fish often appeared on my table. For major holidays, housewives often prepare fish salads. For example, there is a salad called “Herring under a fur coat.” This salad is a regular feature on almost every Ukrainian New Year’s table. It consists of marinated salted fish, potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, and good cheer. I really love Sprats (sardine) sandwiches, and here in Crowsnest Pass, I have had the pleasure of treating my friends to them. I found excellent type of Sprats on the shelves at the Red Apple store. Sprat sandwiches are toasted slices of bread rubbed with garlic and spread with mayonnaise and then topped with fish and a slice of fresh cucumber or lemon. Even now, just describing it makes me hungry.
When I vacationed at the Sea of Azov, I loved visiting the nearby lakes that have therapeutic muds. Scientifically, therapeutic mud is a highly mineralized inorganic compound, primarily iron sulfide. The color of the mud depends on the concentration of iron salts and can range from greenish-gray to almost black. The mud contains iodine, bromine, sulfates, and other chemical elements. They have an antiseptic effect on the body and treat various skin and joint conditions. Mud has contraindications, so one should be sure to consult a doctor before beginning this treatment,
In the southwest corner of the Sea of Azov there is a system of shallow saltwater bays, often called Lake Syvash or the “Rotten Sea.” The latter name refers to the smell of hydrogen sulfide, which occurs due to strong evaporation and mineralization of the water. The water of this lake has a pinkish tint due to the microalgae called Dunaliella salina. This algae has high concentrations of beta carotene and is used in cosmetics, medicine and nutrition.
The lake also contains therapeutic mud, which is used for medical purposes. In the summer, large numbers of people flock here to improve their health and take beautiful photos and the shores of Syvash are covered with salt crystals that look like snow. Near this unique place, there are recreation centers. I often vacationed at one of them with my parents when I was little, and years later, my young son joined us. One of my most vivid memories of that vacation is watching my father fish with his grandson. The sea of Azov and its wonderful lakes will forever be in my heart.
I also have many good memories of the Black Sea. I was once invited to work as a teacher at the “East” children’s camp. The camp was located in Lebedevka Village, which is located on the Black Sea coast, near Odesa. I thoroughly enjoyed it there and gained invaluable experience working with children, as well as having a wonderful vacation and impressions of the beautiful nature. This village is unique for its ideal climate, forests, sea, and estuary. Lebedevka Village is located fairly close to the seashore, and beyond its grounds are recreation centers and campsites. Some years later I returned to this village with friends and showed them the local sights.
Currently, during the war, many cities along our sea coasts are temporarily occupied by Russia. Cities and towns are under regular missile attack. These are the places where many of my friends and I vacationed, and where our relatives live. Not far from Odesa the Zatoka resort has come under fire and hotels and residential buildings were damaged. I also have fond, warm memories of this village, and it’s heartbreaking to realize that the streets I used to stroll along are in ruins, and Ukrainians won’t be able to enjoy these once-beautiful places anytime soon.
In winter, many people take vacations and head to warmer climates to enjoy the sun, sea, and recharge for the year. Each country has its own climate, landscapes, culture, and cuisine. Everyone chooses a vacation based on their own tastes, and the more our preferences differ, the more interesting it is to share experiences, which brings people together. I can’t invite you to Ukraine to see our seas, taste our cuisine, and enjoy the hospitality of our people, but I’m glad I have the opportunity to introduce you to my favorite places, share my impressions and my wonderful memories.
