I’ve started a post several times but then deleted everything as I was hesitant about how to put it. Today, after the sad news that our house was seriously damaged due to the shelling, I have an even stronger desire to share my thoughts.
As some of you may already know from my story about using Google Maps in the wartime, I had to flee from my native region and settle in the West of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, various events have been gradually cutting threads that used to connect me with dear places and people. They were lost one by one: friends, acquaintances, places, habits, home… Losing each of those threads means less inner stability. And that would have already ended in a sad way for me, but for other threads that helped me balance in this turmoil.
One of these saving threads is Connect and Local Guides. My plan in 2021 was to meet in person with Local Guides from all over Ukraine, including a Ukrainian Local Guide and Connect Moderator @JaneBurunina . But we had a covid pandemic, later followed by the military invasion. Of course, I had no resources to participate actively in Connect communications in 2022. Nonetheless, I bore in mind my previous experience and the people I knew virtually. And I was happy to know that Jane had made it safe and sound to Italy, away from the hostilities.
So, when there came an opportunity to go outside Ukraine for a short break from air raid alerts in September 2023, my thought was about meeting Local Guides. And I did it!
The 7-day trip to Italy was absolutely worth those complicated and tiring logistics from and to Ukraine. @ErmesT , @AntonellaGr , and Jane were no longer virtual but real persons whom I could greet and hug. We also thought of going to Vizenza to meet @plavarda , but it was simply impossible to squeeze everything into a week.
It should be said being guided by Ermes was a pure pleasure, for he was doing it passionately and thoughtfully. Treviso, Aquileia, Padua, pre-Alps, and Dolomites would have appeared much different without his guidance.
This journey was a treat and treatment as it has bestowed not only delightful impressions of the places but also incredible warmness and support from the Local Guides Community. The same kind of support can also be felt in other posts on Connect: a recent oneby @PaulPavlinovich ,a related oneby @Kwiksatik , andone moreby ErmesT. I’m sure there are more of them throughout the years. They all resonate with the community recipe @SholaIB mentiones inhis post of appreciation which includes love, friendship, forgiveness, hope, and laughter.
This is what keeps us going despite all the obstacles and ordeals.
On this high note, it’s high time to wrap it up.
Connect is a worldwide community of incredible people. Stay connected!
