Different

Ukraine is VERY different from America. I was almost overwhelmed by all of the differences when I fist got here. But now I have learned to love them (well most of them.)
Let me name a few of the big ones.
Here in Ukraine they are very weird about feet. You have outside shoes and inside shoes. You change into your inside shoes at home and at school and no, this does not mean that you can just wear socks around. Apparently this is a sin. Luda (our host mom) made us stop right in the middle of what we were doing (we were helping make dinner) to go put on our inside shoes. We now know to ALWAYS wear inside shoes when you are inside.
When I asked somebody why they do this, they couldn't really answer at first. Then this person said that they do this because of the germs that are on the floor. Because germs are there, even right after you wash it. I said that with this logic we should wear inside gloves also. They agreed that it is a little strange.

Another difference is that they aren't a smiley people. I have learned that this does NOT mean that they are not happy!! They can be having a fabulous day, just when they are out on the bus they always have the same facial expression. I think that I have gotten better at telling when a Ukrainian really is frustrated and when they just are normal. I think. haha

The driving here is INSANE! I really am so glad that I don't have a car. There are no speed-limits, so you can drive as fast as you want to. The roads themselves are terrible with ten thousand potholes and garbage everywhere. It would be odd to see a sidewalk without a car parked on it. When crossing the street you take your life into your own hands. Just because there is a 'walk' sign does not mean that cars will always stop for you.

There are so many other things but these are some big ones. I will post more soon!!