As I wrote about in my December 22 post, Russian people, like us, celebrate this season with gifts, parties, and decorated trees. Unlike us however, the tree is a New Year’s tree, not a Christmas tree. No, they are not usually decorated in orange as the one in the photograph is. This is the handiwork of Ukrainian Orange Revolutionaries. The photo was taken on December 15, 2004 on Khreschatyk (cresh attic) Street, the main street of central Kiev where all primary government offices are located.
Now what on earth was I doing in Kiev in the middle of the “Orange Revolution”? Well Alla and I had by this time been writing to each other and talking on the phone and had traveled together for several weeks in various parts of Ukraine. And for 7 months of this time our request for a U.S. K1 (fiancee) visa for her was in process. Then on November 26 we were notified that the U.S. Embassy had granted her a visa interview date of December 16. We were given the option to delay the interview, but without a guarantee of how long a delay to expect for a rescheduling. So we decided to “brave” the political uncertainties and “go for it”. We each made our travel arrangements and located a secure apartment close to the U.S. Embassy, and arranged to meet on December 12.
Fortunately for us, president-elect Yushchenko sent his supporters home the day before Alla and I arrived in Kiev. And so the 250,000 people who had been rallying and demonstrating exuberantly 1 block from our apartment magically disappeared. Gone were the bullhorns, loudspeakers and fiery speeches. All that remained were a few thousand “diehards” and large remnants of the tent city that had been setup in the middle of this city’s most prestigious street.
We acted as tourists, visiting our favorite places and photographing at will, all with no feeling of threat or jeopardy. And on our appointed date, we went to the U.S. Embassy for Alla’s visa interview. So began for us a VERY happy new year - - together in America.
We both wish for you that your new year will likewise be happy with good health and the fulfillment of your dreams. And hopefully, you will not be faced with drama such as we were in your process to bring your Russian bride to America.
Happy New Year!!
Gary and Alla.
