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Felicity Spector's avatar

I am just on the bus from Mykolaiv to Odesa and we went past some acacia trees, so beautiful and the smell was amazing

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Darya Zorka's avatar

To me, acacia trees have always been associated with the south of Ukraine and my childhood in Crimea ❤️

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Paul's avatar

Fascinating history of the chestnut trees of Kyiv and really cool photos, Darya! I hope the war ends soon with justice and peace for Ukraine. The linked article about the history of Kyivan Rus was also very interesting — probably the best I’ve read. Thank you so much.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you, Paul! I’m glad you liked the essay and the linked article! I often include links that share relevant information, and it’s good to hear that you find it helpful and interesting!

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Jatternack's avatar

Every time my heart ends, it needs a reminder of why we are still here, still fighting. Thank you for the reminder.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

❤️🫂

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Marina's avatar

Beautiful pictures!

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Darya Zorka's avatar

💙💛

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Will Weaver's avatar

Beautiful images, thanks.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you!

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Valerie Starr's avatar

We love chestnut trees! Your photos are beautiful. They bring back so many memories of beauty and joy.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you, Valerie!

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E2's avatar

This is another lovely thing to learn about Kyiv. I was already resolved to visit someday, ideally with my Ukrainian-heritage children, but this adds an item to appreciate.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

I hope you’ll visit someday!

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andré's avatar

Kyiv is a truly beautiful city.

Your story and all the beautiful photos make me want to plant a chestnut tree.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you, Andre!

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Hymie's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful and uplifting piece of writing. Do you know anything about the artist who created the insignia / coat of arms for Kyiv? It’s a wonderful design.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you! The artist’s name is Florian Yuriev. He was not only an artist but also an architect and a composer. What’s interesting is that he combined painting and music together, as he believed that each color represents a sound, and that’s why his paintings have such harmony in them. You can read more about him here: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/florian-yuriev-colorful-modus-portraits/

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Hymie's avatar

Thank you so much. Like me, it sounds as if he had synesthesia - a valuable and treasured trait for creativity. ❤️

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Probably! I’ve never heard of synesthesia before, but after looking it up, it seems Yuriev indeed had it. It’s fascinating that you have it, too!

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Leslie's avatar

These photographs made my day! We have chestnut trees here in my small city in Oregon. They are also in bloom. And we also have Ukrainians here, some refugees from this war, some here for decades. I hope that our trees make them feel at home.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

I’m sure they do! I have chestnut trees in my neighborhood, too, and they always remind me of Ukraine.

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Mark Lagus's avatar

Thank you for the lovely tour of another reason why Kyiv is special!

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Darya Zorka's avatar

❤️

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Karenza's avatar

What a delight these photos are! We have a beautiful old chestnut tree in our orchard and it is a joy to observe through the seasons. The flowers are beloved by honey bees and the autumn leaves are splendid.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you! I agree, chestnut trees are really beautiful!

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Christophe Kopp's avatar

Many thanks Darya.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

🙏

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Ellen's avatar

Thank you for sharing your beautiful chestnuts! Our hearts are with you.

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Darya Zorka's avatar

Thank you!

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