This year in Ukraine, with a population of about 46 million people, some 530,000 babies were born, a record number. Obviously people believe in the future of this country.
I had noted the number of little babies in Zhovti Vody this year and thought maybe it was just a local phenomonon but apparently it was all over Ukraine. Baby carriages (do they still call them that?) are everywhere. Good business to be in as most that I see are pretty fancy new rigs. Kids stores are everywhere too. Clothes and toys.
The economy shrank by 12% in 2009 yet people keep looking to the future. I guess that is how Ukrainians have survived the last 1000 years or so. It is "next year" country.
Speaking of which, the big grocery store was crowded today with folks buying for New Year's celebrations. The line ups at the tills were several people deep. Poor economy or not, there is money for holiday feasts.
What's the expression? Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you die.
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