Yesterday we visited the Mayor's Office of Chamblee (it was incredible), but that's not what we're talking about now. When we split up into groups, we had the opportunity not only to get acquainted with the work of the Communications Department, but also to talk about the differences between our cities.

The first thing that catches your eye is the absence of large grocery stores and shopping centers, because in Ukraine they are everywhere, even in small towns. But it's nice that Atlanta is a green city with lots of trees and birdsong can be heard almost everywhere. All these details leave a pleasant impression of the city.

Atlanta has welcomed us with open arms and vibrant spirit! I was deeply touched by the warm reception at the airport, complete with the Ukrainian flag.

Living together in a wonderful place, University Commons, allows us to keep our conversations going even after classes.

The first days of our program has been intensely engaging and enriching—meeting the governor, visiting Chamblee, and learning about the communication style of Americans have all been highlights. I'm eagerly looking forward to more!

However, I understand that he is a very busy person with a lot of meetings. His time is truly valuable, and there are countless people who would like the chance to meet with him. The demands on his schedule are large, and he must balance numerous responsibilities and commitments. It is important to recognize that public figures like him have to manage their time efficiently to address the needs of many constituents and stakeholders.

On 16th of May,2024 we had a great experience, visiting a Mayor`s Office of Chamblee, a small town in a suburb of Atlanta. We had a meeting with the Mayor Mock, who is a big supporter of Ukraine. We had a meeting with the staff of the office, and I`ve noticed that all of them were so opened, they tried to share with us all the best practices they had. It was really unexpected for me to feel their support for all Ukrainian people, they asked a lot of questions about the war and about the life conditions of ordinary people in time of war. Our group attended a real working meeting, where the staff were discussing some particular working things related to the park renovation. I was really pleasantly surprised that they already have a lot of parks in their small city, and they continue to build new ones!

About our accommodation, we were surprised by amount of food our coordinators bought for us, how they prepared in general. I enjoy flowers so a bouquet was for my pleasure.

In Atlanta we so a lot of Afro-Americans but I've already got used to it. I still can't get used to the amount of homeless people in the street.

I'm far away from home, I miss my family, my dogs, my friends. But thanks to our coordinators and instructors I feel fine and inspired.

Sincerely

Margo

Well, hello everyone. So many thoughts, so many different emotions. :)

For this time, I'll talk about my first impressions in order to be short. But I'll be back here later to share many more thoughts.

Starting from the flight with transfer in Amsterdam, this journey became full of new experiences to me. Despite the flight was so long, I enjoyed the planes, meals, entertainment and so on.

Then, landing in Atlanta and proceeding through passport control, started the most pleasant part, of course. I think no one, despite my family, never greeted me so warmly. I am very grateful for our American friends for your warm welcoming and all the surprises that was made.

Dorms, streets, culture, food of USA- we'll talk about it later, I'm sure.

But the first day will definitely stay in my memory forever like warm and welcoming, like the moment when you finally arrive somewhere you were very awaited.

We had an official visit to the governor's residence. We had the opportunity to meet him and take a photo. We walked through the building and saw paintings featuring politicians and famous people from the US.

I liked the cultural workshop and Margarita's method of teaching. It is an interesting topic and valuable to hear the observations of someone who is an immigrant too. She came from Sweden to the US when she was a student.

Yesterday we went to Chamblee. It was the best day in our program for now. I got the opportunity to see how the city administration of Chamblee works in the US and to discuss with American colleagues the differences between Ukraine and the US. The city is pretty small but absolutely great for living.