Polesian Way, Spring 2015. Палескі шлях, вясна 2015 г.
Varonina. Вароніна.
A village of about 100 inhabitants, Varonina lies near the western boundary of Homjel’ Province. In the photograph one can see a large pile of fresh-cut, neatly-stacked wood to heat the hothouse for an early start to the cucumber season (for export to the Russian market). On the right is a classic Pripet River boat, now lying high and dry — as one notes in the foreground of the photo, Varonina is undergoing a new wave of “amelioration” to drain marshy areas which, in spring, used to give water access to the main course of the river.
Vjeras’nitsa. Верасьніца.
Vjeras’nitsa lies just to the west of Varonina. The back streets in the older section of the village contain some of the finest examples of carved gable symbols in the region. Of particular note is the cross flanked by pagan sun symbols in the second photograph. The bench in the third photograph, made from a section of old cinema seats, adds a touch of whimsy to the street.
