Story of Veronika from Ukraine
My name is Veronika, I’m 28 and I originally come from Kharkiv, Ukraine, where I had lived all my life before moving to Kraków after February 2022. I have a bachelor’s degree in art history, and now I teach theater improvisation, take part in theatre residencies and take on various side jobs.
What is Home?
Home is a complicated concept for me. I lived in the same apartment in Kharkiv for 25 years and never moved, but still, it didn’t really feel like a place I loved. So when I think of “home,” I associate it more with the city itself than with a physical space. For me, Kharkiv is home — that’s what comes to mind whenever I talk about “going back home.”
Home for me is also the kind of place where I can invite friends over, arrange things my way, and feel like it’s truly mine.
A Cozy Corner in Ruczaj
In Krakow, I’m lucky to live in a detached house in a neighborhood called Ruczaj. I’ve never lived in a house with a garden before — only visited my grandmother’s village house during summer holidays. In my current home in Ruczaj I have a small, cozy corner filled with postcards and decorations from travels and friends, some fairy lights, pine branches, and other natural items, which create a warm, peaceful atmosphere. It’s very quiet here — I hear birds, squirrels running around, and the occasional hum of a distant lawnmower, but overall it’s very calm and serene.
At home, I keep things simple and functional, giving away anything I don’t require. I try not to amass belongings because I am always mindful of the possibility of moving again (e.g., in the event of another war). I’m learning to let go of extra things.
Playback Theatre
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​When I first came to Kraków, I noticed there were far fewer Playback Theatres than in Ukraine, where we had a vibrant community of theatrical troupes, festivals, and training programs. Eventually, we started the Ukrainian Playback Theatre in Kraków, and it became really popular — we often perform for a full house.
At every show, people from the audience share personal stories, and we turn them into short improvised scenes right away. After a short conversation with the storyteller, the actors create a mini-play based on the narrative they just received. Even though it’s improvisation, we work within certain structures. The person who talks to the audience and guides the show is called the conductor — that’s a role I now take on. In my theatre in Kharkiv, I was solely an actress, but here I had to step into a leadership role.
Our approach is distinctive because we don't literally reenact stories but interpret them artistically using poetry, fairy tales, metaphors, or even songs. This creates an intimate, sincere connection. For example, once we acted out a story of a teenage girl about bullying. I saw her face change as she listened — she was so engaged. And I thought: yes, we’re doing something truly meaningful.
Ukrainian Library at Kocham Dębniki​
There’s a foundation called Kocham DÄ™bniki near Rondo Grunwaldzkie where our theater rehearses and performs. This place is also a community hub for Ukrainians and Poles, with a spot to donate different items. Recently, a small Ukrainian library was opened there. I frequently borrow books from Ms. Tatiana and also donate books from my own collection.
Access to Ukrainian and Russian literature here is very important to me. Reading helps me relax and stay connected to my culture. I also borrow books for my grandmother, who lives an hour away from Kraków and lacks access to her own local library.
A fun example of how literature connects people: I love Moomin books—my mom used to read them to me as a child. Recently, on public transport, I saw a woman with Snufkin from Moomin on her bag and phone. When she noticed my Moomin backpack, we smiled at each other. It was a little moment of connection, showing how shared cultural symbols can create an immediate sense of belonging.
Church Bells and Sound Therapy
For me, Kraków is strongly associated with the sound of church bells. Although I’m not a practicing Christian and didn’t grow up with church traditions, the sound of bells really comforts me. One church that really stands out is the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, near the Wszystkich ÅšwiÄ™tych stop, because of its beautiful stained glass windows by WyspiaÅ„ski and the intricate wall paintings featuring nature motifs. I visit more for art than religion. Once, I attended a concert there by Franciscan brothers, singing soulful songs with herbal tea served — a warm, inclusive experience that made me feel connected without any pressure.
The sound of bells reminds me of Tibetan singing bowls, which I associate with sound therapy. I’m sensitive to sounds, and church bells, like singing bowls, resonate with me on a deep, soothing level.
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Vineyards
I love seeking out panoramic views around Krakow. One of my favorite spots is the vineyard near the Camaldolese Monastery in Bielany, where I went with some friends last autumn. The vineyard offers breathtaking views at sunset and it somehow evokes the landscapes of Italy or France. From there, you can see mountains in the distance, creating a wonderful sense of open space. I have a group of friends who enjoy celebrating Celtic holidays, and we sometimes gather there to celebrate the equinox, for example.
These natural spaces help me feel connected to the landscape and provide a restorative escape from city life.
Górka Pychowicka
There's a place close to Zakrzówek that few people know about - Górka Pychowicka. It's such a scenic green space, and I love going there because these hills remind me a bit of the landscapes back home, particularly a village in the Poltava region called Opishne. There are similar hills there, and a wonderful sense of solitude. It's also a famous pottery center - my grandparents would dig up ancient ceramic shards when they were planting potatoes in their garden.
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Górka Pychowicka really reminds me of that place. We even celebrated my friend's birthday there a couple of years ago.