(by Alba Di Palo) “I’m not nostalgic for my Kiev even though I was fine when I lived there. But now, Vieste is my paradise”. The voice of Svetlana Furman, 49 year old Ukrainian who everyone calls Lana, speaks English and a little Italian. And she transmits so much joy.
She arrived in Trani for the first time in February 2022 immediately after the Russian invasion and in the Apulian city next Saturdaywill promise eternal love to Antonio, 53 years old, originally from ViesteIn the Foggiano.
“We chose Trani because we are both linked to the city: I served in the military there, during which I met people who are still part of my life. For Wool instead, it represents the first landing away from the bombs,” he explains Anthony adding that he “immediately fell in love with her, her way of doing things and her mother’s heart”.
Lana, who was an English teacher in Ukraine, has two children: Katia and Anton. “They live in Canada, there they searched and found a better tomorrow,” he says. Then, his tone cracks: “We ran away from Kiev immediately after the arrival of the Russians, the journey toItaly it lasted four days.”
“His life a Kiev it was made up of work, walks and theatre: she loves dance and has been to Bolshoi Of Fly, his father’s hometown. Here, at Vieste unfortunately there isn’t a theater and that’s the only thing I regret not being able to give you,” he highlights Anthony. Next Saturday the wedding will be officiated, according to the civil ceremony, by “the general secretary of the municipality of Vieste, Sofia Ruggieriwhile the witnesses will be two dear friends,” he continues.
Their meeting was casual. “I was looking for a carer for my father – he says Anthony – and I put an announcement on social media. She replied to me as the intermediary of one of her friends who, however, stood me up. And it was she who helped me find the person who still looks after dad today. We started talking and with each message the desire to look for us grew. Until we saw each other for the first time and something happened.”
Since March 15th of two years, the date “of our first kiss”, they report in unison, they have never left each other again. After the yes there will be no honeymoon, postponed to the autumn. “I am a quality certification auditor and I have commitments in the next few weeks. Then with the arrival of summer I will start working as a chef in a resort again. In October I will plan a motorcycle tour in Greece And Albania“, continues Antonio. “In the next summer months I will work in a campsite – adds Lana – so I will be able to use my knowledge of English with tourists”. “I hope that our union will last over time and that peace will come to Ukraine as soon as possible. In the meantime I will be close to her as I always have, trying to make her happy”, he concludes Anthony.
ANSA reports it
