Back in the Soviet Bloc

Upon discovering her Soviet background, Julia Nalivaiko's friends often ask, "What's it like?". To answer, she returned to Russia and Ukraine with Australian filmmaker Stuart McBratney.

Julia explores the challenges of doing business in post-Soviet Moscow and visits Russia's weekend retreat - the dacha. Julia is now in Russia's capital, a megalopolis of 12 million people.

Julia learns about the Orange Revolution and the ongoing social issues in Ukraine. Julia returns to the city of her birth, Kyiv. She begins her homecoming by touring its picturesque streets.

Julia visits a monastery famous for its artists-in-residence, and learns about the changing role of women in Ukrainian society. Julia visits the Lavra Caves Monastery, Kyiv's major tourist attraction, where she meets several artists in residence. She sits for a portrait in traditional dress, learns about paintings used for worship, and discovers the challenges of creating art in a commercial world.

Julia discovers Ukraine's traditional culture, and revisits her own origins. Julia explores the quirkier side of Kyiv, discovering its wide-reaching cultural influences in its food and landmarks.

Julia explores Kherson, a town in regional Ukraine still largely unchanged since Soviet times, then visits tourist playground Odessa. Julia takes a look around Kherson.

Julia explores Russia and Ukraine's culinary delights, from well known traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine. Julia tours a market in Kherson, searching for quintessential flavours.