While the war is still raging in Ukraine, in Indre-et-Loire some are trying to change the ideas of the refugees. This is the case of the town hall of Ligueil, which organizes days of visits and tourism in the department. Saturday 30 April was the third day of this kind and eight refugees were able to take advantage. On the program, a walk to the Loches market, picnic at Lake Chemillé and visit to the Château de Montrésor.
A moment of escape
A day of walks like this, Natalya had not known one for a long time. “It’s a very happy day for me, which reminds me of the happy days I lived in Ukraine before the war”she says.
Natalya left Ukraine a month and a half ago with some of her family and friends. This small group found refuge in Indre-et-Loire and some even started to work. But this daily remains marked by concern about the country’s news. “Obviously I always think of my friends and family who stayed there”explains Natalya, moved.
– Solene Gardre
So, visiting a castle or having a picnic by the lake, it’s a breath of fresh air in their daily lives. “Just now Natalya got on the children’s games and was amazed that she was having so much fun”smiles Sylvie Rey, one of the guides of the day and assistant to the town hall of Ligueil. “She still manages to find pleasure at times even knowing what’s going on in her country. These days it’s not much but I tell myself that a little day here and there, it makes them feel good.”
These days aren’t much, but I tell myself that a little day here, a little day there, it does them good.” – Sylvie Rey, one of the companions of the day and deputy mayor of Ligueil
For the assistant, the unassuming objective of these visits is of “give a little bit of sweetness in all this brutality that is inflicted on them at the moment. It’s always a win.” Natalya nods: “I am very grateful for what the people of the town hall of Ligueil do for us. And this day will remain in my memory.”