Isolde Ohlbaum has been traveling to Ukraine since 2008, documenting her impressions through photography. Chernivtsi and Lviv are cities with a rich European tradition that have been marginalized in the European consciousness of recent history. Ohlbaum's images reveal this imprint, the urban roots in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, where today, amidst gaps and cracks, the life of Ukrainians pulses vibrantly against all odds. They invite exploration of these two cultural cities in their everyday appearance. However, the photos also hint that large parts of the cultural heritage, such as the Jewish cemetery in Chernivtsi, are still exposed to decay. In his accompanying text, Yuri Andrukhovych reflects on the significance of Chernivtsi and Lviv in his life and writing, describing the history of their connection and their current perception.