The word "dacha" has meant different things to different people throughout history. Many think of dachas as rather rudimentary summer cottages to which city dwellers repair for rest, relaxation and fresh air. Others see dachas as tiny farm homesteads where they go to spend endless hours toiling to produce fruits and vegetables to supplement their diet, or just because dacha farming gives them healthy, outdoor exercise. Finally, in recent decades another form of dacha has arisen, the palatial house, usually on a postage-size plot, that says, "Look at me; I've become well-off and here's the house that is proof of my wealth."
In this month's Pub Poll, we asked a number of persons to give us their answer to the question as follows:
 A dacha is an escape, situated in the countryside, normally visited at weekends and during holiday periods, like a country cottage in England. However, in England some choose to live in one, such as myself. As for owning one, my mother and father both have one in the UK, so there is no need.
Tom Rawlings
Student
In Ukraine two years
Interviewed at Baboon Cafe.
 [It is] a country cottage with a garden. I would like to own one, but I don't spend enough time in Ukraine.
Martin Pratt,
Supervisor, British Airways
In Ukraine one month
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub.
 A dwelling where the affluent go on weekends and holidays, but a place where Westerners live on a permanent basis.
To own one? I do in the UK.
Ken Rawlings,
Teacher, Pechersk School International
In Ukraine four years
Interviewed at Baboon Cafe.
 Not really. I am a simple man. Money is not everything in life. But somewhere to go at weekends in summer can be relaxing.
Lord B. F. Menehan,
Self-employed engineer
In Ukraine 5 years
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub.
 A country retreat. I would like to own and reside in one, and escape the busy life of Kyiv.
Stuart Warr,
Business Consultant
In Ukraine nine months
Interviewed at O'Brien's Pub.
 My definition of dacha is a country house, or summer residence. We in North America typically refer to this as a summer cottage, country place, chalet, cabin, etc. I would definitely like to have a dacha where I could relax on weekends. I enjoy the "great outdoors", especially fishing and hiking. This is a great way to get closer to nature. I believe that we need to get out of the city regularly, so that we can maintain a balance between the noise and pollution of the city with the tranquility and fresh air of the country. It helps relieve stress as well as improving health. I do have a country place outside of Montreal, Canada and enjoy it tremendously. I also miss it, especially during the summer months.
Bill Atamanchuk,
Self-employed Systems Consultant
In Ukraine a total of five years.
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