Born in Ukraine and going to school there, Lara Gelya spent the next two decades in the
Kyzylkum Desert of the Republic of Uzbekistan, working at geological sites and expeditions of
the Mining Industry. At that time Ukraine and Uzbekistan were parts of one country — the
Soviet Union.
In 1989 Lara left the Soviet Union, lived in Austria and Italy before she, at last, found her way to
the United States in 1990. Starting her life from ground zero again, and trying on so many hats,
she was able to make a lengthy professional career that led to her eventual retirement on the
shores of sunny Florida.
Now, enjoying her retirement, Lara fills her days with enriching activities like writing, creating
videos and pictures, reading, gardening, cooking, traveling, and immersing herself in nature or
entertainment. Her diverse interests and active lifestyle after retirement show a deep
appreciation for life’s pleasures and a continuing curiosity about the world around her.
