Kiev

This city has a way to go before it becomes a true tourist stop. Some buildings in the old part of town are nice, but most have been destroyed so what’s left is the 60’s era communist style. We took a tour of Saint Sophia's Cathedral, which was amazing and interesting, but the highlight of Kiev was our visit to Viktor Yanukovych Presidential Palace. The grounds were spectacular but the palace was more of a cabin design which we found a little odd. There were gorgeous chandeliers and the craftsmanship of the woodwork was amazing. The facility included a sports complex (with a 4 lane bowling alley, boxing ring, indoor/outdoor tennis courts), medical facility, spa, movie theater, church, 3 dining rooms, a zoo and much more. Of course that all came at the cost of the Ukrainian people. In February 2014 Yanukovych was removed from office as a result of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. He is currently in exile in Russia and wanted by Ukraine for high treason. Along with billions of dollars that he stole from the Ukrainian people, he also stole the artwork off the walls of the palace when he escaped to Russia.

The food here is excellent and cheap, and that’s always a good combination. We were able to enjoy our visit because of our personal tour guide Alona. You can see and learn so much more when a local takes you around their city explaining everything. A true gift, thank-you Alona.

The day we got to Kiev they were cleaning up from a terrible rain storm the day before (flooded underground, lots of broken tree limbs and debris) but the city was quick about cleaning it up. The day we left we were caught in a downpour as we walked to the train station and got soaked, even our clothes inside our luggage were wet, but C’est la vie. A part of the adventure we could have done without is when Mitch fell victim to food poisoning. So a piece of advice for fellow travelers, don’t assume that the country has a terrible tasting soft serve chocolate ice cream when in fact, that sour taste in the ice cream is just bad cream. Live and learn the hard way. ?

The Motherland Monument

Independence Monument in the background


The People's Friendship Arch

Park of Eternal Glory

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev is an outstanding architectural monument of Kievan Rus'. The cathedral is one of the city's best known landmarks and the first heritage site in Ukraine to be inscribed on the World Heritage List

Yanukovych Presidential Palace

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