The first day we got to explore Kyiv was our first Sunday afternoon here in Ukraine, and I confess I was not in the best mood after missing church in the morning. Olia, our adorable Ukrainian coordinator, rode the bus with us from Boyarka to the Zhitomirska metro station, and told us how to get to the main square in the center of the city. From there, we just sort of wandered around. We had some maps, and a few of the girls brought tourist guide books. We were able to find some pretty awesome things. The buildings, especially the churches, are spectacular. The onion domes that remind me of Jasmine's palace in Aladdin are a prevalent, iconic aspect of the Ukrainian architecture, and as is color. This weekend happened to be Kyiv days, so there was lots going on in the city. There were lots of souvenir salesmen out, and people dancing and playing music, and ladies and girls all dressed up with flowered headpieces. Having just made it sound like this was an unusually festive weekend, I must give a disclaimer: it seems like there has been some holiday or festival every week since I've come here. Kyiv Days, Saint's Day, Children's International Holiday, and now that the Euro cup has opened, it will certainly be a perpetual celebration here. Anyway, here are some pictures from our first excursion into Kyiv.
Independence Square
The legendary founders of Ukraine (I think)
The buildings across the street
(There's a McDonalds over there. They are swanky spots here in Europe, not to mention it's nice to know there is somewhere that feels a bit American-ish with a free restroom)
This one is for Michelle McMurray:
"oh, the world seems in tune on a spring afternoon . . . "
One of several absolutely spectacular cathedrals in Kyiv
(the inspiration for Princess Jasmine's palace?)
Did you find that the vendors were willing to give you really good deals if you payed with American money?
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