Kiev is life
by abettorbob
Kiev is alive and full of naïve optimism! The spirit is upbeat, full of hope and with a positive vibe.
Having read what I could find about Kiev and Ukraine—I ventured off for several solo days to see what this city had to offer. (Plenty!!) Naturally impressed by the architecture and building designs, the cleanliness was impressive as well. Odessa seemed more grungy in comparison—still way cool and worth the visit! I arranged an apartment (way cheaper than hotels generally) right next to the Museum and across the street from awesome city partk (Marlinsky Park/Palace.) The park is full of life, rollerblading, couples and smiles---sort of. When you go, cross Lover’s Bridge and look for my solo initials. Find your way to Volodimir’s statue—the story of mass baptism and conversion to Christianity or face death and torture-makes accepting a change of faith more palatable.
This is a great walking park and really the whole city. Bring GOOD STABLE walking shoes. Find your way to about the only statue of Lenin—idealism is great until you include the human element. All the Cathedrals are impressive but leave lots of time for St. Andrew’s and the arts and crafts all along the hilly street- start at the top, stop for $.60 beer halfway down and spend- help the community and practice your negotiating skills in a new language, (for me this is zero knowledge.)
Kiev offers so much to see and appreciate (with wonderment and awe!) Give yourself time for thoughtful reflection all around Freedom Square any time of day but especially sunset and after dark.
I did not find Starbucks but plenty of espresso etc (< $1.00) – have several or a double premium vodka for $2.50. The food is great, prices even better. This city is truly alive with a powerful spirit now and the hope, more like expectation of more good things to come. So GO!
Incidentally, the ladies are remarkably attractive, too!!!! Safe travels
A lot of city landskapes
by Lysenko
Kiev (or Kyiv in Ukrainian) is a city with beautifulest landscapes. The best collection of Kiev's landscapes in site of State City Architectural Administration http://www.grad.kiev.ua/photokiev/photokiev.html and
http://www.archunion.com.ua/foto-kiev.shtml
FOR MEN ONLY! walk by...
by Giulia_ua
FOR MEN ONLY! walk by Khreschatik. This is the main street of Kiev. Just walk and enjoy. However, avoid big holidays and concerts held on Midan Nezalezhnosti. On those days too many drunk people can spoil the impression. Just look around - so many beautiful girls. Beautiful girls can be met in every city of Ukraine and of Eastern Europe as well. But, Kiev is the capital of our country, and girls from all around Ukraine come here to study and/ or work. As the result, there are so many real beauties…
St. Alexander Catholic Church
by OlenaKyiv
First Roman-Catholic church as mentioned in old documents existed till 1233. In 1814 Roman-Catholic community decided to build own church and give it the name of Russian tsar Alexandr I. Money for the building were collected from Polish families according to amount of servants (kripak) they had (25 kopiyka per person). The new church was built on the place of old burnt church.
The construction began in 1817 by a project of architect Piler, but around 1830 construction slowed down due to lack of money. Further works continued but under cheaper project of architect Mehovych. The building was finished in 1838, but interior and exterior works took almost ten years. In 1842 Kiev nobles began to gather money for construction again, asking not only catholics, but people of other religions as well. It was decided that each county (povit) of Kiev's area must contribue 1200 rubliv. The church was finished in 1842 (some resources tell 1847).
The building is in a style of classicism, in square shape, with a dome, two towers, and portico on entrance.
In 1937 the church was closed and then turned into dormitories. From 1952 there was planetarium and a part of historical library. In October 1990 the church was returned to Catholic community. This Catholic church is light color and calls upon to merry life (for me at least) compare to another Kiev's Catholic church located on V. Vasylkivska street.
A Morning View
by hunterV
Enjoying the views from my hotel window at Tourist Hotel.
This is the new district on the left bank called "Darnitsa".
You can also see the famous Metro Bridge with a metro train on it.
The high building to the right of the avenue is "Tourist" hotel.
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National Opera House
Main street - Khreschatik +Square of Independence
Friendly police in Kiev
Vladimirskaya Gorka and Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra
