National History Museum (Національний Музей Історії)

"Located on a bluff above Andriivs’kyi uzviz, this museum carries forth on a wide range of topics concerning Ukraine’s history from prehistoric times up to the present day. There are extensive collections of old books, coins and bills, works of art and archaelogical and ethnographical findings. Behind the museum is a path that leads to a wonderful view from Old Kyiv’s highest point overlooking the lower town of Podil." (Description taken from www.inyourpocket.com/ukraine/kyiv)

Thank Goodness!

There is a TGI Fridays in downtown Kiev. We found it to be popular with Ukrainians as well as a common place to find local tourists from North America. The food was delicious, although priced higher than in the States.

Looking Down

As I looked up, I noticed faces looking down at me. The bright red paint was enough to catch my eye, but the sculptures adorning this building stole my attention. I especially enjoy the woman poised for all to see.

"Poshta"

A common sight around Ukraine is these mailboxes boasting of patriot yellow and blue. The "Poshta" (Ukraine Postal Service) delivers our notes to those far away and brings packages to us from our native land (North America) full of familiar goodies.

Underpass

Beneath these blue domed structures are handy little pedestrian underpasses. They can be found everywhere in Kiev. They certainly make crossing highways or busy streets a lot easier; and to me they just seem to make more sense than overpasses or crosswalks.

Our Market

One of the best things about living in Kiev is definitely the open markets that are everywhere! This particular "bazaar" is located directly across the street from our building and sells almost anything you could possibly want to buy.

My Kingdom for a Washing Machine!

One of the "joys" of living in Kiev is learning how to do all your laundry by hand. Thankfully our son Jakob is only 8-months old so his clothes are still small :)

Is That Kosher?

We've walked passed this Jewish Restaurant a few times now but haven't gone in yet, only paused to snap a quick picture. Hopefully one day soon we'll have time to stop in for a meal and enjoy some tasty Jewish food.

Message from Down Under

I walk under a bridge near my apartment each day. You can see here, the cement wall has been decorated by local artists.

Coffee Time!

Well, if I didn't want a cuppa before I sure do now!

Made with Love

Capuccino a la Kyiv!

Dream Weaver

Here lie the woven crafts among the multitude of vendors along Andriyivsky Street. The long winding road is packed with people hoping to sell their goods. The products range from hand embroidered clothing to yellow & blue knickknacks boasting of Ukraine.

Monumental Man?

This character's name is Bohdan Khmelnytsky and he is quite venerated in Ukraine, as evidenced by his presence on the 5 hryvnia bill.
Unfortunately, it appears as though he was responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands - the largest number being among the Jews.

Pizza anyone?

Beka and I recently visited the Globus Mall underneath Freedom Square. We had lunch in the food court and guess where we ate? A pizza place called "Dominos" that appears to have no affiliation with the American pizza chain :)

Arc(h) Angel

This gilded angel stands tall, sword in hang, looking over Freedom Square.

St. Sohpia

We captured this picture of St. Sophia Cathedral's bell tower just before sunset last weekend.

Artist Alley

You will find many artists with their work on display (and for sale!) if you take a walk down Andriyivsky Street during the weekend. Every style and taste is represented among the sea of canvases.

Red Light, Green Light

A candid photo we took of our crossing buddy while crossing the street into St. Sophia's square.

Fallen Foliage

I love the wet days of Fall. They bring out the bright colors of the changing leaves.

St. Andrew's Cathederal

St. Andrew's Cathederal is located high in the city along Andriyivsky Street.

Slippery When Wet

Another one of the very creative fountains found along Kreshatik St.

Garden Path

Since all of our snow melted I thought it would be appropriate to post this sunny picture from early Fall! This is one of many doors that gives entrance into our large apartment building. I just love the flowers and shrubbery planted for all to enjoy...unfortunately, the door we use is not as pleasing to the eye (or the nose as it is right next to the dumpster).

Berries

Looking up through the berries into the blue sky. I took this picture while walking along the Dnipro River that runs through the middle of Kiev.

The Cat's Meow

Just a friendly neighborhood cat who can't decide whether he's coming or going :)

Defiance!

This weekend brought the first snow to Kiev. It began to fall Friday night and continued through Sunday. I found a few flowers standing strong despite the heavy snow. Their vibrant colors contrasted nicely with the bright white snow. But it is only a reminder of the season past as winter seems to have arrived.

"When peace like a river attendeth my way..."

Here is a picture of the canal that surrounds Rusanivs'kyi island. We cross this canal via a footbridge everyday in order to get to the YWAM base.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

One of the many creative lawn ornaments found in the courtyards of our neighborhood.

Last Vestige of Summer

An amazing picture that Beka snapped a couple of weeks ago! Winter may be well on its way but it's nice to remember that we will have summer again.

A Walk in the Park

This is the path we take everyday to the YWAM base; already lovely, it gets even more beautiful as autumn progresses.

Doorway to Our World

This is the "humble" door to our apartment. As you can see our building is very...rustic (or maybe the word I am looking for is rusty). So, now that you know where we live stop by for a visit sometime; the electric kettle is always on!