Thursday, November 30, 2006

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)

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

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.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

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.

Monday, November 27, 2006

"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.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

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.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

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.

Friday, November 24, 2006

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 :)

Thursday, November 23, 2006

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.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

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.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Coffee Time!


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

Monday, November 20, 2006

Made with Love

Capuccino a la Kyiv!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

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.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

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.

Friday, November 17, 2006

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 :)

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Arc(h) Angel

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

St. Sohpia

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

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

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.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Red Light, Green Light


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

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Fallen Foliage

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

Saturday, November 11, 2006

St. Andrew's Cathederal

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

Friday, November 10, 2006

Slippery When Wet


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

Thursday, November 09, 2006

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).

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

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.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

The Cat's Meow


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

Monday, November 06, 2006

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.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

"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.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


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

Friday, November 03, 2006

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.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

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.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

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!