Kiev Daily Photo

Out of Order

2007-01-23T11:51:00.000+02:00

Sorry Folks!

We're in the midst of massive technical difficulties so we're going to have to go off-line for the next couple of weeks. We have really enjoyed our time on the DP Blogger and hope to return to you as soon as we possibly can!

Your friends,

Jason & Beka
The Kiev Daily Photo

Sparks were flying!

2007-01-16T22:53:00.000+02:00

I snapped this man working in an underpass of Kreshatic Street. The laws must be very different in Ukraine compared to North America for construction. People operate heavy machinery and large trenches are dug to access underground pipes right out in the open. Barriers are rarely set up to keep the public at a safe distance. But for the curious, it's nice to be up front and close to the action.

Time Warp

2007-01-15T10:59:00.000+02:00

*Well, after a week of massive technical difficulties
we're back online :)

(Podil Pt. 7)
I guess it's time to wrap up our series on the Podil district. I thought after all those beautiful colors this photo would be an appropriate conclusion. Standing in the midst of this historical neighborhood, looking down this dirt carved road I am suddenly transported back 60 years. I close my eyes and I can hear the vendors of yesterday plying their wares; I hear women flapping carpets in the wind; and somewhere in the distance, a siren begins to sound...

Room with a View

2007-01-08T20:49:00.000+02:00

(Podil Pt. 6)
Whoever gets this corner spot is going to have a wonderful view!

Lego-land

2007-01-07T23:36:00.000+02:00

(Podil Pt.5)
After walking about halfway through the Podil district we came upon this curious little courtyard. I looked at this archway and all I could think was, "Lego-land...I feel like I'm in Lego-land."

One House, Two House...Red House, Blue House

2007-01-06T23:13:00.000+02:00

(Podil Pt. 4)
The color of this building stopped me in my tracks! I couldn't keep my eyes off it.

Anyways, the Podil district was home to one of the largest Jewish quarters in Ukraine. The Soviet leaders were not the first to segregate the Jews but when they did they chose the lowest point in the city. It was thought that now they could look down upon them not only socially but physically as well.

As Blue as the Sky

2007-01-05T21:18:00.000+02:00

(Podil Pt.3)
This house seems almost therapeutic to me. Who could possibly be depressed while living in a towering, baby blue, baroque styled house? I was just reading online recently about one of the development projects that has been approved for the Podil district. As of Dec. 23rd of this year construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art, 44-story office building. Surprisingly, this structure will be the tallest building in the entire city of Kiev. It will not only be accompanied by a housing development for employees but it will be topped by a helipad and restaurant with a panoramic view. The entire venture will cost somewhere around $300 million USD!

Something old...something new!

2007-01-04T22:23:00.000+02:00

(Podil Pt. 2)
As we walked through the muddy, unpaved streets I was continuously amazed by the colors of the buildings. Peach, teal, olive green, deep burgundy...colors you would never see in North America!

Podil

2007-01-03T13:29:00.000+02:00

The Podil district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kiev and probably one of the most beautiful! It is presently under a full-scale renovation/restoration but we were privileged to have been able to walk through and take some pictures while it is still in process. The next few days will be dedicated to the amazing structures found within the Podil district.

Flags

2007-01-02T12:09:00.000+02:00

Along with the glittering Christmas decorations, Kiev has brought out the Ukrainian colors with these brilliant flags. I have seen them out in Freedom Square on many special occasions and they always capture my attention.

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T20:46:00.000+02:00

What New Year's celebration would be complete without fireworks? And boy did we have our fair share here in Kiev. They started at midnight and could still be heard rumbling in the distance at 6:00am! You can buy pretty much any kind of firework in the stores here so everybody was well stocked. It was really quite amazing though: massive fireworks displays right on the street in front of out building, down the road, across the street, off on the horizon...shooting from the roof of our building! The entire city was celebrating, and looking out the window of our little one-bedroom apartment we were able to join them.

O Christmas Tree

2006-12-31T14:17:00.000+02:00

Here is another photo from Freedom Square. It's hard to believe Ukrainians have only been celebrating Christmas for 14 years now. Before 1992, Christmas had been illegal for 75 years in Ukraine. No one was allowed to publicly celebrate. Today it's a different story. Decorations and celebrations are in full force. Although the snow is scarce and the grass is still green, it's easy to feel the "Christmas Spirit" with all the brightly colored decorations.

Christmas - take two!

2006-12-30T18:05:00.000+02:00

As our Christmas celebrations were coming to a close things were just gearing up in Ukraine. Although some individuals may celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, the nation as a whole celebrates on the 7th of January. This is in accordance to the Russian Orthodox Tradition which still adheres to the old Julian calendar. So here is a snapshot of a wonderfully decorated downtown Kiev...if you look really close you'll see about a dozen Santa Clauses across the street mingling with the crowd :)

Christmas Branch Anyone?

2006-12-29T22:02:00.000+02:00

We finally did see live Christmas trees being sold on the streets of Kiev. They started selling them a little later than we're used to but I think having a tree is relatively new here so that may explain the late starting date. The really "odd" thing that I noticed (in my humble North American worldview) is that they often just sell the branches. So after work you can pick up a nice "Christmas Branch" to bring home and decorate with the kids. Perhaps I am merely used to the SUPER-SIZR ME mentality of the West. We need a monstrous tree so we can stuff as many presents as we possibly can under it...but I digress.

If there is one thing I've learned about living in Kiev it's, "if people will buy it, there's someone selling it on the street!"

Mother Motherland

2006-12-28T15:30:00.000+02:00

A beautiful photo with Mother Motherland looming on the horizon. This is a very large statue erected in Kiev by Russia to commemorate their victory in the "Great Patriotic War" (WWII). Ukraine was not the only recipient of Russia's "generosity", Motherland statues were placed in other various countries of the former Soviet Union. This specific statue is 102 meters tall and weighs in at a whopping 1/2 million kilos! That's one big momma :)

Feed the Birds

2006-12-27T22:43:00.000+02:00

A candid of a local showing compassion for the bird population by tossing down some seed. Well, I guess depending on your view of pigeons this could be seen as perpetuating the problem!

A White Christmas!!!

2006-12-26T11:12:00.000+02:00

Well, you'll never guess what happened yesterday. After many weeks of hoping and praying it finally came...snow! We woke up Christmas morning to gentle flakes gracefully falling from the Heavens; just enough to create a nice white layer on everything. It's amazing what a difference a dusting of white snow can make to your surroundings. So thank you Lord, we no longer have to just dream of a white Christmas :)

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T13:09:00.000+02:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Just A Tease

2006-12-24T14:12:00.000+02:00

No - this isn't Christmas snow; it's actually a picture we took at the beginning of November. The first and only snowfall we've had since we've been in Ukraine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a winter freak I just really want a white Christmas. Time is running out...I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Salad Anyone?

2006-12-23T16:40:00.000+02:00

This is our friend Kay posing with her salad. A few weeks ago we went out to lunch at this Ukrainian "cafeteria styled" restaurant. As you go through the line you can pick from a variety of dishes that are on display. Since we can't understand most of what we read this was a treat because at least we could see what we were going to buy. Kay ventured out and bought this mystery salad, which we thought consisted of mushrooms and sour cream, etc. Once we got back to the table she took a big 'ol mouthful and through clenched teeth exclaimed, "It's liver!" That's right; nothing says good eatin' like a nice cold Liver Salad!

Remembering the Children

2006-12-22T11:14:00.000+02:00

Children were among the largest number of lives massacred.

The Children's Memorial is one of three monuments at Babi Yar. It sadly represents the majority of those slaughtered here during WW II.

Three bronze colored figures sit here replicating the many discarded toys of those killed. Most of the people brought here were told lies about being relocated so they had their few belongings with them; many children had toys in hand. The chunk missing from the marble base represents that through the death of these children a part of us has been lost that can never be replaced.

Hopeful

2006-12-21T21:34:00.000+02:00

I thought since today is officially the first day of winter it would cheer me up to post this old picture from the end of summer. These fountains line the canal that leads to the Dnipro River and during the summer the city turns them on every weekend. The rainbow reminds me that winter shall soon pass and summer is just around the corner...there is always hope!

What a deal!

2006-12-20T20:20:00.000+02:00

Here are some great lunch specials in downtown Kiev! A sandwich and coffee for only $1 or a sandwich and tea for $1.20 (USD).

Snack Time!

2006-12-19T11:10:00.000+02:00

I snapped this picture in Boomie Market last week. Coming from America, the chip flavors we find in Kiev are often quite strange. Here are two common flavors: Bacon & Chicken! They don't sound that strange but their taste is quite odd to my pallet. We've settled on buying Sour Cream 'N Onion (a new arrival here) or Cheese chips. Interestingly enough, we haven't found any "plain" potato chips here.

Nadra Bank

2006-12-18T20:09:00.000+02:00

This large bank borders Independence Square in Kiev. I always enjoy the bright red flower as I pass by. It seems more like a Hawaiian Airlines logo rather than a Ukrainian Bank.

The Yellow House

2006-12-17T12:32:00.000+02:00

A beautiful Building overlooking Independence Square.

Missing Starbucks

2006-12-16T11:19:00.000+02:00

These Starbucks-style coffee shops are popping up all over Kiev. This one looks pretty inviting, makes me want to stop in for a coffee!

Movie Time

2006-12-15T12:02:00.000+02:00

The Kino Odessa shows movies in English on occassion. We caught a Christmas Flick recently with Danny DeVito & Matthew Broderick. The moive wasn't much to boast about but popcorn from a moive theater is always desirable.

Tak!

2006-12-14T22:37:00.000+02:00

The Orange Revolution will be forever remembered by this preservation of grafitti. A series of political events and protests took place in Kiev's Independence Square following the controversial presidential election in November 2004.

The Kiev Synagogue

2006-12-13T21:30:00.000+02:00

Well, I thought I'd finish my little series on the Kiev Synagogue with a picture of the actual building. It not only stands as a reminder of the collective sins of our past but it also calls out to future generations to never allow such atrocities to occur again.

The Ark

2006-12-12T20:10:00.000+02:00

The Ark is a very ornate structure within a synagogue built to house the Torah scroll. It is named after the "Ark of the Covenant": a Biblical artifact which carried within it, amongst other things, the stone tablets on which the Law of Moses was written. It is shameful to think during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine this beautiful monument was torn out and a puppet stage was erected in its place. Praise God that redemption has come and "all things are made new"!

I Bring You More Than Peace

2006-12-11T19:51:00.000+02:00

This is the beautiful view that members of this synagogue get to see every weekend. The stained glass windows are not only visually stunning but they also tell stories of the Jewish people and their struggles throughout history. I have entitled this post as such because the large word at the bottom of the Hebrew inscription is "Shalom", which is most often translated to mean "peace"...but in truth it means so much more!

Jerusalem Ball

2006-12-10T22:45:00.000+02:00

Welcome to Jerusalem on a ball!
This very interesting sculpture is approximately 8-feet tall and located in the lobby of the Kiev Synagogue. Notice that its foundation is the Star of David and of course it is crowned by the Temple. It is certainly an interesting and beautiful piece of art!

Stained Glass

2006-12-09T17:47:00.000+02:00

Here is one of many stained glass windows we found at the Kiev Synagogue. It was originally built by Lazar Brodsky, a wealthy Jewish philanthropist in 1898. Unfortunately, in 1926 it was confiscated by the Communist regime and then eventually fell under Nazi control during World War II. In 1991, after the fall of communism, it was final returned to the Jewish community. It wasn't long before it was renovated/rebuilt and opened to serve the local Jewish community, which consists of approximately 100,000 people.

Ablutions

2006-12-08T21:33:00.000+02:00

We visited the first (and at one time the only) Synagogue in Kiev the other day...it was beautiful! Here's a shot of the ablution station just outside the main "sanctuary". We got quite a few great shots so we might spend the next couple of days showcasing this amazing building.

That's a Big Pot!

2006-12-07T22:37:00.000+02:00

We recently visited the National History Museum of Ukraine here in Kiev. It was interesting but more expensive than we thought it would be and everything was written in Ukrainian so we didn't really "learn" a lot. I snapped this photo right before I was informed that pictures were not allowed. Well actually, it wasn't that they weren't allowed it was that you had to pay extra upon admission in order to be able to take pictures. Oh well, I got one good shot out of it!

Trash or Treasure?

2006-12-06T17:15:00.000+02:00

I haven't quite figured out the Recycling system here. Bottles are generally left next to the dumpster for needy people to collect for a redemption value. But often objects that have more life left in them are placed next to the dumpster (rather than inside it) for anyone to take. I have seen all kinds of things: large items like old chairs and here are some smaller items. So I don't know if they recycle more than glass, but there definitely is an unwritten system of reusing.

Ahoy!

2006-12-05T11:29:00.000+02:00

Youth With A Mission Kiev's (www.ywam.org) base is located on the Dnipro River. It remains docked at shore but isn't always stationary. While aboard, it's hard to forget you are on a boat when the room often gently rolls with the river's movements.

On Sale Today!

2006-12-04T12:42:00.000+02:00

Fur is very popular in Ukraine. Fur hats, fur accessories, fur-trimmed coats, and fur rugs! Here are a few that a vendor downtown is hoping to sell.

The Old &The New

2006-12-03T15:19:00.000+02:00

I've observed the contrast between cars to be drastic. The roads are filled with boxy older cars (like the red one above) and newer sleek models, but not too many "in between". My guess is that there weren't as many automobiles purchased during the Soviet rule in Ukraine. The number of cars on the road has increased greatly since 1991, bringing major congestion to the main roads and highways. Ukrainian leaders are addressing these issues as Kiev continues to grow.

Don't Forget the Tip!

2006-12-02T14:44:00.000+02:00

We went out for dinner a couple of weeks ago at a really nice pizza restaurant. It was a somewhat complicated experience since our waitress didn't speak English but at least the restaurant had an English menu we could look through. After the meal she brought us our bill in this little glass. So, I followed suit and put my money in the glass as well. We were worried about whether or not we'd get our change because it's really hit-or-miss here, but we did. Before we left I made sure to leave her a tip...in the cup of course :)

*(Tipping is a relatively new thing in Ukraine. From what we've heard the recommended amount is 10% but if they know you're American, they'll often expect more.)

Field Trip Flirting

2006-12-01T17:27:00.000+02:00

When we visited the National History Museum this week, there was a local school group that had arrived just before us. The kids were running about the grounds and I could feel the excitement in the air that only a "Field Trip Day" could bring. The two girls in pink coats caught my eye and as I watched them, two boys came up to chat. Young love was in the air!

National History Museum (Національний Музей Історії)

2006-11-30T17:22:00.000+02:00

"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!

2006-11-29T09:39:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-28T08:10:00.000+02:00

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"

2006-11-27T07:24:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-26T17:01:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-25T20:44:00.000+02:00

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!

2006-11-24T11:30:00.000+02:00

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?

2006-11-23T22:55:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-22T20:10:00.000+02:00

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!

2006-11-21T17:35:00.000+02:00

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

Made with Love

2006-11-20T21:35:00.000+02:00

Capuccino a la Kyiv!

Dream Weaver

2006-11-19T10:47:00.000+02:00

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?

2006-11-18T23:06:00.000+02:00

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?

2006-11-17T21:05:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-16T21:13:00.000+02:00

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

St. Sohpia

2006-11-15T17:48:00.000+02:00

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

Artist Alley

2006-11-14T21:45:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-13T21:13:00.000+02:00

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

Fallen Foliage

2006-11-12T21:31:00.000+02:00

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

St. Andrew's Cathederal

2006-11-11T20:40:00.000+02:00

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

Slippery When Wet

2006-11-10T12:07:00.000+02:00

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

Garden Path

2006-11-09T17:46:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-08T21:56:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-07T22:38:00.000+02:00

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

Defiance!

2006-11-06T21:23:00.000+02:00

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..."

2006-11-05T20:32:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-04T12:33:00.000+02:00

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

Last Vestige of Summer

2006-11-03T12:24:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-02T12:18:00.000+02:00

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

2006-11-01T10:38:00.000+02:00

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!

Autumn's Decorations

2006-10-31T20:51:00.000+02:00

"All the leaves are brown, and the car is gray..." (Mamas & the Papas)

May We Never Forget

2006-10-30T19:15:00.000+02:00

Babi Yar is a present day park in Kiev that was the site of over 100, 000 Jewish deaths by the conclusion of WWII. This monument stands as a testimony against the savage bloodshed that took place here. I took this photo during a memorial service held by the local Messianic congregation on Yom Kippur. Thousands came together to remember, pray and repent.
(If you would like to see a short artistic video I compiled of the day's events please CLICK HERE)

Springs of Living Water

2006-10-29T15:31:00.000+02:00

Okay, maybe not what Jesus meant...but still an amazing fountain nonetheless! This visually stimulating wonder is located in the downtown courtyard. Seeing that it is a natural draw for tourists it is absolutely saturated with local vendors plying their wares. Regardless, it is definitely worth the visit.

Home Sweet Home

2006-10-28T13:20:00.001+03:00

This is our home while we stay in Kiev. We actually live on the other side of the building but I thought this angle was more..."picturesque". It's a 9-story building that is thankfully within walking distance of all our needs: next to the market, across the street from the canal, who could ask for a better location?

Monkey see...monkey do.

2006-10-27T10:43:00.000+03:00

This is a priceless candid photo that I snapped downtown on Kreshatik St...timing is everything! Every weekend the main street that runs through the heart of downtown is closed to traffic and all the local vendors come out to play. This little girl was simply admiring the photos when she suddenly realized there was a monkey perched on top of the display.

I'm Lovin' It!

2006-10-26T10:48:00.000+03:00

Our son Jakob right after our first visit to McDonalds.

Young at Heart

2006-10-25T11:58:00.000+03:00

An older couple enjoying an Autumn afternoon on Rusanivs'kyi Island.