Category: Ukraine

Travel, UkraineLeave a comment

Big Mama Motherland

Kongo

One of the most impressive features of the Kiev skyline is the monumental, overwhelming, completely over-the-top Mother Motherland Statue overlooking the Dnieper River.  This statue sits atop a museum dedicated to the Great Patriotic War (World War II).  It stands 203 feet tall and is larger than the Statue of Liberty.  Gazing on this structure is a vivid reminder of the continuing influence of the former Soviet Union on Central and Eastern Europe. Continue reading “Big Mama Motherland”

Travel, Ukraine12 Comments

House with Chimaeras

Kongo

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In the historic Lypsky district of Kiev, across the street from the presidential offices, sits one of the most unusual buildings Kongo has ever laid his monkey eyes on. It is known as the “House with Chimaeras.” Built in 1901, this Art Nouveau structure has been used as a residence for the original builder, it has been used as an apartment building, government offices, communist party offices, and since it’s restoration in 2005 is now used for official meetings and diplomatic gatherings by the President of Ukraine. Continue reading “House with Chimaeras”

River Cruise, Travel, Ukraine2 Comments

Weekly Photo Challenge: Green

Kongo

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For this photo challenge, the color green, I chose to select green accents on famous landmarks across Central and Eastern Europe caused by lighting (as in the picture of Budapest’s Chain Bridge above) or the weathered patina on various church spires.

Travel safe. Have fun.
Continue reading “Weekly Photo Challenge: Green”

Travel, Ukraine10 Comments

Kiev Tour

Kongo

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Kongo did a full day touring Kiev today and now he’s a tired little monkey. Oksana, his tour guide, took him through squares, caves, monasteries, cathedrals, Golden Gates, Metro rides, squares, presidential palaces, some more churches, across the river, a slew of monuments, and a heavy dose of Soviet architecture. Whew.

The picture above is St. Andrew’s Cathedral at night.

Continue reading “Kiev Tour”

Travel, Ukraine7 Comments

On Kiev Streets

Kongo

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While walking about Kiev’s streets in the center of the city, this visitor was struck by the number of visual contrasts that could be seen. Soviet-era buildings are dwarfed by new high rise apartments. Construction is ongoing everywhere. Bustling traffic on cobblestone streets. Ancient electric streetcars filled with people talking on cell phones. Continue reading “On Kiev Streets”