My time in Kiev was meant to be relaxing – insofar as visiting a place with a language that I can neither read nor speak can be relaxing. I might not speak Swedish, but at least I can read the signs and understand if I am going the right direction in a quick glance.
The plan was to stay with Katya at her new apartment and use that as a base to explore the city – unfortunately her new apartment, which was supposed to be ready a long time ago, was a concrete shell, with rooms that will be cozy, but, at least last weekend, were far from move-in ready.
Instead she rented me an apartment in the city center; well located by the golden gate and within walking distance of most of the places I wanted to visit, and, if not, right next to a Metro station.
Ukraine’s Soviet History is everywhere.
Looking back at my photos, it’s rather shocking to see exactly how much I did – too much to cram in one post, so, if all goes to plan, I’ll do it in three.
Equipment troubles – not surprising considering its age.
My first full day in Kiev, May 9th, was a national holiday – Victory Day, commemorating the day that Germany was officially defeated in World War II.
Swoosh! There it is, Nike!
We met up at the parade through the city center – it was a short military focused parade, followed by a military band performance, and a history of the war in song.
Veteran being interviewed during the celebrations.
All-in-all, it was a nice way to mark the end of the war – a war for which there are not very many veterans left.
I wonder if the guy is American or just loves America; front row at Ukraine’s celebrations marking the end of WWII.
We spent the rest of the day wandering through one of Kiev’s parks, pausing for a late lunch, then, meeting one of Katya’s friends, a very relaxed and pleasant walk through the city along a path of art, followed by a very relaxed and pleasant dinner.
Cool bench in Kiev.
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