Safe travel to Kiev
This weekend my destination is Kiev Ukraine, due to recent events flights are really cheap. It is only some weeks since the tragic shootdown of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 over Ukraine. I have had the tickets for a week now and I am not worried about the security situation. The majority of Ukrainian territory is controlled by the government and airlines are avoiding flying over more uncertain areas. I checked with my concierge through American Express what to do and see in Kiev, they gave me a reply that said, “we do not have any updated information and remind you that the security situation is not stable”. I have some friends from Ukraine, now living abroad, that have told me how fantastic Ukraine is. With the yellow fields and blue sky. Right now I feel safe travel to Ukraine. Two bad events does not likely happen so close. Here is my photos, get inspired.
Ready to board Norwegians flight to KBP from OSL
First time out in Kiev, had gotten dark, just a photo on Maidan before bedtime. Arriving after dark I did not want to stay out here alone for too long. There were teenagers drinking in groups, and just people ready for a normal Friday night in Kiev.
Overlooking Maidan, such a beautiful day. I woke up to the CNN news headline “Crisis in Ukraine”. This day in Kiev could not have been any more different.
There were a lot of cobblestones missing from the Maidan sqare, especially the small ones.
Every weekend the main street is closed for traffic, gathering people out in the street to enjoy the weekend in Kiev.
Traditional Ukrainian Borch, the national dish of Ukraine, here served at a traditional restaurant.
Beautiful St. Andrews church in Kiev
Here is the Opera in Kiev.
Crossing the fastest way from the west to the east bank.
After sightseeing for the whole morning I ended up at a party by the river, good music and time to relax after walking.
This guy took a bath, listened to the music and enjoyed a workout. What a fit pensioner.
You do not have any more fun than you make yourself, so with some plastic and oil this water slide gave us spectators some fun sights.
Relaxing by the river at the east bank.
A sunny and warm day walking over the bridge from the east to the west bank.
Living normal days here in Kiev, trying this for the first time. She made it look too easy.
A lot of people enjoyed this nice day by the river with different activities.
Outside the abandoned building where several people that took part in the protest at Maidan stayed. On the wall you see the number 1488.
This is in the back yard of the building, names of those who died can be seen on the wall together with roses. Red, yellow.
From the backyard of the building there is easy access to Maidan Sqare. Here they could rest and recover during the protests.
Walking along Khreshchatyk street.
Among all the monuments and memorials of those who gave their life suddenly a group of huggers appeared, time to spread some smiles.
Traveling eastern Europe style, one token for two Hyrvina took me as far as i wanted.
Both me, mr shorts and the couple had a photo session here.
Ukrainian workout.
One Ukraine.
This photo I sent to my mom, she had been so worried before I traveled. However Kiev have been so kind, relaxing and fun.
Apparently as a real Ukrainian it is important to get your photo taken at nice locations across the city, so here I am again in front of some nice new houses. I have to add that there is hardly anyone living here due to the high cost.
It is called fashion, you might have heard about it.
Congratulations, wedding Saturday, and of course a photo in front of a nice place.
The cleanup had started at Maidan Square.
The first 100 people killed at Maidan, here is the list of names.
Remember, do not forget.
That`s one special taxi, when we had driven for 10 minutes and he stopped and asked where we are going I was ready to bail.
The poster was cooler.
Nothing happening here, move along, don’t ask, don’t look
The Memorial in Commemoration of Famines’ Victims in Ukraine
Chicken Kiev
Softgun and cans, the only thing was the drunk man you see behind my gun shooting down what ever cans he got his eyes on.
For my last night I went on a cruise on the river. The cruise started when they got enough passengers or when the staff was threaten enough, we did not get enough passengers. Seeing drunk parents with their kids crying and listening to Russian disco music made this experience something I could have been without.
Business lounge at KBP airport, just me there, and three staff (two of them in the smoking lounge)
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