I finally went outside. Although I didn't go to any of must sees I did capture a bit of the city.

I went with my mom to see some doctors, on the way to the first I saw the *Vladimirski sobor. Initially I wrote "Petcherskaya Lavra" thanks to green_tea for correcting me.

 Right around the lavra is one of Kiev's main roads 3 lane each way divided by a park! I really find it beautiful how green the city is, and how everything is surrounded by trees even in the center. Here is the the other side of the 3 lane highway;

Next is the Golden Gate, what used to be the main entry point to the city, until the mongols burned it down. Now carefully restored and to me very amusing because back then the city was tiny.  Next I just wanted to show some Kiev architecture.  Whatever wasn't destroyed by WW2 or capitalism is rather cool to look at.This building is for sale. If I had the money I'd buy it or it may become scrapped for "modern" condo. Ifyou look carefully you will spot 2 gargoyles supporting the window above the driveway. I like the detail on this one:A typical center city alley, now that everyone has cars Parking is a huge problem.The details on some of the building are incredible... here you can see a bust of a busty woman. I'd love to live in one of these.  I think my favorite thing about Kiev is how its rather colorful compared to NYC and Bangkok. Each building has its own flavor of blue, yellow, pink and even green:

And where there is beauty there is the ugly right along its side. Hidden along the ads you will spot empty vodka bottles and cigarette packs. It is as Russian/Ukrainian as it gets.  This is a typical Russian Orthodox Church, it was on my way to the dentist:And this is where the modern meets the arcane. If you turn right you see a castle like skyscraper fading into the horizon: This has been my moment in Kiev:V

cool pics. I like those old Russian buildings.

What's with the log cabin kinda building?

Very nice pics. Keep them coming. I do like the old buildings, and the small little roads.

@dave - Traditional Russian buildings were built log cabin style. If you are interested in Russian life this is one of my favorite sites http://englishrussia.com the log structure you see there is a rebuild "golden gate" the main entrance point to ancient Kiev.

Unfortunately wood burns and mongols knew ow to light of fire.

@bushi - I'll try, I need to get out of the house more. It's flipping cold!

Yeah I can say the same about getting out more, and I'm in Thailand. Working too much. But at least I'm avoiding the cold back home

suay

da...suay...ti pashol k babule ili net ?

pai huay .555

*duay

Very nice journal - thank you for posting this.

I believe the city was occupied in the war yes?

Were most of the buildings leveled as in Warsaw or did most survive?

In London it seems certain neighborhoods lost 2 of 3 buildings - it's obvious to spot the difference in architecture - and while many will disagree I lament the use of those nasty 1950's and 1960's glass and concrete crimes against style...

Nice place.....

so many cars.. but many lovely eastern european building.. :-)

Beautiful place indeed!

nice pics! I have visited the wooden building in the 4th pic in 2008. its nice to see the inside, its very authentic. Also memories are coming back about the toasting with wodka's......had to stay in my hotelroom the whole next day........woww you Ukraines know how to drink....

Great work Vlad.

You are singlehandedly keeping this site alive....

Lovely pics, Vlad, but there is no Pecherska Lavra on the pics.. On first 2 pics is Volodymyrs'ka katedra (VLAD-imirski sobor, po vashemu :-D )

Anyway, if you find time to visit the Pecherska Lavra , you'll make an another good journal ;-)

Thanks for sharing, missing Kyiv.