Russian Women Discussion

RWD Discussion Groups => Experienced => Topic started by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 02:43:17 PM

Title: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 02:43:17 PM
My first visit to the Soviet Union was when Boryspil was still a "closed" airport, mainly for military and government use. There was no such thing as a steady stream of Western tourists clamouring to enter.


A group of 6 journalists from the west was en route and about 45 minutes before the approach, stewards came by our seats and collected cameras and writing materials before shuttering our windows so that we could not see, photo, or draw diagrams of the airport.


Upon landing we were herded on the tarmac to a closed bus and driven blind to the terminal. Once inside, we had our first view of Kyiv (Kiev back then). What a difference today!


I don't want to make this thread political so will try to refrain from political statements as much as possible. I understand that some might wish to make this political and so I will respond at the outset: If you have not lived full time for at least 2 years in Russia or Ukraine, then I am not interested in what you think, nor the opinion of your wife. Sorry.


Let us just say that I have always loved Ukraine as she was my first-hand experience with the fascination of all things Soviet.


My introduction to the Soviet Union came on 18 June 73 when Leonid Brezhnev landed at Andrews Air base outside DC. He was General Secretary of the Communist Part and leader of the Soviet Union. I was a small fry just fortunate enough to be attached to an ABC news crew that was there to broadcast the meeting at the White House between Brezhnev and US president Richard Nixon. The "Russia bug" bit me that day and I vowed to someday work as a journalist in Russia.


Coming to Ukraine has been sort of a homecoming of sorts as some years ago I was the producer for the weekly English language radio broadcasts of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra, traveling back and forth to Kyiv from Moscow on weekends.


Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 02:45:10 PM
I was around for the Orange revolution and again for Maidan. I support those who wish to have a better life and future for their children, just as I supported former independence movements in Chechnya and others. Now another "revolution" is taking place as the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch in Constantinople may soon grant fully recognized and independent status to a Ukrainian Orthodox Church not under the umbrella of Russia, as opposed by the Kremlin and Russian Patriarch Kirill. As an Orthodox person myself, I hope that it comes to fruition.

We recently toured the ancient caves monastery, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra which is under Russian control. The dean, one of the monastery leaders, had just arrived and parked his almost new Bentley Mulsanne ($300,000+) in a special reserved spot. As we were ready to enter the caves area, a Russian monk stepped over and instructed my wife, who was already wearing a head scarf and long dress, to put on a special long skirt. Already modest in dress, she asked "why?' to which the monk replied that only modest women could enter. The special skirt was no longer than her dress and I was both amazed and pleased when she retorted that if modesty were an issue then perhaps the dean might wish to park his Bentley somewhere out of sight. The monk's jaw dropped, and we entered. I was proud of her.

Outside of Kyiv's main streets, the roads are crappy everywhere in the country, just like much of Russia. Corruption is just as thick as in Russia and that is sad. Oligarchs are the same in either country, including most of the leadership who discover great wealth by becoming a public servant.

But I love the people, and unlike in Russia where the populace is spoon-fed one state sponsored ideology, at least some of the population seems to possess living brain cells and are not devoted to the death to corrupt leaders. Ukraine is a work in progress and in my estimation at least has hope of someday becoming a real country. I cannot say the same for a larger neighbor.

Ukraine also has neighbors to learn from, such as Poland and Georgia. Ukraine and Poland have some issues at the moment, but at least the channels of communication remain open and there are helpful signs.

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 02:48:46 PM
This may change, but I am fairly consistent in my view of the most beautiful cities:

- Moscow
- Kyiv
- Amsterdam
- Saint Petersburg
- Tbilisi
- Paris
- Russia's Golden Ring region

Some may question why Piter ranks only 4, but it is my ranking and my opinion.

Maybe someday Piter (and I do love this city!) will improve to take over #3 from Amsterdam, but not yet.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 02:51:28 PM
Yes, I love Kyiv.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: BdHvA on October 10, 2018, 03:12:16 PM
I would add Prague (Praha) to the list of Mendy.

While I have other cities that I like such as 's-Hertogenbosch and L'viv they are far smaller in scale.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 03:29:37 PM
Agreed.


Lviv can be very expensive over the holidays and we planned to spend the New Year there, but every Airbnb that I reserved cancelled the booking with the first explanation that by mistake it had already been rented. Then mysteriously, 4 of the 5 I had reserved, contacted me again saying that they were suddenly available....but much higher rent of course. LOL  This is against Airbnb rules, and I pointed it out to each, and only one apologized and offered it at the original rate.


We decided to head south in late December to visit relatives in southern Ukraine that haven't seen in years, then host some visiting American friends in Kyiv for the New Year.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: BillyB on October 10, 2018, 04:49:22 PM
. I was a small fry just fortunate enough to be attached to an ABC news crew that was there to broadcast the meeting at the White House between Brezhnev and US president Richard Nixon. The "Russia bug" bit me that day and I vowed to someday work as a journalist in Russia.


Which Russian bug bit you? Did you see some smokinhotkovas in the group that accompanied Brezhnev or did you feel it would be a thrill to work in a country the West thought dangerous?
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: JayH on October 10, 2018, 06:26:54 PM
How dare you come here and criticise AirBnb! ! The local resident know everything will not hear any of that! ( shh that would be Moby !)

Very pleased to hear you are in Kyiv -- and a little safer !

I liked this  non political  ;D comment -- quote
"But I love the people, and unlike in Russia where the populace is spoon-fed one state sponsored ideology, at least some of the population seems to possess living brain cells and are not devoted to the death to corrupt leaders.Ukraine is a work in progress and in my estimation at least has hope of someday becoming a real country. I cannot say the same for a larger neighbor. "
end quote

Hard to avoid politics -- but a lot of what an "outsider" can see in Ukraine is the potential for a real future -- and as you point out there are some countries that can be a guide in general direction.

My view is that great progress has been made -- but -- again is at the political crossroads. Apart from the ongoing war -the Russian nemesis looms large and cannot be ignored. What is one of the more remarkable observations I make is that turning west has been achieved much faster that I expected and is happening more successfully than predicted.There are many positives generally speaking-- and that is in no way diminishing some of the all to real negatives/

It will be interesting to read your observations

Welcome back-- I am sure there are many who will be happy to see your return.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 07:27:16 PM
Which Russian bug bit you? Did you see some smokinhotkovas in the group that accompanied Brezhnev or did you feel it would be a thrill to work in a country the West thought dangerous?


No smokinhotkovas at that event. LOL


Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on October 10, 2018, 08:14:18 PM
I love walking in Kyiv and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells. I read a lot so perhaps I'll step inside this book store someday.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on October 11, 2018, 12:44:36 AM
How dare you come here and criticise AirBnb! ! The local resident know everything will not hear any of that! ( shh that would be Moby !)

Make a thread about your 'Airbnb issues' .... Mendy is back - pipe down, JayH

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: bluesky56 on October 21, 2018, 05:42:46 PM
mendeleyev   thank you I always enjoy reading your posts

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 04, 2018, 01:03:03 AM
This is the National Parliamentary Library of Ukraine. It opened in 1866 and is one of the national libraries of Ukraine. It began as the city's public library, a system that has expanded all over the city.

It is quite a historic place to visit, near the soccer stadium, and the address is: Naberezhno-Khreshachatyts'ka St, 1, Kyiv, Ukraine, 04070
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 06:20:21 PM
There are some very nice videos about Ukraine by Western visitors.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfQydpJwxe4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfQydpJwxe4)

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 06:26:53 PM
My wife's favourite Kyiv restaurant is O'Panas and it is featured in this video. The host butchered the restaurant name, but had good things to say about the food and atmosphere. It is located just across from Red University, on the edge of Taras Shevchenko Park, and the food leans toward traditional Ukrainian.


The restaurant is literally built around a tree and the interior is very creative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PSC25RoY_Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PSC25RoY_Y)








Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 06:28:54 PM
Samuel and Audrey visited Kyiv and this is a nice compilation of things to do and see in Kyiv. Amazingly enough, they also include a food tour of O'Panas restaurant in this video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiV0aR48z98&t=34s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiV0aR48z98&t=34s)

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: krimster2 on November 06, 2018, 06:31:20 PM
my fav place in Kyiv is Osteria Pantagruel
a small intimate place
excellent everything
within walking of Opera, so you can combine dinner before, opera, followed by cocktails after
if it's any indication of what kind of place it is, it was Yulia Tymoshenko's favorite, I saw her there several times
body guard gave me a glare
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 10:55:36 PM

For clarity, one cannot escape the fact that there are issues in Ukraine, including a war in the East. From an interview in 2016, here is a perspective of that situation from a guy for which I have immense respect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzI4fxeyFww (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzI4fxeyFww)


Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 11:04:56 PM
On a much lighter note, here is the young girl who will represent Ukrainian is the Junior Eurovision this year.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9jDIkBB10Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9jDIkBB10Q)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on November 07, 2018, 03:56:37 AM
For clarity, one cannot escape the fact that there are issues in Ukraine, including a war in the East. From an interview in 2016, here is a perspective of that situation from a guy for which I have immense respect.

Given, 'Trampu's' isolationalist policies, do Ukrainians not feel let down?

I ask this objectively, not to stir up a hornets nest?))



Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 03:28:14 PM
This may surprise you, but many Ukrainians have a very positive impression. His supposed isolationism is not aimed at them, and they understand it clearly. His messages to Putin that sanctions will continue until the return Crimea, getting Russia out of Eastern Ukraine, and his recent assistance with Ukraine's military efforts have earned him respect with many.


Those are just facts. Naturally not everyone loves him, but internationally I have found that he is likely more admired abroad than at home.


Ukrainians love directness, and Trump pulls no punches. They appreciate a man with balls, even if they may not like every policy..


Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on November 07, 2018, 03:56:00 PM
This may surprise you, but many Ukrainians have a very positive impression. His supposed isolationism is not aimed at them, and they understand it clearly. His messages to Putin that sanctions will continue until the return Crimea, getting Russia out of Eastern Ukraine, and his recent assistance with Ukraine's military efforts have earned him respect with many.


Those are just facts. Naturally not everyone loves him, but internationally I have found that he is likely more admired internationally than at home.

Well I DID ask !))

Thanks for responding .... Yup, I'd be surprised ...

 I don't know what other nations you go to, but I do not recognise this 'popularity' - he is largely seen in a negative aspect in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Turkey, France, Germany and not a few other EU nations I've visited this year..  I detect the same in Canada, Australia and New Zealand ...  ?

 


Ukrainians love directness, and Trump pulls no punches. They appreciate a man with balls, even if they may not like every policy..

And how is he perceived - in your opinion - in Russia ... ? ;)

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 03:57:00 PM
Since the O'Panas restaurant was mentioned yesterday, here are some photo of the exterior.


(http://i67.tinypic.com/axh168.jpg)


(http://i64.tinypic.com/qn5jeu.jpg)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 04:10:16 PM
Well I DID ask !))

Thanks for responding .... Yup, I'd be surprised ...

 I don't know what other nations you go to, but I do not recognise this 'popularity' - he is largely seen in a negative aspect in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Turkey, France, Germany and not a few other EU nations I've visited this year..  I detect the same in Canada, Australia and New Zealand ...  ?

I don't think he cares. Neither do I care if he cares, one way or the other. Europe is weak and the danger is that as Europe sinks it tends to drag others down with it.


And how is he perceived - in your opinion - in Russia ... ? ;)


As someone familiar with walking thru the halls of the Kremlin, Novo-Ogaryvovo, and the Russian White House (government complex on the river), he is not at all liked. Probably one of the dumbest perceptions in the West is that somehow Putin likes him. Putin is interested in sharing the world stage, and a large personality like Trump doesn't like to share. This frustrates Putin to no end. Putin's aim is to rebuild the "Russian World" and he perceives that Trump, or any American or Western leader for that matter, is standing in his way.


Putin's frustration with Trump is indeed one big reason why so many Ukrainians like him. We were eating lunch in a Kyiv restaurant recently and a guy (not American) was wearing a MAGA hat! I could not help but laugh and asked where he got it. In his thick accent he exclaimed, "On line of course."


Putin has only himself to blame for losing Ukraine, and he has lost it. The past 4-5 years have served to separate any hope by Putin of rebuilding his precious Russian World (code for a least partial reconstruction of the Soviet Union). They only way he could get it back is by a large scale invasion and installation of a puppet government.


Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 04:11:56 PM
Now lets return to our regular scheduled programme of showing how amazing Ukraine and her people are. Enough of politics.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: krimster2 on November 07, 2018, 04:54:28 PM
"Now lets return to our regular scheduled programme of showing how amazing Ukraine and her people are. Enough of politics. "

OK!!!

First up,
In order to join organization "SevDig" must prove courage and loyalty to group by After Dark Black Archeology
after midnight enter crypts of abandoned church shelled by Nazis in WII
some pretty damned major finds!

2nd shot, from when I did my sabbatical in Kyiv, this was the terminus of my walking/jogging route, turn here and head back to my apartment

did extensive "bunker diving" in Crimea with SevDig, including deeper into Fort Stalin than anyone had ever gone before uncovering new information
about the demolition of the fort with the soldiers still inside by the Soviets themselves

was inside a special fallout shelter from the cold war this for all political bosses in Kyiv, it was a small underground city, but now it is rotting away
many bunkers from WWII with unexploded shells, some were enormous!!

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 06:08:40 PM
Gorgeous view of Kyiv Skyline, Dnieper River from the Pechersk Lavra Monastery of the caves.


(http://i68.tinypic.com/1051ax0.jpg)


(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qmuc.jpg)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 06:10:21 PM
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2cz20m0.jpg)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 06:13:07 PM
Kyiv as seen from the Dnieper River.




(http://i67.tinypic.com/2w3ut05.jpg)






The Metro.


(http://i67.tinypic.com/ibcnwx.jpg)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: krimster2 on November 07, 2018, 06:38:14 PM
giant escalator photo?
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: BdHvA on November 07, 2018, 07:12:33 PM
giant escalator photo?

My guess, Pechers'k or Arsenali station.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: krimster2 on November 07, 2018, 07:26:19 PM
Pechers'k
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 09:24:29 PM
(http://i64.tinypic.com/27zazqc.jpg)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2018, 09:27:04 PM
I should have labeled it before -- sorry. Arsenalna station, one of the 3 serving the Pechersk Lavra monastery.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 07:50:43 AM
For the New Year we were in Zaporozhia (Ukraine) and the Angel Princess was gracious in preparing my favourite dishes: salads Olivier (салат Оливье), Herring Under a Coat (Селёдка под шубой), and traditional borscht (борщ) along with several others. I can genuinely say that she makes the best Olivier, the best Herring salad, and the best borscht on the planet!

Earlier, she had prepared the best cabbage rolls on the planet and it felt like paradise had arrived in my stomach. She is amazing in the kitchen although she has this idea that mayonnaise, literally a food group of its own in these parts, is not good for my diet. But, hey, it's the holidays and very special when the Angel Princess sets aside the "no mayo" ban and delights my taste buds! I do credit her for keeping my blood sugar levels in the 100-110 range consistently, something she monitors frequently.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 07:55:24 AM
It was very cold in Zaporozhye and daylight averaged only 6 hours per day so when out and about we had to be efficient with our time. There was some snow, but not as much as I had anticipated. Several times the lens on my main camera froze and we would step into a storefront or cafe for a few minutes to warm things up.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 08:08:57 AM
We took an overnight sleeper train back to Kyiv (Kiev) on 03 January, arriving the morning of the fourth. This time we purchased second class "Kupe" tickets; we each had a lower berth. I will gladly resume first class for just a few dollars more next time as sleeping on an older and slower train with 4 persons per cabin is a struggle. Even so, we enjoyed sharing food and conversation with out cabin mates, a young family that split the top berths with us and the adjacent cabin.



Even the older train wagons typically have electric outlets and charging mobile phones, tablets, and cameras is much easier than in the past. The last photo is of the hot water tank, with free hot water, near the front of each wagon. I make it a point to buy coffee and tea from the attendants, although you could easily make your own, because that is a significant part of their pay. Wagon attendants are paid a low wage, and then make bonuses from sales of tea, coffee, magazines, and tips. If I make my own beverages, then I tip well when leaving. Most travelers don't tip but since I know how little they earn, I feel it my privilege and responsibility.



Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 08:22:28 AM
We were back in Kyiv (Kiev) at our apartment for Christmas, which is only 2 minutes stroll south of St Michael's Cathedral and 4 minutes walk north of Maiden (Independence Square). Inside the main train station.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 08:25:18 AM
One of 2 McDonald's on Maiden ("My Dawn") Plaza/Square.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 08:27:18 AM
The Motherland Monument. The Angel Princess, most beautiful woman on the planet, does not like to have her photo posted in most places. But if you look carefully at the closed kiosk in the photo, she is to the left and dressed in a black winter coat and fur hood. :-)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on January 12, 2019, 08:28:29 AM
We were back in Kyiv (Kiev) at our apartment for Christmas, which is only 2 minutes stroll south of St Michael's Cathedral and 4 minutes walk north of Maiden (Independence Square). Inside the main train station.

So, you live near O'Brien's ?  ;)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 08:52:08 AM
Cool looking bar, but I don't drink so never had reason to enter. Yes, I know exactly where it is.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on January 12, 2019, 11:42:11 AM
Cool looking bar, but I don't drink so never had reason to enter. Yes, I know exactly where it is.

Jez, now Sir, you don't need to drink to enjoy the Craic and music ;)

but it helps
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 12:39:42 PM
My Angel Princess is all the music that I can handle! :-) (Like smooth jazz with a light dance vibe.)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: Jamesukjames on January 12, 2019, 12:55:44 PM
Like the summer photos now I know what it looks like with no snow
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: ML on January 12, 2019, 02:28:55 PM
For the New Year we were in Zaporozhia (Ukraine) and the Angel Princess was gracious in preparing my favourite dishes: salads Olivier (салат Оливье), Herring Under a Coat (Селёдка под шубой), and traditional borscht (борщ) along with several others. I can genuinely say that she makes the best Olivier, the best Herring salad, and the best borscht on the planet!

Earlier, she had prepared the best cabbage rolls on the planet and it felt like paradise had arrived in my stomach. She is amazing in the kitchen although she has this idea that mayonnaise, literally a food group of its own in these parts, is not good for my diet. But, hey, it's the holidays and very special when the Angel Princess sets aside the "no mayo" ban and delights my taste buds! I do credit her for keeping my blood sugar levels in the 100-110 range consistently, something she monitors frequently.

Well actually my Gal prepares best borscht and Olivier.
I have banned Herring Under a Coat from the house . . . just because it sounds so terrible.
Little to no mayonnaise used in our house also.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 02:32:30 PM
This was a very special time because on Christmas Eve, 06 January, Ukraine was granted independence in church affairs by the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch, free from generations of overbearing Russian domination.


From 05 January when the new Ukrainian Metropolitan, His Beatitude Epifaniy, was received in Saint George's Cathedral, television channels were filled with live coverage from Istanbul for the next two days. We were glued to the screen that morning and later evening as we walked from Maidan ("My-Dawn") Square to our Kyiv apartment it seemed that every store in the underground mall leading to the Metro was tuned to the continuing coverage. Once in our apartment we resumed watching the amazing events.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:01:20 PM
On Christmas Eve, 06 January, we attended several services. The first was a special prayer service at Saint Michael's Cathedral for the granting of independence. In the afternoon we were at one of the Pechersk Lavra Monastery churches operated by the new Ukrainian controlled church.


For the evening service we were fortunate to be at Saint Sophia, just a walk across the plaza.


We were back at Saint Sophia on Christmas day, 07 January, to celebrate the arrival and display of the special "Tomos" document granting Ukraine independence from Russian control.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:07:18 PM
It has become a tradition for us to ride the Kyiv Funicular on Christmas morning. This has replaced the former tradition of walking on Red Square in Moscow.

We had forgotten about the large crowds coming to St Sophia to see the Tomos (church independence) documents which were being delivered. Wow, what a line but we hung in there, waited, and finally made the brief ride up the hill.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:17:13 PM
Eastern Europeans exchange gifts on the New Year so we attended a morning service at St Michael's Cathedral and then enjoyed the Christmas market covering the large plaza between St Michael and St Sophia.

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:19:49 PM
Finally, on Christmas evening, 07 January, we attended a choir concert at Saint Volodymyr's Cathedral. This year there were more services and special events than on a typical Christmas, the reason being the signing of the "Tomos" granting Ukraine religious freedom of affairs, free from the corrupt and Kremlin dominated Moscow Patriarch.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:23:53 PM
Well actually my Gal prepares best borscht and Olivier.
I have banned Herring Under a Coat from the house . . . just because it sounds so terrible.
Little to no mayonnaise used in our house also.


I feel sorry for your sheltered life, my friend. I am sure that her cooking is wonderful, but for the absolute best borscht and Olivier you would need to visit our home. :-)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 12, 2019, 03:30:40 PM
Forgot to mention that part of our Funicular tradition on Christmas day includes walking to St Andrew's Church. Unfortunately it remains closed for substantial renovations, but it is still beautiful from the exterior.


If you are ever tempted to walk down "Andrew's descent", the path that the Saint Apostle Andrew took when he walked down to the village of Kyiv after preaching from the hilltop, don't. It is a hard hike with very uneven brick pavers, and the nearest metro might as well be in a distant Oblast. That constitutes a taxi ride in my opinion, and the street kiosks are highly inflated anyway. Turn around and return up the hill to the plaza at Saint Michael's--you will thank me later.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: JayH on January 12, 2019, 04:55:55 PM
We were back in Kyiv (Kiev) at our apartment for Christmas, which is only 2 minutes stroll south of St Michael's Cathedral and 4 minutes walk north of Maiden (Independence Square). Inside the main train station.

I know this are very well --Moby got general area correct  I think. I usually stay  in this area of St Sophias when in Kyiv  -near  the SBU !

Love reading your updates !
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: ML on January 12, 2019, 05:27:18 PM
It has become a tradition for us to ride the Kyiv Funicular on Christmas morning.

I wouldn't risk riding on the Funicular.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: ML on January 12, 2019, 05:30:14 PM
Mendy, as I understood from what I read on Internet, the Russian Ortho Church still owns the Lavra area churches, museums, etc.

So how is that going to work out in practice ?
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: ML on January 12, 2019, 05:39:35 PM


If you are ever tempted to walk down "Andrew's descent", the path that the Saint Apostle Andrew took when he walked down to the village of Kyiv after preaching from the hilltop, don't. It is a hard hike with very uneven brick pavers, and the nearest metro might as well be in a distant Oblast. That constitutes a taxi ride in my opinion, and the street kiosks are highly inflated anyway. Turn around and return up the hill to the plaza at Saint Michael's--you will thank me later.

On the contrary, I would recommend it; walking down that is, not up.
But only in summer; not in winter.
Prices are to be negotiated.
I got a lot of small items at very cheap prices; but never paid the beginning price.
And, going down Andriyivskyy takes you to Podil not Kyiv city center, if that is what you were inferring.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: calmissile on January 12, 2019, 06:04:29 PM
Nice to see you posting here on a regular basis again.  Having stayed in various parts of Ukraine in both summer and winter, I have to say I much prefer the summer.

Hope to read your report this summer that you have taken the zip line across the Dnieper river.  It is a hoot.  :)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on January 12, 2019, 11:37:34 PM
Moby got general area correct I think.

You either know the area ..or ...you don't ...  ;)

This is the area where I chose to stay in Kyiv ...Unlike Mendy, I DO drink and when relaxing invited biz colleagues to O'Briens for a 'seisiún' - in the days when Russians and Westerners didn't need visas  - it was an ideal place  to meet .... now it's Cyprus

I miss Kyiv



Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 13, 2019, 05:21:25 AM
Mendy, as I understood from what I read on Internet, the Russian Ortho Church still owns the Lavra area churches, museums, etc.

So how is that going to work out in practice ?


The Russian Church goes to great lengths to make that claim, but they are lying.


The entire property is owned by the Ukrainian State Historical Museum system. The lower portion is leased by the Russian church. It will be interesting to see how that turns out especially since the Kyiv government paid for rebuilding and renovations in the early 2000's. They may want to break the lease, but personally I don't see that happening anytime soon. I could be wrong however, because the sale of tour tickets and religious objects is a large money maker for the Russians.


In an October interview in TASS, Metropolitan Pavel, Russian head of the lower section, outlined some of the conditions of the lease which include the responsibility to preserve the structures and monuments and pay for their upkeep. (http://tass.com/society/1028564 (http://tass.com/society/1028564)) Their investment in upkeep would most certainly be a ranting and raving point by the Kremlin should the Russians find the lease broken.


In a nation where the average monthly salary hovers between $200-300, it is pathetic that the lower monastery's head, Metropolitan Pavel, arrives each morning with a monk driving his $325,000 Bentley. He has an very nice official residence on the lower grounds but doesn't really live in it.

I think that the broader implication will be that Ukrainian families who lose sons and husbands fighting in the Ukrainian Army will finally receive church rites and funerals, something they are usually denied by Russian led priests, supposedly because men who die fighting for Ukraine as somehow committing the sin of killing "brother against brother" all the while combatants fighting with the Russian forces are not committing the same sin and thus receive church funerals.

Also, babies born to families whose fathers are serving in the Ukrainian Army will finally be allowed baptisms, another rite which many Russian priests had refused on the grounds that the fathers were in sin.

I would also expect that Metropolitan Onufriy (who has been instructed to cease using the title of Metropolitan--but he won't) will no longer have a seat of honour in the Ukrainian Rada (parliament). His refusal to stand for a moment of silence for Ukrainian soldiers killed in battles has ruffled a lot of feathers at home. (I recently suggested to a Russian priest that Onufriy stand on such occasions and if Moscow is upset, just tell Moscow that his hemorrhoids were inflamed and that he needed to scratch his ass.)

The new head of the united Ukrainian Orthodox Church is 39 year old Metropolitan Epiphanius (Epifaniy) and I would expect him to be present at important events in the parliament, and he will certainly stand when moments of silence to honour killed soldiers are announced.

It was interesting that on 05 January, the date that Epifaniy and the Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for the two days of Tomos ceremonies, the Kremlin sent 400 tanks across the border into the Luhansk region. It was likely designed to show Russia's displeasure with the granting of independence to the Ukrainian Church.

Anytime Russia is confronted by such troop insertions the Kremlin always claims that the Russian soldiers
are "volunteers" and not under Russian command. That is quite a feat, 400 tanks and crews just ambling off to Eastern Ukraine without formal permission, well if the liars in the Kremlin are to be taken seriously.




Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 13, 2019, 05:31:19 AM
I was there several days ago to take photos but refused to photograph the lower section. However the Angel Princess and I did tour the lower section during last summer. It was interesting that even though she had worn a long skirt for the occasion, she was still required to don an outer skirt given to all women who entered.


She asked why, and the response was for the sake of modesty. She wore the green skirt, but I was delightfully amused when she retorted that if the monastery was so concerned about modesty then perhaps the Metropolitan should park his Bentley out of sight.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on January 15, 2019, 02:41:14 AM
Hi Mendy

These 400 tanks - they are not mentioned by the OSCE monitoring mission

http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/reports (http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/reports)
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 15, 2019, 02:49:36 AM
Reported on Ukrainian TV, including footage, but not everything on TV news is truth so I will try to check it out further.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: msmob on January 15, 2019, 03:00:45 AM
Thanks
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 15, 2019, 06:43:45 AM
The OSCE has two checkpoints at Donetsk and Gukovo. Those are permanent placements allowed by Russia, but they do not have complete freedom of movement up and down the border due to the dangers posed by current fighting.


Those are south of Luhansk, and north of the Rostov and Mariupol areas. My Ukrainian contacts insist that the insertion happened closer to Rostov on Don, and if true, would make sense as the Russians have a large military presence there and have continued to build it up as they have an eye on Mariupol. However, an insertion that large would have surely attracted the attention of the OSCE monitors, I would think, even thought the Russians do not allow them access to monitor that section of the border.


I asked if perhaps the movement was along the border but not an insertion. That would make sense as a "show of force" and displeasure. Nothing yet.

Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 16, 2019, 09:11:41 AM
Holy crap! In the past 48 hours I have been condemned to hell, cursed at, called all manner of names, and been threatened with physical violence if "they" ever find me. Thankfully most of these were at online forums and they will not find me.

The physical violence threats were issued on a language forum and I made the mistake of posting some language photos that just happened to be taken at prominent Ukrainian landmarks. The level of rage at Russians to Ukrainians and the reverse, has intensified since the Ukrainian church was granted independence from the Russians.

The threats and insults feels almost like my final days before leaving Russia.


Why? A couple of reasons.


First, I responded to a post online regarding the recent TOMOS granting independence to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. I didn't try to drag the ROC in the mud (although it would have been very easy to do), but simply posted that I was grateful for those events and looked forward to Ukraine having a national church that is actually.....Ukrainian.


Holy shitload of insults!


I have had priests, bishops, and heads of monasteries threaten that if we so much as step inside such a Ukrainian church, my soul will burn in hell, I will spend eternity with Satan, etc.


Cool! Hopefully I'll be seated somewhere close to Russian Patriarch (and KGB agent) Kirill. I will gladly burn in hell with such fine company. By then of course Kirill with have left behind his coveted wristwatch collection, his two multi-million dollar dachas, the 2.2 million dollar Yacht gifted to him by Putin, and his fabulous home outside Moscow. Not bad for a monk who has taken vows of poverty. So, we'll both be poor...and scalding hot.


I have been unfriended on FB by a priest who I've known for years and thought was my friend.


A Metropolitan, formerly head of an Orthodox body, has counseled me to repent, seek restitution within the "real" church, and submit to counseling.


All because I rejoice in the fact that Ukrainians finally have their own church. It just isn't Russian--that is the problem.


If hell is the alternative to a Russian church, then hell is looking mighty attractive about now.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: ML on January 16, 2019, 09:21:52 AM
Mendy, this is exactly why many people have turned away from ANY religion.

Rednecks that you can encounter in bars will have more scruples than most church-goers; and will certainly be more loyal to friends.
Title: Re: Enjoying Ukraine
Post by: mendeleyev on January 16, 2019, 09:27:18 AM
ML, not sure that I agree completely, but I certainly understand your context. The difference here is really something beyond spirituality; it is blind nationalism.


Had I posted in these forums about the beauty of Russia, which I often do, or about the beauty of Russian churches, which I do also, then I'd have been offered sainthood instead of condemnation.


I am learning of the profound reasons why so many Ukrainians in the fast 4-5 years have come to hate Russia and Russians. They are tired of being classified as "little brothers" and as inferior. They resent their sons being killed and they borders being stripped away.


Despite claims to the contrary, the real fascists are in Russia.