Kiev Revisited

[Mir]

Kiev is full of babushkas. Most of them have set up stalls on the sidewalks selling stuff.
Here is a typical babushkas and the an unusual one.
The lady with the dogs is always present at the end of Andriyivsky Uzviz!

[Mir]

A pleasent experience not to be missed. Costs around 25 UAH for a one hour cruise.
You can watch the sights on the river bank, also the people in the boat. There is always music and frequently dancing.

[Mir]

Well today is very humid and overcast in Kiev.
Olga is busy at the University till six. I went for a walk and got drenched in sweet.
Last night we had a real thunderstorm and torrential rain, yet it made no difference to the temperature.
I was discussing FSU-WM relationships last night. I think the women in FSU are more and more looking at staying here and finding a husband in Ukraine. Several girls were present there and all had local BFs and husbands. None of them complained that there is a shortage of quality men in Ukraine. They thought the reason to find a man from abroad is either if one is fond of travelling and seeing new places (such possibilities are limited from Ukraine) or if there is a need to improve economically. Salaries are still very low in Ukraine and most need to resort to bribes of to do multiple jobs to survive.
Once again the food was delicious and I told Tanya that she should open a restaurant ASAP.
People knew friends who had married coloured and Asian men, however all such relationships developed because the men were studying/working in Ukraine and were not MO marriages.

[Simoni]

I'm enjoying your trip report, Mir, and I AM enjoying all the details and pic.  Please continue to include both.

[Mir]

Lypky(named after Lipa trees) is a leafy area reached by going uphill West from Kreshcayk.
It can be compared to Edgware Road in London with some large and very expensive residences. There are also many offices.
Two of the most interesting houses are:

1.Just next to the President's office, House of the weeping widow. the gutters are so designed that when it rains the widow weeps with tears.

2. Further down and in front of the precedent's office, Horodetsky House that has so man bizare statues on its walls.

The exchange booth at the South end of Kreschatyk is quite popular so must give good rates. I was just exchanging money there. While the man was counting my cash, this lady in the photo pushed past me and thrust her hand with noter into the window. Of course she had to withdraw and wait, when I turned she was looking at me as I have done something wrong in being there before her. Now I guess she was Russian as the money she was exchanging were Rubles. Now I am sure Jazzy is going to crucify me but I have felt that Russians as a race are more aggressive then Ukrainians. Maybe I am wrong as I have spent a much shorter time in Russian then Ukraine but that is the impression I got. Like when in a queue both try to worm ahead and both push. Yet somehow the Ukrainians push more gently and retract if you push back. The Russian push is stronger and if you resist the look/say as if it is their right to push ahead.
Still I may be wrong in this openion.

[Mir]

Ok Simoni this is for you (those only interested in FSU women please don't read  )

The Lavra complex of monasteries in the Pechersk area of Kiev is one of Orthodox religions holiest places.
It is also the number one tourist attraction in Kiev and no doubt a large number of the tourists are religious devotees from Ukraine and abroad.
It is accepted that St. Anthony from Greece laid the foundation of this site in 1051 AD. He dug the first cave for himself and lived there with his disciple St. Theodosius. As the number of his disciples grew the caves were expanded and eventually formed an extensive underground network (Lavra means street in Greek). The monks used to spend their entire lives in these tunnels.
So the Lavra has two parts, one it on the surface and consists of a number of beautiful baroque churches, museums etc. The other part is the caves which are now virtually a necropolis as hundreds of the Monks are buried there.
Entrance to Lavra is 10 UAH per person, however foreigners are often asked to pay 60 UAH. Inside many of the churches and museums have their own entrance fees. You can see a lot of beautiful paintings, frescos, icons and other items inside the buildings. Taking photos is not allowed inside (or maybe there is a fee for that?).
The bell tower is 96.5 meters high and is the tallest Orthodox structure in the world (come-on you Russians)
The monastery has survived many disasters including the most recent on in 1941 when the retreating Red army blew it up with dynamite (and blamed it on the Nazis). To many the survival of the monastery symbolises the survival of the Ukrainian nation in the face of numerous disasters over the centuries.
The caves are in two locations, called near and far caves. There is no fee to enter the caves as they are sites of active worship. At the entrance it is written in English as well that laughing, talking etc is forbidden and women have to cover their heads, those with short skirts are not allowed in. Everyone takes a candle as it is tradition and you will need it in the dark alleys. The priests lie in glass coffins along the sides of the passages; they are covered from head to foot in colourful shrouds. Some have a mummified hand protruding through a hole at chest level, and some have cloth covered feet visible as well. So the devotees kiss the hand, or the area at chest level and some kiss the feet as well.
Some of the monks spent their entire lives in tiny 6 foot by 6 foot cells, sleeping on stone beds and their only contact with the outside world was through 4 inch by 4 inch window in the wall. I was unable to see any toilet facilities in the cells!
Many miracles are attributed to the caves, like it is said that the bodies of the monks are preserved without any embalming. Also there is reported to be an incident when attempts were made to move the bodies (I think by the communists). The bodies were loaded on a truck but the truck refused to start. One after the other dozens of trucks were brought it with the same result that they refused to start when loaded with the bodies. Eventually the project was abandoned. 
 

[Bruce]

Great trip report.  You and Simoni should get together and jointly put together a guide to Kiev plus.............. 

[Mir]

Bruce

Thanks

Kind of that is my aim. All of us go to visit our FSU women, quite often during such trips we are on our own for periods of time (the lady is studying or working etc.)
I feel that if I can put photos of things I have found interesting in Kiev along with some info then others who visit this city for the first time might find it helpful to enjoy spending their time with (or without) their lady.

[Gator]

Hi Mir,

Do you realize that you have your own Nielsen's media ratings.

Just look at the number of times each photo has been opened.  What is common about the ones opened the most?

[Ridersfan]

     Mir,

 Pardon my intrusion on your excellent trip report. I was going to suggest a walk through the Lypky/Pechersk neighborhood but i see that you have already done this. I found this area of Kiev very interesting. You have mentioned Hordetsky House (The House with the Chimeras, which has been rumored to be haunted or cursed), and The Weeping Widow, but also in this neighborhood is Chocolate House and a building that has a facade like a castle. Of course this area is also next to the park that contains the "Ukrainian White House". I would recommend a walk through this neighborhood to anyone who has some free time or wants to take an interesting walk with their lady.
 
 When you are out and about in Kiev you might want to pick up a copy of "What's On -Kiev". This is a free publication that can be found at the doorway of some restaurants. A link to the online version is below.

  I hope that you will continue to enjoy your trip to Kiev and will keep making interesting posts.

  Bob

  http://www.kiev.info/culture/house_chimeras.htm

 http://www.wumag.kiev.ua/index2.php?param=pgs20062/44

  http://www.whatson-kiev.com/
 

[Mir]

Gator

You are right as usual

Bob

Thanks for your suggestions.
I have a copy of 'What' on in Kiev'.

[Mir]

Well yesterday was a mad dash across the city. Andrew (Tanya's husband) wanted to go to a DIY store on the outskirts of the town. From the centre he just hailed a passing car (not a marked taxi) and off we went. On the way passing through the suburban areas I could see a lot of new houses and many under construction. No doubt belonging to Kiev's emerging middle-upper class. The driver performed some death defying stunts including a short journey on the wrong side of an exit lane. The store itself was very well equipped but getting what we wanted (a bag of albaster?) took 45 minutes. The workers minding the various aisles had little idea where things were and we were sent from one side of the store to the other repeatedly. The country is still very much hindered by bureaucratic red tape and inefficiency.
The man who drove us there had agreed to wait outside and drove us back. So this is how to hire a car with driver in Kiev, just flag any car and negotiate.
As regards taxi driver well it is not standard procedure. The ask for a very high price, you give your price and they say no. You turn and walk away, but walk slowly and keep yours ears open as you will get a whistle or shout from the driver who is waving you to come on (at your price or very near)
Most places in centre will cost 20-25 UAH (15-20 if it is not a marked taxi but a freelancer). Outside centre 40 UAH and upwards.
Many Ukrainians have inherited apartments free, but they are in terrible state and need of renovations which they often cannot afford.

[Mir]

On my own till 5 PM I felt lazy and decided to have something delivered for lunch.
The first advert I found said free delivery in centre so I called them, I said: 'Do you speak English?' She said :'No' and put the phone down, charming.
The second number was a place not far from my apartment, 'Il Patio'. The girl said she speaks little English. I asked what size pizzas you have, she said;'Only one size, large' I ordered a pizza and two bottles of beer, she said 'Corona?' I said 'whatever' She said:'Total is 137 UAH' Rather steep I thought but maybe it is a huge pizza?
I fully expected delivery to be late but it was write on time, however the large pizza was the size of a medium one in UK (probably small in US). On the bill I was charged 59 UAH for pizza (not bad) but 58 UAH for two bottles of beer from Mexico. And then a 20 UAH delivery charge (not on the bill).

[Kuna]

D'oh!  Don't you hate that???

AU$10 for a Corona is VERY steep mir... 

Personally I stick to the local beer.  At 500ml and 11% alcohol you only need one at lunch.   Two means an afternoon nap is highly likely...  Three?? The nap is a definite!     

I've said it before but I'll say it again...  I'm really enjoying the TR mir...  There's enough to indicate the time with your "special friend" is going well and the observations of everyday things in Kiev are refreshing.

I just hope those Coronas were refreshing too!!!

Kuna

[Mir]

Kuna

Yes I also drink the local of Stella(which is local as well) but the lady did not offer me a choice. And the bottles were only 33 cl.

One thing strange is that while the Ukrainian currency has been stable for years many prices are still quoted in Euros! It makes some sense if the hotels/rental agencies etc. do this when dealing with foreigners but rather absurd when advertisements in local market. Specially considering that any transaction withing Ukraine in a currency other than UAH is illegal.

And property prices are sky hight indeed.

[wiz]

Mir

Learning to cook?

Then there is a change of attitude......LOL

Of course despite the plenty of details I have posted here there is a hell of lot more that I have not made public about me and Mirror.

Good luck with Olga.

[Mir]

Well a persistent start-stop rain has so far spoiled my plans for the last morning of wandering on my own.

Have you noticed the amount of green tea (chai) these girls drink? During a meal they would easily drink a gallon of the stuff. When you ask them how things were after a visit to a nice restaurant, instead of admiring the decor, the food or wine she would say:'Yes the green tea was very nice!' 

Well tonight is supposed to be my lucky night as Olga is going to try her newly acquired culinary skills on my for the first time (so pray for me) 

It is funny how the manholes are adjusted during the rainy season. The lid is so placed that unless one is careful it is quite possible to put you foot in the wrong place and have your leg broken. Also be careful of the drips from the roofs of buildings as this continues for the whole day after a morning shower.

[Serebro]

Have you noticed the amount of green tea (chai) these girls drink? During a meal they would easily drink a gallon of the stuff. When you ask them how things were after a visit to a nice restaurant, instead of admiring the decor, the food or wine she would say:'Yes the green tea was very nice!' 

what is bad about drinking green tea? It's very useful.

Have you ever noticed the amount of Cola-cola these Americans drink all the time?!
 

[wiz]

what is bad about drinking green tea? It's very useful.

Have you ever noticed the amount of Cola-cola these Americans drink all the time?!
 

Nothing is wrong the Green tea except if you want to spent a penny now costs 50 pennys minimum in Uk...LOL

Guys who drink Coaca Cola don't neeed to use a toilet and pay..can always go around the corner.......LOL
 

[SANDRO43]

It is funny how the manholes are adjusted during the rainy season. The lid is so placed that unless one is careful it is quite possible to put you foot in the wrong place and have your leg broken.

Mir, why don't patent locally a manhole cover with a few HOLES in it to drain rain water, and sell to the Kiev city council ? You could make a few hrivnas out of that (less a 10% cut for me, of course ).

I had a similar idea years ago. When they re-surface streets here, they often raise the new road surface in the process, and consequently sink existing manholes to a lower level, an annoying situation when one drives/cycles over them. It occurred to me that a simple 1/4" 'collar', inserted between the sunk cover and its base in as many units as needed, would return it flush with road level. Unfortunately, I then discovered that the device existed already, though nobody seems to use it  .

[Gator]

Mir,

Your dinner with Olga will be special.  It is a good sign if a woman wishes to cook a meal for a man.  BTW, what is you favorite cuisine?

Mir, as a physician you should not question consumption of green tea, unless you dislike the fact that it reduces the need for your professional services.

http://www.japanesegreenteaonline.com/health.htm

ttp://greentealovers.com/greenteahealthantioxidants.htm

I drink it daily, although not a whole pot.

[Mir]

Gator

Yes I was just joking about the Green tea, indeed it is good for health.

Well Olga has passed her cooking test. She made a good clear borscht, a spicy chicken and veg casserole and for dessert oranges and water melon injected with vodka. I think the dessert is a Russian invention to get drunk but due to the fluid one consumes with it one does not get intoxicated.Infact I felt bright till 4 AM and have got no hangover 

As such I like all good food but my favourite is sea food cooked in Cantonese style.

[Mir]

Sandro

That is a good idea but I am sure they won't listen, it will avoid the broken legs and revenue to their hospitals 

Have a look at this photo, this man was pushing this fork lift down the metro stairs. As you can see the council has made provisions for this with the two rails and steps in between.But no siree, he went down the regular stairs, bumping along with stuff falling out. Why? well because this is Ukraine and they like to make things harder for themselves 

[Mir]

While returning to my flat last afternoon a man approached me on Kreschatyk. He was reasonably dressed aged around 30.

Man: 'Hello, are you from Europe?'
Me: 'Yes'
Man: 'Which Country?'
Me: 'UK'
Man (estending his hand, his face lit up):'My favourite city is London, my favourite group is Pet Shop Boys, you know Pet Shop Boys?'
Me (shaking his hand); 'Yes, but I have to go as I am meeting someone'
Man (now walking with me): 'I wanted to ask you something, it will only take a minute, I am from Lugansk and I need money for my ticket, can you give me 10 Euros?'
Me: 'I don't have any Euros'
Man: 'Do you have Hryvnas?'
Me:'No'
Man: 'OK, I will come with you and you get the money and give it to me'
Me:'No, I will not give you any money'
Man: 'Why?, man you have to help me, if you help me the girls will help you more' (obviously the only reason a single Foreigner wanders in Kiev is girls).
Me: 'OK, I think I will find a policeman' I saw a blue uniform in the distance so I started walking towards him and said;'Comeone lets talk to him, come,come'. He evaporated like a snowball in hell.

[Mir]

While I was having lunch these teenaged girls were handing out some flayers. There were 3 of them (one further down), no one stopped to talk to two of the girls while a dozen men (all middle aged) stopped and chatted up the one in blue.......MEN......