Fortieth Post From Türkiye: Kyiv

As I mentioned last post, when Trum turned 12 we wanted to take him to the temple. Our temple is in Kyiv (that's the Ukrainian version. 'Kiev' is Russian), so we spent a day at the temple, and then a few days sightseeing. Kyiv is beautiful, the food was great, the sights and history were fascinating, but Trum's b-day is in February. Have you ever been to Ukraine in February? Do we look cold in these pictures?

храм (Temple)

The Kyiv temple is a beautiful building, and actually won an architectural reward. However, it is a 20-30-minute cab ride outside the city center. Jack had to explain to the cab driver, in Russian, where it was we wanted to go. He couldn't remember the word for 'temple,' so after going round and round with the dude, he finally said, "the building that looks like a castle." Immediately the guy knew what he was talking about, and took us there. Unfortunately, when we got there they had just finished a baptism session. Our only option was to wait in the nearby stake center (it was bitterly, bitterly, windy and cold outside), until we could do an endowment session. Truman had to sit in the waiting room and read magazines until it was time to do baptisms. Jack got to confirm Merry and Trum, as well as several Ukrainian members. He also got to baptize Trum and several local members on behalf of their dead ancestors. The rest of the trip was fun, but that day was really special. We all had a wonderful experience, and we got to hang out with some temple missionaries from Idaho to boot (where else would they be from?)! 

Maidan Nezalezhnosti ('Indepence Square')

This square has been the focal point of many important political rallies in recent Ukrainian history. These have included the protests of the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests that led to the overthrow of the pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Kyi, Shchek,and Khoryv, and their sister Lyib, are the legendary founders of Kyiv.

One of many memorials around town dedicated to the Ukrainian soldiers who have died fighting Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. From the conversations on the street, to posters on the walls, a visit to Kyiv leaves you in no doubt that Ukraine is a country at war. 

Soviet-era War Memorial

Memorial to the victims of the "Holodmor," the man-made famine in the Ukrainian SSR in 1932-1933. It killed 2.5-7.5 million and was likely part of Stalin's plan to eliminate the Ukrainian independence movement. Ukrainians are often miffed, and rightfully so, that the same people that lament the Holocaust and the massacre of Ottoman Armenians don't pay much attention to this tragedy.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

This is probably the most important orthodox monastery in the eastern Slavic world. Kyiv, not Moscow, was actually the most important city in the early days of east Slavic history. It was the Kyivan Rus' state that adopted Christianity, and this monastery was founded in 1051.'Pecherska' refers to the many caves carved into the rocks, where the mummies of ancient monks are still on display. We, of course, had to go see those mummies. Pictures weren't allowed so you don't get the same pleasure!

Trinity Gate Church

One of the covered passageways that lead between the lower and upper parts of the monastery. It was chuck full of babushki selling icons and such.

Dormition Cathedral

Museum of the Great Patriotic War (WWII)

After the monastery, we headed to the WWII memorial. Unfortunately, the weather that had been drizzling rain in the morning turned to fog and icy wind, followed by big fluffy snowflakes. We really needed rubber boots!

A  Memorial to Soviet Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

This plaque stood in front of some Russian-made military equipment recently captured in eastern Ukraine.

Russian Multiple Rocket Launch System of the BM Series

Soviet-era Tanks

"Rodina Mat" the 'Nation's Mother'

The Ukrainian national colors were everywhere.

Need some toilet paper? Putin=Not-so Popular in Ukraine

                                                                Pyrohovo Museum of Folk Architecture

Who doesn't love a good-old, open-air museum, with old-timey buildings collected from various parts of the country? The buildings were all really cool but this place was enormous. In the summer there is a horse and cart that shuttles visitors around. But as we were there in February we had the fun of navigating the vast park on foot. There were a few moments when I may have been annoyed with my husband.

Traditional Ukrainian Easter egg...except giant.

As we were walking by this little house an old lady came by and decided we needed a tour guide. I think she actually did work there, but a Sunday in February is probably one of her days off. But she took us through a few buildings anyway. It was funny because even though we told her we were from the US, everyone always thinks Jack is German, so she was speaking a mixture of Ukrainian, English and German to him. He did a good job, deciphering her descriptions for us.
Inside, the house was set up to look like it would have when people lived there. She told us it was a "poor person's house". Some of my German ancestors lived in Ukraine long ago and Jack kept saying, "This is how your people lived! Do you feel the connection?". Umm, not really but thanks for asking. 

Trum wishing he could've gone to school in the old days, like his ancestors.

Beehives? Smoke house? No idea.

St. Sophia's Cathedral

This is Kyiv's oldest standing church, and it has an amazing collection of mosaics and frescoes, some dating from the 11th century. I tried to sneak a picture of some, but got busted cold by two museum babushki who knew exactly what I was trying to do.

                                                                             Andriyivsky Uzviv

This is Kyiv's cobblestoned walking street, chuck full of shops and tourist junk.We ran into a couple LDS missionaries there, one of whom had just purchased a big, goofy-looking, winter fur hat. What else are you going to spend your money on when you're 18?

Trum and Some Cossack Bards

Yes, Jack ate sushi in Kyiv...and he says it was delicious! He may have gone a little crazy ordering that giant platter just for himself. But apparently had no regrets.

Russian-Ukrainian friendship monument? Not anymore, let's paint a Ukrainian flag on it.

Another Monument to the Recently-killed in eastern Ukraine

"Ramen Burger." Ever had one? You better do it, b/c it's good stuff! Gross! Jack ate that and wrote that!

"Trum! Don't look now, but there's a bear behind you!"

I feel like some of this post was a little grim. Ukraine is definitely having a tough time right now. But we loved our trip and had so much fun. Kyiv is a beautiful and interesting city! I am so glad we had a weekend to spend there!