Educators on the Edge: Downtown Kiev

A Walking Tour of Kiev

On Saturday we took the Metro to downtown/center city Kiev. We had heard about a free walking tour of the city highlighting several historical sites led by tour guides who speak English. We just had to find our way to "the big blue globe" by 1pm or 4pm for the two hour trek.

Near the Metro station we ran into some other teachers who were also going downtown to do some exploring. We decided to all ride together. After a quick bite to eat at a popular hot dog stand in the city, we split up to do our own things. Jay and I were the only ones who decided to do the walking tour. The others were still suffering from a little jet lag and the temperature was climbing well into the 80s. In fact, about 30 minutes into the tour, after walking uphill to St. Michael's Cathedral, I turned to Jay and said, "Let's remember how hot and sweaty we are right now when it's January and we're walking to school!"

The following is a pictorial narrative of our day:

Khreschatyk Street is blocked off on the weekends for pedestrians only.

                                  New teacher, Traci, eating a famous Kiev hot dog. Notice the line
                                    of people at the window behind her. Who can resist a hot dog
                                                wrapped in dough and fried to perfection?

I thought Jay was going to go back for another one,
especially since they were only about 70 cents each.

                                          We found the blue globe! This is where the tour
                                          started. The distance to all European capitals is
                                          measured from this spot.

There were several weddings taking place in the city.
We saw lots of brides outside the cathedrals.

St. Michael's Cathedral and Bell Tower

A reconstructions of the south gate to ancient Kiev.

A modern monument signifying Ukraine's independence
from the Soviet Union.

                                           Statues of important people in Ukraine's history.
                                          The two I remember are the ones on the right. They
                                          are the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet and the reason
                                          I am having such a hard time learning the Russian
                                          language!

St. Andrew's Cathedral

                                           There were lots of souvenir street vendors near
                                            St. Andrew's. It is a street known for its artists
                                                                  and musicians.