Krista Visits Kiev November 7-22, 2014
Although Jay and I still had to work during the day, we packed a lot of sight-seeing and activities into our weekends and evenings while Krista was here. She arrived on a Friday evening and hit the ground running. We didn't allow her very much time to deal with any jet lag she may have been feeling. On Saturday, after I was finished administering the SAT in the morning, Krista started her two week adventure experiencing the language, food, history, and culture of Ukraine.
We climbed several steps to the top of a hill for a bird's eye view of Kiev.
It was warm enough for sweaters only
A place of worship created by Pagans. The red star however remains as a traditional Ukrainian symbol and can be found stitched into many textiles.
The first university in Ukraine
The Lviv Chocolate Shop on St. Andrew's Street
The entrance to the funicular (incline)
Going up!
The Ministry of Defense
There was a special church service in front of St. Michael's cathedral for "Day of the Orphan Sunday"
St. Sophia
Another climb! This time to the top of the St. Sophia bell tower.
Decorating the grounds around St. Sophia were several painted eggs and chickens.
I just loved this painting! She looks so happy and content.
Memories of Maidan
Photographs taken during the revolution last winter are displayed on Independence Square.
Hundreds of candles create a large trident, the Coat of Arms of Ukraine
The National Chernobyl Museum and The Lavra
The entrance to the museum-(we would have had to pay extra to take pictures inside)
Vehicles from Chernobyl
Lunch and a cappuccino at a local cafe
The Lavra, a former monastery
An Early Thanksgiving Celebration
On Saturday, November 15 we woke up early and started cooking! At 4pm we started welcoming guests, mostly Ukrainian, and enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We fed 14 people and, as with most Thanksgiving meals, we still ate leftovers for several days.
I thought Krista and Xin Yan were going to help!
(P.S. They did, eventually)
Appetizers
Krista and Natasha having cocktails and conversation before dinner
Yes, we decorated for Christmas too while Krista was here
Katie with the "main" turkey- we also cooked an additional turkey breast and thighs
Krista brought the holiday napkins and tablecloth from the USA
A traditional Thanksgiving menu (turkey w/cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, greenbean casserole, and corn)...
And lots of desserts!
A Visit to the Embassy
We also went inside to do a little shopping at the Commissary
A Night at The Ballet
Dinner at "Oliva" before the ballet
Waiting for the doors to open
We were seated in the third row!
Krista took lots of pictures before the show started
The Program
(no worries, there was an English translation inside)
Beautiful flowers from a beautiful (and grateful) daughter
How wonderful for Krista to be there with you! These pictures are just wonderful!! I keep looking for the "like" button for each one, then realize this is not Facebook, haha!
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