The first is of Zoloti Vorota - the Golden Gates. There used to be three different gates to the city of Kyiv. The Golden Gates, now a museum, is the only one still surviving. It has obviously been restored. I like the iron gate and the log cabin construction. It was built from 1017-1024. It happens to be literally across the street from Glossary Organic Cafe.
As I approached Golden Gate, I witnessed an "action" which here means a public political demonstration. Many young people wearing traditional Ukrainian costumes (the ones in white at the top level of the picture below) were demonstrating for the Ukrainian Language. Although there are many native speakers of Russian in Ukraine, a parliamentary move to make Russian an official language alongside Ukrainian, has met with fierce nationalistic opposition.
On a nearby corner, work is underway to restore the facade of a beautiful old building. Over the years, I've watched the progress and it always interests me. Here is the current state of the renovations:
And finally, about two blocks from my apartment is this bank building that I really like:
Kyiv is really an interesting city. It's full of wonderful architecture and, of course, has a long long history. It is the origin of all the Rus and from here Christianity spread throughout the region.
How about some pictures of GLOSSARY? :) And maybe you and your waiter friend?
ReplyDelete@Aaron That's a good idea, Aaron. I'll do that but it will have to wait till I return from Kyrgyzstan on the 13th.
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