Tony's EPIC Road Trip Ukraine and Moldova
Ukraine and Moldova 2016
Kiev- Pechersk Lavra - Kamianets-Podilskyi - Chisinau - Orheuil Vechi - Butuceni Text and Photos: Tony Steurer
Kiev is more than a thousand years old with around 2.9 million inhabitants, making it the 7th biggest city in Europe. Crossing the mighty Dnepr along the way, about 800 meters wide. Another impressive statistic: the third longest river on the continent; 2,200 km in total, 1,700 of which passable for ships. In the city, along its sandy shores are dense forests and 16 beaches suitable for swimming. Apartment tower blocks line the road for miles, mostly 10-20 stories high. Lots of lakes and ponds as well. And bridges. Plenty of them: Kiev has nine spanning the Dnepr.
The main axis Khreschatyk leads up to the Maidan. While walking around I often get the feeling of being in a very large metropolis. There are widely ramified underground shopping passages with up to three levels, with daylight often being provided by glass cupolas.
Up on a steep hill is Saint Andrews Cathedral with blue and gold roof coverings. You can get to it by using a funicular, built between 1902 and 1905, or by walking the steep Andriyis’kyi street. A big opera house (which currently plays Don Quixote) and the reconstructed Golden Gate, the historic entrance to the old town. Plus an array of museums, palaces, and yet more cathedrals. Very lively feel around the central, historic Vokzal’na train station.