Ukraine
- Lotch
- Nov 14, 2021
- 4 min read
Dobro pozhalovat' to the wonders of Ukraine! A thrilling set of spectacular architecture, unique sites, and unusual landscapes.
Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine intrigues for its majestic orthodox churches, untouched wild countryside, and beautiful Black Sea regions.
I mainly stayed in Central Ukraine, where European countries have historically influenced the country's cuisine, architecture, languages, and even religions. Although the unstable political situation persists in the eastern areas, it is largely safe to travel in Ukraine.
Ukraine is known for its agricultural production such as wheat and sunflower, but is also famous for its distinctive architecture. The country hosts up to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historical Saint-Sophia Cathedral along with Kiev Cave Monastery complex, Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
You can also find one of the most radioactively contaminated areas of the world, the infamous Chernobyl nuclear disaster, that took place a hundred of kilometers north of Kiev, in 1986.
Kyiv, Київ
I wasn't really familiar with the history of Kyiv before traveling there, but it goes back to over 1,500 years and makes it one of the most ancient and distinguished cities in Europe.
Legendary stories tell of the origin of the city—one legend accounts a founding-family. The leader and oldest son Kyi, among with his two brothers and young sister, are supposedly the founders of Kiev. The name Kyiv/Kiev means "belonging to Kyi".
You can definitely see the rich past of the city, as it was able to preserve its splendid heritage, despite many wars and invasions. The city has kept up to 70% of buildings built between 1907 and 1914, which makes the architecture a blend of traditional and modern buildings.
It's little wonder that Honore de Balzac called Kiyv the eternal city, northern Rome.
If you're visiting for a short stay or if, like me, you're generally staying outside of the main cities, you'll at least need to go check out some of Kiev's breathtaking monuments. Here is what I'd suggest for a quick pit stop in the capital.
The historic Orthodox Christian monastery, Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kyievo-Pechers'ka lavra), founded in 1051, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While being a cultural attraction, the monastery is once again active, with over 100 monks in residence.
In addition to religious relics, the monastery houses a rich collection of books.
The Saint Sophia Cathedral (Sobor Sviatoyi Sofiyi) is a world heritage site as well, that captivates us with its 11th century collection of mosaics and amazingly preserved interior. For hundreds of years, it has repeatedly been destroyed, but quickly restored each time.
St. Andrew's Church (Andriyivs'ka tserkva), built in the second half of the 18th century, stands in the heart of the historical district of Kiev.
Its impressive beauty is a true sample of the baroque style and a real work of art.
The interior has been closed for years, but you can still climb the steps to the top of the hill for terrific views of Podil and the Dnipro River.
The electric and romantic church St. Volodymyr's Cathedral (Volodymyrskyi sobor) is crowned by seven cupolas. The temple was built in the 19th century from donations from other churches and residents of the Russian Empire.
The architecture reflects a Neo-Byzantine style, decorated with paintings, mosaic, and frescoes.
Built in 1017, the Golden Gate (Zoloti vorota) survived until nowadays. This fortification moment was one of the three entrances of Kiev.
It was used as a Triumphal Arch and when people entered the city, the first thing they saw was Saint Sophia's Cathedral.
Kulyabivka Кулябівка
I mostly stayed in Kulyabivka, a small town at about an hour and a half north east off of Kiev. I motorcycled around the neighborhood and made unforgettable memories by stopping on the side of the roads and chatting with people, and by going through the fields and running into tractors and cows.
What a fun stay with our local darling friends!
I hung out at these sort of small corner stores, "slash" local bars, that were selling draft beers for 2€. I sat on the picnic tables, or on a store front steps, and chilled there for a bit.
This is the experience I like to have when traveling.
That raw feeling.
Living the way like everyone else does and taking the most out of it.
Should I talk about the bathroom situation next?
There are different markets depending on where you go in the small town. You have separate ones for the meat, fish, green, clothe, art—all you can think about. I enjoyed venturing through the veggie and fruit one, in Shevchenka Street, in Yagotin. This is where I discovered what has became my favorite oil to put in salads; sun flower seed oil.
Mix together fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, dill, parsley.
Drizzle sun flower seed oil, squeeze lemon juice, and grain salt and pepper.
Small path in the backyard that leads to the open garden. We had all sorts of veggies and herbs growing, all sizes of fruit trees such as apricots or sour cherries (above photo), and we even had chickens and eggs.
The bathrooms were on the left side on this path.
A hole, in the ground.
More hygienist, for sure.
From farm to table
The Ukrainian way of cooking is very unique although its dishes have origins from several countries like Belarus, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Germany, and Turkey, as well as some Jewish influences.
Compote is a traditional sweet fruit punch, primarily made with cherries. It's delicious and refreshing!
Authentic dishes are Borscht, a beet base soup that can be made in variety of versions, varenniki and galushki dumplings, stuffed with chicken or pork, and lots of freshly picked vegetables for numerous salads. You can also easily find pickled fish and veggies, and various sort of breads and crepes.
A rich soil combined with a favorable climate is an ideal environment for cultivation. Whether it was veggies, aromates, fruits, or eggs, we had produces every day and had something to do in the yard all the time.
I'll always remember that afternoon when a few neighbors came over. We had a spread of food laying on the table. Everyone brought something they just made.
Plates were full and liquor shots ready for the upcoming 10th toasts.
Ukrayina charms everyone with its unexpected look.
Its cuisine is so fresh and the way it brings people together is wonderful.
The rich past history vibrates all around the land and makes it very special.
It may not be on top of a bucket list, but it's definitely worth the detour.
Because there is so much to learn from this beautiful country.
See you next time Україна.