10 days in Quirky Kiev

Kiev is Quirky. It's a random mix of Soviet culture, Western European culture and..... Raunch culture. We saw quite a few naked people. I wanted to take their photos but Dave wouldn't let me. He got nervous at the last minute that he would have to fight a naked man. Or several naked men. Probably a valid concern.

So instead, I photographed other quirky elements as well as some traditional aspects, such as the many golden domed churches.

However, the most exciting thing to happen in Kiev...perhaps ever....was that Charlie took her first steps there! The day before the big event, she stood up, unassisted, 10 times in a row, so we knew something was up as she did her power standing and looked mightily pleased with herself. So before you get to see our Quirky Kiev photos, please witness the Charlie standing series:

 

The next day, Charlie walked 3 steps solo! And although we were not ready with camera to capture this tremendous moment, we certainly did capture her Daddy's jubilation moments after:

And her mummy encouraging her to "do it again", "do it again"!!! (She did do it again, moments later, and has continued each day to get better. Her current PB is 10 steps in a row :D

Ok folks, as advertised, it's Quirky Kiev time:

The thing that I loved about these guys, but failed to capture in the photo, is that neither of them even bothered to zip up the butts of their suits, they were just hanging open.

Russian war memorabilia

Dave has been dreaming about this eye wear for months. He even tried to make some. Then when he found it, he crumbled and didn't purchase. He couldn't handle the dream becoming a reality.

This was the inside of a door in a toilet cubicle at a restaurant!

My first Fernicular

Fernicular love

Gotta love a city where old men gather to play chess in the park

Beaches along the river (where said nudity and some aspects of "raunch culture" occurrs)

Zebra skin, Gramophone or Paintings anyone?

There was so much pork belly for sale at the markets, so much!! And caviar.... And berries....!

Obligatory golden dome church shot. Couldn't take a photo of the quirky aspect which was fascinating practice of people kissing the glass coffins of mummified monks in the catacombs below this church (called the Larva).

Random tropical religious iconography

Charlie and her Babushkas



The Golden Gate constructed by Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. It didn't keep the Mongols out.



Pancake shack!



 

Kiev locals who BYO tequila, lemon, salt and silver goblets to airport insisted we had 3 shots each with them for our future health and happiness. Dave insisted it would be rude to say no. They followed their shots with an espresso chaser.  Kiev, you sure are quirky.