Thursday, December 31, 2009
Snow covered park
Following a storm we had wonderful sunny day:
http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/ParkInSnow?authkey=Gv1sRgCJn_o6rUwZHoxAE&feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/ParkInSnow?authkey=Gv1sRgCJn_o6rUwZHoxAE&feat=directlink
Snow storm on Dec 28th
BBC forecast for Dec 28th said "heavy snowstorm". I have not belived it. The morning was a bit cold and clouds have not looked like "snow clouds" at all. In the early afternoon few tiny snow flakes started to fall. By 3 pm we had a full snowstorm which lasted until next day. I walked Igor in evening and made few snapshots:
http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/SnowstormOn28thDec?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWq-syxz8bIIw&feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/SnowstormOn28thDec?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWq-syxz8bIIw&feat=directlink
Xmas in Kiev
Over Christmas Pauline and Wyger came to Kiev. I told Julia I will have friends over. As a true Slav she prepared a mountain of food: plane blini, blini with mushrooms, blini with soft cheese, some stew dish; and golubtsi (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat). It was llike Ukrainian food festival.
In Kiev we visited Lavra and few churches. In Lavra on one of the doors we found a notice which translates "no exhibition when it rains or snows".
In Kiev we visited Lavra and few churches. In Lavra on one of the doors we found a notice which translates "no exhibition when it rains or snows".
On Sunday we drove to Uman to see Sofiika Park. Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/gordie26/Xmas2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNC8tteK4LGKvAE&feat=directlink
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Back in Kiev
I returned to Kiev a week ago. Fiji was great. Diving was fantastic. I am scheming to go back. From Seoul via A’dam I arrived last Sunday evening in cold (-11 degrees) Kiev. Upon arrival while pushing a luggage cart on the parking lot I had a freezing sensation in my hands. I knew I left Kiev with gloves. But after wearing flip-flops and shorts in Fiji for almost four weeks I forgot to get them out from a suitcase.
Igor was happy to see me. Usually when I am back from a trip Igor is sulking for a while. Not this time. Seems he missed me.
When I came back I learned Ellen decided to leave Kiev and move to the Netherlands. Last Monday we made an impromptu plan for a dinner. Monday evening was a testimony to our flexibility and spontaneity (few changes of times and venues; at the end we had a dinner at my place). I will miss my balut and theatre buddy in Kiev.
Since Monday Kiev has snow showers and temperature between -13 to -17 and on Tuesday it was -22. One would guess the city administration would be prepared for such winter weather. Wrong. Seems they expected global warming effect. Even the main city roads are not cleaned. These days cars do not drive but plow through the snow. However by large majority cars in Kiev are not equipped for snowplowing. Most cars are without chains, proper winter tires etc. Not surprisingly there are many crashes due to skidding. With so many road accidents traffic was this entire week and weekend horrible. I was quite uncomfortable driving my 4WD as I frequently experience skidding when turning on a crossroad.
Irrespective of the weather Igor and I walk in the park. He is fine if temperature is up to -15. If temperature is below that he refuses to walk.
The park these days looks like a fairy tale. Due to the weather there are not many people and dogs in the park. So a few “die hard's” usually have a park and pristine powder snow all for themselves. Yesterday we met with Sonya and as one can see Igor was very happy to meet such a glamorous girl. Here is a photo of glamorous Sonya and "happy" Igor.
Next week Pauline and Wyger will arrive. I already prepared “blini”, caviar and vodka for another memorable Xmas in Kiev.
I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year.
Wishing you all a great festive break and may your holidays be filled with good food, nice drinks and festive cheer. And of course I hope Santa is good to you!
Igor was happy to see me. Usually when I am back from a trip Igor is sulking for a while. Not this time. Seems he missed me.
When I came back I learned Ellen decided to leave Kiev and move to the Netherlands. Last Monday we made an impromptu plan for a dinner. Monday evening was a testimony to our flexibility and spontaneity (few changes of times and venues; at the end we had a dinner at my place). I will miss my balut and theatre buddy in Kiev.
Since Monday Kiev has snow showers and temperature between -13 to -17 and on Tuesday it was -22. One would guess the city administration would be prepared for such winter weather. Wrong. Seems they expected global warming effect. Even the main city roads are not cleaned. These days cars do not drive but plow through the snow. However by large majority cars in Kiev are not equipped for snowplowing. Most cars are without chains, proper winter tires etc. Not surprisingly there are many crashes due to skidding. With so many road accidents traffic was this entire week and weekend horrible. I was quite uncomfortable driving my 4WD as I frequently experience skidding when turning on a crossroad.
Irrespective of the weather Igor and I walk in the park. He is fine if temperature is up to -15. If temperature is below that he refuses to walk.
The park these days looks like a fairy tale. Due to the weather there are not many people and dogs in the park. So a few “die hard's” usually have a park and pristine powder snow all for themselves. Yesterday we met with Sonya and as one can see Igor was very happy to meet such a glamorous girl. Here is a photo of glamorous Sonya and "happy" Igor.
Next week Pauline and Wyger will arrive. I already prepared “blini”, caviar and vodka for another memorable Xmas in Kiev.
I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year.
Wishing you all a great festive break and may your holidays be filled with good food, nice drinks and festive cheer. And of course I hope Santa is good to you!
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