The Museum of the Great Patriotic War

In Ukraine and Russia WWII is called ˝The Great Patriotic War˝.
In 1941 as a part of German Barbarossa operation from Aug to Sep German troops encircled Kiev. On Sep 26th about 665,000 Soviet troops surrendered in the Battle of Kiev. This is the largest army to surrender in all history.
Kiev was occupied by Germans until Nov 6th 1943. Following 778 days of German occupation Kiev's population decreased from 900,000 in 1940 to 186,000 in 1945.


In 1981 just next to Pechersk Lavra - Brezhnev opened The Museum of the Great Patriotic War;


At the museum entrance we were greeted by a pioneer - a 10 year old girl. Most likely she was there with her babushka who was warking at the museum ticket shop. The girl also sold us ticket.

Zhitomyr

More successful visit was to Zhytomyr to the Korolov Museum.
http://www.netcore.us/1/ccas/harford2.htm

http://www.novareinna.com/bridge/laika.html

http://rt.com/news/sci-tech/belka-strelka-dogs-space/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZwmCnekxx8

Alexandria Park

Pauline and Wyger came to Kiev over Christmas. I wanted to show them Alexandria park in Bila Cerkev - a small place about 80 km from Kiev.
It was not easy to find the park. I got stuck in the local market first. With Wyger's help found the way to the park. But when we finally arrived to the park's entrance - it's doors were closed. The reason - the park wants to guard it's pine trees. If not guarded pine tree might end up on the Xmas market or in someone's living room. The trees on the market are between EUR 8 for a smallish tree; about EUR30 for a large one. So locals help themselves with the Xmas trees from the 300 years old dendropark for free.

Under weather snowman

But with such sunny and warm weather we have these days - I can understand snowman might be a bit depressed...

Make over

 Since September the most ugly building on Volodimirskaya street is having a make over. It's almost over - but I am not sure if a make over is a success.

Sunny Sun Dec 12

Great weather continues. What a great day! So lucky still no snow!

NY Party 2011

This year we had Ukraine theme. As usual everyone made effort to dress up:

Sunny Sat on Dec 3rd

Fantastic sunny day:

Nov visit to A'dam

Some dramatic clouds in A'dam:

Autumn weekend at home

Had great weekend with my family. At my parents house enjoyed foliage:

Christiania

Could not miss this tourist destination hailed as one of oldest European communities. The fact that I lived in A'dam for few years have not immunized me from the shock upon seening bricks of hash being openly sold on Christiania's "main square". Seems that the main activity in the community is selling weed and hash.

While Christiania is hailed as cultural power house of the city - have not seen much of culture. Unless large bricks of hash count as conceptual art.
One cannot take photos. Locals are (over)sensitive with a camera in sight.
What surprised me is that a community which openly denounces materialism has a souvenir shop. With quite expensive T-shirts in it. The shop accepts any credit card.
Quite a step for a commune.

More photos at:   https://picasaweb.google.com/116335751057137184269/Christiania?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLS72riC-_v_eA&feat=directlink

Copenhagen

First weekend of November I was in Copenhagen. My first visit. I was impressed by smooth organization.  There is so much elegance when things are well organized. The airport is almost hassle free. Security is smooth. The boards inform you how long does it take to pass security (1 min was my experience!!).

A train ticket from the airport to the center costs EUR 5. A ticket for a rickety bus from Boryspol to Kiev is more expensive and you will stand in the bus too.
I was lucky with the weather. Sunny and warm. Overall had great time and I am looking forward to go back.
Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/116335751057137184269/Copenhagen?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPaz9_2Kn-3gXg&feat=directlink

Highlights of the weekend visit:

The Royal Library - the Black Diamond. The photography exhibition by Gregory Crewdson "In a Lonely Place" http://www.kb.dk/en/dia/udstillinger/crewdson.htmln Photos have a magical atmosphere.

The Royal Opera: the ballet "Evening for Broadway" in the stunning building.

The Thorvaldsens Museum: amazed how productive life he had. Great building with funny exhibition of photos where sculptures where put contemporary items on.

Christiania - but it deserves a separate post.

Fall colors

More foliage at: https://picasaweb.google.com/116335751057137184269/FallInThePark?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLbdmZeIv6SUbg&feat=directlink

Sunrise

Sunrise on Oct 28.

Halloween

Igor is ready for it:

Langkawi

Lovely beaches. Friendly and helpful people. Faboulous hotels. Amazing spas.

Have no idea why I bought a return ticket to Kiev. Hope photos can tell it better than words.

ERP in Sing

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is an electronic system of road pricing based on a pay-as-you-use principle. It is designed to charge use of the road during peak hours. In peak hours it costs S$ 1 to pass each ERP sign (that's how taxi driver explained to me).

Singapore was the first city in the world to implement such an electronic road toll collection system for purposes of traffic jam pricing. It was introduced in 1998. Wonder whether it would be ever introduced in Kiev.

Singapore - Marina Bay Sands

Returned from the vacation in Langkawi.
On a way to Langkawi had a stop over in Singapore. Used few hours in Sing to visit Marine Bay Sands.
Found it overwhelming.
Last time I was in Sing was in 2007 and Marine Bay was a construction site I could see from the hotel window. Now it's a splendid imposing complex.
Coming from a country where construction (in general) is slow and where stadium catches fire on its official opening - visiting Marina Bay built (with delay) in about 3 years was impressive.
The lift takes you to the 56th floor in seconds but you do not feel it moves. Seems lift moves so fast a body has no time to register changes in altitude.
I was only on the skydeck as tours for the skypark (1 hectar of park with real palms and famous swimming pool) were fully booked. But I could take a peek of the amazing swimming pool.
If I'll go to Sing again - I hope I will find some good discounts on the web for the Marina hotel so I can stay in it and enjoy Sing's skyline from the pool.
Standing on the deck and enjoying the twlight over Sing I felt how much is happening in Asia and how fast things move.
It was so exciting to stand at the top of a great building and enjoy a spectacular view of men-made landscape. Snapshots at:

Car Accident of the Summer - Blond Driving

End of July - while my little car accident was a fresh memory - an article about 2011 most expensive car crash cought my attention. Another blond in Monaco driving Bentley hit Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes. The article and photo of the accident on:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2019340/Hapless-blonde-crashes-250k-Bentley-FOUR-supercars.html
I almost forgot about it. Than few days ago Russian and Ukrainian press followed up on the accident as the blond - is Ukrainian.
For english readers link about the Ukrainian blond is on:
http://www.whatson-kiev.com/index.php?go=News&in=view&id=10926
and for readers in Russian:
http://news.tochka.net/71029-margarita-smelyanskaya-galitskaya-skandalnaya-blondinka-na-bentley-snimaetsya-dlya-playboy-i-menyaet-superkary/

Truck & a Gas Mask

I wait for a green light and take a look at a truck next to me. And I am - what is the gas mask doing there?  Quickly took the photo. But I still do not understand why the gas mask hangs there. But the effect is dranatic.

Zebra Crossing Campaign

Ukraine is one of leaders in a sad statistics of people killed in car accidents. Once you drive or walk around Ukraine or Kiev you understand why. Speed limit and red lights are optional. Zebra crossings ignored.
So I was impressed with the government sponsored country-wide campaign to create awareness among the drivers what zebra-crossing means.

Anti-Drugs Protest

Here is an example that when the government supports the cause - a protest is allowed. Just not sure how to interpret shouting of "Revolution" slogan. Was that pre-approved too?

Igor on red carpet

Yesterday Igor celebrated his third Kiev anniversary. I arranged the party for his playdates. Prepared a lot of chicken and tuna delicious meals. Booked the Opera as a venue. Igor was not impressed with the red carpet and we went to the park.

Best Louis Vuitton Advertising

The above is the slogan posted on the walled area of goverment supporters.
It translates to: Clothes (made by) Louis Vuitton is a brand of Ukrainian oposition.
The refernce is to Yulia's preference for Louis Vuitton.
I think this is an excellent advertising for Louis Vuitton.

Government supporters

And here are supporters of the court to put Yulia in prison. These supporters are young, well organized and their area is well guarded. They have well pointed places for standing (each person stands behind a blue stripe on the asphalt) and when the leader gives a sign they start to wave flags.

Yulia's Supporters

Yulia is now more than a month in prison. Her supporters continue to camp on Khreshatik. Most of visual materials are superbly done. Albeit the lanaguage in them is often crude. In Yulia's camp people are relaxed. Willing to communicate and pose for camera. For all of the supporters I met there - Yulia is their hero.

Donkey for a handbag

 

 

There is a belief in Easter Europe that if you leave your purse on the ground you won't have any more money.

So in many restaurants in Russia and Ukraine the waiter will bring a special small stool on which one can put a handbag. Sometimes restaurants even have a separate table.

In a small restaurant in Kiev a small donkey will hold a lady's bag. I could not resist and had to take a photo. Not only kids like a donkey. 

Independence Day

Today Ukraine celebrates 20 years of independence. Ukrainians have much to be proud of given achievements over past 20 years. That some things still have to be work on is natural. Progress is a work in process. Today people walking the streets were nicely dressed. Most put on a traditional embroidered shirts.
Regretfully I had an eerie feeling as there was too much police around the city centre - on the grounds that Tymoshenko protesters are arranging a big demonstration. The numerous police presence was kind of oppressive. Most of the streets in the centre were "sealed". See photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/116335751057137184269/IndependenceDay?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPfYrpCD-9mMwwE&feat=directlink

In the park - next to Shevchenko monument - some few thousand people gathered - to sing Ukrainian anthem and put flowers to Shevchenko monument. There was a good atmosphere in the park which contrasted empty streets with police on.  

Nice thing is Google celebrates Ukrainian independence too!! In case you google but are not familiar with Ukraine - yellow and blue are Ukrainian colours and a cossack plays kobza!

Restaurant Menu

Been to a newly renovated local restaurant. In the menu found some most curious dishes. Decided it's worth sharing "local" cuisine: 

Stolen Wallet

I got the wallet stolen today. I was shopping in the sport store approached by a women and asked by her to help her reading the label. The woman I was helping too was on my left. While I was being helpful another woman approached me from the left side. When I moved one I noticed there is no wallet in my purse. The women I helped was a gypsy. Sorry to write that - but next time you are approached by a gypsy be careful. I had my guard down and soft side turned on - and I paid for it.

When I realized I am lighter for the wallet I immediately;y went after the women. She was exiting the store very calmly. I met her on the pavement in front of the store and told her you took my wallet. With another woman she calmly entered the car parked next to the pavement. The care had not started driving immediately and I took the photo of the car.
The store does not have security personnel. It took me 20 min to get police in the store. Another 2 hours talking to the police and writing the report. The policemen were helpful and understanding. My russian classes paid off - as none of four policemen spoke English. They look at the videotapes and saw five gypsy women entered the store few minuets before me. The police also saw all five women left the store at the same time. However the videotape is of too poor quality to get good zoom on the faces.
The police also got the car and the driver. It appeared the car is registered as a taxi (but it had not taxi mark on). The driver said he drove two women from the store to the railways station.
Next time in the shop - if gypsy approaches me - I'll run away screaming.

Russian Spaniel Saved

Late Friday evening - Yulia - one of dog acquaintances, Alexey - another dog owner and I found in the park a very distressed Russian Spaniel.

The spaniel was very scared and distrustful. We spent more than half an hour getting his trust. At one moment he run out of the park on the busy crossing. Yulia run after him and "herded" him back to the park. This was scary.
In the beginning Yulia tried to get closer to him by giving him dried calamari (usual beer snack available in park kiosks). But calamari were not up to spaniel's taste. Alexey than decided to go to the restaurant in the park and ask for some food. He got some grilled trout leftovers. The trout did the trick and Yulia succeeded to get him on the leash.
Yulia took spaniel home. Next day she posted spaniels photos around the park, streets and metro stations. Alexey put the photo of spaniel on the Internet. I called some of dog acquaintances in the park.
Since Friday evening we found out that two drunk men were walking this lovely spaniel on Friday afternoon. One of these two drank men- usually walks spaniel in the park nearby. However Yulia still have not found the address of the owner. (Dogs here do not have microchip or tattoos or the register tag). But we keep searching on.
In the meantime - the spaniel is well taken care off.
On the above photo is Yulia when she succeeded to get spaniel on the leash.
Below are photos of spaniel put on Kiev lost pets forum.

Spanish band in Kiev

In a nice café with a terrace in Kiev there is a Spanish quartet playing guitars and singing Spanish, Cuban and Latin song. They are excellent.

They are in Kiev to earn money - two are from Valencia and two from Zaragoza.

I wondered why are they in Kiev. They answered because of crisis in Spain. Usually it is Ukrainians who go to Spain and Portugal as maids, waitresses and house help. I have not expected Spaniards to move to Ukraine to play in a band to earn some money.

With my friends we bought their CD.

Yulia's Arrest

Yesterday afternoon I was shocked when my colleagues informed me Yulia was arrested. I have not expected her arrest.

The court where Yulia's trail took place is on Khreshatik. I passed it every day. Since the trail started the supporters of Yulia took about 50m of pavement on the right side from the court entrance. The government supporters took another 50m on the left side from the court entrance.
Both sides put up tents with flags and huge slogans. There was music and loudspeakers. The court hearing was directly transmitted.
The trail seems politically motivated. Charges are Yulia have not negotiated well gas prices with Russia in January 2009. That's when most of the Eastern Europe was freezing because Russian closed the gas tap on Jan 1st 2009. Yulia went to negotiate gas prices with Putin and signed a deal. Russian Foreign Ministry stated the gas deal is legal.
Tymoshenko charges that her trial is a ploy by President Viktor Yanukovych to bar her from politics. Yulia refused to respect the court and remained seated when addressing the judge. She called judge a monster. When current Prime Minister gave his testimony in Russian Yulia requested a translator saying she does not understand Russian.
Yulia's yesterday's arrest makes obvious the government is not afraid showing off its power. There were 11 buses with military men on the street. So far intimidation works.

It's unclear how long will the Yulia stay in prison.

Pusha Lesnaya

For over a month had problems with the internet. Finally - the connection is back. Also had visitors with whom I enjoyed Kiev in summer.
In the meantime also had been to the court and paid a fine for driving backwards. The judge was a nice young lady who had two handsome young assistants. Everything was over in 15 min. I was impressed.
Have been to Pusha Lesnaya - a small forest resort outside Kiev. The resort is situated at the small lake surrounded by pines. Enjoyed it very much.

Curious Objects in Tbilisi (2) - "No Credit Cards" Sign

The photo above is taken at the reception of the hotel I booked. I stayed at the hotel only one night.
The obvious interesting thing is the message about "temporary" not accepting credit cards is engraved in a chuky metal piece.
The above proves there is nothing more permanent than temporary things.

Curious Objects in Tbilisi (1) - Abacus

In almost all shops the shopkeepers use abacus. I doubt its ubiquitous presence is because shopkeepers have no money for a cheap chinese calculator. My view is shopkeepers love to use abacus. Perhaps they also know that working on an abacus improves development of a right brain - side responsible for creativity, artistic sense and spatial arrangements (dimensional sense).

 So my conclusion is that all shopkeepers using abacus are artists. If anyone wants to practise on abacus and work on development of a right side of a brain - itunes may help - since last year they offer russian abacus app.

Alternatively one can buy an abacus on Tbilisi flee market.

Court hearing for Yulia

This morning centre of Kiev was full of Yulia's supporters. They came from all over Ukraine to support Yulia who appeared in the court today.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/24/us-ukraine-tymoshenko-idUSTRE75N17M20110624
Yulia was in the court for the pre-trial hearing which was to decide if there is a case against Ms Tymoshenko accused for abuse of power over the 2009 gas supply agreement. The prosecution alleges Yulia forced in Jan 2009 at that time the head of Naftogaz to sign the gas deal with Russia's Gazprom. Following the signing of the deal the gas delivery resumed.

To refresh the memory - in January 2009 - as the New Year present to Europe - Russia stopped its gas supply to Europe because of a dispute with Ukraine. Half of the Europe (13 countries) was for two weeks without gas supply.

Tbilisi

Last Friday evening took an evening flight to Tbilisi, Georgia. From Kiev to Tbilisi is a bit more than two hours.

Tbilisi always sounded exotic to me and I wanted to visit for some time. But the August 2008 war with Russia in Abkhazia and Ossetia in a way delayed a trip.
On May 26th this year there were demonstrations in Tbilisi. For a brief moment I was considering cancelling the trip - but finally decided to go.
The town charmed me. It's leafy - the vines are everywhere. Palms and cyprus trees are next to maple, linden and yew trees. Every few steps there is a small park.
Roads are infested with potholes. Majority of buildings in need of restoration. From some houses facade is peeling off. On some balconies are hanging on some tiny wires.
It seems as since the 1917 revolution not much was spent on the city maintenance.
But restoration works are under way. While now the city looks a bit rough and neglected I expect the works which are underway will turn it into highly polished gem.

Tbilisi

Georgia is poor country and most of the shopping is done in small grocery stores. I found one big supermarket which was empty. It was full of imported (expensive) goods.
Some cloths store sell imported second hand things from Europe - at quite steep prices. I saw an H&M second hand dress for about 150 EUR.
Photos of city shopping:

Tbilisi Shops

I was most fascinated by inventive shop signs:

Tbilisi Shop Signs

People are very friendly. Unfortunately the younger generation does not speak much English and does not speak Russian at all.
Older generation speaks Russian. But I admit I felt uncomfortable trying to converse in a language of aggressor. Once I told I am from Croatia some mentioned the war, some recalled Croatia voted for Georgia in Eurovision. But people were very kind, friendly and helpful.
People are religious and men will stop to cross when they hear distant sound of a church bell. Taxi drivers will cross themselves every time the church is passed along the driving route.
Many dark haired men have blue or green eyes which made me stare.
On a warm sunny day most men take off their shirts and expose publicly their hairy chest and backs. Women often wear headscarf or a head band.
National History Museum in the basement has some fantastic jewellery dated 1-2 century AD. On the forth floor is very impressive and emotional Soviet Occupation Museum.
In the National Galery they have one whole floor dedicated to Niko Pirosmani - a self-thought Georgian 19 century painter who liked painting animals.
Food was great. For three days I enjoyed shashlik, kebabs, sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, delicious herbs, khachapuri, lavash bread.
Over few days I got a nice taste of Georgian capital. I truly hope I will be back soon.