Kyiv Chaos: A Whirlwind Weekend in Ukraine
okay, so i just landed back from kyiv. honestly? my brain is still trying to process everything. the numbers i saw - 3190261 and 1191440208 - popped up a lot during my research, almost like a secret code to the city. maybe it’s the population? who knows. anyway, the weather… i just checked and it's mildly chilly, a crisp kind of cool, with a gentle breeze. hope you like that kind of thing.
I'm a freelance photographer, so my trip was all about capturing the soul of the place. and wow. it’s a city of contrasts. ancient architecture standing proudly next to surprisingly modern cafes. you can feel the history oozing from every cobblestone alley. the pressure is 1024, humidity is 44, and the ground level sits at 1000 meters - all good for a photographer, apparently.
I spent most of my time wandering the streets, getting delightfully lost. found some seriously cool murals in the Podil district. it’s like street art exploded there. and the food! forget what you think you know about Eastern European cuisine. the varenyky (dumplings) were to die for. i even braved some salo (cured pork fat) - an experience. there are some great reviews on Yelp for local eateries if you want to check them out.
*Gear list, because that's what a photographer does:
*Camera: Duh. (Sony Alpha 7 III, for the record.)
*Lenses: A versatile zoom (24-70mm) and a fast prime (35mm).
*Tripod: Essential for those golden hour shots.
*Extra batteries: Seriously, don’t skimp on these.
*Rain cover: You never know in Kyiv!
*Comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Ukrainian phrases. It goes a long way.
I heard that the nightlife in the Khreshchatyk area is pretty wild. someone told me that the best bars are tucked away down side streets - you have to look for them. i even popped into a few hidden speakeasies - real cool vibes.
Speaking of vibes, the people are incredibly welcoming. if you get bored, Lviv is just a short train ride away, and the Carpathian Mountains are waiting for you too. apparently, the Andriyivskyi Descent is a must-see - it's like a pedestrianized art gallery.
It's a city whispering stories. A city rebuilding. A city with a strength you can feel in your bones. I definitely recommend checking out the local market for some unique souvenirs - just be prepared to haggle. Pysanka* (decorated eggs) are really popular.
Oh, and a local warned me about the currency exchange rates near the main train station. said some places weren't being entirely upfront. always good to be aware of that. I found a reputable exchange place on TripAdvisor.
It's a trip i won't soon forget. kyiv, you were a whirlwind. i'll be back.
Check out some more photos of Kyiv here