kyiv: it’s… complicated
okay, so i just got back from kyiv. and honestly? it’s a lot. like, a lot a lot. i’m still trying to process it, and i just checked and it’s...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s freezing, but also strangely warm, and the river is frozen solid in places, and then there’s sunshine. it’s… chaotic. i’m not even kidding.
seriously, the geography is insane. it’s built on these hills, like, really hilly. it’s all Dnipro River this and Dnipro River that. someone told me that the locals just call it ‘the river’ and it’s a relief. it’s like, you’re constantly climbing and descending, and the streets are… well, let’s just say they’re not designed for smooth driving. i almost took out a mailbox. a mailbox!
and the climate? don’t even get me started. warm summers, which are great, i guess, but followed by these ridiculously long, snowy winters. it’s like, one minute you’re sweating, the next you’re wearing five layers and wishing you’d brought a parka. it’s a constant battle. i’m pretty sure i lost.
historically, it’s a big deal, obviously. kievan rus’ and all that. it’s like, they’ve been building and rebuilding on those hills for centuries. it’s a constant reminder of how much history is just… there. you’re walking around and you’re thinking, ‘wow, people lived here a long time ago.’ it’s a little overwhelming, to be honest.
and the neighbors? if you get bored, podil and pechersk are just a short drive away. they’re… different. podil’s all old and cobbled, pechersk is, well, caves. it’s a weird mix. i didn’t really explore them much, to be honest. i was mostly focused on not falling down any hills.
seriously, the tourist stuff is cool, i guess. the bluffs, the caves, the river… it’s all pretty. but it’s also… steep. and cold. and you’re constantly dodging horse-drawn carriages. it’s a sensory overload. i did see a bunch of churches, which were nice, but i mostly just wanted a hot drink and a warm bed.
and the food? i didn’t really dig into it. someone told me that varenyky are amazing, but i was too busy trying not to trip. i did have some borscht, which was… okay. it was definitely… borscht.
just a general warning: be prepared for freezing spells and windy conditions. the hills are treacherous, and the river freezes over in winter, making navigation a nightmare. spring/autumn require light- to mediumweight clothing. it’s just… a lot. i’m going to go lie down now.
rating: 6.5/10 (mostly for the sheer audacity of the hills)
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/rome-a-chaotic-love-letter-to-a-city-that-hates-you
- https://topiclo.com/post/my-faridabad-headache-dust-factories-and-12degree-surprises
- https://topiclo.com/post/santiago-mountains-smog-and-pastel-de-choclo-a-rambling-report
- https://topiclo.com/post/my-montreal-adventure-cold-crazy-and-totally-worth-it
- https://topiclo.com/post/salvadors-messy-groove-a-tired-bloggers-ramblings