Kiev Survival Guide

Video Review of Hotel Rus Kiev

2009-10-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

It is very interesting to see live guest reviews of hotels that they stayed in. For instance, here we see a recorded video review of hotel Rus Kiev from a nice expert travel web site.
Ukrainian hotels are not always up to the standards that you expect, so it is always a nice idea to see someone speak about the property before you actually go there.
Value your time, and your nerves, too!

Premier Palace Kiev

2009-09-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

There are two ways you feel comfortable staying at Premier Palace Kiev, one of the luxury hotels in Kiev, Ukraine. First, you are too rich to look at the amount of cash spent. And second, you have your company pay for you.
It is no wonder to bother about money when you pay about five hundred for a room. Central location and services are great, but do you have the cash?

Kiev Hotels Ukraine

2009-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Please check Kyiv Hotels web site as well as Premier Palace Kiev and Radisson Hotel Kiev reviews.

A Beautiful Garden In The Core Of Kiev

2006-11-11T02:08:00.000-08:00

This garden is located behind Chimera House and Administration Of President. Beautiful, isn't it?

House Of Chimeras - Beautiful And Weird

2006-11-03T00:52:00.000-08:00

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Bankovoaya str., 10
Type: Unique Historical House

(text by Alexander Radich on November 3, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

The Administration Of The President

2006-11-02T00:11:00.000-08:00

This building, the administration of the President, is located just opposite the house with chimeras.

Another Part of House With Chimeras

2006-11-01T02:18:00.000-08:00

Another Statue At The Chimera House

2006-10-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Details Of The Facade Of The House With Chimeras

2006-10-25T01:12:00.000-07:00

Gorodetskiy House

2006-10-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is another view of the house with chimeras.

House With Chimeras - Wonder of Kiev

2006-10-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

This is a masterpiece from architect Gorodetskiy, a house with chimeras, one of the wonders of Kiev. To see it is a must.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Bankovoaya str., 10
Type: Unique Historical House

(text by Alexander Radich on October 21, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

Golden Gates Kiev

2006-10-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

That is one of the main sights of Kiev, Golden Gates.

Tourist Attraction: 1
Address: Golden Gates
Type: Sight

(text by Alexander Radich on October 19, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Public Garden At The Lvivska Square

2006-10-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

Kiev is famous for its parks and botanic gardens, its green hills and bright avenues. This is one example of public garden in one of the busiest squares. At the middle of Lvivska square there is a shelter for couples, seasoned people and parents taking for a walk their infants in baby carriages.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Lvivska Square
Type: Square

(text by Alexander Radich on October 17, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Lvivska Square

2006-10-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

This is a nice green area of the Lvivska Square, the place where Yaroslaviv Val, Vorovska street end, and where Artems street becomes Velyka Zhitomirska.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Lvivska Square
Type: Square

(text by Alexander Radich on October 16, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Central Railway Station

2006-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

This picture is rare as it tells how I managed to force my way through the security to the bays of railway with my car. Here you see 15 bay of central railway station in Kiev.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Vokzalnaya Square
Type: Central Railway Station

(text by Alexander Radich on October 14, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on October 5, 2006)

Opus Magnum Brickwork

2006-10-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

The brickwork of this building is called Opus Magnum, ancient architecture style. Nevertheless, it was built in 1905-1907.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 40
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on October 10, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Former Tereschenko College

2006-10-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

In this former college named after Tereschenko there was once an artillery specialized school # 13 (years 1937-41). In honor of war heroes, graduate students of this and other specialized schools there is a memorable sculpture on the facade (the author is Nikolay Marchenko). After the World War II there was a conservatory in this building, from 1950s the house belonged to Theater College, now - Institute of Teather Art named after Ivan Karpenko-Karyy.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 40
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on October 8, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Former Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

2006-10-05T00:54:00.000-07:00

In this building on Yaroslaviv Val, 36 a first meeting of Academy of Sciences of Ukraine took place on November 27, 1918, shortly after Hetman Skoropadsky ratified the Law of Ukrainian State About Foundation of Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kiev.

There were eight of the twelve first academicians on this first gathering. They elected unanimously Vladimir Vernadskiy, well-known scientist, geochemist, mineralogist and philosopher, as the Chairman of the Academy.

The sign on this building commemorates this event.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 36
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on October 5, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

State Tourism Committee

2006-10-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

This building is familiar to anyone who works in travel business. State Tourism Committee deals with licenses and controls travel companies. There are two types of licences, travel agent license and travel operator license. The difference is in the range of services and responsibility (agent's guarantee is 2 000 EURO and operator's is 20 000 EURO).

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 36
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on October 4, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Tower on Independence Square - Big Ben

2006-10-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

This tower with electronic clock that shows time, temperature, etc., is sometimes called Kiev Big Ben.

(text by Alexander Radich on October 3, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

Kiev Shopping and Entertainment Center Globus - Fountain

2006-09-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

(text by Alexander Radich on September 30, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

Male Gymnasia

2006-09-29T02:08:00.000-07:00

In this house there was a male gymnasia of Vladimir Naumenko. In 1919 Naumenko who was a minister of people's education at the time, was executed by shooting by Bolsheviks. Maksim Rylskiy graduated from this gymnasia in 1915. Later Naumenko was referred to as Ukrainian-German nationalist by Soviet media of that period. In 1918 Naumenko was a deputy chairman of the Ukrainian Science Society.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 25
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 29, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Lesya Ukrainka Lived Here

2006-09-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

A notorious musicologist Climent Kvitka spent his honey-moon here at Yaroslaviv Val, 32, with his wife Larisa Kosach-Kvitka, whose other name is Lesya Ukrainka.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 32
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 28, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Tea Lounge Shanti on Bessarabka

2006-09-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

This cosy restaurant is located in the center of Kiev, on Bessarabska square, 2, on the second floor of the Bessarabka market. We visited it on September 26.

They offer 3 types of menu: sushi, bar menu and tea menu.

Sushi consists of maki, migiri, sashimi, hot soups and assorted.

Bar menu offers kalyan, one of the best in Kiev, prepared by professionals on water, milk, wine, cognac, juice. The price starts at 70 UAH for a kalyan which can be smoked for 1.5 - 2 hours. Drinks include vodka, non-alcoholic, elite coctails.

Tea menu offers chinese, blue, red, yellow tea. Each type has its own legend.

Shanti also offers Wi-Fi Internet which is available if you make a decent order.
The cheapest tea is 30 UAH.

So-called tea-drinking costs 56 UAH and up, for 1 or 2 people. This is not a tea ceremony.

So-called tea masters, girls, know very well how to make tea and entertain clients with legends and stories. They bring special paraphernalia like spoons and tweezers. There are special stands for tea-drinking called Chabans.

One of the best black tea types is called Pu Er which is grown up in the earth and has specific earth smell.

There are deposits for VIP rooms (there are three of them), 350 UAH. It is just a mininal cost of order, non-refundable.

2 tables at the farther left are VIP, so the deposit is 250 UAH for each. Other tables require only 150 UAH.

6 tables are equipped with sofas, you can lie and drink tea or smoke kalyan. 3 tables are European and less comfortable, and there are 3 VIP private rooms for 2-6 people.

There is only dim light, the environment is like in a cave. For romantic atmosphere there they install candles.

Then there is a tea ceremony. The tea masters, girls, sit together with clients and entertain them with mild conversation and stories.

Kiev Tea Lounge Shanti is a representative of Moscow Shanti. They have also a business in India.

They have their own modeller and designer Arcadiy Paraschuk.

You can pay in foreign currency but the exchange rate is bad, 4.5 UAH for 1 USD and 5 UAH for 1 EURO. They DO NOT accept credit cards.

Discount cards are available for regular customers who make orders for 15 000 UAH and higher within 3 months. There are discounts for 20-25 per cent for VIP customers.

Tips are welcome, they are not included in the bill.

http://www.shanti.kiev.ua/

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Bessarabska square,2
Type: Restaurant

(text by Alexander Radich on September 27, 2006)
(picture is from the restaurant's website)

Ora et labora - To Pray and To Labor

2006-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

This building is situated at the corner of Yaroslaviv Val and Olesya Gonchara streets. It is adorned by a spired turret. It was designed by well-known architect and academician Vladimir Nikolaev. This was his last place of habitation.

The owner was a peasant by origin Osip Sidorov who got his fortune probably by following motto engraved on the facade next to a wheel, a pick and a spade, Ora et labora, or To Pray and To Labor.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 21/20
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 23, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

A Cat Near Pantagruel Restaurant

2006-09-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

This is a statue of a cat near the Pantagruel restaurant at the Golden Gates. Curious sight for making pictures.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 21, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on April 17, 2006)

Saksaganskogo Street And Pobedy Square

2006-09-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

This is yet another view from Botanic Towers. At the left you see the Lybid Hotel at the Pobedy (Peremohy or Victory) Square. The street and squares are often multinamed for several reasons.

1. Some streets are named after political figure/state man who becomes unimportant/hated after political changes as was very popular after Soviet Union was broken to pieces. Many streets were renamed after Ukraine became independent.
2. Many streets have names that are sometimes translated from Ukrainian to Russian or even English.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 19, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on April 17, 2006)

View From Botanic Towers

2006-09-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

You see another view from the top floor of Botanic Towers. At the left there is the Diplomat Hall on Zhilyanska street. At the background you see Protasov Yar hill.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 18, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on April 17, 2006)

Multinamed Street

2006-09-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Yaroslaviv Val street is crossed by a long street which name is bewildering to Kiev citizens as it was renamed six times. Once it was named Malo-Vladimirskaya after Christenerof the Rus. But after 1911 the name changed to Stolypinskaya. The head of Russian governmentPetr Stolypin was brought in a clinic here after being shot by a terrorist in Opera theater on September 1, 1911.

After the revolution the street was given a new name again, after revolutioner Lado Kechoveli. Later the famous Georgian got another street on Podil, and the multi-named street got thename of renowned aviator Valeriy Chkalov. Even though political changes seemingly didnot give grounds to yet another change, the street was again renamed in 1996.

Now it has the name of Ukrainian writer, author of novels The Standard Bearer and The Cathedral, a Hero of Socialist Labor, a laureate of Lenin and State Awards academician Oles Gonchar.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Olesya Gonchara street
Type: Street

(text by Alexander Radich on September 17, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Globus Shopping and Entertainment Center

2006-09-15T02:01:00.000-07:00

This is an underground shopping and entertainment center Globus located at Independence Square. You see the restaurant area with a pool under the glass cupola.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 15, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

A Toilet Near Golden Gates

2006-09-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

This small thing is very important when you need it.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 14, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Fountain At Golden Gates

2006-09-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

This is a fountain near Golden Gates. There is a mild cafe surrounded by green zone.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 14, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Sikorskiy House

2006-09-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

At the lawn behind the house young student of Politechnical Institute Igor Sikorskiy tested his first aircrafts, helicopters and snowmobiles. Afterwards he became a leader of Soviet aircraft designers. He was the first to create powerful, large and reliable flying vehicles, to turn aviation from dangerous hobby of braves into mighty branch of transportation and defence.

From 1919 on he lived in the United States and there he remained among the leaders of the plane and helicopter designers.

Now this building is abandoned although his american followers and Kiev relatives strived to found a memorial museum of his works here.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 15
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 13, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Doctor Yanovskiy's House

2006-09-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

The address of this house was uttered with reverence and hope as here once lived great doctor Pheophil Yanovskiy. This renowned and first academician from Ukrainian medical men had never refused aid to his clients, served poor people for free and even sometimes gave his own money to a needy patient.

In 1928 his funeral ceremony was attended by thousands of people. Apart from Orthodox priesthood there were a Roman Catholic priest and a rabbi.

The bas-relief memorandum on the house wall was done by sculptor Alexandr Skoblikov.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 13b
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 12, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Facade of Kiev Radisson SAS Hotel

2006-09-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

That is a front side of Radisson SAS in Kiev. The location is advantageous in many respects, as a lot of embassies are situated on Yaroslaviv Val, and main historical monuments and churches are in the upper old town, like Golden Gates, Sophia Cathedral and St. Andrew Church, Andriivsky descent.

Along Proreznaya street you can go down to Kreschatik. By Lysenko street you can easily get to
Opera Theater, and there is a nice Pantagruel restaurant near the Golden Gates subway station, apart from superb restaurant facilities in the Radisson itself.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 22
Type: Hotel

(text by Alexander Radich on September 11, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Kiev Radisson SAS Hotel

2006-09-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

This is one of two luxury modern expensive hotels of Kiev, Radisson SAS. It has 255 rooms furnished in three styles, Scandinavian, Maritime and Italian. The rooms are spacy and well-equipped. Hotel provides so-called money-back guarantee if something goes wrong but they boast that they have perfect customer satisfaction rate.

Advertisement manager Lubov Teplitskaya led me to show me the rooms, interiors, fitness center, sauna, conference halls and restaurants. I was impressed by technical equipment and many minor details which form the coziness and mild environment which are dominant in the whole building. The parking is smartly adjacent to the hotel from the courtyard, and restaurant Mille Miglia Ristorante & Enoteca is very charming.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 22
Type: Hotel

(text by Alexander Radich on September 10, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Headquarters of Resistance Movement

2006-09-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

This house on Yaroslaviv Val, 18 was once a headquarters of resistance movement during the Second World War. A round plate is installed there to commemorate this.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 9
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 9, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

A House Where Konstantin Paustovskiy Lived

2006-09-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

In this building located on Yaroslaviv Val, 9 once lived a famous writer Konstantin Paustovskiy (1892-1968). In 1906 his father abandoned the family, and they could afford to live only in the semi-basement.

I could not find a decent web-resource about this man in English. So you can see his a nice Russian site of his followers:

http://paustovskiy.niv.ru/

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 9
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 9, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Kiev Renaissance Building with Caryatids on Yaroslaviv Val

2006-09-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

An elegant and imposing building with white plump caryatids on the facade is located on Yaroslaviv Val, 16. This house was constructed by technician Andrey Krauss in 1897-1898. He was so prolific in his projects that his buildings were called Kiev Renaissance. The owner of the place was Michael Michailov (also known as Moisey Zilbershtein), well-known opera tenor and also a businessman dealing with real estate and construction.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 16
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 8, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Kreschatik Street From a Car

2006-09-07T02:03:00.000-07:00

This picture I made today on my way from one of our office on Kostyolna street to the other one on Pervomayskogo street. At the right there is a central post office of Kiev.

Tourist Attraction: 6
Address: Kreschatik Street, Independence Square
Type: View

(text by Alexander Radich on September 7, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on September 7, 2006)

Great View From Botanic Towers

2006-09-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

This is what you can see from the penthouse in Botanic Towers. As we looked for a real estate for one of our projects, we had a unique chance of seeing this part of Kiev from a bird's flying height.

The street going into distance is Saksaganskogo street which connects Peremohy (Victory) Square and Palace of Sports. This street stretches out parallel to Tarasa Shevchenko boulevard.

Tourist Attraction: 6
Address: 119-121 Saksahanskoho St.
Type: Panoramic View

(text by Alexander Radich on September 6, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on April 17, 2006)

Building in Modern Style on Yaroslaviv Val

2006-09-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

This complex was constructed in 1908-1911 by architects Yaskevich and Klug. The facades are an exhibition of modern style. If you scrutinize them, each time you discover new and new details like unusual patterns, linked bas-relief figures, beasts with bared teeth in bay windows.

The former owner of this manor field-officer Leonid Rodzyanko was a cavalryman, owner of stud-farm and treasurer of the local racing society. His grand apartment on the second floor looks spectacular, with its large hall and bas-relieves of horses and horsemen on the walls.

Tourist Attraction: 4
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 14
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on September 5, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Ascold's Grave

2006-09-04T00:23:00.000-07:00

By chronicle legend here, on the slopes of Dnipro, Kievan prince Ascold was buried. Thus comes the name Ascold's Grave.

The chronicle tells that Kievan princes Ascold and Dir were murdered by prince Oleg who conquered Kiev in the year 882.

In 1809-1810 on this place a church was constructed by project of architect A. Melensky. Later it was transformed into rotunda with classical colonnade.

A park was laid out here in 1936-1937.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 4, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 26, 2006)

Saint Andrew's Chapel

2006-09-03T02:48:00.000-07:00

The road-side chapel is named after Saint Andrew, built near St. Andrew's monument (architect M. Zharikov, 2000-2001)

(text by Alexander Radich on September 3, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 26, 2006)

The Statue of Saint Andrew near Ascold's Grave

2006-09-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

This monument is situated on the corner of the Park Alley and Dniprovskiy Slope. It was installed in 2000, sculptor V. Shvetsov.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 3, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 26, 2006)

Passage on the 6th Floor, Hotel Rus

2006-09-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nataliya Stolyarenko, manager of Sales and Marketing Department (at the right) and Katerina Nayda, business development manager of Easton House (at the left), we got a unique opportunity to view the rooms and amenities of Hotel Rus.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Superior Suite, Hotel Rus - Livingroom

2006-09-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

The livingroom of Superior Suite is also pleasant and entertaining but small.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Bedroom in a Superior Suite, Hotel Rus

2006-09-01T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is a bedroom in a Superior Suite, Hotel Rus. The bed seems comfortable. The room is quite small, though.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Superior Suite in Hotel Rus

2006-09-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

A card is to be inserted in electronic lock to open the door. When you enter the room, TV set automatically plays welcome video presenting Hotel Rus.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Single Superior, Hotel Rus, Furniture

2006-09-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

The furniture in single superior is of better quality than in single room of Hotel Rus.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Single Superior Room, Hotel Rus, Kiev

2006-09-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

This is a single superior room in Hotel Rus, Kiev. The differences from single room are:
1) It has larger bed, king-size (single room has queen-size).
2) The furniture is more modern.
3) Some of the rooms are in executive floor (6th floor, if I am not mistaken)

Otherwise it is the same area and amenities.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Hospitalna, 4
Type: Hotel

(text by Alexander Radich on September 2, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

At the Rear Side of Hotel Rus

2006-09-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

This is a back side of Hotel Rus. What interesting places can you find? I would recommend a few.

At the left you see a large conference hall of President Hotel. Many important events take place here. There is a bank Oschadbank at the right of conference hall. Also there is a strip cabare bar and Italian restaurant. Right underneath there is a small cosy restaurant Old Fort (Stara Fortecya) where you can play billiard.

Important tip: There is an Intours travel agency near conference hall, and it has railway tickets office. It is very convenient to get tickets there if you live in Hotel Rus or President Hotel. Otherwise you need to go very far to fetch them.

At the park which is located behind the Olympic stadium there are a lot of tennis courts. I used to play soccer there in a small sporting ground with security team and waiters of Hotel Rus. I am in good terms with all the Hotel Rus staff.

Also behind Olympic Stadium there is a skating rink Kryzhynka (a piece of ice). My friend sponsors child hockey championship, and I used to take part in rewarding ceremony.

(text by Alexander Radich on September 1, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Olympic Stadium, Kiev

2006-08-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Another great view from Hotel Rus. This is another side of hotel which opens a view to the Olympic Stadium. This stadium used to be the largest in the former Soviet Union having only one rival, Moscow complex Luzhniki. Both of them had more than one hundred thousand seats, Kiev being ahead about one thousand seats. Later, in nineties, the stadium was reconstructed to European standards, and plastic seats were installed instead of long wooden benches. Thus, the number of seats diminished to 83 000. Still, this is an impressive construction which hosts Champions League and international games of Ukraine team.

From the top floors starting from 16th floor you can see the whole stadium. Thus the admirers of sport will be able to enjoy atmosphere and game from your room. Still of course it is better to seat in the stadium itself, for true admirers and tiffosis!

(text by Alexander Radich on August 30, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Livingroom With a Table and TV Set, Hotel Rus

2006-08-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

The table for work with a TV set and a catalog with useful telephone numbers and hotel services is located in a livingroom of a suite.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 29, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Livingroom, Suite, Hotel Rus

2006-08-29T01:37:00.000-07:00

This is not very impressive, isn't it. I think that if you want to stay in Hotel Rus, it is better to choose budget rooms which are 130 USD per night (I know how to reserve a room for cheaper price) than to have a suite that they charge at 200+ USD as there is nothing special about it, only a little more space and larger bathroom.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 29, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Bathroom In a Suite, Hotel Rus, Kiev

2006-08-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

This is a spacy bathroom in a suite in Hotel Rus. It is more spacy and comfortable than in a single or twin.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 29, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Suite in Hotel Rus, Kiev

2006-08-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

This suite consists of two rooms, a bedroom and livingroom. I would say that furniture is not very modern. Rooms are small.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 29, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Palace of Sports - View from Hotel Rus

2006-08-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is a Palace of Sports, as seen from top floors of Hotel Rus. At the rear you see Rognedinskaya street with Pervak restaurant. It goes to Krasnoarmeyskaya street, Shota Rustaveli street with Sinagogue and underground supermarket Metrograd.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 28, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Panoramic View from Hotel Rus - President Hotel

2006-08-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

To the right you see the President Hotel Kyivsky which is located next to Hotel Rus. Formerly there was a Hotel Complex Kyivska Rus. Them they separated and now present different hotels, competitors. President Hotel has four stars, and Hotel Rus has three, though I myself cannot say that this difference is fair. By many positions Rus is better, to my belief.

At the left you see a business center which is being constructed yet. The name is the Sail as it resembles a high ship in sea waters.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 28, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Car Parking at Hotel Rus

2006-08-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great thing about Hotel Rus - nice green area around hotel. The parking area can hold more than a hundred cars at one time.

At the center of the picture you see a little pool with fountain where at summer times there was a small cafe Oasis. This year cafe appeared in another place, as you can see at the right bottom, a few blue awnings.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 28, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Panoramic View From 16th Floor of Hotel Rus

2006-08-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

That is what I love in Hotel Rus a lot - its great panoramic views. Its location on a hill allows to look at the city from above. So - what you see:
- at the bottom left - Palace of Sports where Eurovision was taking place in 2005 and where a lot of sports events (ice hockey, basketball, handball, dancing), festivities, music concerts, even exhibitions and fairs are held every week;
- at the center - Basseynaya street, further away - Kreschatik;
- at the right - Regus business center tower, at the left center - Mandarin Plaza;
- at the left further away - St. Sofia Cathedral.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Hospitalna, 4
Type: Hotel

(text by Alexander Radich on August 27, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Single Room in Hotel Rus

2006-08-27T00:47:00.000-07:00

Single room differs little from a twin. Actually these rooms are completely identical in rates. The price for a single occupance in a twin equals single occupance in a single. If two people want to live in a single, the king-size bed offers this opportunity. In this case it can be called a double room. Thus there no actual singles in Hotel Rus. There are only twins (two smaller beds) and doubles (one larger bed). There are no rooms in the hotel with only one small bed.

There are also so-called Single Superior rooms with king-size bed. They cost some 20 USD more. You can see current rates here http://www.hotelrus.kiev.ua/en/rooms/rates.php

The rates are in UAH. The exchange rate is about 5 UAH for 1 USD.

If you want to know about the tricks of cheaper rates, just ask me how. And I will also explain this in my next posts.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 27, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Hotel Rus - Bathroom in a Twin Room

2006-08-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

This is a standard bathroom in a twin or single. Nothing special to comment. It has a bath and a wash-bowl.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 27, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

A Twin Room in Hotel Rus

2006-08-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

Today I will introduce you to my alma mater, Hotel Rus, where I worked for a couple of years as IT specialist. I also made its first Web-site. Let us have a little tour around the hotel.

This is a twin room in the Hotel Rus. Simple enough, isn't it? Small room with two beds.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Hospitalna, 4
Type: Hotel

(text by Alexander Radich on August 27, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 3, 2006)

Bulgakov Museum Guide - Tatiana Rogozovskaya

2006-08-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Tatiana Abramovna narrates about Bulgakov's life.

Bulgakov Museum - Turbin's House

2006-08-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

On August 23, 2006 I visited Bulgakov Museum on Andreevskiy Descent, 13. The entrance fee is 5 UAH without a guide, and 8 UAH with a guide if there are enough people for a tour. If you want to make pictures in the museum, you will have to pay 2 UAH for each. The guide, Tatiana Rogozovskaya, can narrate either in Russian or in English. She is a professional speaking with much vigor and spirit.

In this house the world-renown writer of Master and Margarita, Young Guards and Dog’s Heart lived from 1906 till 1919. This house he “inhabited” with his own literature heroes Turbins. That is why any piece of furniture here is associated with episodes of Young Guards novel.

First we entered a scantily lit room which should make an impression of a short winter day. In this room the Turbins listened to gunshots of stormy revolution days. There are old-days parquet floors preserved, and 2 pianos, one of which was moved to dacha house in the summer time. One of chairs was used by Bulgakov himself.

Faust was Bulgakov’s favorite opera, and this classic influenced his art greatly. In his letter to Stalin he addressed himself as mystic writer.

A wardrobe in the bedroom has a secret opening to another room with a plate of apartment #50, known as “no good apartment” from Master and Margarita. At this spot we, men from our group, gave hand to ladies to help them step over a high wardrobe threshold.

The ceiling at the small room does not make a right angle but that of a 5-point star (72 degrees).

Bulgakov collected butterflies, and here there is a part of his collection exhibited.

Nabokov said there the books are not to be read but only to be re-read.

At the last room there is a mystic mirror which shows snowstorm and starry sky depicting an episode of one of Turbin’s fever and delirium.

After the trip ended, Tatiana showed me a new room with exhibits of a writer Victor Nekrasov. She was going to Paris for new items of this collection as this writer spent his last years in Paris.

If you are one of millions of admirers of Michail Bulgakov, do not forget to visit this place.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Andreeskiy Descent, 13
Type: Museum

(text by Alexander Radich on August 26, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 23, 2006)

Go to Kiev, Shura!

2006-08-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is a monument to famous personage of Ilf and Petrov classic humor novel Golden Calf. Panikovskiy was a wretched swindler who boasted about his old good days to his buddy thief Shura:

- Please go to Kiev, Shura, and ask what Panikovskiy was doing before the revolution!

- With these glasses I was nurtured for many years. I went to Kreschatik with glasses and a stick and asked some decent-looking gentleman to help poor blind man to cross the street. He took my hand and led me to the other pavement where he already missed his watch if he had only or a wallet. Some had their wallets with them.

- Formerly I paid a policeman on the corner of Kreschatik and Proreznaya 5 roubles a day, and was left alone with my work.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: At the beginning of Proreznaya street, near Kreschatik
Type: Monument

(text by Alexander Radich on August 25, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

The Great Blind Man Panikovskiy

2006-08-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

The famous blind man - swindler Mikhail Panikovskiy was played by talented actor Zinoviy Gerdt. The monument to Panikovkiy depicts this actor.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

Karaime Kenasa - Actor's House

2006-08-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

There were a few of karaimes in Kiev but among them there was a local "Tobacco king" Solomon Kogen. Joint-stock company which managed Kiev tobacco factory on Pobedy Avenue was named after him posthumously. The Kenasa was built with funds of Kogel. Kenasa means assembly. The same root aplies to Israel Parliament knesset.

The building was constructed by Vladislav Gorodetskiy in 1898 - 1902. He was assisted byItalian sculptor Elio Salya.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Karaime Kenasa

2006-08-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

A definitely striking building is situated on Yaroslaviv Val, 7. Presently an Actor's House, it was built in eastern mauritanian style for the local karaime community. Karaimes are people of Turks origin, religiously similar to Judaism but not admitting Talmud (code of religious injunctions and interpretations created by jewish sages). Some researchers believe that karaimes are descendants of ancient Khazars.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 7
Type: Historical Building

(text by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

You Shalt Not Kill

2006-08-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

On the surface of the monument there are engraved words – “You shalt not kill” in 70 languages.

Monument to Victims of Terror

2006-08-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first monument to victims of terror in the world. It was opened on the 4th anniversary of the 9-11 terror acts in New York, on September 11, 2005.

The idea belongs to the International cross-confessional Association “The Step to Unity”. It was carried out by Odessa architectural group headed by famous Michael Reva.

This monument of cast iron and concrete is shaped as split in two halves heart. At the core of it there is the largest tuning fork in the world. It symbolizes a tocsin of memory.

(text by Alexander Radich on August 21, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 22, 2006)

Tourist Attraction: 5
Address: Square at Metro Klovska
Type: Monument

Chernobyl Ambulance Car

2006-08-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

This is an Ambulance Car for rescuers and citizens of the Contaminated Zone.

Painting of the Catastrophe

2006-08-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

Painting depicting this disaster.

Model of the Reactor

2006-08-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

This is a small 3D model of the 4th reactor.

View of the Reactor From a Plane

2006-08-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

This picture of the 4th reactor was made from a plane.

Letters, Diaries, Pictures of Witnesses

2006-08-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

These are displays at the museum. Letters of rescuers to their relatives, diaries of witnesses of the catastrophe and many pictures of people who suffered.

Do Not Disturb, the Owner Is Here

2006-08-21T01:47:00.000-07:00

After the disaster many people abandoned their homes, so they stand lifeless and vacant. This gave rise to marauder activity. To prevent unnecessary attacks the owners who ventured to stay in the dangerous area posted clear signs outside stating that Owner Is Here usually meaning Do Not Disturb.

Young Victims

2006-08-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of children who died after Chernobyl catastrophe. At the left the costumes of Chernobyl rescuers are exhibited.

Road to Hell

2006-08-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

These are the checkpoints. White boards show names of villages and towns on the way to the contaminated zone.

Chernobyl Museum at Fire-station

2006-08-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

On January 6, 2005 I visited the Chernobyl museum. Some of my guests expressed desire to visit Chernobyl on helicopter, this option was available a couple of years ago. But not everybody is ready and willing to visit this disastrous place personally, no doubt. Only brave tourists that are after extreme adventures can actually go there.
So they can visit the Chernobyl Museum.

My friend who is bald, invented a joke. Whenever we talk about Chernobyl, he puts his palm on his bald head and says, “Oh, don’t mind it, I already visited this place”.

The disaster influenced my life. In 1986 I was 12 years old, and at the end of April was in the 5th grade in school 159 in Kiev. I heard the rumor that something terrible happened in nuclear plant near Kiev. Somebody told that we should keep windows closed. On the 1st of May many people went to see the parade on Kreschatik, others went to the countryside or to Hydropark. But my parents were looking for ways to evacuate me outside of dangerous area. My grandmother lives in Astrakhan, so we bought tickets, and went there, with my father and younger brother, 4 years old.

The 5th grade was not finished, but all Kiev schools were closed, children were evacuated, mostly to Kharkov, so we got our school report card automatically, to children’s cheers. I lived in Astrakhan for half a year, and studied in 6th grade in local school where got a lot of sympathy from teachers and children. They even called me Chernobyl hedgehog, after famous joke of that period. I was not offended.

The fox tells Kolobok (round bald loaf of bread, personage of Russian fairy tales):
“I will eat you!”
“Do not eat me, fox, I am not Kolobok, I am Chernobyl hedgehog!”

That was quite popular a joke, you know, catastrophies always bring to life a lot of black humour…

When I returned home, the life was normal. Well, in my school 3 or 4 children died from blood cancer. One of my friends went to Chernobyl area, long after the 1986, and died in 1992. The father of my very close friend, worked in the contaminated zone, and died when my friend was only 9 years old.

That is my experience, quite scarce, of course, but … They say that we Ukrainians were lucky that wind was blowing in the opposite direction, so Kiev which is only 100 km away from Chernobyl, survived. So we survived, thanks God.

So – the museum is situated in the Podil area, near Kontractova square. The open hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, on Saturday – to 5 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Tourist Attraction: 2
Address: Khorevoy lane, 1
Type: Museum
Google Earth Location: N 50˚27’58.32” E 30˚31’3.0’’

(text by Alexander Radich on January 6, 2005)
(picture by Alexander Radich on January 6, 2005)

Vineyard Baron's Manor

2006-08-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

That is a real Baron’s house. It belonged to baron Maxim Schteingel. This lovely two-storied house with awning balcony supported by thin metal bearings was built in 1858 for a famous doctor, professor of Kiev University Sergey Alferyev.

Afterwards the manor was bought by aristocrat, music lover and businessman Schteingel. He owned a metal weaving factory in Kiev and vast vineyards Tuishkho in the Caucasus. By project of Alexander Sheele the back park façade of the house was renovated, small park was equipped with amenities and the outdoor wing was ennobled.

To the right of the building we see a little one-storied annex where wines of baron’s vineyards were once sold.

In the Soviet times the house belonged to the Writer’s Union of Ukraine, so a lot of literature celebrities visited it. But then the manor was given to the Indian Embassy. Now it is nicely renovated.

Tourist Attraction: 3
Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 3
Type: Historical Building
Google Earth Location: N 50˚26’57.48” E 30˚30’42.3’’

(text by Alexander Radich on August 21, 2006)
(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Totem Animals

2006-08-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

The place is not often visited by tourists although the fame of this curious establishment has extended widely thanks to Internet.

The rumors go that these were the totem animals of Kiev criminal authority Kisel (kissel) who was afterwards killed.

Address: Reytarskaya, 9, in the courtyard

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Raven's Cage

2006-08-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

In a quiet courtyard just off the Reytarskaya street there is a cage with three ravens called Kirill, Karlusha, Korbin. Two of the ravens (Kirill and Karlusha) are in larger part of the cage, and Korbin is isolated. They say that Korbin and Karlusha were initially a happy couple, but when younger Kirill came, there began quarrels. Now Korbin has to live a lonely life in his separated room.

There are clear signs that ravens are cared for and nurtured regularly. They look healthy and a little sleepy. The largest one was yawning all the time. He scrutinized me and found me of no interest to him.

Address: Reytarskaya, 9, in the courtyard

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Baron's Castle or Sugar King's Mansion?

2006-08-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

The house was built by request of landlord Michail Podgorskiy in 1896-1898 but researchers were not sure who created this fantastic castle. For a long time they named renowned Kiev architect Vladislav Gorodetskiy or Valerian Kulikovskiy who built nearby building of administration of South-West Railway.

But now this mystery has reportedly come to an end. At the end of 19th century young talented engineer Nikolay Dobachevskiy who took part in building Panama Canal arrived to Kiev. Many elite architects were envious of his success so finally he was forced to leave the city.

The appearance of the building on Yaroslaviv Val, 1 corresponds to his creative style, and in his diary he lists Podgorskiy among his building owners on 1896.

Some people believe that the castle building belonged to baron Maksim Schteingel, and the phrase ‘baron’s castle’ sounds quite romantic. But actually this house from 1916 was owned by ‘sugar king’ Lev Brodskiy (before it was nationalized by Soviet regime).

Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 1

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Beast-headed Creatures

2006-08-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Over the portal arch there overhang two threatening two-winged beast-headed creatures.

There was once an inscription at the threshold – SALVE (Hello) but I failed at discovering it.

Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 1

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Large Street Under Rampart

2006-08-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

The street stretching from the Golden Gate to the Lvivska Square, the ancient entrance to Kiev from Lviv and Zhitomir, is called Yaroslaviv Val (Rampart of Yaroslav). The former name of Yaroslaviv Val is Bolshaya Podvalnaya street, literally meaning the Large street Under the Rampart.

Multiple names for one street is no surprise for Kiev citizens. So this Yaroslaviv Val street was known as Christiana Rakovskogo, Klimenta Voroshilova and Andreya Polupanova at different times. At 1975 the street resumed its original name.

Just by the little green square of the Golden Gate we see a quaint building with strange silhouette, lancet Gothic windows, pointed turret with spire reminding of fairytale castles.

Address: Yaroslaviv Val, 1 (from the Golden Gate square)

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 19, 2006)

Trukhaniv Island

2006-08-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

The new bridge will connect Podil district with Voskresenka. At the rear you see Troeschina where I live. The 6 skyscrapers are built, and the construction is frozen at the moment due to a lack of funds.

Pedestrian Bridge

2006-08-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

This is a pedestrian bridge. It links Kiev center with Trukhanov island.

European Square

2006-08-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is what we have seen on Wednesday, August 2, 2006, at European square in Kiev.

Address: European Square

(picture by Alexander Radich on August 2, 2006)

2005-12-25T04:52:00.000-08:00

I am a native Ukrainian living in Kiev. I work with tourists visiting Ukraine.
I want to share my thoughts and experience with anybody who decides to come to my city or any other city or town of Ukraine.

I love my city. I suppose it is worth telling about it.