Into the Ukraine

15th June Moscow to Kiev
It was really late when we got on the train & as we filed on were stamped out of Russia. I was in a compartment with another guy on the trip & a couple of elderly Russians which meant i had to get onto the top bunk. Do you think I could do it - no way! The foot holds were ridiculous & I felt that i would fall off before I’d even got to the bunk - I just couldn’t get up there. All was solved by the old guy indicating that I should step onto the seat then onto the table & then shimmy up to the bunk. I decided that I wasn’t getting up there until I’d been to the loo & they don’t open those until you are out of the city. Eventually my 'monkey’ trick got me to the bunk & I wasn’t getting down ( not easy either until I had to! My antics caused much hilarity in my compartment & the old couple (when their words were translated) said I would never forget the train trip to Kiev! I really enjoyed my time in Russia - it was always good to see the people lighten up & we saw some great sights.

Kiev

Joined a walking tour around the city which was ok but after lack of sleep from the train I was not quite in the mood so had a relaxing afternoon. It’s also very warm & really quite humid.

Have just had Chicken Kiev for dinner - well one has to really - it was delicious.

16th June

Went by local bus to a Monastery where mummified monks are placed in glass ‘coffins’ in a cave _ the cave wasn’t quite as we’d expected. We stepped careful downwards as there was very little light and the steps were very wet. People in front of me stopped at each ‘coffin’ said a prayer, crossed themselves and then kissed the coffin. You couldn’t actually see the mummified monks as they were covered with their vestments.

Wandered around a small folk museum which was quite interesting and then walked to the Motherland monument which was beside the WW11

museum. There were plenty of tanks and guns around but the weren’t my cup of tea!