Ukraine Unexpected Adventures

Some days on some journeys stand out more than others, and after two weeks in hot, sticky and often uncomfortable Ukraine a few days to round off the trip in Kiev seemed to be just what was called for.  The day in question was spent marvelling at why anyone would build a 62 metre tall statue of a female warrior?  we went to check it out.  'Rodina Mat' or properly called the defence of the mother land monument' is a giant titanium woman who can be viewed from many vantage points across the city.  But it is also possible to get right up close to her, stand at her feet or even catch a lift right into her head.  Sounds like a promising treat, especially to weary people and those with more than a slight fondness for large statues.  The bigger and weirder the better. 


Rodina Mat

The excitement mounted until unfortunately it was discovered that due to the super hot temperatures that the city was experiencing the trip to the head would just have to wait.  It was apparently too dangerous to enter the head what with it being made of metal.  Undeterred we sought fun in the surrounding grounds.  And I would recommend to any one the photo opportunities available on relicts of the Soviet era.  Who wouldn't want to climb onto various old tanks and other military hardware.  Especially as we more or less had the place to ourselves.



Other examples of fine Soviet era statues integrated into complete scenes of hard labour and communist pride also exist around the area and again proved a reliable source of propaganda of the strength of the union.  Is it wrong to pretend to be part of the statues, I'm sure we've all done it.  If not you're missing no end of fun. 

Playing statues on military hardware

In contrast the rest of the day was spent around the Lavra.  The Ukraine's most sacred of holy grounds.  Several hours of exploration are needed to explore this site of Orthodox churches, monasteries and caves.  With skilfully crafted domes, ornate paintings and decorations this area is as beautiful and inspiring as you would expect it to be.  A place of pilgrimage for many Orthodox Christians and a place of tourist pilgrimage for others.  A side from the vast numbers of people all straining to get a look, the place itself proved interesting.   However  with all the pushing and shoving some religious significance seemed lost.

View of the Lavra

So a memorable day no less, and well worth the visit for anyone passing this way.  But despite the holiness of the Lavra, the feeling of peace and tranquillity, there's no getting away from the fact that a big statue will always be a big statue and who can resist that?