Sightseeing in Kiev

Alona and I had a fun day of sightseeing in Kiev. It was pretty chilly and rainy this morning, but that did not stop us from visiting the Lavra. Ryan and I went when we were here in July, and you can read more about the Lavra in my post here. I learned a few more facts about the Lavra. It was started in 1051 by monks Theodosius and Antony. It is still an active monastery with monks currently living deep inside the caves. The number of monks who live down there is unknown.

 Church of the Nativity of Mary behind us

Head piece worn by the highest ranking monk

The Great Lavra Bell Tower...stands 316 feet tall

Back of the Church of the Nativity of Mary

Beautiful View of the Dneiper River and the Lavra compound

Alona checking out the statues of the founders of the Lavra...Theodosius and Antony

  View of the WWII monument through the a slit in the wall surrounding a cemetery at the Lavra

The Great Lavra Bell Tower and Church of the Nativity of Mary

After touring the Lavra, we stopped by a Ukrainian buffet for lunch, and then went home to rest. 

Making our selections at the buffet

This evening, the rain and clouds cleared away, and it was a gorgeous evening, so we got back out and headed to Independence Square. On Sundays, the main street that runs through Independence Square, Kereshatyk Street, is blocked off and people wander through the street checking out the street performers.

We climbed up the steps to October Palace to get some great views of downtown Kiev. October Palace was built in the early 1900's and is officially known as the International Center of Culture and Arts since Ukraine gained its Independence in 1991. 

Just sipping some coffee while sitting in a coffee cup

Stopped by a candy store where they make their own candy on sight. Alona chose a big ole lolly pop

Beautiful view of Independence Square with October Palace in the background

Fancy Clock!

October Palace

Sun setting over downtown Kiev

My pretty girl with a pretty view

After walking around Independence Square, we walked through the underground mall and found the girls some fun little presents. After that, we were hungry! We stopped by the restaurant that Ryan and I both love...Krym. Last time we ate there, they brought us a small glass of house made Kvass that was really yummy, so I told Alona she should order it. She got a little more than she bargained for!!

Not quite the small glass of Kvass I thought she would be getting! 

(In case you have missed my last posts mentioning Kvass, I promise it's non alcholic!!)

On our walk home after dinner, we passed the snail near the Golden Gates and figured out what it is for...coffee!! Who would have guessed? ( See picture of Alona with it on my post yesterday)

The girls new stuffed animals along with a few of Alona's old friends:)

I am happy to say that today was a tear free day! I know that we will experience good days and bad days throughout this transitional and adjustment phase, and feel thankful for the good day that we had. Thank you to each of you for all of the encouraging words and prayers you have given us over these last couple of days.

Tomorrow we will go to the embassy to turn in some paperwork for her Visa, and go for the medical exam. Please pray that there are no issues with the paperwork, and that her medical exam goes very well! Please also pray that her international passport gets delivered tomorrow! It is hard to believe that we could be on our way home in a few short days!!