Revolution and Radiation

Next up in the Eastern Bloc: Ukraine. Like Poland, I had never seriously considered traveling to this country. I was again taken by surprise by the country's people, culture, and way of life. 

Given that I only had 4 days in Ukraine, I decided to stick to the capital city of Kyiv. Ukraine is a massive country, so I will definitely be returning to explore more of the country, particularly to the cultural capital Lviv to the west of Kyiv. Kyiv itself is massive, with endless golden-domed churches and apartment blocks reminding you of the Soviet times. Although most of the country is trying to distance itself from Russia at the moment, they take pride in the still standing Soviet monuments, museums, and their own version of the Statue of Liberty (which is taller, by the way). Another reminder of Soviet rule was the famed Chernobyl nuclear plant, which I had the chance to visit.

About an hour and a half drive out of Kyiv, Chernobyl sits in the countryside. Several villages and cities surrounded the plant, the most famous one being Pripyat, which some of you have probably wandered around in the video game Call of Duty. It was haunting, to say the least when I walked through that city. Large roads and impressive infrastructure are now daunted by a plentitude of trees and shrubbery. If you're a fan of ghost towns and/or nightmares, this is the place for you.

I was also fortunate enough to stay with one of my good friends while in Kyiv, and he introduced me to a number of his friends. When I travel, I am constantly surprised by the generosity of people and their willingness to go out of their way to help you. Ukraine is another check on the country list, but one I'm keen to return to. Now, it's off to the Middle East.