Kiev

Ukraine has dropped off the tourism radar because of the nasty on-again/off-again war with Russia to the south and east. But most of the country remains safe. Besides, there's no denying it's a gorgeous place to sightsee, especially the tourist-friendly capital city of Kiev.

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Kiev's central Maidan Square with a view of Ukraine's Independence Monument across the street.

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Closeup of Ukraine's Independence Monument in front of the Ukraine Hotel.

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More shots from around Maidan Square.

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Kiev Founders Monument.

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There is a distinct militaristic vibe in Kiev. From the soldiers doing parade practice in public squares to military recruitment ads, the fight against Russia is never far away from public consciousness.

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This just might be one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen: the 1000+ year old St Sophia's Cathedral.

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Looking down on Sophia Square from atop the St Sophia Cathedral bell tower.

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Sophia Square.

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St Michael's Monastery.

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Princess Olga Monument, unveiled in 1911 to commemorate the first and only woman to have ruled the Ukrainian state, from 945 to 962.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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I was surprised to see Japanese restaurants on nearly every street corner in Kiev. The distinctive green, white, and orange logo of Sushiya marks the location of one of the country's favorite chain sushi hangouts.

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Kitschy Ukrainian souvenirs available for sale everywhere. Some of the stuff made sense, like the mocking USSR shirts and anti-Putin toilet paper. But piles of local ID cards for sale seemed odd next to I love Kiev T-shirts...

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Kiev from the front seat of a taxi cab.

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Open-air war museum at the base of the Motherland Monument.

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Socialist realist stone carvings at the base of the Motherland Monument. Soldiers and workers striving together for the collective.

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Massive "Defend the Motherland" monument in Kiev.

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Map of Ukraine made from flowers in the Motherland Monument park.

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Entrance to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a still active walled Orthodox Christian Monastery filled with elaborate churches and underground tombs dating back nearly a thousand years.

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The nearly 1000 year old awesomeness that is the Kiev Pechersk Lavra UNESCO World Heritage site.

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The stunning interior of the Dormition Cathedral. Pictures were not allowed inside, but I managed to snap off a quick couple shot before the docents spotted me.

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View of the Dormition Cathedral from the top of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra bell tower.

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Refectory Church, Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

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"Glory to the heroes" at a makeshift memorial next to Maidan Square.

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Two more reminders of the turmoil that marks modern life in the country. On the left, a statue commemorating the friendship between Russia and Ukraine is defaced with "Glory to Ukraine" graffiti on the bottom. To the right, a makeshift memorial next to Maidan Square to commemorate lives lost in 2014 during anti-government protests. This 20 year old student was among those killed in the skirmishes.

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View of Kiev and the Dnieper River blow from the city's Sky Park.

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Ukraine International aircraft at Kiev Airport.