Kyiv Chaos: A Random Day in Ukraine (and what 1272201 & 1356350758 Mean!)
okay, so kyiv. where do i even start? i landed yesterday, and it’s…something else. the air smells like rain and possibility, which is a weird combo. and the humidity? seriously clinging to you like a lovesick koala. let's just say the weather report was not kidding. i just checked and it's…a mild, damp hug right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
i’m going to be brutally honest: i’m a freelance photographer, and this trip feels like a gamble. a beautiful, potentially人生を変える gamble. i’ve been chasing stories for years, and kyiv just pulled me in. i’m digging this feeling of being completely outside my comfort zone.
i’m trying to decipher these numbers i found scribbled in my travel journal: 1272201 and 1356350758. anyone know what these could mean? a code? a lucky number? a serial number on a particularly interesting piece of street art i’m going to photograph? maybe it's related to some historical event... honestly, i’m leaning towards it being some kind of password. maybe for a secret underground club? a local told me something about a hidden jazz bar down a back alley - apparently, you have to know the right phrase.
The neighborhood i’m staying in is…lively. let's just say the cats are king here. they rule the sidewalks and judge your every move. i saw one yesterday casually stroll across a busy intersection like it owned the place. it was amazing. if you get bored, Odessa is just a short drive away. i'm planning to check it out next week.
*Food: i'm on a mission to find the best varenyky in the city. someone told me that the best ones are made by babushkas who have been making them for 60 years. i'm currently using TripAdvisor to track down potential leads. i’ve also heard rumors of some incredible street food near the Podil district. i'm also checking Yelp for recommendations. i've got a link to a great travel guide to Ukraine here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ukraine .
Gear:
Camera (duh! a trusty Canon EOS R6)
Extra lenses (wide-angle for landscapes, a telephoto for wildlife and portraits)
Laptop (for editing - staying connected is a must)
Portable charger (essential, especially with all the photos i’m taking)
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll do a LOT of walking)
Phrasebook (even if you only know a few words, it helps)
Pro-tip: learn a few basic Ukrainian phrases. people appreciate the effort! and don’t be afraid to get lost - that’s how you discover the hidden gems.
I’m spending tomorrow exploring St. Sophia's Cathedral. apparently, it’s the place to see to understand the history of the city. the locals whisper it holds secrets from centuries past. i'm also trying to find a good spot to photograph the Andriyivsky Descent*, that’s the famous street with all the artists and souvenir shops. someone warned me about pickpockets there, so i’m being extra careful.
The pressure is hovering around 1010, the humidity is a thick blanket, and the temperature is a balmy 25.48 degrees Celsius. It’s not exactly scorching, but it’s definitely warm enough to sweat.
I’ll update soon, if i don’t get completely lost in translation. i'm trying to get my bearings navigating the city, and i'm hoping to post some photos soon. and maybe decipher those mysterious numbers. you can find a good overview of Kyiv's history here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv
and a local guide to interesting places: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294470-Activities-Kyiv_Ukraine.html
Anyway, gotta go explore. wish me luck!
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/tunis-the-city-that-never-stops-dripping-and-i-dont-mean-rain
- https://votoris.com/post/the-tax-system-in-los-angeles-confessions-of-a-streetperforming-mathlete
- https://votoris.com/post/the-local-food-scene-in-chengdu-what-the-residents-actually-eat-and-how-much-it-costs-to-live-here-2
- https://votoris.com/post/manila-a-digital-nomads-sticky-adventure
- https://votoris.com/post/the-tax-system-in-abomeycalavi-what-i-learned-after-getting-scammed-twice