It was still too early for snow in the Ukraine in mid November but a huge snowstorm occured in Eastern Europe that blanketed the ground in several feet of snow upon my arrival from London.

Kiev is a city of 2 million people and the capital of Ukraine. In 1999 the Ukrainian parliament declared itelf an independent nation and rejected Soviet Rule.

There are beautiful golden domed churches built as far back as 1031. The main tourist area is along Khreschatyk Street. St Andrews Church is located at the top Andriyivsky Street. It was supposedly built on the site where Andrew the apostle erected a cross.

The street winds down a hill amidst a flea market. Here you can find many good souvernirs at reasonable prices and many of the merchants speak English.

Kiev is a city of many forests and parks lined by poplar trees. It becomes even more beautiful in the snow. There is beautiful park near St Sophia Church. For extremely interesting day trip go to Caves Monastery and the Museum of Microminiature.

The Monastery is an array of golden domed churches, monastic buildings turned into museums, and caves with mumified bodies of monks that once lived there.You can hire an English speaking guide for $20 on the grounds of the Memorial.

The Museum of Microminiature is housed in the former library and contains the world's smallest book and world's smallest chess set. You have to see it to believe it!!! It is the work of Russian artist Nikolai Siadristy.

St Sophia Cathedral was built in 1017-1031.This is the oldest standing church in Kiev and is adjacent to the Royal Palace.

Also on Khreschatyk Street near the metro is Independence Square. It was here that President Clinton spoke at the huge outdoor theatre.

The McDonalds by Independence Square is a gathering spot but the manager will not let anyone congregate outside unless they make a purchase. ${QuickSuggestions} The flea market along Khreschatyk Street is an interesting place. I saw two men playing chess outside in the snow.

You can buy Russian and Ukrainian souvernirs here much cheaper than at department stores and many merchants speak English.

Khreschatyk Hotel is $100 single room and within walking distance of most attractions.

For lodging I prefer contacting Mir Corpoaration in USA which will provide airport pickup and room amd board for only $45 daily.

At the time I was there you had to register your visa with police within 3 days of arrival unless you stayed at a hotel. Now this is not required and you simply need a Ukranian visa to enter.

By all means go to the Memorial and tour the catacombs and other intersting buildings there. However, this is extremely crowded on weekends and lines are long.${BestWay} You can take a taxi from airport to Hotel Khreschatyk for $10.

Best way to get around is by the metro but all signs are in Russian so you will need a guide or be with someone who speaks the language.

If you stay in area around Khreschatyk you can walk to most churches and parks.

To get to the Monastery take trolley bus 20 at the northen end of Khreschatyk. It is 2.5 km from there.

From journal Winter Vacation in Kiev