More Pics!

I don't think I'm too good at this whole blogging thing... very sporadic. Anyways, a few more pics. More are on Facebook!

Even in Ukraine...

I've come to notice some cliché "American" things since being in Kyiv. Here are I found more enjoyable/unnecessary....

The Jersey Shore

South Park

Both dubbed over in Russian

Bailey's Irish Cream (ok maybe not cliché "American," but the huge display at the grocery was unexpected)

Super glue in the supermarket checkout lanes (I wouldn't have noticed this expect I was looking for it)

T.G.I Fridays (really??)

A few pictures from Saturday's explorations. For more, please see Facebook!

Alive and well...

Arrived in Kyiv after approx 36 hours of travel due to "security issues" at Dulles (aka Air Force One landing), volcanic ash delays, and missed connections, only to arrive at 3 am local time. My internship coordinator is a life saver and answered her phone when I landed and let me spend the night at her apartment. First pic below is the view from her apt. It is the first thing I saw of Kyiv in daylight. She lives on the "left" side of Kyiv (divided by a river), which is actually the right side when you look at a map. This picture does not do justice to what the view really was. She said when she had moved in only 5 years ago, there was a lake outside of her building, now there is a sea of endless apartment buildings, all of which have been built since she moved in, but appear to be 20+ years old.

I've settled into my apartment, which is more than I was anticipating. It is 1 large room with a full size bed, tv, sitting and a balcony, along with a decent size kitchen and bathroom. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to the metro and only 2 stops to work.

All in all, things are well thus far, although I'm in serious need of learning some Russian ASAP.

Favorite moment thus far: when the plane landed in Kyiv, everyone clapped as though they did not expect the flight to be successful. I've never witnessed such things.

Currently, I am having issues uploading pictures, but when I'm able to I'll share what I can.

Departure Day

Welcome to the chronicles of my travels, misadventures, and summer internship for the next couple of months!

So today I start off on my summer adventures. I thought it would be best to try to blog (try being very key here) in order to share what is going on. It will be 75% pictures and a few words, but its better than nothing. Enjoy!! And I look forward to seeing everyone at the end of the summer!