He's Going the Distance

Another exciting and adventure packed week. Friday marks my first month out of country, 4th week of language training and also made me aware that I have another 26 months to go. Training is still going strong and time is starting to fly. Before I know it I'm going to be moving out of Chernihiv and starting my two years of service in a yet to be determined area of Ukraine. I have a placement interview coming up with the CD coordinator where he can get a better idea of my skills as well as hear what preferences I have. 

On Friday I returned to Kiev for the first time since I arrived at the airport. It is a beautiful city as you will see in the pictures below. I was unbelievably exhausted towards the end of the day, huge mental strain as well as just being out in the sun all day. As part of the "Field Trip" we had to ask for directions numerous times(in Russian) as well as strike up conversations(also in Russian) with anyone who would give us the time. Interesting experience and it was so much fun to explore an entirely new city.

On to the photos:

Bus from Chernihiv to Kiev

Clustermates and myself, Matt (on the Right) is excited as always.

 Kiev central train station

PC Ukraine headquarters. They have a hot shower and a microwave, I know this may not seem like much but during my service this place may be a lifesaver. 

Still 2+ years before I get to bang the ever living shit out of this thing

 Magnolia trees in the park

Metro station in Kiev, The deepest in the area. Escalator ride to the tracks took about 5 minutes. Part of the reason it is so deep was so that during the cold war it could double as a massive fallout shelter.

Nom Noms

My awesome Language/Cultural Facilitator Pasha on the left and my two clustermates (Devin and Matt) on the right

Hey, where did the reflecting pool go?

The "Mother of the Motherland" statue overlooking one of the entrances to Kiev. This was the most impressive thing I saw all day. Just for scale: 50 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The sword in her right hand is 10 feet longer than a full size school bus and weighs 9 tons. 

Tanks painted in the national colors of Ukraine. It's hard to see but there are flowers and butterflies painted all over both. During WWII Ukraine was know for producing the best tanks in the world.