PICK A BAG, ANY BAG

The baggage room in Heathrow airport after an airline strike cancelled all flights for the day. I was lucky enough to be a part of such a pleasant event.

MY HUMBLE ABODE

My first view of my spacious new living quarters. My bed/couch is in the foreground, and the dying plant in the background has made an inspiriing comeback with some loving attention.

MY TOUR GUIDES

My first week in Kyiv, Olya (left) and Tanya ("Stockavah") were kind enough to take me on two sightseeing expeditions of Kyiv. The first to three gold-domed cathedrals and the second to Kyiv Lavra.

FIRST VISITORS

My first two visitors to my apartment, Sergiy and Anya. Anya is enjoying listening to my IPOD while Sergiy was helping me set up my iternet connection.

FIRST EXPERIENCES OF FOOD

Sergiy took me to a cafeteria-style Ukrainian restaurant, where i was introduced to these peppers stuffed with meat called Golubtsy.

FIRST CHURCH

My first Sunday at Nyvky church surrounded by the wonderful, welcoming friends, who are only acting like they know me for the picture.

SHOWER UP!

The shower and sink room (the toilet is in a room all to itself next door, but i did include the picture, sorry). Notice how the faucet is shared between the two fixtures, very efficient.

GOLD DOMES BELOW

A view of St. Micheal's cathedral from the bell tower of St. Sophia. Kyiv is called the "Gold-Domed City" because of all the churches that have gold domes such as these.

POST ADVENTURE TREAT

Where else would we go after a long day of sightseeing? We put a cap on the tour of Kyiv day by dining at a classicly Ukrainian restaurant.

SONGS OF JOY

Two ancient Ukrainians accompany me as we sing for joy at the beauty of Kyiv.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Taken from the top of the Kyiv Lavra Bell Tower, the tallest structure in the city. On the right is the "Baba," a classicly communist monument built to commerorate World War II. Underneath her is a sprawling museum.

INTENSE TUNES

Apparently this man sits in the courtyard of St. Sophia daily playing his ancient Ukrainian instrument and singing the historical ballads in his incredible wobbling tenor. Definitely a treat to hear..

MOVING DAY

Chris and Joshua sit in the back of a rattling truck with me as we transport all of the internship belongings to my apartment.

STREETS OF STONE

A shot of the street within the Lavra monastery. It dates from about the 11th Century and is still in operation.

A HELPING HAND

Tanya helps Olya tie her head covering properly before she descends into the catacombs.

ST. SOPHIA

A look at the cathedral from the bell guarding its entrance.

THE "BABA"

Although her nickname, the "Baba" is not a flattering one, this woman towers over this area of Kyiv. Her sword was shortened in order to ensure she stood no taller than the Lavra bell tower, but, either way, she is hard to miss.

ST. ANDREWS

My favorite cathedral, St. Andrews'. Inside we sat and rested while listening to ethereal hymns sung by a Ukrainian woman and man.

WE MADE IT!!!

After climbing 239 narrow stairs, we made it to the top of the Lavra bell tower, and were happy to stay awhile.

ANCIENT GODS

These statues date from ancient times, pagan gods discovered atop the Kyiv hills. They seemed extremely pleased to have company for awhile.