A week in Kiev, Ukraine
Wednesday, 07 February 2007 10:21

Although it was a business trip, and I had plenty to do in the evenings with my study assignments, I got the chance to get a bit around in Kiev. And that was certainly the benefit of walking from the hotel to the office - a twenty minutes walk from the center of the city, up the hill.

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The hotel was located in the heart of the city, just next to the Khreschatyk square, where the protests took place, which lead to the Orange Revolution. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, divided by the ancient streets, reflecting Kiev's long history - having been integral part of the Russian Empire until 1917, then suffering under Stalin's communistic influence until then in 1941 the Nazis invaded to kill nationwide more than a million Jews. From there on there was finally a move towards democracy, and the doors were opened to implement capitalistic structures.

Kiev has been rebuilding its own culture during the past few decades, after having been occupied and suppressed for more than millennium. There is belief in liberalism, democracy and trust in the government. And there is no doubt that this recent development is very present in the minds of the local people.

--- more will follow

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 February 2007 10:53