In our last post, we reported on our support activities in Ukraine during the 15th to 20th of September.

While we didn’t conduct any field research this time, we’d like to write about our experiences with Ukrainian life and share some pictures we took of the beautiful city of Kyiv!

【Dance contest】

On September 19th, our final day of support activities, we went to see a dance contest held in Zhytomyr. We were invited to the event by a dance teacher we had just happened to meet at a coffee shop that very morning! Our local partners at Chernobyl Hostages introduced us, and the teacher was kind enough to extend an invitation.

Before the contest, we were taken to visit the costume room. It was very exciting seeing all the colorful and elegant dance costumes that filled the room!

 　　　

The costumes were organized by theme and came in many different sizes.

　　　　　　

These are garlands for the girls to wear. Our staff tried them on too, but they didn’t look very good on our heads…

We got to see 7 different dances performed by junior high school and high school students. Some dances were elegant, like classic ballets, while others were invigorating warrior’s dances and folk dances performed in glittering costumes. We were impressed by each and every one of them.

The upbeat songs were especially thrilling. The hopak, often called the “cossack dance”, is well-known in Japan. We could see how hard the children had practiced!

 

　　　　

A classic and elegant ballet　　　　　　　　　　　　The children jumping in unison

 

　　　　　

The children were full of energy!

　　　　　

A dance meant to honor Ukrainian warriors　　　　The hopak originates from Ukraine, not Russia

 

We were so enthralled by the dancing that the hour seemed to fly by! We were thrilled to be a part of this experience. Thank you!

 

【Sightseeing in Kyiv】

On our last day, we went sightseeing in the capital city of Kyiv. The city had many gorgeous views to offer!

Kyiv’s architecture is both classic and varied. While the churches and cathedrals are marvelous, so are the regular apartment buildings and government offices! We had a good time just walking down the streets.

　　　　　

Central Kyiv

 

　　　　　　

The metro running through Kyiv. It cost 8 hryvnia (approximately 24 Japanese yen) to travel across 3 stations.

 

The churches and cathedrals of Kyiv are so famous that they occupy at least 7 out of 10 of the most well-known tourist attractions in the city. Some of the cathedrals are world heritage sites that have watched over the city for more than 800 years.

<St Volodymyr’s Cathedral>

This cathedral is free to enter. While there were many tourists inside, the building retained a solemn atmosphere.

　　　　　

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

　　　A mural from the 11th century

 

 

 

 

 

This is Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a monastery that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in the 11th century as a preeminent center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the religion widely worshiped in Ukraine.

 

 

While most of the monastery had to be rebuilt after a great fire, the discolored portion at the bottom is what remains of the original structure.

 

We were told not to take pictures with a camera, but smart phones were still allowed. Our female staff members were also asked to wrap scarves around their heads and wear long skirts.

For those of us who had worn pants, we were allowed to borrow scarves and a piece of cloth to wrap around our waists.

We were even able to climb to the top of the nearby bell tower.

 

The view from above shows just how big the monastery is.

 

While we have already visited Kyiv on many occasions, it feels to us like we learn something new each time.

We hope that all of you get the chance to visit Kyiv as well!