Kiev’s Khreshchatyk Street Is The Fifth Avenue Of The Ukraine!
After spending Passover in the Ukraine, in relatively economically depressed areas, arriving in Kiev and seeing one of the top 20 most expensive shopping streets in Europe was truly a shock. Kiev’s Khreshchatyk Street is said to be the Ukraine’s answer to London’s Oxford Street and New York’s Fifth Avenue, so don’t be surprised to row upon row of high end stores like Tiffany, Bulgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc. And I must say, the grandeur of the architecture and the street itself is much more impressive than Fifth Avenue, so maybe do your shopping or rather window shopping here? Ah yes, and no beeping horns and traffic as the street is smartly closed to traffic on holidays and weekends. Come for a little walk with me, wont’ you?
We first caught a glimpse of the street at night from our car, and were truly impressed as it is really quite stunning.
The Kiev Arch, through which is a quaint street and more shops.
Amazing architectural details.
Part of Independenc Square,beneath which is Globus a huge underground mall.
The statue of Mikhael the Angel, the patron of Kiev, at the other end of the square.
And by the way, there are lots of folks on the street, including children playing musical instruments, trying to earn some money, so if someone puts a monkey on your shoulder expect to be asked for quite a bit of money, It is true, I did take this photo, but the amount of money they asked for was totally outrageous and they refused to accept less, their loss. And during occurences like this always be aware there may be pick pocketers as back-up money makers! Such is world travel, so enjoy but always play it safe.
I loved our time in Kiev and would totally recommend a visit!
