A rare sunny day

Late, late on Tuesday night... when the hands of the clock are almost on 12... and another crazy day is about to be over...

The time has come for #WednesdayWalk!

It's been a while since my last #WednesdayWalk entry. Although I was going to submit many times, but indention does not mean action. Especially when something prevents me all the time. Sometimes shelling, after which I can focus only on the one thought - revenge. And sometimes work tasks and requests come in like an avalanche.

Today was the second option.

Aside from this, we had only one nice day before the cold cyclone enveloped Kyiv. Sunny days are so rare in winter... that when I finally see the sun and clear blue sky I don't know where to go first.

So... I began from my usual starting point - Golden Gates and Sofiiska Square.

In the distance, you see St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.

For me, this monastery is very special. In the dark times, when Yanukovych was the president of Ukraine, whose reign ended with the brutal and senseless dispersal of peaceful protesters, mostly students. Senseless, because it would obvious that their protest would end the next day.

So, when a special police unit began beating people in the square in the middle of the night, people began to flee. The police caught up with them and continued beating. The fugitives were looking for a place to hide. And the only place that dared to shelter was the St. Michael's Monastery. Despite of possible consequences (it was a dictatorship so people could disappear without a trace), the monks let people in, closed the gate in front of the police and started ringing the bells. This sound then woke up all Kyiv... And the police did not dare to storm the monastery.

Now authorities organized an exhibition of war-damaged equipment. I have already shared photos of it, but then constantly update it.

This time there was a railway carriage, visible from afar. In this car, residents of Irpin were evacuated to the capital in the spring of 2022, but it was fired upon by Russian troops.

The Monument to Princess Olga, Apostle Andrew the First-Called and Enlighteners Cyril and Methodius was erected in 1911. Princess Olga was made from a single piece of Italian marble. When the Bolsheviks captured Kyiv in 1919, the figure of Olga was destroyed by vandals. Later, the monument was finally dismantled, and restored in 1996.

I am saying that she has already been injured once, so she now wears a bulletproof vest.🙂

Landscape Alley begins not far from there. It is famous for the sculptures and installations that modern artists install here. And also for the art market with street musicians, snacks and all such... but it was ages ago, before the war...

Now there are not many walkers, and the only "artist" is this guy in the military uniform making huge bubbles.

This is one of my favorite artworks. It is not what it seems. I mean this is not a real pillow and bedspread.

Banksy's street art is still there, under the protective plastic.

The Christmas Tree made from spent ammunition I had seen online. It was installed by volunteers as a reminder of the ongoing war. It stands at the "Honey" cafe. Their cakes are so.... Not now.

I've never noticed this framing on windows. I wonder, what is it for?

St Volodymyr's Cathedral.

Its yellow and white walls always look beautiful against the sky on a sunny day.

Shevchenko Park. And the Tram Cafe.

Another Christmas Tree and heating point. There are a lot of them throughout the city. Last year, when Russia bombed our heat and power plants, people could get hot tea or charge the phone here even during a blackout. This year, the situation is better, but the city is prepared for a worst-case scenario. And so are we.

Granny from 1980-th.

What a shame, I walked here so many times for so many years, and ... how could I not see it??

This is a true sign of what modern lifestyle does to us. Always busy, never bored, thanks to our gadgets.

This statue was installed here (I still can't believe it, and even suspect some trick) in August 2011.😲

I bet you don't have them. Old ladies who always sit on the bench by the entrance to your multi-story building. They are watching your leave and return, scanning what are you wearing, your makeup and your mood, and who's came with you last night...👀

There is one underground passage under Khreshchatyk street, I call it art passage. It is decorated with printed photos. A small (and free) art gallery! I love it.

Another proof that all roads lead to Rome "Honey" Cafe.

My friend told me about this rooftop cafe long ago. This is the local chain of coffee shops where you can taste one of the best cakes and cookies in the city, or even in the world! At the appropriate price.☝️ The latter is exactly what doesn't let me visit them every week or even more often, LOL. Truth to be said, they also serve breakfasts and have drinks stronger than tea or coffee.

So, this rooftop cafe is located on the last but one floor of the TSUM shopping mall. TSUM is the abbreviation for "Central General Store" in Ukrainian. It is located on the central street and it's very expensive. Renovation, top brands, and all such. We call it a "showroom".😃

But once in a while, it's worth a visit!..

I hope you are not hungry, or watch out!

And my favorite ever Mr. Cardamom.

Let its appearance lead you astray. Its "upper layer" is thin and crispy, but inside of it... The filling is very delicate, soft, with crunchy elements and a light aroma of cardamom.

I rarely see it in their shop window, and always take it.

While we (I was not alone) enjoyed cakes and mulled wine, an evening fell. The shopping mall lit up with colorful lights and the whole street has changed.

Time flies. During the winter, when it gets dark so early.