The Former Prosperity and Beauty! | Ukraine Travel 🇺🇦

I've been back from Ukraine for a while now but haven't written a proper article about it yet. It was at the end of 2016, when the Ukrainian hryvnia (💰) was in free fall, that I traveled there with a domestic travel agency. Our guide was a Ukrainian who spoke fluent Chinese. When the Russo-Ukrainian war broke out the year before last, I sent him a message to ask if everything was okay. He replied, "How could Ukraine be good? We're at war with 🇷🇺. Today, a building in Kyiv was hit by a missile." It was quite a sigh-inducing moment. Anyone who has been to Ukraine knows that it's actually an extremely underrated travel destination, with very beautiful scenery and unique local customs. We arrived just two days before New Year's Day, and the whole country was in a festive atmosphere. There were many hotels around the Independence Square in the city center. With the exchange rate at the time, you could basically close your eyes and choose wherever you wanted to stay. I stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, which was just a 5-minute walk away and very convenient. 🏨 For sightseeing, here are a few must-visit spots: Saint Sophia's Cathedral 🕍: Located in the heart of Kyiv, this 11th-century cathedral is one of Ukraine's most famous historical buildings. A representative of Byzantine architecture, it is renowned for its murals and mosaics. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kyiv from the cathedral. Independence Square 🏙️: The political and cultural center of Kyiv, Independence Square has witnessed many important events in Ukrainian history. The square is surrounded by many historical buildings and modern commercial facilities. St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery 🕍: This 12th-century monastery, with its golden domes and blue walls, is one of the most iconic structures in Kyiv's skyline. Chernobyl Museum 🏛️: Dedicated to documenting and commemorating the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Motherland Monument 🗼: Ukraine's tallest statue (102 meters), a landmark of Kyiv, with a war museum nearby. Andriyivsky Descent 🎨: The most artistic street, lined with galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to buy unique Ukrainian souvenirs. For food, here are some local specialties: Salo 🍖: A traditional dish made from pork belly, potatoes, onions, and garlic, often served with Ukrainian black bread and pickled vegetables. Borscht 🥣: Ukraine's most iconic dish, made from beets, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage, typically served with sour cream and bread. Varenyky 🥟: Similar to Chinese dumplings, with fillings that include potatoes, cheese, and fruit jam. Deruny 🍟: A dish made from potatoes and chicken, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually served with sour cream. I hope to visit Ukraine again someday, drive around the country, and explore more. I also hope for world peace. 🌍🙏 #Ukraine #Visa #UkraineVisa #UkraineTravel #UkraineVisaApplication #UkraineStudyAbroad