Today I visited Westminster Abbey.

OK, OK, I need a new joke. Kiev is definitely a city of churches, and today was a quick trip to another significant place. The Cathedral of St. Sophia dates to around the recognized founding of the city (1052, I think, although there have been settlements here back to the Stone Age), and while not as extensive as the Lavra, still comprises a few historical buildings. (Both the Lavra and St. Sophia are UNESCO recognized world heritage sites.)

While these places are historical and beautiful and all that, I really don’t care for the touristy nature of them. I’m mean, I’m all in favor of people visiting, but each important building requires separate admission. I can appreciate the cafeteria style of ticketing — why pay 53 UAH general admission, when if you only wanted to see the grounds and the Metropolitan’s Residence, you would only pay 13? Still it kinda sucks.

Prior to hitting st. Sophia’s, I walked across the street (literally) and visited the Church of St. Andrews. No admission required, but it would probably be worth paying if there was. It’s a small church from the Baroque period, but unlike European Baroque styles, this was much more subdued and approachable. Still plenty showy, just not overly so.

The day has been cut a little short, as the aforementioned 90% chance of precipitation became a 100% certainty. But that’s OK. After walking half of Kiev yesterday (I was checking out a map and yikes!), I and my feet don’t mind a more leisurely afternoon.

Just FYI, I am taking plenty of pictures, but I don’t have any way to offload and upload them. That will have to wait until I’m back home, sorry.