Heading to the West Coast and Italy!

This marks the last weekend in Kiev for us until January 8th.  I am off to visit Molly and Andrew on the West Coast late tomorrow night.  I am dreading the 11 hour flight in a middle seat in the back of the plane from Frankfurt to SFO, but I cannot wait to have some time with the twins and to celebrate their upcoming BIG birthday!  Meanwhile, Paolo will be flying with Gio to Italy where they will spend Christmas.  I will join them there on Dec 30th.  So, here are some shots of our weekend in Kiev.  The blog will be taking a brief vacation now but look for it again after the New Year.  Happy Holidays to all!  Clara

I love this cat sculpture. It seems to be a symbol of luck to rub its tail.

My favorite site in Kiev- the "Golden Triangle"

Another weekend afternoon spent at Wolonsky's Cafe.  Can you find Gio?

The city of Kiev takes snow clearing very seriously.  Masses of men and women have been out all weekend clearing every street and sidewalk.  DC could learn a thing or two here.

And no snowplows here!  Gio's favorite trucks are put into action to haul it all away.  We watched this operation for a long time today. Gio loved the "dirty snow dumping."

Kiev loves to display giant fake Christmas trees.  This one was put up by Milka chocolate.  Yum.

Every Sunday the main street of town is closed to traffic.  It seems that the entire city then turns out to stroll, window shop and cheer on the many street performers.

Here in the main square of town there were dozens and dozens of Santas today.  Gio was quite confused.

After witnessing how horrible the traffic is here during the week, it was quite a thrill to be able to stroll right down the middle of the street.  Not s speck of snow in sight.  Thanks, dump trucks!