    
Marv Feldman
Senior Member
Username: Marv
Post Number: 487
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 03:21 pm: | |
KIEV - 3
It was now time to head to Kiev's Lower Town to board our cruise ship, moored at the Dnieper Riverport.
Much to our delight, first impressions of the Viking "General Lavrinenkov" were positive. Our cabin was spacious with two large windows, affording us a panoramic view of "The Footsteps of the Cossacks". Marvin expected an old Russian "rustbucket" but, on the contrary, most things worked - from our roomy hot private shower to the interesting and well-prepared buffet breakfasts and lunches and multi-course dinners. Nothing is perfect though - the ship's air conditioning was erratic and made some on-board lectures and dinners uncomfortable.
People Watching. There were about 175 fellow passengers aboard. As expected, most were 20+ years our senior, including many widows who told us that, at home, they are lonely, with no one to whom they could talk and so, enjoyed cruising. Nevertheless, this cruise was no ordinary "Florida-to-the-Bahamas" run as the majority of passengers were seasoned travelers who had been all over the world - we enjoyed hearing their exotic travel tales! About half were from the USA (and a few Canadians); the other half were Europeans (English and German). Carole quickly recognised the accents of three Australian couples. Our cruise fare included a dozen fascinating and educational excursions in numerous ports of call. Surprisingly, many passengers chose not to participate, missing great opportunities.
Kiev. In an earlier posting, we discussed seeing (on our own), much of this lovely city (courtesy of our faithful "Lonely Planet" guidebook). The ship's excursions brought us to St. Sophia's Cathedral (built 1037) and to the sprawling 11th Century Caves Monastery (half the size of the Vatican) where, in deep catacombs, we viewed 1,000+ year old mummified bodies of senior Orthodox monks.
On day two aboard our ship, we "raised anchor" and headed downriver, with Kiev's city lights in our wake.
Happy traveling,
Marv
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