Trip of a Lifetime (2017)
Written July 3rd 2019
Two years ago today I set off on a trip of a lifetime. With slight nerves, trepidation but also plenty of excitement. It was my first time overseas by myself. After checking in for the flight, making my way through security along with my brother and mother. I set sight for Moscow and Ukraine. With a hurried connection in Doha, I made my way to the gate for the flight to Moscow which I promptly boarded due to a tight connection.
Arriving into a foreign country for the first time is definitely an uneasy, unique and interesting experience. My welcoming to Russia could be somewhat stereotypical, organized a taxi to the hotel from the official taxi desk in the arrivals hall but once I got to the hotel, I realized I’d been scammed as the price was significantly higher than what I was expecting as I had researched before leaving and queried the price with the hotel staff. Not long after checking in, a phone call home was due. Reassured my parents I had arrived safely in Moscow, was now time to explore the surrounding areas.
A pit stop to the local supermarket to buy supplies for the hotel was the first item on the list to do, so many different items in the local supermarket captivated me. The next morning saw myself venture to the nearby metro station to catch a train to where my walking tour would begin. The architecture of Moscow was phenomenal. Being from Australia, the site of hundreds year old architecture is minimal compared to the unique and diverse architecture of Moscow.
So much history and information flooded into my head with my first taste of traditional food satisfying my taste buds. The next few days saw trips to the shopping malls to further fill my suitcase.
It was now time to journey to the prime reason for the holiday, a week in Ukraine. As there are political conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, a connecting flight through Minsk was required. A very early trip to the airport in Moscow and then a quick connection in Minsk saw my eventual arrival into Ukraine. After patiently waiting for my bus to Kremenchuk to arrive, it was time to sit back and experience one of the bumpiest roads ever experienced.
The sunflower fields graced the sights from the bus for some distance until the arrival at the bus station in Kremenchuk where I was greeted by one of my friends. Upon my arrival in Kremenchuk, I immediately knew this was a city I could feel welcomed and comfortable in. My fanatical Formula One friend Alexey who I’d meet for dinner a few nights later, greeted me at the bus station and assisted me in finding my way to my hotel. The hotel in Kremenchuk was an eye opener as it was significantly removed from the fairly modern hotel in Moscow, the distinctively Soviet and dated hotel had a surprising amount of room in the suite. It was a pleasure having space to go back to and crash with exhaustion after spending ever day with my friends I’d come to know after communicating online with. The hospitality shown by my friends in Kremenchuk was incredible. From being welcomed in a family home for lunch, to spending countless hours strolling the streets of Kremenchuk with my friends. My suitcase was equipped with Australian sweets and souvenirs as gifts for my friends, each one of them loved the gesture. In return, I received numerous gifts from cherry cake and pastries, traditional Ukrainian souvenirs to an ornament for my mum.
After 4 days, it was time to bid farewell to Kremenchuk, those four days in Kremenchuk were filled with experiences I’ll remember forever. Now my eyes and mind were set for Kyiv.
After finally getting to my hotel in Kyiv, the Ukrainian Hotel. I began my four days exploring the beautiful capital of Ukraine. The first two days were filled with a private city tour which took in many of the sights in Kyiv, a private food tour that opened my taste buds to a whole new cuisine, and a tour of the former presidents luxurious mansion.
After a busy day, each night dinner was had at the many restaurants surrounding Independence Square. The final full day in Kyiv saw a trip to the massive shopping mall Ocean Plaza occur. While in Kyiv, the hospitality shown by one of my friends Anastasiia blew me away, we hadn’t known each other for a long time but she happily showed me further sights of Kyiv at dusk. From then on, I knew I had a lifelong friend.
Eventually it was time to begin the journey back home. A trip back to Moscow for two days before the flight home filled my remaining days away. The final night in Moscow was difficult as a tidal wave of emotions overcame me over dinner. Remembering each of the special moments I’d had on the holiday and the friends I’d met flooded back. The level of hospitality shown by my friends was out of this world and even 2 years on, it amazed me and I know someday I might have the opportunity to repay them for the hospitality they showed me.
It was a trip I will remember forever. So many enjoyable experiences. Friendships grew even stronger or were born during my time there. Thank you everyone for your wonderful hospitality, generosity and kindness. To those friends who welcomed me into their community, homes, cities and lives, I can't thank you enough. I never knew a city or country could have a lasting impression on me but both Ukraine and Russia will hold a special place in my heart. I miss everyone immensely and hopefully I'll be able to see everyone again someday soon.