One of the most impressive things I saw in Kiev, and how could one not be impressed, was Mother Russia. One might call it the russian answer to the statue of liberty. . . except that Mother Russia is holding a sword and a shield and looks like she would kick your ass if you get out of line. She was built as a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of the Ukraine in salute for their part in helping to win World War II. He isn't actually that old having been built in the late seventies early eighties. It is somewhat ironic that this warrior mother is looking down over the soviet apartments where everyone lives. Of course she is facing east in the direction of Moscow, but given the tenuous relationship that Russia has had with Ukraine over the years, one has to wonder if there isn't a "small" hidden message that if the Ukrainian people get out of line, Mother Russia will come in and kick some Ukrainian booty.
In the base of the Statue, there is a World War II museum. It is interesting to see how this major event in world history is perceived by different countries in Europe. Millions of Ukrainian Jews were systematically murdered in the war. We didn't go see it, but there is a mass grave memorial site not too far from Kiev where hundreds of thousands of Jews were taken, killed, and buried. On display in the museum was a glove made from human leather, and soap made from human fat. I can only assume that this was Jewish leather and fat. About halfway through the museum, I'd had enough of man's inhumanity to his brother, and I was reminded again of how hideous we as a people can be to one another. It's simply horrific.
Next to Mother Russia, poised to last for eternity is another piece of irony: the eternal torch of the Soviet Union. Of course we know now that despite the clear permanence of the massive torch, the Soviet Union fell apart. Next to the torch is a terrific piece of soviet sculpture it is a salute to the people who fought in World War II. It shows happy dignified workers setting aside their tasks to answer the call to war, and going into battle to defend the Soviet Union. It is a terrific piece of fascist style sculpture. It is massive and emotionally powerful.
There was a special exhibit of soviet weapons. It included many of the cold war weapons we'd all grown up fearing including a Missle launcher, several MIGs and quite a few tanks from various eras. lan
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It was cool to see the weapons of the country that was considered to be our enemy for so many years.
Fascinating, and a Movie Geek playland.
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