Istanbul vs. Kyiv

So now that we spent the first quarter or so here getting situated, we've decided it is high time to start exploring some of our neighbors....and of course comparing notes.  


We headed to Istanbul for the weekend - here's how it stacks up vs. Kyiv:


Food: Istanbul takes the prize with fresh, grilled everything.  Even the cheap kabab places were pretty good.   

All 3 kids ate a lot - a rare, high-honor....

Win = Istanbul




Manicured public areas: While Kyiv has several big, nice parks, it often looks like no one remembered to build maintenance into the budget.  Meanwhile, it was refreshing to see well-kept grass.....

This was an outdoor 'fitness area' outside of our hotel.....the kids loved to play on it.  Only saw 1 person who legitimately appeared to seek fitness.  That said, with the exertion on these machines, it would require like 14 hours to = 1 brownie.....

Win = Istanbul




Fancy airports: Istanbul's airport was fancy.  High end shops...

A nice looking internet cafe..

And even those newfangled things.....jet ways!

OK, we do have a few of them in Kyiv.  But we are at over a 75% 'exit via ladder rate' - making it a cheap thrill each time we get to go on a plane without braving the elements.


While it might seem to CLEARLY put the win to Istanbul, Kyiv is building a new airport terminal  (along with a zillion other things) for the upcoming Euro World Cup.....so the vote remains TBD.




Environmental friendliness: I guess it is not too surprising that people living on ~$300/month are not too worried about the long term, environmental effects of their empty shampoo bottle......but it was refreshing to see environmental efforts in action at the Istanbul airport ...

Although I am still wondering how a double-flush counts as helpful....

Win = Istanbul




Old Buildings: Istanbul also has some really cool old places.....the Ayasofya is a crazy big mosque built in the 500s.....mind boggling to figure out how they built a 13 story dome in those days.  The kids liked running around in here - surprising lack of rules or guards glaring at unruly kids.

The cisterns are these humongous, underground water reserves that were built in the 4th century to provide water to the city.  I tried to impress the kids with what a crazy architectural and engineering feat this was.  They enjoyed feeding the fish....

But, as you've already seen, Kyiv has plenty of cool, old stuff too.  So I call it a draw.




Outfits: Istanbul appeared to be a dynamic population....lot's of different ethnicities and looks.  Of course, many conservative in belief and dress....

Kyiv, on the other hand, is a bit more expressive with its outfits......

If for nothing else than the entertainment value, I vote Kyiv the clear winner!




Modern Medical Equipment: Our fun weekend of easy-going touring was given a grand finale of an ambulance ride to the ER after Zoe took a leap from her bed headfirst into a glass topped coffee table.


I've never been in an ambulance......but this one seemed pretty nice.....
(Zoe's only concern was that this doctor would not have a prize box - like her dentist in Chicago!)

Who knows if it was a necessary precaution or a way to make a little extra revenue off a tourist....but Zoe & Purple Baby got a CT scan.  

The machine looked legit to me & even better, both girls were given a good bill of health.


The stitching process took what seemed like forever & I started to wonder about things when I was basically in charge of laying on Zoe to keep her still.  


But the work looked good & Zoe seemed fine - especially after I offered to buy her (and NOT the boys) a toy at the airport to make up for aforementioned lack of a 'prize box'.

(She insisted we accessorize while waiting for her prescriptions)


So, I'd give Istanbul's modern medical facilities a thumbs up - and hope to not have a reason to find out about the comparable conditions in Kyiv!




So here's to new territories & ambulance free adventures!