Kiev

Quick entry on Kiev - go visit that beautiful city. Walked down the Red Army Blvd and could just imagine soldiers marching down it in a parade under the Communist regime. Walked into churches rebuilt after being bombed coincidentally during WWII. Was amazing to see them full of the prayerful faithful after what that country has gone thru. Had an amazing experience in one church - walked in at night to a candlelit interior where every inch of wall space was covered with something: mosaic tile, icons, statues of saints, paint, stars on the ceiling, was absolutely stunning. Then the monks began a service. I could not see them, but only could hear their voices. Actually got goosebumps. My words fail to describe the heavenly feeling it gave off. That was a highlight. Also saw the Russian circus and the Kiev ballet in the old opera house - amazing architecture!!! There was no snow, so we were not terribly cold. Will add more details and pictures when I´m back home. Happy New Year!!!!

SOUTH AMERICA

I only have a moment and the keys are all in Spanish, but I navigated thru the Spanish google blogger and got in,so hope this publishes!!! I am now in Chile, went white water rafting in Argentina and got swept overboard = THAT was an adventure! Relaxed on teh beach in Villa Gessel, a 5 hr bus trip fromBuenos Aires and am now on my way down thru the rain to Patagonia. Today we awoke to Vancouver like rain = the kind that just drizzles never-ending and never drains out the clouds. Have pictures to upload, but don´t want to do it on a public computer. I know this is not much to tell, but there will be more details later!!!!