View from Hotel Bristol
Yes, I love taking photos while zipping around in a van.
First stop? Nikitsky Botanic Gardens
After the botanical gardens, we visited Bakhchisaray Palace – “…located in the town of Bakhchisaray, Crimea, Ukraine.
It was built in the 16th century and became home to a succession of Crimean Khans. The walled enclosure contains a mosque,
a harem, a cemetery, living quarters and gardens.”
Women would wear all of their worth, so if a split occurred, she’d be covered. Literally.
The Summer House, built around a central fountain.
The Fountain of Tears
Above? A window where women could stay hidden and still use the smaller windows to give money and gifts to passersby.
After the mosque (we weren’t allowed in as we didn’t have long pants), it was time for lunch.
I had a Fanta. I’m kind of stupid about European Fanta. It’s so much better than ours.
Many others had compote (Uzvar) – a fruit drink common in Ukraine.
Whenever I saw one of these SsanYong cars I couldn’t stop myself from blurting out “AnnYong!”
The third leg of today involved a small hike to the Uspensky Monastery, a chapel and church built into a mountainside cliff.
Then we began a long hike at a gradual upward incline.
How far we asked the guide? “Just a kilometer.” she said.
It was the longest kilometer I have ever known, but at the top of the ridge was the impressive Çufut Qale – a Jewish Fortress/City.
Mausoleum of Dzhanike-Khanym, daughter of Tokhtamysh. (Behind this mausoleum were the great views)
The hike back down was MUCH easier.
Chris filled up a large bottle at the holy spring outside the Uspensky Monastery and we chugged the water like no tomorrow.
A long day, but a good one.
