28 Apr 2021
Vlad organized a fascinating solo tour of Mezhigirya for me despite it being “low season.” This place is the over-the-top former residence of the former president, and is styled as a “museum of corruption.” It is semi-privately run, so visits to interior of the house are essentially by appointment only, and even then only an expert guide can make such an appointment in Vlad organized a fascinating solo tour of Mezhigirya for me despite it being “low season.” This place is the over-the-top former residence of the former president, and is styled as a “museum of corruption.” It is semi-privately run, so visits to interior of the house are essentially by appointment only, and even then only an expert guide can make such an appointment in practice. Most people only visit the grounds (which are beautiful and interesting in their own right—gardens that would make LeNotre jealous, and impeccably maintained despite it being early spring/winter, when most of Kiev has dirt instead of grass.) The house is fascinating, with a bowling alley, stuffed lion, $300,000 music box, etc. live birds, etc, so you do NOT have to “imagine” the former opulence. Vlad acted as tour guide for the house and grounds and was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun (saying things to build anticipation such as “ok, this room here is only 5 out of 10, just wait til we get to a room that’s 10 out of 10” and he was right). Vlad also drove, safely but efficiently.