Hi! My name is Peter Buckley. Iam afreelance Photo Journalist from N. Ireland. Irecently visited the Crimean Region of the Ukraine and became fascinated and enthralled by the diversity of its people their cultures and way of life,their enterprise and ingenuity were a tonic to my jaded western eye. I travelled with Nataliya and my genial host Eugene tothe mountain areas and Iwas completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape, snow covered in its winter cloak,the magnificent Orthodox Monastries, built literally into the mountain side and yet in complete harmony with their natural surroundings. Ivisited the Panoramic Museum at Sevastopol where a unique Wall Mural revealed in stark reality.

the Battle scenes of the Crimean War.It was particularly poignant for me for my Family Legend has it that an ancestor fell at The Charge of the Light brigade.Iwas shown aroud the Palace of the last of the Crimean Muslim Tatars Khan.with its harem rooms Its beautiful wall carpets,its sensual gardens and Minaret. I went to the cave town area.ancient places of refuge for long forgotten peoples. which were mysterious and evocotive of times past.Ifinished off my trip with avisit to Kiev a magnificent Capital city with its mixture of ancient and modern Ientered theGreat Monastry with its Golden Domes and descended deep into the Catacombs containing the naturally mummified ramains of venerated Orthodox Clerics some dating back to the 11TH Century. Iwould like to record my appreciation of the hospitality shown to me by Eugene andthe love and Kindness given to me By Nataliya and Galina. any one who wants a holiday with a unique and satisfying appreciation should not hesitate to contact Eugene at Crimea Travel Club. Best Regards.

Peter

April-2000