Michelle Kwan blogs for the U.S. Department of State

Yesterday was my first full day in Ukraine (got in slightly before midnight on Saturday). The embassy took it easy on me to begin with, but I did get the chance to explore some of Kyiv. Just as I was getting ready to go for a walk, there was a brief snow flurry, which caused me some concern, but it passed quickly, leaving a beautiful landscape behind. Svitlana, my friendly guide, showed me St. Sophia's, St. Michael's, and St. Andrew's - which were all absolutely gorgeous - gold domes against blue skies, with snow covered trees. Absolutely amazing. Later we walked down to the Maidan, the epicenter of Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution. A fun, informative day that that also included the chance to indulge in some "retail diplomacy."

Our first stop today was at Kryzhynka Skating Rink, where I had the opportunity to meet with some Ukrainian figure skating students. These kids were really impressive, especially some of the younger ones. The rest of the world better look out, because these guys definitely are going to be contenders.

Michelle Kwan with Ukranian skaters at Kryzhynka Rink

The students at School #155 were equally impressive. My student guide described her school as "humble," but there was nothing humble about these students. They've all been studying English since they first started school, and they were completely fluent. They and their teachers were so welcoming and enthusiastic, which was great - it gave me so much energy to sit and talk with them. Only one of the group had ever traveled to the U.S. - but it seemed like pretty much everyone had done some travel outside of Ukraine. Their enthusiasm and openness to new experiences and new people was maybe what was humbling about the experience.

Off to Ambassador Taylor's tonight, will fill you in tomorrow!

See photos from Michelle's trip to the Kryzhynka Rink and School #155 in Ukraine.

Content was made available to the USOC by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Read more about Michelle's adventures and in her role as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy.