Kiev is cool :^)

[Cal]

Well, I'm in Kiev and it's a pretty cool place to me.  The people are great, so's the food.  Although my plans to meet a woman face to face didn't materialize for other reasons, I'm meeting other women.  Gotta go with the flow!

Some things I want to note for any guys coming here thinking that they are going to find the "perfect little wife" - get over yourselves, the women here are not desparate. Oh and if you don't know any Russian at all, you're better off learning some simple things before trying to visit.  Ukrainian people are quite nice, but they don't care for some of the typical American behavior I have seen over here.

Also, there are lots of construction projects going on in Kiev, the country is quite healthy and seems to be growing economically as well.  So the days of playing "rescue" are pretty much over, from what I have experienced the women here are more concerned about you as a person than anything else you've got going on.

Last thing - if you lose your luggage at Borispil, don't loose your cool, just ask for help patiently and be nice.  I witnessed two American guys lose their cool and start getting frustrated in the airport, nobody liked that and they didn't get much help.  I was personally escorted through customs by a very nice woman, and my luggage showed up at my flat two days later.

Cal

[slim]

... in response to Kiev is cool :^), posted by Cal on Jul 21, 2003

Yes Kiev is different in many ways ( as is N.Y. compared to Milwaukee) from the rest of the country. I heard many a  bitter complaint about all the money, that is spent improving Kiev, and little if anything for the outlaying areas. Of course it is the seat of importance for the country, and they are renovating to attract, more business and tourist money.

[WmGo]

... in response to Kiev is cool :^), posted by Cal on Jul 21, 2003

Don't confuse Kiev with the rest of Ukraine.
There is a big difference. Also, if you keep
your eyes open and learn what it going on you
will see and learn that there is a tremendous
amount of poverty
in that wonderful city.

Good point about learning the language.

Have fun.

[vagn]

... in response to Kiev is cool :^), posted by Cal on Jul 21, 2003

=== the country is quite healthy and seems to be
=== growing economically as well.

What's it like outside of the capital?
Has life in the villages gotten any better?

[WmGo]

... in response to Re: Kiev is cool :^), posted by vagn on Jul 21, 2003

The process of an empire collapsing
is a long drawn out affair. It is still
an ongoing process in the FSU, although, no doubt
there is a minority that is doing quite well. Most
of these are in Kiev. The "villages" are only getting
worse.