I haven't a thing to wear. :-D

[JoeC2003]

I will be going to Kyiv this dec and what kind of clothes are expected? I am not going through a tour. I prefer casual, jeans and a nice shirt. (tennis shoes or something else?)Should I wear my leather coat? How much cash should I take? Your help is appreciated.
JoeC

[Ken W]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

Timberland boots, also take a warm pair of slippers if you are staying wth relatives (muddy shoes off at the door).

Lynn is right about layers - I like my leather jacket, and a warm down vest inside. Long johns, wool socks, and a HAT! I bought a cool black leather hat with a mouton lining and ear flaps in Moscow last year - russify yourself! I also usually take my LL Bean generic rain parka shell - it rolls up to the size of a sausage and will fit over my jacket.

I don't generally like jeans for travelling, but of course whatever you are comfortable with. If jeans get wet, they take all day to dry, are heavy, and chafe like crazy if you have to do much walking. Think poly/cotton chinos I avoid cargo pants and flannel shirts as they practically scream "tourist."

When travelling I take my crotch pack that fits inside my pants with converted money in it (big bills). A money clip in my pocket holds small bills. The great thing about those timberland boots is that the sole inserts lift out - I keep smallish unconverted cash in my left boot, and $500 in my right. They stay nice and crisp, although they can smell kinda strange

[JohnL]

... in response to Re: I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by Ken W on Dec 16, 2003

Its a possibility then that some of those big 100's you have been storing in your right boot, may have ended up in my pocket here in Oz!

Man, am I glad you dont need more than 500, I shudder to think of your options over 500 :-)

Good luck to All, hope you dont carry more than 500.

[Ken W]

... in response to Wowwwww ....... !!, posted by JohnL on Dec 17, 2003

:shrug

IMO the safest place to keep cash in on your person. I've had my hotel rooms "gone through" at least twice that I know of (in Central America) and my pockets picked, but I have never had anyone steal my shoes. Perhaps it is a reflecton on my bunker mentality - I like to at least have the option of buying my way out of a tricky situation, even though I've never had to. Gives me a feeling of security I guess. Five hundred is excessive? I've carried a lot more than that, I just figured 500 was enough cover most emergencies.

P.S. I don't think any of my money is missing, so I doubt it's in your pocket

[Lynn]

... in response to Re: Wowwwww ....... !!, posted by Ken W on Dec 17, 2003

I'd feel naked without at least a few hundred on my person even at home----plastic don't get it, the power goes out or the system down and you are stuck until you make other arrangements.

[JoeC2003]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

I have the big retail stores here, walmart, kmart, target, shopko. I leave Dec 26 for kyiv and return Jan 4. mail order may not be soon enough. your help is appreciated.
JoeC

[Lynn]

... in response to where do i get a Money belt? , posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

Travel Smith is online and usually have good service or you might try a Eddie Bauer shop at the mall. Personally, I have always preferred a nylon leg pouch---the kind that attaches just below the knee-----easy to get to when needed and almost undetectable (unless ya got legs like a chicken)

[John K]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

I had a heavy leather coat my wife had bought for me from the local bazaar the previous year.  I bought a furry hat over there and insulated shoes.  It was a little pricey, but I definately stayed warm.

I'd say wear what you'd wear in Wisconsin going over, and if you have time, money and space in the suitcase, have your lady take you out on the local economy and get some winter duds.

Things that I'd bring from the US are your favorite type of long underwear, polartec fleece scarf, insulated gloves (stick with black), and warm socks.  Oh, and some traction grips for your shoes, if you can find them.  They don't clean the ice off the sidewalks.  At least they didn't in Zhitomir...

[europete]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

I spent all of last winter there. I would advise you to take warm clothes and some sturdy, warm boots, not tennis shoes. If it is snowing or a heavy rain your feet will get quite wet and cold. A leather jacket would be o.k. but it is not good if it is real cold. Maybe also a down vest to go with it. Take some warm sweaters, even consider long johns. Some nice dress clothes are a must for the holiday gatherings. Anything you need while there can be purchased if you know where to look, but the popular brands will be much more expensive than here. Cash depends on what you do and how much you can afford, and how long you will be there.

[Lynn]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

Prepare to layer, you will go from frigid temps outside to virtual ovens inside [depending on the business or home]. I would invest in a few pairs of silk long-johns (Eddie Bauer is a good place to look although they are a bit pricey).
 
I would suggest a wool overcoat, scarf and gloves----hat optional-----dark colors---black, dk. gray, dk. brown----so as not to stand out too much in a crowd. Most places you go will at least have a place to hang your garments (many have cloak rooms). The streets get pretty slushy after a snow, so you might consider shoes that are waterproof---black is the color of choice for locals. I always pack enough socks to allow 2 pair per day---then trash them if I need the room for stuff I've bought. As far as the scarf goes, check K-mart or Wally World, you can pick up a polar-tec scarf for about $15 bucks vs $35-40 elsewhere.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

I would bring $100 per day spending money (additional to hotel / flat) in clean crisp $100 bills plus have a money machine card in the event the need arises for extra money.  Have a money belt / pouch or hidden pocket for extra money.  Carry only a few 100's in your wallet in a time.  Chances are you will be bringing money home with you - but I always find it is better to have a bit extra. You may want to buy some trinkets etc. / get some presents for your girl - but you know you alot better than I do.  Just giving you my experience with Kiev.  By the way, Kiev can be expensive or cheap depending upon you.

[Stan]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

I would just plan on taking the same kind of clothes that you would wear at home, (Wisconsin) as temps should be almost the same

[romachko]

... in response to I haven't a thing to wear. :-D, posted by JoeC2003 on Dec 16, 2003

It may be best to ask some one who lives there but you can also check the weather there. For example, yahoo.com offers weather in its fundamental menu.

I used it when I went to Simferopol via Istanbul last spring. It was very helpful because there was some difference in temperature and weather in these two cities, only a few hundred miles apart along Black Sea.