Now we are home from Kiev and back at work... We can definitely recommend Kiev for a city break! Here are some summarised impressions and some tips for those who are thinking of going there.
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ShareSome reflections from the trip to Kiev
Here are some reflections from our trip to Kiev in Ukraine, a city we really like!
- Fur, lacquer, glitter and high heels - To quote the guidebook: "It´s not a sin to be poor in Ukraine, but it´s a sin to look poor". It's fascinating to look at all the dressed-up people (read women) and shopping is never boring....
- Really cheap or unimaginably expensive - Kiev is still an affordable destination and many things (food, beer, sights) can be had very, very cheaply. But that doesn't stop Ukrainians from slapping fat price tags on the most exclusive products...
- Good food and cool restaurants - Almost all the food we got in Kiev was really good, both in more expensive and simpler places. Also, cool themed restaurants that you can't find in Stockholm...
- Lower standards and less flexibility - It's true that Kiev is in Eastern Europe, and sometimes you can feel the gusts of the old Soviet Union. Standards are lower and small practicalities can take an unimaginable amount of time. However, everything usually works out, and there are always plenty of staff on hand to help with any problems.
- Friendly and helpful people - Of course, you should act with some common sense and not expose yourself to unnecessary risks, but we never felt unsafe in Kiev. On the contrary, people were helpful and if they knew some English, they were happy to talk to us!
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Veiken says:
Now I have checked all your Ukraine posts. It feels so east, when you see some of the pictures. Nice to see it before it becomes more western influenced!
06 January 2010 - 17:53