KHARKOV

[sjg-uk]

All experiences about Kharkov please.
I have lived here for one year now.
For loads of things to see and do, visit kharkovinfo.com
I would love to here from any ex-pats living or visiting Kharkov.

[Shadow]

If you are living there one year you would be the source of information

[sjg-uk]

Hi Shadow
Thanks, yes I've been here a year now, but I haven't been everywhere. Perhaps guys have been here and had good/bad experiences.  I have not been to all of the night clubs , casino's or all of the restaurants. I have found some good cafe's/restuarants and bars - I have found a good English bar that has a great pint of Guinness. I am trying to find a good T-bone steak, nothing yet ! and also I can't find a shop that seels English food - god I miss Branston Pickle, English cheese, proper sausages etc. I've heard there is a shop in Kiev that imports food from Uk, but not found it.
Clothes, shoes, jeans here are crazy prices, most shops are very expensive and of lower quality than Uk. There is money to be earnt in ladies shoes - christ the women here spend twice the price of the UK !

There is a superb Dolphinarium, where you can swim with them , but I've not done that either !
I have found the Kharkov City Rugby team website , but not been able to findwhere they play.

[Shadow]

Strange that you miss pickles and sausages... unless it it true that there is only salo in the shops in Ukraine.
Just telling this because we drive regularly to a Russian supermarket in Germany in order to get better quality meat and sausages as they sell around us here.  The amount of pickled vegetables they sell is quite large as well, and for most products goes that ingredients are more natural and better in taste.

As for pickles you might have to check out the local dacha's, or find some market where the babushka's are selling. Sausages it will take some experimenting as the variety is wide, but I am pretty sure that I saw some which are close to the British.

And I have been a fan of 'English breakfast' for a long time, so I do know what you talk about. 

[sjg-uk]

Shadow - the local markets sell veg' that is in some sort of salt water based pickle - not vinegar based as in UK - and being as I'm a lazy Brit', I'm not used to this home made stuff yet, my food was from Marks & Spencers and Sainsburys  - out of a packet or jar ! - I can't stand that bloody Borsh stuff, give me a tin of Heinz soup anyday ! - (ex-pats will know what I'm on about )

[Shadow]

Shadow - the local markets sell veg' that is in some sort of salt water based pickle - not vinegar based as in UK - and being as I'm a lazy Brit', I'm not used to this home made stuff yet, my food was from Marks & Spencers and Sainsburys  - out of a packet or jar ! - I can't stand that bloody Borsh stuff, give me a tin of Heinz soup anyday ! - (ex-pats will know what I'm on about )

You are missing the better things in life 

Though I sorely miss the Marks & Spencers continental branches....was always good to get some tasty things.

Home made stuff is the base of any supermarket packets and jars...you just need to learn how to make it. And if you check the markets, ask for 'oxus' and you will get the vinegar based products... though the salted ones are keeping a more natural taste.

[sjg-uk]

Shadow - I'll try to be more adventurous ! also thanks for tip on 'OXUS' I'll have a look for that - cheers.

[SANDRO43]

god I miss Branston Pickle, English cheese, proper sausages etc.

Do you also miss this Brit staple ?

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE[/youtube]

[kievstar]

My wife is from Kharkov and I should be there this summer I can point out places where to get your food.  I have to drive here in the USA to a special Russian store to buy pickles.  They do tend to be more spicy so you may not like that.

[sjg-uk]

Kievstar - Great, give me a call when you're in kharkov for a beer !