Good times in Kiev, Odessa, Simferopol etc.

[mrscott]

First, I must give kudos to Jack. The Army made my leaving Iraq an absolute pain-in-the-ass, so much so, that I told Jack to cancel everything he had done, and at the 11th hour because I didn't know when I would be able to leave. Then less than 24 later, the Army changed its mind, and I'm on my way to Ukraine. Jack was very understandable and accommodating. Being given very short notice Jack and his team were able to secure apartments in a great locations (Kiev and Odessa), as well as provide necessary transportation to and from airport/train station. Although I know enough Russian to get by on my own, it was good to not have to deal those little issues that can pop up when going to and from destinations.
So, big kudos to Jack and associates. If you're traveling to Kiev/ Odessa look him up.

Observations/experiences etc.
Taxi's
They're are dirt cheap, should you actually need to use one. (Buses are only 2 Hryvnia, but unless you know your way around don't bother). Walk a block or two away from touristy areas because they're all in cahoots with one another on price. Unless you're traveling very far there is absolutely no reason to pay more than 35 Hryvnia for a taxi. Yes, even 100 Hryvnia is cheap compared to US taxi prices but no sense in wasting money.
I never bothered with visiting clubs, there was plenty of eye-candy just walking around. Plus I had women to meet I had been emailing.
Khreschatyk street in Kiev is closed to traffic on weekends so there is plenty of people watching to do.

All the major tourist attractions are very close to one another, you can easily see everything in one day-while walking. There are free walking tours, http://freetours.kiev.ua/, that I did not know about until after I saw everything.
Money
Don't bother taking your debit card, there's more security using your credit card, although cash is still king here. Also, you can ask your bank about sending yourself money from your own account via Western Union. You'll get raped with ATM fees using your card to take out cash. Of course the downside to using Western Union is where to securely keep all that money. Which it shouldn't be all that much; food/drink is very inexpensive here.
Cherry Kompot is awesome, it's like Oceanspray Cranapple juice drink-but better. Kompot is also the name of a fantastic restaurant in Odessa, it's located in the very heart of the city, on Deribasovskaya Street. The food is all made from scratch using old school recipes. Everything I had there was delicious.
Drop wallet scam-
Had this done to me. Didn't know about it until browsing the 'net the following day. They didn't get any money from me; I figured out what was going on pretty quick. For the curious I can explain in another post if people wish. The interesting thing to me was that the day prior, two local Kiev men came up to me and different times, and asked me directions to somewhere. I responded in Russian that I'm American, and I didn't know. So I figured I must've blended in.

And lastly, I meet an absolute sweetheart of a woman in Simferopol. We're both committed to seeing each other again. Unfortunately I have to finish my time in Iraq before being able to take another vacation, but she's worth the wait.

[Kuna]

mrscott,

Thanks for writing a TR...  it'smy favourite part of RWD.

Is this your first trip??? Would be interested in hearing more of your observations.

kuna

[mrscott]

Yep, first trip.
Not sure what else to write, but I thought it interesting that while I rode on many buses I saw more than one man be chivalrous and give up his seat to a woman who needed to sit (baby in arms, older woman etc.). I say interesting because of the exploitation of women here is so evident (e.g. local TV show of women being 'surprised' at their clothes being removed-and the embarrassment of the men-ya know, hidden camera stuff).

I don't recall the restaurant's name in Odessa but I had some true Ukranian food and enjoyed it. Now anyone who knows me, knows that I am VERY picky about food, and prefer not to venture too far outside my food comfort zone. I have that boring mid-western pallet.

I met two Yank's while in Odessa. One was on an Anastasia tour-he asked if I was on a tour also. I said, 'nope, going it on my own. I prefer it that way.' Not sure where he got his info from be he heard it is better to do a tour i.e. crime. I guess if one doesn't know the language maybe so...But to me I don't see how one can have any connection to a woman if the only means of communication is through an interpreter. Even with my little knowledge of Russian and Svetlana's (best of the three I met) limited knowledge of English we had plenty of 'I don't understand' moments-usually about every 10 minutes. But we got through it and did manage to have plenty of good laughs.

If you are standing in line for something to buy-don't be a Westerner and be passive and polite, act like you're a bouncer and let no one pass in front of you, otherwise you'll get steamrollered by everyone.

[Kuna]

Had to chuckle when you mentioned the process of lining up.

On my first to Ukraine I was right at the front of the line at Passport control and didn't realise I was moving backwards as others kept pushing in front of me.  I swear I was almost last from that plane out of the airport.

I learned very quickly to stand close and not become too interested in anything around me until I'd been served otherwise you're moving backwards.

When my wife moved here something she commented on was how everone was so polite in lines, and when she got her license she was even more impressed people would make space in traffic to let her change lanes etc...

"You veel NEVER see zees is Ukraine. At first I thought it was just because I am woman driver and they are scared"

:



Re: the dude told to take a tour because of crime/safety.  I think that's all a part of the shonky side of the business...creating Fear Uncertainty and Doubt in the minds of men who really know no better.

Imagine taking a guide from the US to baby sit you and translate conversations with a lady??? Just a nightmare!  Some wouldpass it off as being essential though.

I think the way you did it with getting someone trustworthy like Jack to book cars and apartments for you is the way to go.  At least you know someone will meet you when you get off the plane and get out of your way when you are trying to have fun.

Hate to be pushy...but pics would be nice....especially from Odessa as I've never been there.

Congrats on finding a lady who you're interested in continuing with...  Hope it goes well for you!

[edu]

First, I must give kudos to Jack. The Army made my leaving Iraq an absolute pain-in-the-ass, so much so, that I told Jack to cancel everything he had done, and at the 11th hour because I didn't know when I would be able to leave. Then less than 24 later, the Army changed its mind, and I'm on my way to Ukraine. Jack was very understandable and accommodating. Being given very short notice Jack and his team were able to secure apartments in a great locations (Kiev and Odessa), as well as provide necessary transportation to and from airport/train station. Although I know enough Russian to get by on my own, it was good to not have to deal those little issues that can pop up when going to and from destinations.
So, big kudos to Jack and associates. If you're traveling to Kiev/ Odessa look him up.

Observations/experiences etc.
Taxi's
They're are dirt cheap, should you actually need to use one. (Buses are only 2 Hryvnia, but unless you know your way around don't bother). Walk a block or two away from touristy areas because they're all in cahoots with one another on price. Unless you're traveling very far there is absolutely no reason to pay more than 35 Hryvnia for a taxi. Yes, even 100 Hryvnia is cheap compared to US taxi prices but no sense in wasting money.
I never bothered with visiting clubs, there was plenty of eye-candy just walking around. Plus I had women to meet I had been emailing.
Khreschatyk street in Kiev is closed to traffic on weekends so there is plenty of people watching to do.

All the major tourist attractions are very close to one another, you can easily see everything in one day-while walking. There are free walking tours, http://freetours.kiev.ua/, that I did not know about until after I saw everything.
Money
Don't bother taking your debit card, there's more security using your credit card, although cash is still king here. Also, you can ask your bank about sending yourself money from your own account via Western Union. You'll get raped with ATM fees using your card to take out cash. Of course the downside to using Western Union is where to securely keep all that money. Which it shouldn't be all that much; food/drink is very inexpensive here.
Cherry Kompot is awesome, it's like Oceanspray Cranapple juice drink-but better. Kompot is also the name of a fantastic restaurant in Odessa, it's located in the very heart of the city, on Deribasovskaya Street. The food is all made from scratch using old school recipes. Everything I had there was delicious.
Drop wallet scam-
Had this done to me. Didn't know about it until browsing the 'net the following day. They didn't get any money from me; I figured out what was going on pretty quick. For the curious I can explain in another post if people wish. The interesting thing to me was that the day prior, two local Kiev men came up to me and different times, and asked me directions to somewhere. I responded in Russian that I'm American, and I didn't know. So I figured I must've blended in.

And lastly, I meet an absolute sweetheart of a woman in Simferopol. We're both committed to seeing each other again. Unfortunately I have to finish my time in Iraq before being able to take another vacation, but she's worth the wait.

I am also in Odessa and I understand that pain in the ass that you are talking about.  I came on R&R from Afghanistan and clearing out of that place was like Hotel California.

I did have fun there.  I met interesting people.  I went to nice clubs and I am thinking of going there again next year.

My favorite place was Fanconi's and Salerio for pre-clubbing activities.

[Jack]

Hello mrscott, sorry for my delay in writing this to you.

I think you have things reversed, for it is I who should be thanking you. Any time I can
give my time, my help and expertise to any of our young fighting men I consider it
a privilege and an honor. I wish I could help more such fine men as yourself.

Everyday you are putting your life on the line for this country and it is I who should be
thanking you.

Thank You MrScott

[Rubicon]

Hello mrscott, sorry for my delay in writing this to you.

I think you have things reversed, for it is I who should be thanking you. Any time I can
give my time, my help and expertise to any of our young fighting men I consider it
a privilege and an honor. I wish I could help more such fine men as yourself.

Everyday you are putting your life on the line for this country and it is I who should be
thanking you.

Thank You MrScott

kudos Jack!!

[LAguy]

Hey mrscott,

   Great to read your trip report. Since I know odessa pretty well, always interested to hear any thoughts of the city.
 My favorite is a japanese restaurant on Rishel'evskaya near Bunina( north side) resonable prices, also Buffalo 99 is popular it is on same street. My friends small restaurant on corner of Bunina/Aleksandrovskiy, large burrito like food for $2-$3(for something inexpensive). There are a copuple very good ukrainain restaurants on Langeronovskaya near corner of Gavannaya( which is one block west?)of Deribasovskaya, close to that Steakhouse restaurant....where that bull is out front.
For dancing...older crowd( less tinny boppers) is Vecherniaya on Pushkinskaya or drinks at Captain Morgans. The Yo club is preety entertaining with lots to do......