Air tickets in hand and... not quite ready to go!

[Kuna]

Well,  today I finalised my air tickets and now I'll concentrate on the land content (and "reducing" the list of girls who I'll eventually meet.)

A couple of questions you fine gentlemen might be able to help me with;

1. Accommodation in Riga. Has anyone visited Riga before, and if so do you have any accommodation options you can suggest?

2. A good base in Kiev. I've looked on-line for apartments in Kiev, but haven't been able to tell which area I should be staying in.  I'd like to stay somewhere central, and preferrably close to a public focal point... like a popular cafe, etc.

I can think of nothing better than building familiarity with the barister in a coffee shop while I write a long detailed trip report for you blokes.    (OK, I lie! I can think of many things better than that but I'd still like to find somewhere popular and hip to watch the morning crowds pass bye.)

3. Ukrainian Visas Part 1... I understand I need an invitation to get a Ukrainian Visa. I know you can get the invitation from a hotel if you're staying there but if I'm in an apartment, can someone give me some pointers on getting an invitation?

4. Ukrainian Visas Part 2...  Does your invitation need to detail exactly what your travel plans are once you're inside of Ukraine? 

At this stage I'm intending on playing it by ear (i.e. Start in Kiev for a few days, head off to [Town B] to see how it goes, move on to [Town C] again to see how it goes, make a decision on which town and girl, I'd like to spend some more time with and go back there.  I don't think it'll be possible to have all my accommodation arranged before I go (I'm counting on just having Kiev and [Town B] arranged and take the rest from there), will this create an issue.

5. Visa registration  ???  Did I read somewhere that you have to have your visa registered or validated on arrival or was that just in one of the nightmares I'm having about this trip?

Hmmm.. I'm sure other questions will come up but I'd be really interested if someone had some input on the above.

Cheers!

Kuna

[SANDRO43]

Are you sure you need a visa for the Ukraine ? I thought they had done away with that last year, at least for US and UE visitors.

[BC]

Sandro,

Don't think that Australia fits in for visa free entry http://www.ukremb.info/index.php?p=29

[Kuna]

Yeah...  visas are still required for us.  Unfortunately...

I think I qualify for a P-2 visa (Applicants of Ukrainian background) but meeting the criteria could be a challenge at the moment...  Still waiting for Ukrainian families documents from Australian Archives.  Once I get them I'll have a better idea.

 

[SANDRO43]

You might want to check out the Ukrainian legislation concerning citizenship for Ukr descendants. Could save you a visa next time around . Lots of Argentinians did that with Italy.

[Turboguy]

As far as a place to say that is central.  There are many apartments right of Krashatik which is "the street"  Krashatik is not long, perhaps 6 blocks or so.  The two landmarks people seem to reference a lot besides the street are Independence sq.  Globus shopping center and T.G.I.F.  Anything near any of those is central,  Globus and Independence square are a tad more central. 

TGIF is a one minute walk from one end of the street.  Globus and Independence square are virtually together and about 2/3 of the way towards the other end.   Hope that helps.

[Gator]

Kuna,

I suggest Independence Square.  This is one of the more exclusive residential areas in Kiev, yet you can find reasonably priced, distinguished Stalin era apartments (50-75 years old) with high ceilings.  I stayed at one on Mikhailovskiy Lane, between Kiev Connections and an Irish Pub called O’Briens (not the best food but not expensive with lively expats, and it makes for an easy meeting place).  In fact Kiev Connections (a reputable marriage agency) may have access to several apartments in the area.


Within 100m is a fantastic coffee shop with fresh Ethiopian coffee (the best coffee in the world) and fresh pastries.  Around Independence Square you can find restaurants of all types:  Italian, Georgian, Moroccan, Mexican, the ubiquitous Japanese, etc. plus even a McDonalds for Turboguy types.  If you wish to celebrate with someone special go to Dolce.

This area is a short walk uphill to Sofiyska Plaza, the Sophia Cathedral, and the funicular to Podil (more restaurants).  At the square is a post office with an inexpensive Internet Café.  And any shops that you could desire are on Khreshchatyk Blvd that intersects the Square.

As I discussed before in your thread on winter travel, it will be cold and to do “people watching” will require you to walk around the subterranean mall at the square.  Those photos were from the area I have just described.

[Michelangelo]

Americans don't need a visa for Ukraine.  I'm not sure about folks who hold Australian citizenship.

I lived in Kiev this summer and stayed at 2 great apartments on Independence Square.  PM me if you are still looking, and I'll give you rental information.

Good luck!

[Kuna]

Kuna,

I suggest Independence Square.  This is one of the more exclusive residential areas in Kiev, yet you can find reasonably priced, distinguished Stalin era apartments (50-75 years old) with high ceilings.  I stayed at one on Mikhailovskiy Lane, between Kiev Connections and an Irish Pub called O’Briens (not the best food but not expensive with lively expats, and it makes for an easy meeting place).  In fact Kiev Connections (a reputable marriage agency) may have access to several apartments in the area.

Within 100m is a fantastic coffee shop with fresh Ethiopian coffee (the best coffee in the world) and fresh pastries.  Around Independence Square you can find restaurants of all types:  Italian, Georgian, Moroccan, Mexican, the ubiquitous Japanese, etc. plus even a McDonalds for Turboguy types.  If you wish to celebrate with someone special go to Dolce.

This area is a short walk uphill to Sofiyska Plaza, the Sophia Cathedral, and the funicular to Podil (more restaurants).  At the square is a post office with an inexpensive Internet Café.  And any shops that you could desire are on Khreshchatyk Blvd that intersects the Square.

As I discussed before in your thread on winter travel, it will be cold and to do “people watching” will require you to walk around the subterranean mall at the square.  Those photos were from the area I have just described.

Gator,

Thanks yet again....  great info!  Somehow I don't think I'll be eating McDonalds while I'm away. 

Kuna

[Michelangelo]

But I bet you'll stop by McDonald's for the water closet!  LOL

[Jumper]

never went in McD's or TGIF's while in kyiv...
walked by them  dozens of times though !
nothing against um.. and if there very long term would go for some confort food occassionally? lol

but generally i enjoy checking out the local cuisine in any country/city  i'm in.. (ok england excluded)
and really enjoy russian food anyway!

just had some superb borscht and pelmini in fact!!  mmmmm 

Kuna there are several nice street side cafes all along krashatik and other streets for "people watching" 

I did rent a very nice flat from jack and galina.
actually several flats at various times..
but most were conveniently located easy walkling distance  off independence square and very reasonably priced.

my advice-
for sure get a flat, much better deal and atmosphere than a hotel IMHO.


most of all have fun!
and remember its an adventure! 

[Kuna]

most of all have fun!
and remember its an adventure! 

Thanks AJ...  It'll certainly be an adventure.

I'm like you...  when I go somewhere (especially for the first time) I like to eat the local cuisine but this time I think I'll have flashbacks to my childhood.  Should be great!

I've still go no idea of my itinerary once inside of Ukr  but it's too early to make all those decisions yet. That'll depend on the girls I finally decide to meet. 

Long time to go yet though...  I don't depart till January 20 so I'm sure the experience will take many turns before then.

Cheers,

Kuna

[wiz]

Kuna

I am off for a few days but I suggest you visit this site: I used her accommodation which is very central, 5 minutes from indepentent Square, and very modern. Also her prices are economical.
mention my name if you want.

http://www.maxil.ukhouse.com/index.html

Her name is Larissa.

have a nice time in Kiev.

Yannis

[Gator]

Kuna,

If you are health conscious, you will find that many of the Ukrainian dishes contain too much fat.

I never saw this dish, bit I can believe it:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3825221.stm

Yet, in Ukraine I had the best soup that I have ever tasted.  Its appeal was enhanced by the fact that I had just come inside from a very cold winter blizzard.  Also, it was homemade.  The best meal will be one made by one of the women you meet at her home (with some help from her Mama).

In Kiev, the best Ukraine restaurant (considering food quality and price) that I visited was the "Two Rabbits" (I believe that was it).  Whatever, it is the name of famous movie and the restaurant is at top of  Andrylyivsky Street (a scenic, steep, serpentine cobblestone street) just below St. Andrew's church.

P. S.  Salo is very similar to lard (unless I don't understand it).  A little bit with some garlic and herbs actually is good for "buttering" bread.

[Mir]

Yannis

Is Larissa fully recovered?
And how is her scamming Polish boyfriend?

[Michelangelo]

Kuna, you have an ace in the hole-- Ukrainian girls LOVE Australia!

Check for a PM-- I have an idea and suggestion for you.

michelangelo

[Michelangelo]

If you are health conscious, you will find that many of the Ukrainian dishes contain too much fat.

 Salo is very similar to lard (unless I don't understand it).  A little bit with some garlic and herbs actually is good for "buttering" bread.

Very true, Gator.  The soup was delicious but fat was floating on the top :-)

I'm going to Ukraine in a few weeks and I've already starting coating my stomach with a round of Prilosec to prepare for my mother-in-laws fatty cooking!!!

Kuna, you might consider taking Prilosec with you!!!

[Kuna]

Very true, Gator.  The soup was delicious but fat was floating on the top :-)

I'm going to Ukraine in a few weeks and I've already starting coating my stomach with a round of Prilosec to prepare for my mother-in-laws fatty cooking!!!

Kuna, you might consider taking Prilosec with you!!!

Ummmm... Prolosec???  Is that an American name brand???

Gator,  Choccolate coated pork fat?   Even if you weren't a healthy eater some things are going too far!

Thanks guys,

Kuna

[Michelangelo]

Here's the link...
http://www.prilosecotc.com/

Nice protection; makes super stomach able to fight fatty cooking from MIL. 

[wendaaaal]

Hi Kuna,
 Did a two day stopover in Riga on the way back from Ukraine. Great city to visit, lots of pretty girls around. I stayed at the Radisson SAS Daugava Hotel. http://riga.radissonsas.com/. It's across the river from Old Town Riga. I enjoyed the walk and the quiet, but most probably prefer being closer to Old Town. After walking all over Ukraine, Riga seemed pretty compact to me. Radisson has a free shuttle (somewhat limited schedule) to/from airport. Saw some smaller hotels in Old Town, but can't vouch for them. A buddy of mine really likes the Reval Hotel Latvija http://www.revalhotels.com/eng/latvija/ . Do recommend checking out the Skyline Bar there, great view! Hope this helps, Wendell