Kherson Suggestions?

[JP5380]

Hi Folks-  I'm thinking about visiting Kherson this summer.  It will be my second trip to Ukraine (I visited Odessa last year).  I noticed I can't fly directly into Kherson.  Some of the apartments will send a driver from Odessa to Kherson (and other cities to Kherson), but looks a little expensive.  So, if anyone has suggestions that would be great.  Also, any apartment ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[JP5380]

P.S.  I will probably make a trip into Ochakiv too.  It looks like a small town, but interesting.  Not sure if anyone has been there, but if so, suggestions would be great 

[Faux Pas]

There is a couple of commercial members that hang out and check in here from time to time. They might prove helpful to you. Do a search on Mila or Stirliz and shoot them an email or PM. I sure some members have a suggestion or two as your thread ages

[JP5380]

Thanks, FP

[David1963]

I always fly into Kiev, take the bus to the  train station, then the overnight train to Kherson. 
Flying nto Odessa is also a good idea, then have Sterlitz or a recomended driver take you to Kherson. 
They have regular busses that will take you from Odessa to Kherson, they are cheap and no hassles.
 

[cranehand]

My wife and her family are from Kherson. I love it there,it has great parks and very Cool promenade. Considering the time of year I may suggest continuing your journey further south to Yalta. One word STUNNING.  if I could only figure out a way to make substantial income to xpat. Kherson girls is legit. I would do as David1963 suggested for travel arrangements. Maybe I could speak to the misses n see if She knows of an apartment for rent.
Good journey bud.

[JP5380]

Thanks for the advice.  I will probably fly into Kiev or Odessa.  I will check out Sterlitz if I go through Odessa. But I wouldn't mind seeing Kiev for a day or two.  Glad to hear about the promenade in Kherson.  And yes, I thought about Kherson Girls as one of my back up plans.  I looked up Yalta and it looks amazing.  Would love to take a trip down there ...

[Anotherkiwi]

Thanks for the advice.  I will probably fly into Kiev or Odessa.  I will check out Sterlitz if I go through Odessa. But I wouldn't mind seeing Kiev for a day or two.  Glad to hear about the promenade in Kherson.  And yes, I thought about Kherson Girls as one of my back up plans.  I looked up Yalta and it looks amazing.  Would love to take a trip down there ...

If you've never been to Kyiv (Kiev) before, you will need more than "a day or two" to look around, whatever your interests.  For me it ranks as the number two city for beauty and sights (behind only St Petersburg), and I would seriously suggest a minimum of a week if you have time.  If you're short of time you can always leave it until your next trip, when you can explore the city with the Kherson girl you may find on this trip! 

[JP5380]

Thanks Kiwi, I know I could spend weeks in Kiev.  Interesting you rank it so high in beauty and sights.  But I'm not surprised, it has always peaked my interest from pictures I have seen.  I have plenty of time, just not sure how long my money will last.  And yes, who knows, maybe the girl in Kherson will work out.  Definitely working hard to minimize any expectations and see the situation for what it is-- a first date.  And if she doesn't work, I've got a couple of other contacts I will try.  Maybe even give one of the legit agencies a try.  I have no real schedule, except for visiting Kherson and maybe Ochakiv.  So, if Kherson doesn't work, I'll try to do some exploring, maybe even change cities for a week or two. 

[ML]

I looked up Yalta and it looks amazing.  Would love to take a trip down there ...

Yes, Yalta is a very interesting place.  Not so much right in Yalta, but in the surrounding area are several palaces with elaborate gardens, there are boat trips, botanical gardens, winery, mountain top, etc. 
Could easily spend a week to 10 days there going to a different place every day.

[timinua]

If you don't speak Russian, it is very difficult to get from Odessa airport to Kherson without getting fleeced. The bus station is two marshrutka routes (meaning you have to change once) from the airport. You then need to arrange bus tickets to Kherson. If you speak Russian, you can get a taxi from the airport to the bus station for about $20-25. The bus to Kherson is about $20 (it's been years since I did this, as I have a car). getting a taxi from the airport to Kherson will cost you an arm and a leg, even if you speak Russian and can haggle.

If you have the option, fly into Kyiv, get Chanson taxi (I'll look up the number later) from Borispyl to the central bus station and then take an overnight Guensel bus (like a European flights bus). The whole thing will set you back about $100. Plus, it's probably cheaper to fly in to Kyiv, anyway. The Guensel buses are nice, and even serve complimentary beverages from a (usually) nice looking stewardess.

As far as flats in Kherson go, anything over $40 is too expensive.

Ask more questions; I'm happy to help.

[JP5380]

Thanks for the suggestions Tim.  I will probably ask you some more questions later.  I read you have been living in Kherson for 8 years and running a language school.  Sounds like quite an experience.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[SFandEE]

I really like Kherson a lot and it is on my short list to return for a longer stay.  Month or two.  You are dealing with some of my concerns so I will be following as solutions develop.  Maybe it would be a good base for the Crimea which I really want to get to know well too.


I would like to go see this Swedish village I learned about after returning from Ukraine, interesting history.


http://www.stockholmnews.com/more.aspx?NID=4219

[ML]

I really like Kherson a lot and it is on my short list to return for a longer stay.  Month or two.  You are dealing with some of my concerns so I will be following as solutions develop.  Maybe it would be a good base for the Crimea which I really want to get to know well too.

Consult a map.  A good base for the Crimea is IN Crimea.  Simferopol, Yalta or Sevastopol.

Plus, unlike Kherson . . . you can fly directly into Simferopol, even from Istanbul.

[JayH]

(it's been years since I did this, as I have a car).

Ask more questions; I'm happy to help.

Tim -- you are a mine of info( real estate thead-- thx)
I am reading this as you drive to Odessa airport when you fly out.
What do you do with your car?How long do you leave it there?

[timinua]

There's a long-term car park about thirty meters from the entrance of Odessa airport (on the right hand side as you are looking at the airport entry way). It's about $5 a night (my last four trips I was dropped off, so its been about a year and a half and the price might be dated). I've left my car there two weeks before with no problem. There is another car park  further away that has a shuttle, but I've never used it.

[JP5380]

As it turns out, my lady friend wants to meet in Odessa.  So now I just need a comfortable, reasonably priced way for her to get there.  We have limited time because of her work schedule.  So it needs to be fast.  She talked about a taxi, but I'm afraid that might cost a small fortune.  I think she probably needs to leave after work and arrive in Odessa that evening.  I will send Sterlitz a pm like some of you mentioned.  Seems like we might be able to find a reasonably priced driver, but maybe I am wrong.  Thanks again for the help!

[JP5380]

Okay, so we found a driver.  $200 seems reasonable for round trip.  Now I just need to find an apartment- a two bedroom.  We are staying in the same apartment

[Anotherkiwi]

Okay, so we found a driver.  $200 seems reasonable for round trip.  Now I just need to find an apartment- a two bedroom.  We are staying in the same apartment

There are many, many options, but I used these people - http://www.ukrainefare.com/apartments.php?cityid=2.
 
I had a wonderful (large) one-bedroom apartment 100 metres from the top of the Potemkin Stairs, and their service was excellent (even to coming and replacing dead light bulbs).  The manager, Yana Friman, is a young woman who speaks perfect English.  They also provide interpreters, drivers, etc.

[JP5380]

Thanks Kiwi, I appreciate the advice.  I think this will be a good trip !