Ukraine Again: Something Old, Something New...

[Kuna]

Grumpy Guys in Green Uniforms

Simoni,

Did any of these grumpy guys in green uniforms tell you off for sitting on the edges of the flower beds outside of MOCT?

[Simoni]

Nope, never tried doing that 

I usually rush inside to get to the air conditioning 

But I did notice green clad security at every corner with mikes connected to the master cop.

And I did see them nab a girl for shoplifting.

[Kuna]

Nope, never tried doing that 

I usually rush inside to get to the air conditioning 

But I did notice green clad security at every corner with mikes connected to the master cop.

And I did see them nab a girl for shoplifting.

 

Most members are going to say "What man in green?"

[Simoni]

Right, security is invisible under the cover of so many beautiful girls! 

[Simoni]

EUROPEAN SHOPPING CENTER ON EUROPEAN SQUARE

We are staying in a flat in the middle of the city, on Europe Square.  It's a hothub of activity.  Our balcony overlooks the square, and it's a marvel just standing there and watching the parade of people passing by, and others setting and drinking and smoking and talking. 

The four story shopping city was opened last fall, just in advance of the MOCT shopping center.  I think MOCT has stolen some of the thunder form Euorpe Shopping Center, but it remains a nice center.  It's the place we met Dar and Henry last week.  I'll post a pic; it's very beautiful.

[Bruce]

This is a first rate trip report.  Well documented with photos.  I do not know how you have the strength and energy to write such a great trip report after so many previous trip reports.  I unfortunately tired of them by 2003 or so.  In any event thanks so much for sharing.  Ukraine is a great place to visit for sure. 

[Simoni]

This is a first rate trip report.  Well documented with photos.  I do not know how you have the strength and energy to write such a great trip report after so many previous trip reports.  I unfortunately tired of them by 2003 or so.  In any event thanks so much for sharing.  Ukraine is a great place to visit for sure. 

Thanks, Bruce. Writing a TR helps me "claim" and think through the experience, so it's a labor of love.  Plus, this trip is very different since we are returning after one year together in the US.  So our perspectives are different, and we are both looking at Ukraine through different lenses than in past trips.

Also, this city has changed SO MUCH, and for the better, IMHO.

We are enjoying is so much that we have dropped plans to return to the black sea, and will stay here another week instead.

[Simoni]

DEATH OF SPARTA ?

When I first came to Dnper three years ago, I had a date with a girl at SPARTA.  Then the scoop on Sparta was great atmosphere, fair food.

Marina and I went back yesterday at lunch.  The place was deserted...only one other person eating.

I think that the great cafes at the MOCT Center and Europe Center have hurt Sparta greatly.   The service was really slow, and the food was terrible.  When times get tough, restaurants loose good chefs and cut back on staff.  Bad becomes worse. Only one of the three dishes was any good.  We won't be going back.  That's my honest opinion; others chime in if they disagree.  I'd love to hear it's only that Sparta was having a bad day.

[Gator]

I ate at Sparta twice last year because it is a favorite place for Cindy Agency meetings.  I thought it ordinary at best.

My favorite inexpensive cafe was the Luna across the street from the Majestic agency (near the Grand hotel and less than a block from Karl Marx). 

My favorite restaurant was the Safari at the top of the hill near the trolley stop.  Good sidewalk seating and diverse menu with good wine by the glass.  My date, a business wowam from Kharkov, thought it was good and she is a picky woman.

[groovlstk]

Simoni,

Did you happen to notice if Iceberg (a few doors down from Sparta when you're walking down Moskovskaya Ul. away from Karl Marx) was still there? Last time I was in Dnepr I got into a brawl there, or the brawl got into me Very cool place despite the fisticuffs!

[Simoni]

Yes, Iceberg is still there.  I go to the gym right behind it.  I will take my iron knuckles and check it out later tonight :-)

[Hub]

I ate at Sparta once with a lady.  The food was OK.  But irritating thing was they had two TVs blaring in the area we were eating in.  We asked for them to be turned off.  They refused saying somebody might want to watch.  But we were the only two there in that area.  Then the waiter said he couldn't even turn them down because the control was central and would affect all TVs.  Finally a guy came with a remote and did turn them down.

This is common throught Russia and Ukraine.  That is loud TVs or music in restaurants, etc.

[Simoni]

I noticed the tv monitor yesterday, too.  It seemed out og place in the peaceful aquarium environment.

MOCT mall must have 50 big flat screens playing.  But it's ok there.  Or in a sports bar.  But the Italian restrauant today also had TVs.  With nudity, too!

[Simoni]

I ate at Sparta twice last year because it is a favorite place for Cindy Agency meetings.  I thought it ordinary at best.

My favorite inexpensive cafe was the Luna across the street from the Majestic agency (near the Grand hotel and less than a block from Karl Marx). 

My favorite restaurant was the Safari at the top of the hill near the trolley stop.  Good sidewalk seating and diverse menu with good wine by the glass.  My date, a business wowam from Kharkov, thought it was good and she is a picky woman.

Marina had just yesterday pointed out Luna to me.  And when I asked her about Safari, she told me it's one of her favorites....but she had forgotten to tell me about it.  She loves that street and the trees and the sidewalk atmosphere of the cafe.  I'm all for a good wine by the glass, so we'll try it this week.  Thanks for sharing.

[Simoni]

COMPARING THE MOVIE GOING EXPERIENCE:  UKRAINE VERSUS THE USA

~In Ukraine, the actors are dubbed over in Russian.  No English subtitles, either.   But good for your Russian learning!  In Kiev, they do have a few English language movies showing.  But not here in Dnerp

~In the USA, you drink soft drinks during the movie.  Here in Ukraine, you drink beer or whatever you want from the full bar!

~In the USA, movies cost 8 to 12 bucks.  Here, they cost 5 bucks at the nicer theaters like at MOCT Center

~In Ukraine, they assign your movie seat! I hate this but Marina likes it

~In Ukraine, they announce the actors and producer's names after the movie.  In accented Russian!  I love it 

[Simoni]

The food in Ukraine is simply scrumptious!  We are having lunch at the Beer House on
Ekaterinoslavskiy bulvar. I had a greek salad, soup and melt in your Pork Ribs.  Followed by philly cheesecake.  And the price . . . $ 6.  :-)

Beer house is 1 tram stop up the hill from European Square, across the street from Reporter Restrauant.

[Simoni]

That's melt in your mouth". :-) LOL

[catzenmouse]

Simoni,

 Don't forget to check out the new menu at McDonalds. This is the real ethnic food!

[Simoni]

Marina and I just ducked into Grand Plaza to escape from the sweltering heat. The plaza is but a shadow of its former grand self.  It's rundown and almost deserted. And coffee at the second floor cofeeshop is priced the same as at the Atrium at MOCT Center.  Looks like Grand Plaza is in its last days...

[Simoni]

TOO MANY BEERS?

I can confirm it.  They drink a lot more in the fsu!  I had two tall beers for lunch.  Three more beers with friends at Iceburg at 5.  Now I am at dinner, drinking Jap beer!!!

Good thing everyone walks here and I don't have to drive home!!!!  :-). LOL

[Simoni]

Simoni,

Did you happen to notice if Iceberg (a few doors down from Sparta when you're walking down Moskovskaya Ul. away from Karl Marx) was still there? Last time I was in Dnepr I got into a brawl there, or the brawl got into me Very cool place despite the fisticuffs!

As promised, we had drinks there today....here are some pics...look familiar?

[Simoni]

Simoni,

 Don't forget to check out the new menu at McDonalds. This is the real ethnic food!

The new MOCT shopping center has a US style food court.  And guess who has the longest lines?   

[Kuna]

Simoni,


I think I said it before but fabulous TR!!!  The photos make me very envious especially as I've only been home a month...

Kuna

[Simoni]

Thanks, Kuna.  We ar enjoying this month in Dnepr.  Since Marina does not live here anymore or have to work, this is truly a vacation.  We are staying up late and sleeping in.  It's also great that Marina is seeing Dnepr with new eyes-both the good and the bad.  It takes a year away to obtain that vision.  Now she won't  be saying Everything is better in Ukraine.  Just Most things :-) LOL

[Simoni]

HAMMER KILLER ON THE LOOSE

Our midnight walks down the streets of Dnerp are over.  Seems like a killer has been operating this week at night, and has already claimed three victims.  Detectives say the faces are beaten beyond recognition, likely with a hammer.   Victims are both young and old, male and female.  Marina's friends say the killing spree has reached 14, but I can't confirm that number.

Here's a link:
http://gorod.dp.ua/news/news.php?id=7016

Ukraine seems so much safer than any large American city.  At midnight you see hundreds of people out waking, including beautiful girls walking alone.