Guide to Ukraine
“Ukraine, sounds familiar but don’t ask me to finger it on a map“. If that would be your response in a quiz then this is for you. Welcome to Paul and Lauren’s guide to Ukraine.
Back in the “good old days” Ukraine was part of the USSR, but times have changed and Ukraine is an independent country while still retaining sometimes to Russia as a member of the CIS. Today Ukraine has a population of roughly 45 million and who people speak a mixture of Ukrainian and Russian, both languages sharing large similarities. The capital is Kiev, and that’s where we are.
While there are many signs that Ukraine is recovering from it’s past you can’t help but notice that communism has left an overwhelming footprint on Ukraine and it’s people. The architecture is probably the first thing you’ll notice. In Kiev its the homogenous blocks of some of the most unimaginative architecture that has graced the planet, broken up occasionally by some really amazing sights such as Saint Sophia’s Cathedral. In the countryside are run-down little villages, as if transported from the set of Fiddler on the Roof. Dig a little a deeper and you’ll quickly discover the social and cultural legacy of communism, something Ukraine could do without if its to move forward to a better future.
A little about Kiev
Kiev (or Kyiv) is an ancient city, with claim to the very heritage of the Russian people, however today it is more identifiable as an overcrowded capital that highlights the dramatic gap between the ultra-rich and the poor in Ukraine. Much of Ukraine’s economic development is focused in Kiev where people have flocked from all over Ukraine to get in on the action. There are some really beautiful and historic parts to Kiev however it’s all too easy to forget them when faced with the overwhelming vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Getting around in Kiev can be convenient yet painful. There is an extensive network of small and large buses as well the underground railway, the Metro. Public transport is very cheap, widely accessible and frequent, but it is often terribly crowded.
Markets are the most significant feature of the Kiev retail scene, of which there are quite a few and some of significant size. At the Kiev markets you can buy many things but most significantly there is a great selection of fresh produce available (seasonly dependent). Some of these markets include some small Asian grocers that are of particular interest to us. Obviously, there are supermarkets also, although not entirely up to slick Western standards.
As the Ukrainian middle class is slowly growing there are more opportunities for retail indulgence than ever before. There are also some nice coffee shops in which you can relax and compose yourself before doing battle with the elements and crowds once again.
