A great collection of so many things that I don't know anything about in the home I grew up in in NYC. I only knew my grandmother (who was quite a hoot!) and she spoke to her grandchildren in English, that sounded like Za-Za Gabor! Everyone was sveetie to her. I listened to my parents speak to her in Ukrainian and I saw the paper she sometimes read: The Swovboda (I think) but I was pretty left out of loop as I was only then around 10 years old. (Grandma died when I was 14 and then I heard no Ukrainian,) except at church. I was never a huge fan of Ukrainian food, except for Grandma's style of Borscht with a sour cream dollop! Tasty!

At any rate I (as a second generation Ukrainian-American) will thoroughly explore your site, RJD, and learn about the Ukraine from you. I like everyone, is still in shock over the recent border wars and the plane being shot down, and I guess that I won't well understand a level of hatred that has to be generated before these sorts of events take place, but I'm not that thrilled with human beings and that's my own problem.

I myself, am leaving the US for Panama within these next five years, to open a horticultural research preserve of 50 acres. I've been planting this land over the last 11 years with over 1500 trees of all kinds, and have grown to love Panama and its culture. I'm doing fairly well in my Spanish, but it's easier for me, as I live and work around the Miami, Florida area; 'nuff said!

Thank you, RJD for doing what you're doing. I can ABD DO relate well, and will read your articles fully and look for the newest ones as time allows!

From a "Hippy-Pana-Gringo" Paul Nawrocki, I say: "thank you" and best wishes to you for all your endeavours, RJD! You , inded, "rock!"

I've read several of your articles, and I must admit that do get the true ukrainian personality. Your observations about Ukrainian relationships being more informal, and the reasons why Ukrainians don't use a lot of "thank you" and "please" with friends are absolutely accurate. I also agree with how you explained why Ukrainian women seem more beautiful than American. But I also have to add that you seem to me to be a not quite typical American, I don't know if my observation is correct, or I simply don't know Americans well (still after 13 years on the US...).

Your articles also helped me clear some ambiguity I've been having lately as to WHAT IS IT that makes it so much easier to breathe in Ukraine, to make friends? When you mentioned that foreigners feel their emotional needs are better met in Ukraine, and that a "freind" has a deeper meaning, that Ukrainians are less formal, you confirmed some of my thoughts.
Back in Ukraine I always had good friends, and had no problem making at least one good friend at every place of work or school. In the US, especially since I moved to the East Coast, I made zero American friends. When I lived in California things seemed easier...

Thank you for your website, and your thoughful observations.

really pleased i found this site as i intend to drive over to meet some sports fans.

Hi RJD,
Excellent blog - I found tryukraine by chance, as I'm about to move to Kiev in a month. Wish you all the best with your activities, and hope to read more of your blogs. Best wishes.

I read the comments of the readers and feel like they like Ukraine more than you do RJD based on your reviews. I would say that you didn't get the true ukrainian personality. Don't judge the people, please. You can't completly understand and feel the people if you are not Ukrainian and if you were not born and raised there. So don't talk about it. There are everywhere bad and good people, clean and not clean in the world it doesn't matter how much money you make and where you live. Try to write something positive and nice about Ukrainians, please. Because I think Ukrainians are the most beautiful and generous people in the world. Also in the article about Ukrainian women I'd feel you are a little jealous and trying to justify american women. And how dare you to wright about the Ukrainian gripes. I think you do not respect them. I've been living for 7 years in USA and I can also write about American gripes. Some of them are also not clean. They sleep with dogs in their beds and take togather a bath in the tub I've seen it with my own eyes for Ukrainians it w'd be very gross. Our people put their feet on the toilet but Americans go to bed in their shoes. The toilets it's the inheretence we've gotten from Soviets. This is what you get when everything is for free. And with the new tehnologies it's the matter of time when everything is going to change. You see we can talk about a lot of cultural diffences but the point is lets try not to judge nobody lets try to be nice to each other. Write about the facts, about the cities, transportation, hotels and etc. Try not to analyse us because you will never get it. And regarding the ukrainization you have no wright to write about it because with all due respect you are American-British the invader who killed almost all Native Americans, inslaved African Americans and colonized many countries. You are just like Russians. How dare you to talk about it? Your website made me mad and I don't believe you'll ever understand me. Because you just think with your brain not by your heart.

My response:
I apologize for not responding sooner to your criticism. I was busy massacring some pesky Native Americans, punishing my African slaves, and suppressing unrest in one of my colonies. Maintaining America's freedom is hard work sometimes. If you think Ukrainians are the most beautiful and generous people in the world, why do you not live there? And if I judge Ukrainians and don't like Ukraine, why am I living here? I think our choice of residence says something about our true feelings. The reasons many readers write glowing praise about Ukraine is because they don't live here, but just come on short visits. Traveling in Ukraine is about "cities, transportation, hotels and etc.," but living here is about bureaucracy, infrastructure, economics, government, relationships, and mentality.

The things I write about Ukraine are similar to what many Ukrainians think about their own country. Views on Ukrainization differ very widely among Ukrainians; I have tried to present a pragmatic perspective rather than an ideological one — whether Ukrainian nationalist or Russophile. The other day a Ukrainian nationalist and self-named patriot stayed at our house and complained about Ukrainian restrooms. A professor I know who does a lot of things to try to improve education in Ukraine (or rather, fight its continuing degradation) and considers himself a patriot confided that "modern Ukraine is an artificial formation" and that he is skeptical about it's long-term prospects. In fact, it is hard to find a prominent Ukrainian commentator who has lots of good things to say about the country; why should I be required to present a rosier perspective? Perhaps after 7 years in the USA you have forgotten some of the reasons why you left Ukraine.

I disagree that I "can't completely understand and feel the people..." Certainly, one can never understand everyone, but sometimes people from the outside have a valuable perspective that natives are lacking. There are many of these people in the U.S.: Fareed Zakaria, Dmitry Orlov, Ayn Rand, and famous geopoliticians Brzezinsky and Kissinger. There's also a great inside account of the U.S. education in Russian by Ayrat Dimiev called "Классная Америка" (you can read it online). Saying that these people "can't truly understand Americans because they weren't born and raised there" would be absurd. I have lived in Eastern Europe for most of the time since I was 17 years old, I have spent years surrounded by Ukrainians and speak Russian fluently and Ukrainian almost fluently.

My goal with this website is to provide useful information to foreigners who come to Ukraine — particularly those who stay for longer periods of time. The "gripes" page and many others are important to help foreigners cope with typical issues that almost every foreigner has to deal with here. I don't see anything wrong with writing about cultural shortcomings. Yes, it is true that many Americans jump into bed in their street clothes and walk around the house in street shoes. This is generally considered unsanitary in Ukraine. Where on my site did I suggest that the U.S. was better than Ukraine? For me, Ukraine is a fine place to live. Most of all I enjoy the public transportation system, the ease of travel, and of course the low cost of living. People are pretty much the same in every country once you get to know them, but it may be true that Ukrainians are generally more open to relationships on a personal level than more individualistic Americans (on average, of course). I like that Ukraine is in the center of Eurasia and reasonably close to many other interesting destinations. As you'll see from my photoalbum, I enjoy traveling around Ukraine and believe there is a lot to see here.

At the same time, Ukrainians are not the happiest nor the healthiest people on Earth. Why not? Why do they continue to emigrate in large numbers to countries such as the U.S. (which has plenty of long-term problems of its own)? Are the Russian demons to the north the only ones to blame for Ukraine's innumerable "tragedies of the commons," or for their poor health, dirty air and water, and intractable bureaucracy? One of the reasons why I have written so much about Ukraine's problems in the past year (at TryUkraine.com and elsewhere) is that I would like to see Ukrainians living a healthy, happy life with a sustainable economy, a well cared for environment, clean water, air, and soil, benevolent and participatory government, peaceful relations with other countries, and a vibrant intellectual and cultural life and social milieu. I'd also like to see Americans, Russians, the Chinese, and Egyptians living like this, too.

Olha's response:
Why a lot of people want to emigrate from Ukraine? I'm gonna answer this question. It's because they think they gonna become instantly rich abroad. Ukrainians are very ambitious. The truth is if they are not rich in Ukraine they rarely atchive anything abroad and end up doing hard and low pay job (about 5% rate is successful). The reason why they think this way is from the image you've created in there mind through media that everybody is happy and prosperous here that communism is bad and democracy is good and also because during the Soviet time Ukraine as well as the others states from USSR was an isolated country from the rest of the world just like North Korea now. And still at present time the borders are closed. Very few people can travel and the see the difference. This is the reason why I live in USA I wanted to make a lot of money, explore the world and learn different cultures. Of course I didn't make a lot of money wright away living just on salary only after years of hard work and savings I was lucky to open my own business so I've my accomplished my mission : ) There is always also a question if I want to continue to live here and raise my children.There is a lot of rules and restrictions here. The thing also that I didn't know nothing about business in Ukraine everything I learned in USA. Do you know why because the Soviets have teached us about Lenin and Marx ideas and to work for the goverment and for doing a business they would put you in a jail, starve you to death or deport you to Siberia. How does this picture sound to you? They would put an idea into heads of the people that selling something is a shame. I remember very well 90-is when the people would prefer to be poor but snob. And people from the market making good money would be hiding so nobody would see them selling something otherwise the other people would despise them. Of course now I'm sure the situation have changed but there are a lot of that kind of people especially the old generation. As you can see we have a lot of problem from the past that we need to overcome building our future. And nothing is our fault we were taught to be this way and for rebellion you know what would be waiting for us - prison or death. We used to live in fear and obedience. It was time of terror. Write on your web-site about Genocide in Ukraine and Ukrainian Insurgent Army, please if you are so open minded.

You want to write about our mentality write Ukraine is postgenocide and postcolonial country. That's why our selfesteem is so low and that the former Russian part of Ukraine have been brainwashed for centuries by Russians and was fobbiden to speak Ukrainian. This way you'll help the world to better understand us. And these people from former KGB have been ruling the country since it's Independence the people that commited Famine and never have been panished. They just changed the name of the Party from Communism into Party of Regions but they don't love there country and there people they just care about money and power. You don't think this is sad? That's why everybody is so unhappy in Ukraine. The only hope I think is for a young generation to come that haven't been raised by Soviets.

I would also recommend you to go to live to Lviv for a few years not just for a short visit and meet a lot of people that are proud to be Ukrainian. They have in every small village a monument to the Ukrainian Heroes. Because in my opinion you've been representing an opinion of the people you've been living with for a very long time from the region that have lost it's identity. I read an article that once when Czech Republic was a part of Germany everybody in Prague used to speak German. And now everybody speaks Czeck. So I'm sure it will change. And Ukraine will never be a part of Russia again at least willingly because in 1991 more then 90% of the people expressed there support for the Act of Independence. Don't also put too much attention what the people talk because when it comes to choice they would fight for there country see Orange Revolution. Sorry if my English is not perfect I've tried I'd write in Ukrainian but I want everybody to read it. God Bless Ukraine!

Great site! The visa and residency section was extremely helpful and well written. It's great having all the information in one place instead of having to get it out of the workers in the OVIR.

Hello,
I work as a translator and interpreter in Kharkov and know quite a lot about my country. This site gives really interesting information and tips.
Thank you! )

Olga
www.ukraine-go.com

Interesting site you have, especially the "Gripes" section. Ukrainians seem to be realistic, knowing they are not in a Disneyland. What they may not realize is that their cities are more beautiful than cities in the USA. Train and public transport excels most American cities. Wanted to comment in opposing that most Americans (or westerners) are "civic-minded" and active...they are not. They are in the dark about how their political system works, the wealthy and the poor, and most are not civic minded or involved. While the wealthy shop (I am generally speaking here to keep this brief) many poor struggle, working two or more jobs to get by, and worry about getting sick and losing their homes due to expensive health care. Of course the wealthy who belong in the top 3 percent know very well about politics and lobbyists and channel their ill-gained profits into supporting political candidates and parties of their choice, thus weilding some control over the commoners. Yes. A class system in the USA. Can a Ukrainian believe that? Alot of Americans aren't even aware of it. Ukraine, your grass is as green as ours. The grass is no greener on the other side. Corruption is everywhere, even in a democracy. A genuine frown I prefer over a fake smile.

Glad I found your site about 2 months ago. My family and I will soon be moving to Ukraine. My wife and stepdaughter are Ukrainian citizens already, so they are totally excited about going back. I'm working through the TEFL course and hope to utilize your services in finding a teaching job. Being retired U.S. military, I'm just looking for a little supplemental income.
I've spent a total of 63 days in Ukraine. I'm really excited about living there. I've diligently studied Russian (language) for more than 2 years.
One observation/unsolicited opinion: The ads on your website for "meeting girls" diminishes the professionalism of your site.
(not that I don't appreciate Ukraine's most precious natural resource.... I married one of those gems!!)

Greetings RJD, Have been to Crimea (Sevastopol, Yalta, Bala Klava) several times and have fallen in love with Ukraine. I am blown away by your web site "TryUkraine" as to the variety of topics, your Western insight and tell it like it is commentary. I am hoping to retire in the near future and would like to possibly buy some real estate in Crimea.I found your articles on buying real estate and the real estate market in general to be quite informative. However, with the recent International melt down it would be great to have an update as to the conditions of the real estate market today. Thanks again for such an infomative and entertaining web site.

Hello, what a fantastic website! As someone who has a random obsession with Ukraine, this has really enhanced my own personal research by lots. I am currently learning the language, although it's extremely hard, but I intend to keep at it and one day visit the country with a big view of living there. I have some questions but I'll may email you them if that's okay

Take care, Chris

Thank you so much for this valuable site. I'm coming from Lviv to walk in the Carpathians in early July and have found the information most helpful. My first visit to the Ukraine having been a great trip to Odessa and Krym.
I latterly found with interest your section about teaching opportunities.I spent 3 years teaching a variety of Digial Media and Web couses at University here in London, while I took a PGCE whose research element centred on the use of Web-based tools in a learning environment.

I am also a programmer latterly specialised in LAMP, Javascript/DHTML. I wonder if there might beo pportunities in these areas as well as in teaching conversational and professional English.
I am actively pursuing the possibilities of OpenSource-based access and skill development projects in the UK and in other EU areas. It may be that there are external EU funds for such projects in countries such as the Uktaine.
After my brief visit to the Ukraine this July I would like to be able to return in 2011 for at least a few months.
Thanks again for the site...best regards

Screenshots of my work in progress with Gnome desktops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoI4wRVVjBs

Neglected homepage
http://www.imagepump.uklinux.net
& CV
http://www.imagepump.uklinux.net/plm

Hi, RJD? That's you name?
I just mailing you to thank you for your web page, you really have beautiful and interesting pictures about Ukraine!. I have been looking for information about this Country but it's not easy. So your pics show me what I wanted to see. Could you tell me where can I find more information about Ukraine? because The next year I thinking in travel to this country. Thanks so much for your time and again for yur inf in web page!

I also must thank you for a great site... and I try to click on a link or two on each page in the hope they trigger income for you as well as genuine interest.

I have made 3 trips to Ukraine in the past 12 months for a mix of curiosity, personal and business reasons. Frankly loved it for all its goods and bads equally. So I am looking to establish a permanent base there during 2010.

Which means that I will be relying heavily on your advice and guidance here on this site. For which I am immensely grateful to you!

Great site! Really informative, well-designed and what a wonderful photos you have! I've spend near half a day here enjoying and falling into a light nostalgia (I am Ukrainian, but last 2 years live abroad).

Anyway, thank you so much and good luck!

RJD,

Though back in the USA now, I lived in Ukraine for 13 years. I remember being on Kreschattik during the Orange Revolution, and looking at your photo gallery has me overwhelmed with nostalgia. It was a privelege to be part of history at that time.

This site rocks - neat design, great information - Excellent! For a businessman like me, this site really helps. Ganesh Kumar

My grandparents were Ukranian. I am doing family research and wanting to learn more about where they came from. Names were Oryniak, Fludowich, Polowkowitz, Dyki, Pichcoki. Not sure which area they were from, all over.

What a fabulous website! I really have enjoyed reading it immensly. I have been to The Ukraine several times now. I really enjoy visiting The Carpathinas with my bicycle. I really liked your cycle articles. Great tips about how to get a bike on the train! It is great to have on-line information.

All best wishes from Alex from Budapest.

Really informative! Leaving for Simferopol' in three weeks to be the New Year's holiday guest of Ukrainian friend. First trip and your website enhances my anticipation of touring the Crimea.

Hi, I just stumbled upon this website, and must say that it's very good, with unbiased information about the country. I was lucky enough to visit Ukraine on a bike trip from England to Kazakhstan this summer, and found it very hospitable and interesting. Just a quick point though - you state that all border crossings are ok for bikes, but I wasn't allowed to cross by bike from Poland, at the crossing about 50 miles south of Przemsyl. I whinged a bit though, and they put me and my bike in a woman's van just for half a mile or so! Seeing as someone's commented about camping, I camped wild almost every night for 3 weeks in Ukraine and found it very easy. The worst that happened was a few mosquitoes and a farm dog lingering around one night. I didn't see a single organised campsite that I remember though. The people are all really easy about it and not nearly so possessive about land ownership as in England.

Hope this helps someone, and keep up the good work!

What a fabulous site! i've spent the whole evening here!

I'm a self-employed interpreter, located in Kyiv.

I share the same wiliness to help foreigners in Ukraine.

This perfectly done job of the Author surpasses any other attempts. The Author's view on what an ideal interpreter should be won my special admiration!

(Interpreting Services in Ukraine)

Good luck and Best regards,

Lydia

In case i can be useful here's my blog

Hi RJD,

Great site, none of the DisneyLand, sun never sets, touristy unrealism of most other sites. Really enjoyed your perspective being more than some city slicker yankee. Nothing more tiresome for a southern born fella from Georgia, like me. Im a bit curious about camping in Ukraine. Seems to be a natural extension of your site, but not much more than a passing mention. Any thoughts on opportunities for setting up RV park and such?

Much Appreciation.

Norm

Great website, thank you RJD.

Re-visting thru your pages reminds us or our trip in 2002 to Simferopol and Bakhchisaray to bring our son home to Boston, Massachusetts. Our travels from Kyiv to Donetsk down thru Mariupol and all through Crimea were amazine. Driving at night into so many shettle towns were blanketed with tatars, or villagers selling potatoes from the road. Bleak as some existances are, the Yalta and Sevastopol regions were vacation type contrasts.

Now that the adoption laws and restrictions have eased, families are now back again to help with the overflow of unwanted kids.

My grandparents were from Kyiv, (and Minsk) and re-visiting Ukranian delights while traveling - like pickled beets, herring, varenikas, cabbage borscht, brought many memories back of Russian Jewish life, and my bubbie's cooking. Keep up your extraordinary life of living and chronicling Ukraine, as we will be coming back....thank you !

My grandparents were born in a small farming village, Hluskiv, just southeast of Horodenka. Planning a visit in 2011 ... 100 years after they departed Ukraine. Visit this great site often, and learn something new each time.

Thanks.

Cool site.

I would like to mention that I'm 22 year old women and last year I traveled ALONE to the UKRAINE. I had no friends or family there. Everyone thought i was crazy but I had a wonderful time and enjoyed myself and finding my heritage (my grandmother came from the ukraine). I speak only basic Russian but it was enough to get by. Ukraine has a lot of problems but also a lot to offer if you willing to give it a chance.

I would like to go back soon! I looking for opitions such as teaching or interships. Anyth