Situated at the western end of what was once the USSR, the Ukraine has always held a geographically important position in eastern Europe. Even today, it remains as a pivotal point in east-west commerce and resources. As the it emerges from centuries of repression and foreign misadventure, the Ukraine is revealing a country filled with an interesting history and people. The Ukraine is well worth a visit.
Capital: Kiev
Population: 52, 100, 000
Area: 154, 896 square miles
Language: Ukrainian and Russian
Time: GMT + 3
Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz
Geography: The Ukraine is bordered by Russia to the north and east, Belarus in the north, to the west by Poland, the Slovak Republic and Hungary. In the south the country borders Romania and Moldova as well as the Black Sea. The only mountains in the Ukraine are in the far west along the Hungarian border and on the island of Crimea. The natural resources include coal, sulfur, iron ore, gas and oil.
International Airport:
Kiev - The Airport is 11 miles from the city. Busses operate every 30 minutes and take about 40 minutes to transit. Taxis are available and pricey.
Tipping: This is optional and is not really expected. If you have had really good service, then a token of your appreciation would be appropriate
Shopping: Most store are open by 8:30 am and close at 5:30 in the evening. Look for linen, porcelain, scarfs and other headwear.
Food and Drink: There are not a lot of top notch restaurants in the country except in the main cities. Menus are limited but expanding in response to demand. International restaurants are to be found in the main cities and nowhere else. Little cafes offer a bit better food and more atmosphere. One orders from the bar and picks it up later or it is brought to you. Soft drinks are available including the name brands from the west. LOcal soft drinks are a little on the sweet side but palatable. Beers are plentiful with international brands known only in the major cities. Local brands are good but really do vary considerably from area to area. Wine is usually from the Ukraine and is reasonably good. Hard liquor is vary available at very low cost.
Social: Although friendly, Ukrainians are not particularly outgoing. Perhaps a holdover from Stalinism. Once you meet locals, you will find that they are warm and open.
Business: Business suits are a must and should be conservative although not necessarily dark. Women should dress conservatively.
Climate
The climate varies considerably. In the north and west, winters are cold and wet particularly along the Hungarian and Romanian borders which are mountainous. Cold winters prevail in the northeast. In the south , along the Black Sea, winters are cool but at times very chilly. The summer season is always very warm and pleasant in the mountains. Along the Black Sea, evening breezes make things more pleasant. | 