Ukrainian Guide

Visit The Theatre

Victoria Trix — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:21:40 +0000

Fans of cultural entertainment should make it a point to enjoy at least one evening of the theatre in Ukraine before heading home. While there is plenty of things to do while in the country, attending a Ukrainian theatre performance is a once in a lifetime experience, especially if you don’t speak the language. Theatre performances can range from ballet – which some of the best dancers come from the former Soviet region – operas, comedy, and alternative plays. There are many new theatre companies opening up in Ukraine and while some of them still face financial problems, most of them are beginning to find sponsors and get off their ground with their unique performances.

Comedies in Ukraine seem to be the most popular genre of theatre and you should be able to purchase theatre tickets in the city of your choice for a great and inexpensive price. This is one of the many activities visitors on a tight budget can easily afford and it is a nice change of pace from the usual movies, televisions, and internet surfing.

If you want to experience a ballet performance while visiting Ukraine, see is you can attend a performance at the T.G. Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre. This theatre was established in 1867 and it is the most prestigious venue in the country. The Kyiv State Musical Theatre for Children & Youth is great for performances when traveling with children while the Kiev Drama Theatre on Podol offers unique performances found no where else.

Ukrainian Painting Goes For Big Bucks

Victoria Trix — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:21:05 +0000

Considered to be one of Russia’s most well known avant-garde painters, Kazimir Malevich, born and raised in Ukraine to Polish parents is still making a name for himself. A painting done by Malevich in 1916 called ‘Suprematist Composition’ sold at auction in New York City for $60 million, showing that people still appreciate their culture even during a global financial crisis. The painting had been displayed in Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum for years and was eventually returned to Malevich’s family before being sold at Sotherby’s for the highest amount ever paid for a painting out of the area formerly known as the Soviet Union.

The painting was originally unveiled at a 1919-1920 exhibit in Moscow. In 1927 the painting with the artist in tow travelled to Warsaw and Berlin to other exhibitions and Malevich introduced the world to his art. The painting was left in Germany when he returned to the Soviet Union in 1927. He was prevented from leaving the Soviet Union and the painting – with all of the others Malevich left behind – eventually made their way to the museum in Amsterdam before eventually being returned to the family. Other well known works by Malevich include ‘Black Square’ and ‘Black Cross’. Malevich died in 1935.

The Castles Of Ukraine

Victoria Trix — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:14:37 +0000

If you have a soft spot for castles and are expecting to see tall rock towers with crenulated turrets while you are in Ukraine, thing again. What passes for a castle in this unique country is a fairy tail structure more out of a Walt Disney movie than a King Arthur story. Castles in Ukraine were built not only for defense by also as homes and residences that complimented and blended into the beautiful surroundings. These successful lines of defense can be found all over Ukraine and if you have the opportunity to visit one, indulge in it.

Ukrainian castles can usually be found situated on a hill where the entire countryside could easily be seen and the castle itself defended from all sides. Many of them double as prisons through the centuries, lending the castles their own unusual history. Elaborate and decorative additions were added to many of Ukraine’s castles and today most of the double as museums for the public to enjoy. Those that are considered more ‘palace’ and less ‘castle’ still serve as royal residences and these dwellings – while strongly defendable – are decorated with gold-tinted artwork, gold-plated arches and jewels and decoration that have been crafted by the best artisans the Ukraine had to offer.

While there are many castles of note in Ukraine, the following are worth taking the time to see personally during your visit to this country: the Livadia Palace; the Mariyinsky Palace; the Olesko Castle; the Kodak Fortress; and the Lviv High Castle.

Ukraine’s Klitschko Brothers Battle For Remaining Boxing Title

Victoria Trix — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:09:57 +0000

Brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko hold four out of five heavyweight boxing titles between them and now they have decided to try for the last one. The brothers have challenged Russia’s Nikolai Valuev to a showdown in an attempt to take his WBA title, the only one the Klitschko brothers have not managed to win. Vitali defeated Samuel Peter to win back his WBC crown after coming out of retirement while younger brother Wladimir holds the IBF, IBO and WBO champion titles.

Says Vitali, “Valuev is the biggest heavyweight champion in history. He’s huge and dangerous, this won’t be easy and I don’t want to underestimate him. It will be a difficult fight, but we have a dream, and we are going to make it come true, by taking the last belt for the Klitschko family.” Vitali stated that he didn’t care whether he or his younger brother took the remaining belt and they also are hoping to have the bout held in large capacity stadium and turning it into an international event.

“My message to Valuev is that this isn’t about size, but internal quality, so let’s see who’s the strongest and the best,” Vitali challenged. A date has not yet been set for the match.

See Ukraine By Train

Victoria Trix — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:05:24 +0000

If you are looking for a rather interesting way to see Ukraine and everything the country’s beautiful scenery has to offer, then look no further than the train station in the city you arrived in. The country has a very extensive railway network and travelling from destination to destination this way is comfortable, safe, and inexpensive travel option. The railways are also linked to neighboring countries, giving you an extended touring opportunity and because the rails go through many of the smaller towns and villages in Ukraine, you have the unique chance to experience the hospitality of these rural areas.

Each train station should have available all of the timetables for the trains and where they travel to. The country offers express and fast trains with routes that allow you to travel at night if you wish and have very few stopovers. But don’t trade convenience and quickness for what you could be missing out on by taking on of the passenger or suburban trains. If you happen to travel into Ukraine during the winter, you will find that the trains will continue running in inclement weather even after the airlines have stopped.

When you travel on a train in Ukraine there are different levels of accommodations if you need them and you can pay the attendant for them once you have departed the station. There is a small fee for tea and coffee but you are welcome to bring your own as hot water is provided via a boiler in the car corridor. When travelling long distance you can use the restaurant car if there is one or bring a picnic lunch. In Ukraine, you are expected to share your lunch with others in the compartment, but they in turn will share with you, allowing everyone the chance to try something new and different and experiencing the hospitality of Ukrainian culture at its best.

You can get more information on traveling in Ukraine at Ukraine.com

Movie Sets Record In Ukraine

Victoria Trix — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:01:05 +0000

A global financial crisis sure did not stop movie goers in Ukraine or Russia from spending some of their hard money over the weekend of November 1, 2008, as they helped DreamWorks Animation’s movie ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ the biggest opening movie in both countries. The movie in Ukraine made the biggest opening day of all time in the country while it made the biggest opening day of an American film in Russia. It debuted over 92 screens in Ukraine brining in $396,000 and on 841 screens in Russia, grossing $2.81 million, making it the second biggest opening in the country of all time.

The numbers, according to DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, show just how popular the characters from the first movie are on a world wide level and that the storytelling in the sequel just gained strength. The company is anticipating a great domestic and worldwide opening on November 7, 2008.

The movie tells the story of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffes and other character favorites as they get into an old airplane that was repaired by the penguins and then getting stranded in Africa. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and others reprised their voice roles from the first movie for this one.

Staying Safe While Travelling In Ukraine

Victoria Trix — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:55:45 +0000

Like any other foreign country you visit you are going to want to remain safe while you are in Ukraine. For the most part you will not have trouble while there, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while you are in Ukraine just in case something happens and you need to contact someone that speaks your language or works in your nation’s embassy.

· Always carry your original visa or passport with you. A photocopy is not effective proof that you are who you say you are.

· Carry all the information you possibly can on your local embassy or consulate, such as address and telephone numbers.

· If you plan on being in Ukraine for any length of time, invest in a local SIM card for your mobile phone to save on local calls, texts messages and emergency phone calling.

· Never flaunt your wealth and try not to publicize the fact that you are not from Ukraine. Petty theft does exist and foreigners are usually prime targets.

· If you should happen to be arrested while in Ukraine, notify the law officers that you are a foreign visitor so that they know you are not a citizen.

· Never drink alcohol in the company of strangers you have just met. You do not know what could happen.

· Use only ATMs at banks where the security of the machine is better. Try to carry cash for use in the smaller towns. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most of the large cities but not in the small towns where they do not know how to handle them as well as others.

· Never exchange money anywhere except in a bank and the Euro and US Dollar are acceptable forms of currency in Ukraine, especially in the tourist areas.

· If you are a black person, be forewarned that there is racism in Ukraine and while you may not experience it, having all of your foreign travel papers with you at all times will help you out if a problem arises.

You can learn more about traveling in Ukraine at vavilon-travel.com.ua/urlaub.html

Ukraine And European Union Discussing Ease Of Travel

Victoria Trix — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:10:45 +0000

People may find that travelling in and out of the Ukraine will become easier over the next few months. The country is currently working with the European Union in an effort to easing visa restrictions for Ukrainian citizens who with to travel within the 27 nation bloc that makes up the European Union. The catalyst for this discussion? The upcoming soccer championships that are to take place in co-hosting countries Poland and Ukraine. The country’s Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ogryzko believes that the EU and Ukraine can definitely reach an agreement prior to the first soccer game.

The biggest obstacle on getting the visa-free travel pact put in place will depend on Ukraine. The government will have to bring their level of secure passport issuing and tighter border security up to European Union standards before the final travel pact can be signed. EU justice and home affairs commissioner Jacques Barrot, is also encouraging the government of Ukraine to ensure that they have an independent judiciary in place and to start fighting the illegal migration and human trafficking problems that have been plaguing the country for years.

Currently, travelers from most nations in the European Union and in North America are able to travel to and from Ukraine with a current valid passport and nothing else.

Academic Conference To Discuss Ukrainian-Jewish Relationship Held

Victoria Trix — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:01:08 +0000

Kiev was home to an international conference on the Ukrainian-Jewish relationship help by academics form the world over who felt that this topic was one worthy of debate. As the population of Ukraine is of varied religions with Christians, Jews, and Muslims living within the country’s borders, academics thought that discussions on inter-ethnic and interfaith topics would help shed some light on the many different things that have influenced the country’s culture and the problems that have arisen regarding the ‘clarification of historic and social memory’.

Researchers and professors from Ukraine, Israel, and other countries met to discuss how this clarification problem has affected the Ukrainian-Jewish relationship throughout the centuries and how some of the negative stereotypes that have been in play could be dealt with. Organized by the Ukrainian Jewish Committee with the Ukrainian Institute for National Memory, the conference also participated in a comparative analysis of the Holocaust and the Golodomor famine, a period of turmoil, strife, and genocide in the Ukraine during the late 1930s and 1940s.

Guests at the conference were presents with documents from the Soviet KGB by well-known Ukrainian scientist that detailed the many communications that went back and forth between the Zionist party and the Ukrainian underground nationalistic organization in 1947 as well as papers that showed the Soviet Secret Services inciting the Ukrainian-Jewish relationship. All of the papers were previously sealed and kept secret until they were presented at the conference.

Accommodations In Ukraine

Victoria Trix — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:16:29 +0000

When you travel to Ukraine there are plenty of places to stay, but you could be paying a high price for the best rooms available in the country. This is the law of supply and demand and during certain parts of the year the demand definitely outweighs the supply. So when you are planning a trip to Ukraine, where should you stay? Here is a run down on your options for laying your head down at night and feeling refreshed in the morning.

State-run or privately owned hotels

Like the standard hotel service you would find in other countries, these hotels offer you the best quality depending on the city you are in. However, expect to pay anywhere form $10 to $600 per night for a room. The private hotels are usually better run and nicer than the state-run hotels although a bit more expensive. Small, non-expensive family run inns that are excellent in both quality and living conditions can be found in the Carpathians. Good private hotels can be found in Crimea.

Rental apartments

You can find inexpensive short and long term rental apartments all over Ukraine and they rent for anywhere between 50 to 60% less than the hotels. These are a great alternative to hotels – especially in Kiev where accommodations are lacking – and the companies that run the apartments provide you with same services that the hotels do.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are still fairly new to Ukraine and they are a very low cost alternative to staying in hotels, inns, or rental apartments. They accommodate everyone of every age, so don’t let the name fool you. These run between $6 and $35 per person and are a great alternative for students and backpackers.

Timeshares

If you think you will be doing a lot of travelling to Ukraine, then consider a timeshare ‘home away from home’. You can book the property you buy into for the time you want to spend in the country and in they long rung, they are more cost-effective.

You can get more information on accomodations in Ukraine and other travel tips at Ukraine-Travel-Advisor.com