Friday, February 17, 2023

Ukraine

Ukraine Flag


There has been an extensive Russian Federation military presence since their Ukraine invasion on February 24, 2022. Numerous war crimes have been observed. When the invasion will end remains unknown followed by when the Ukrainians may even begin to rebuild. So many civilian and solider lives have been lost.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all Ukrainians!


Carpathian Mountain, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Nadine/Pixabay 



Why visit Ukraine?
Before the Russian invasion was best known for art, beaches, birdwatching, cafes, canoeing, castle ruins, cathedrals, churches, climbing, culture, fishing, gardens, hand painted lacquerware, hiking, historical sites,  horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, metal sculptures, mountain biking, mountains,  musical instruments, nightlife. rolling countryside, sailing, skiing, villages, water sports, and wood sculpture.



Kiev, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Мария Антонова/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Caviar, ceramics, decorative towels, Easter eggs, embroidery goods, folk musicfur caps, handmade loom goods, knit bags, vodka, and wall plaques.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Banush (cornmeal stew). Borscht (vegetable soup). Bublik (bread roll). Chicken Kiev. Deruny (potato pancakes). Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage). Kapusnyak (pork soup). Korovais (bread). Kyiv CakeMlyntsi (stuffed pancake). Palianytsia (bread). Pampushky (fluffy bread). Paska (pastry). Solyanka (meat soup).
  • Local Drink to Try: Chernihivske (beer). Horilka (spirit). Lvivske (beer). Obolon (beer). Slavutych (beer). 


Decorative Easter Eggs. Photo Credit: Yevhen Paramonov/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Lviv University is the oldest (1661).
  • Second largest European country
  • Eighth most populous European country.
  • President is elected serving a 5 year term.
  • One largest wheat exporter in the world.
  • Offers natives free higher education.
  • Home of some of the best Boxers in the world.

St Andrew's Church, Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Nadine/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Comic Con Ukraine, Ukrainian Fashion Week,(April) Gogolfest, Two Days & Two Nights of New Music, (March) Docudays, (June) Leopolis Jazz Fest, Mute Nights Festival, Ukrainian World Music Festival, (July) Atlas Festival, Odesa International Film Festival, Summer Music Festival, Wiz-Art, (August) Etnovyr, Zaxidfest, (September) Chervona Ruta Festival, Koktebel Jazz Festival, Kontrasty, Kyiv International Short Film Festival, Kyiv Music Fest, Sorochinsky Yarmarok, White Nights, Z-Games, (October) Kyiv International Film Festival, Lviv International Literary Festival, Molodist International Film Festival, and (December) Premieres of the Season.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Christmas, International Women's Day, Easter, Pentecost, International Workers' Day, Victory Day over Nazism in World War II, Constitution Day, Statehood Day, Independence Day, Defenders of Ukraine Day, and Christmas Day. 

Photo Credit: Yevhen Paramonov/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Ukrainian is the official language and Russian is widely spoken.
  • In recent years built new hotels and restaurants were built in Donetsk, Kiev, Odessa, Donetsk and Yalta.
  • Always carry your passport with you.
  • Medical care is considered adequate but limited.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Travel with your own toilet paper in rural areas.
  • Carpathian Mountains tend to be wet year round.
  • Bus and subway service are available in Kharkiv and Kiev.
  • Among the poorest countries in Europe. 
  • From Port of Odesa ferries sail regularly to Istanbul, Haifa, and Varna.
  • Most popular navigational rivers are Danube, Dnieper and Pripyat.
  • Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not occur.
  • Local Police are permitted to detain someone up to 72 hours without formal charges.
  • Not considered the friendliest accessible destination.
  • Prevalent Diseases Influenza & Tuberculosis (TB).
  • Drivers are considered aggressive.
  • Has zero tolerance for driving under the influence. Violators are subject to deportation, fines, and/or imprisonment.
  • Nonpayment of parking or traffic fines will result in travel ban departures.
  • Cellular use while driving is illegal.
  • Do not turn right on a red light.
  • Seat belts are mandatory.


Photo Credit: Ronisław Dróżka/Pixabay 


This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.


Photo Credit: Дмитрий Буханцов/Pixabay 

  • Best Time to Visit: May - September
  • Coldest Months: December - March
  • Hottest Months: May - August
  • Peak Season: August - October

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle. Photo Credit: annaost29/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Town & The Struve Geodetic Arc


Photo Credit: Дмитрий Буханцов/Pixabay 



Ready to embark on custom and 
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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine 

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