Thread: "Stay away from the police"

I think the Portuguese guy is lying or exaggerating. And how stupid to keep 500 Euro in the pocket of his jacket! If you did that in most cities, you might get pick-pocketed. Plus - if you want to attract attention from the wrong type of people, walk around in flashy clothes loaded with expensive gadgets and speak in loud English in the street... Not a good idea anywhere including Ukraine. Plus to be honest, he probably had a travel insurance and if he really was robbed he'd get the money back, whereas many people in Ukraine are living on a pittance. I don't feel sorry for this guy either way.

Lots of people will be going to Ukraine this summer for the Euro 2012 Football Games. People will be able to form their own opinion and probably tell their friends when they get back.

I had a great time in Ukraine and felt that people in general were very warm. They gave me directions, helped me with bags and were much friendlier than what I am used to in Western Europe. Not a single person tried to scam me or do anything along those lines.

There are bad people everywhere! Obviously it is a shame if they work for the police, if so they should be sacked. I had no problem with the police in Ukraine.

For me, the disappointment in Ukraine was that the language situation - everything is written in Ukrainian, and I wanted to practice Russian. But I was super impressed by Kiev - had no idea it was such a grand city.

Originally Posted by Hanna

For me, the disappointment in Ukraine was that the language situation - everything is written in Ukrainian, and I wanted to practice Russian.

Next time you're in Stockholm, ask yourself this question, how come the language situation in Sweden is so inconvenient as having everything written in Swedish/English while you need to practice Russian.

Originally Posted by Eric C.

Next time you're in Stockholm, ask yourself this question, how come the language situation in Sweden is so inconvenient as having everything written in Swedish/English while you need to practice Russian.

This does not work at all as a metaphor. Nobody in Sweden has Russian as their mother tongue, whereas in Ukraine, it is a very large part of the population.

And I am not complaining about it - it is the business of the Ukrainians what language they want to have notices and street signs in - not my business.

ALL I am saying, my dear "Eric" is that it was unexpected and inconvenient for ME.

I adored Kiev - it was really special and I want to explore the city more some time in the future. I am really jealous of my colleague who is visiting for the football game in this summer.

Originally Posted by Hanna

This does not work at all as a metaphor. Nobody in Sweden has Russian as their mother tongue, whereas in Ukraine, it is a very large part of the population.

And I am not complaining about it - it is the business of the Ukrainians what language they want to have notices and street signs in - not my business.

ALL I am saying, my dear "Eric" is that it was unexpected and inconvenient for ME.

I adored Kiev - it was really special and I want to explore the city more some time in the future. I am really jealous of my colleague who is visiting for the football game in this summer.

I'll tell you what, "Hanna" - nothing stops you from going there for the soccer champ as well and stopping being jealous.

Originally Posted by Eric C.

Next time you're in Stockholm, ask yourself this question, how come the language situation in Sweden is so inconvenient as having everything written in Swedish/English while you need to practice Russian.

It could be quite inconvenient in any country when most people speak one language but all signs around in another.

Originally Posted by Lampada

It could be quite inconvenient in any country when most people speak one language but all signs around in another.

It's quite ok as long as the people understand the language the signs are in. (as far as I know, in Ukraine not only can everyone understand Ukrainian, but also perfectly speak it)