Quote Originally Posted by gRomoZeka View Post
Why are you so afraid to go to Ukraine? Does it have a bad reputation or something? Do you think it's less safe than Romania or Moldova?
Actually, I don't know, but there are some "horror-stories" on the Lonely Planet travelling forum. I was not very worried until I read those, just recently.

At first I thought that the people who got into trouble were just acting silly; non-Europeams who have a different view on Europe and travelling than I do... It seemed they were falling for obvious scams, flashing expensive gear to thieves, perhaps going with prostitutes.... One person said "anyone in Ukraine is a potential thief, I wouldn't trust anyone with any personal information or belongings..." I don't believe that at all, but the fact is, this person has been there, and I haven't! And I still remember the "Wild East" rumours from Russia and the Black Sea in the 1990s - some of the stories were probably exaggerated..... but, I am travelling alone...

jTo be honest, I Just had a scare when I sat on that "ghost train" in the Middle of the night, not knowing where I was or was going; unable to communicate, then eventually a boy started chatting to me - specifically about gypsies who rob, rape and kill people.... Ugh!

My friend Lilly went to Kiev a few years ago and had a really nice time - she was super impressed by architecture and nice people (she can not speak Russian at all) this was a work/tourism combination trip. She didn't even want to go on these trips at first but her work required it. She ended up really liking it and told lots of friends about her plans to see more of the CIS area, particularly the Black Sea. She hasn't got around to it yet though.
She was also in Minsk for the same reason, and liked that a lot too, although I think Kiev was more to her tastes.