Thread: Travel Blog; CIS/ex-USSR countries (i.e. Russian speaking)

I really can't tell how safe is Ukraine for a foreigner, because I'm a resident and some things that can be problematic for a person who is not fluent in Russian/Ukrainian obviously go unnoticed by me, or do not apply to me.
But I agree with CoffeeCup. Moldova and even Romania seem more dangerous from where I stand. I'm not sure about Transdnestr Republic, I think it's about as safe as Belarus, which is pretty safe (but I've never been there).

I visited Kiev (Kyiv) last summer. People were friendly and mellow. I was surprised by the number of people who spoke Ukrainian (about 15-20%, I expected less than that), but everyone understands Russian of course, so it should not hinder a Russian speaking traveler in any way. I stayed in a hostel, and there were a lot of foreigners from all over the world. All of them looked happy enough, I did not hear about any serious problems. Since it was center of the city, there were plenty of polcemen even after midnight (I've never seen so many of them in my city ).
I can post some photos, if it can help you to make a decision. Unless (judging by your last post) you've already decided to visit Odessa?

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

I can post some photos, if it can help you to make a decision. Unless (judging by your last post) you've already decided to visit Odessa?

Yes, I have decided to go there; I always knew about it and was interested in going.
What about Yalta? Has anyone been there, and is it enjoyable?
I have not read up about it, but from what little I know, it's know as a beach holiday destination and for the naval base at Sevastopol. Perhaps there might be a ferry from Odessa to somewhere nice on Yalta.

@Whiteknight - thanks for the offer, I might get in touch when I am closer to Belarus!
@Opal, thanks a lot - will get in touch when I am in Ukraine... ! First, I have to survive Moldova and the Transdniestr Republic, LOL!

PS - more on Trandniestr; check out their official magazine on http://www.pridnestrovie-daily.net/gazeta/default.aspx. The state emblems probably indicate the political orientation of this "country". I have no view on that, but I am trying to find out what the situation with "visa" is. It seems to be down to the individual border guards at the time. Not a re-assuring setup. Frankly I do not wish to be blackmailed by some old time border guard, or subjected to some mini-USSR charade, so if I am not more re-assured that I can cross this "border" without hassle, I might try to circumvent "Transdniestr".