First impression - Kyiv is not ready for Euro Cup 2012. In the main
tourist areas, the default language in the local businesses is usually
Russian. Locals oddly stare at obvious tourists that have started
arriving for Euro Cup. English language in public places is sparse, and
outside the main strip, essentially non-existent. The most important
exception to this, though, is the Metro
system. Maps and station names are shown in English and Ukrainian, and
caution messages are projected in both languages.
The most troubling element to all of this is the attitude of the city residents. They seem to be unaware that in the next several weeks, 300,000 some-odd non-Ukrainian speakers will descend upon the city. In the train stations and in many shops, American currency (or any currency besides the hryvnia) is not accepted outright. Many are not able or are reluctant to communicate in English, and some, in anything but Russian. As a Canadian citizen, the impression is that they feel it is the tourist's responsibility to know the nuances of the Ukrainian way of life, and if you don't, you are an intolerable inconvenience. Hopefully a second impression will be different....
Pictures to follow shortly!
The most troubling element to all of this is the attitude of the city residents. They seem to be unaware that in the next several weeks, 300,000 some-odd non-Ukrainian speakers will descend upon the city. In the train stations and in many shops, American currency (or any currency besides the hryvnia) is not accepted outright. Many are not able or are reluctant to communicate in English, and some, in anything but Russian. As a Canadian citizen, the impression is that they feel it is the tourist's responsibility to know the nuances of the Ukrainian way of life, and if you don't, you are an intolerable inconvenience. Hopefully a second impression will be different....
Pictures to follow shortly!
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