In
spite of the lack of preparation for Euro, Kyiv life is essentially the
same as it has always been... Organized chaos. Everyone is going
nowhere, at an extremely rapid pace. Locals solicit who they see as
vulnerable people. We have been approached by militia three times out
of the blue, and spoken to in Russian. Once they realized we don't
speak Russian, and it was not worth
their time to harass us, they let us be. We have also been approached
daily by individuals asking for money for food, for money to buy a train
ticket home, etc.
The train station, a week before the start of Euro, is a zoo. People push their way to the front of the lines, and argue with one another. We waited in line for half an hour, only to get to the front and have them tell us this booth is no longer open. We then waited for another half an hour in another line, only to have them tell us that this line, where it says "Ticket Windows" right above it, does not sell tickets. When we tried speaking in English instead of Ukrainian, the attendant turned to the other workers and scoffed and pointed at us.
On a more positive note, we attended a show Thursday night at a pub called "Bochka," just off Kontraktova Ploshcha, where "Kozak System” (the band formerly known as Haydamaky, minus frontman Oleksandr Yarmola) were performing. For those Haydamaky fans unaware, the band split up about six months ago, with Yarmola moving on to pursue other interests. The remaining members have revamped themselves as "Kozak System," and we have to say, they may be even better than Haydamaky!
The show was electric, and other famous Ukrainian artists, including Taras Chubay, even made guest appearances. Most of the songs were newly-written originals, but with some Haydamaky classics thrown in for good measure. Accordionist Ivan Lenyo has taken over the role of lead singer and is quite an energetic frontman. He brings just as much energy and enthusiasm to the role as did Yarmola, but all with an accordion strapped to his body. Not an easy task! The pub (a bit bigger than the upstairs of the Kingshead, for you Winnipeggers), was packed wall-to-wall with fans and members of the press. As soon as the band members walked down the stairs minutes before hitting the stage, the crowd erupted into a loud chorus of cheers and chants of “Ko-Zak Sys-Tem!” We think the boys are going to do just fine.
The train station, a week before the start of Euro, is a zoo. People push their way to the front of the lines, and argue with one another. We waited in line for half an hour, only to get to the front and have them tell us this booth is no longer open. We then waited for another half an hour in another line, only to have them tell us that this line, where it says "Ticket Windows" right above it, does not sell tickets. When we tried speaking in English instead of Ukrainian, the attendant turned to the other workers and scoffed and pointed at us.
On a more positive note, we attended a show Thursday night at a pub called "Bochka," just off Kontraktova Ploshcha, where "Kozak System” (the band formerly known as Haydamaky, minus frontman Oleksandr Yarmola) were performing. For those Haydamaky fans unaware, the band split up about six months ago, with Yarmola moving on to pursue other interests. The remaining members have revamped themselves as "Kozak System," and we have to say, they may be even better than Haydamaky!
The show was electric, and other famous Ukrainian artists, including Taras Chubay, even made guest appearances. Most of the songs were newly-written originals, but with some Haydamaky classics thrown in for good measure. Accordionist Ivan Lenyo has taken over the role of lead singer and is quite an energetic frontman. He brings just as much energy and enthusiasm to the role as did Yarmola, but all with an accordion strapped to his body. Not an easy task! The pub (a bit bigger than the upstairs of the Kingshead, for you Winnipeggers), was packed wall-to-wall with fans and members of the press. As soon as the band members walked down the stairs minutes before hitting the stage, the crowd erupted into a loud chorus of cheers and chants of “Ko-Zak Sys-Tem!” We think the boys are going to do just fine.
Head to their new website - http://kozaksystem.com/ - for more info!
Glad to hear that you have arrived safe and sound. Hope you managed to get some sleep since Sunday night, but by the sound of things probably not. Have a great time, do safe not reckless, and let the adventures unfold! BTW we are NOT posting any bail monies, lol. Lyubov
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