5 First impressions in Kiev

1: Despite what most people think, it's safe to travel in Kiev:

These days, a visit to Kiev is often compared with a visit to the Yezidi in Northern Iraq. Is it really this bad or is it all just a tempest in a teacup? It might be a bit extreme to state that it's all just a tempest in a teacup, but it was a pleasant surprise to arrive in a vibrant city after all the ominous stories. Daily routine is similar to that in any Western city, with here and there a sign of the recent revolution. Although I must state that my conversations have been limited to the English speaking inhabitants of Kiev, a part that's not representative for the general population. In the coming weeks I will try to make contact with the only Ukrainian/Russian speaking inhabitants of kiev. Anyway, the general atmosphere in Kiev isn't one that suggests a country divided by war, the contrast with the current reputation in Western Europe is noteworthy.

2: Ukrainians are very patriotic:

Patriotism is an unknown word for most Belgians as it's often limited to waving some flags and wearing ludicrous outfits when the Belgian Red Devils play their games. For Ukrainians it's a total different story: on every corner of the street you get buried under national symbols and people declaring their love for the country, often accompanied by anti-Putin accessories . Nationalism in such a degree always makes me feel ambivalent as, in my opinion, it's able to create a very warm atmosphere in a country, but we mustn't forget that the darkest pages of human history were often a result of extreme nationalism. On this trip the positive effects are certainly more noticeable than the negative ones. The 'Ukrainian feeling' is very alive among the population and whilst telling their national stories, listening to national music or just discussing the situation in their country, a passion is noticeable which is really impressive  and at the same time hard to understand as someone who has never really cared much for nationalism. Taking into account the situation in the East, a pro-Ukrainian feeling seems to be more present than an anti-Russia feeling. But again, more conversations with people with different views are needed before i draw hasty conclusions.

Slava Ukraini! Herroiam Slava!

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!

3: This is the place to have your budget city trip:

As a result of the situation in the East of Ukraine the national currency 'the Hryvna' took a steep dive. This is very troubling for the Ukrainian economy, but it also means that this city is one of the most affordable places to visit at the moment. Most Europeans prefer Paris, Madrid or London, but let's be honest, these places leave you with an empty bank account. Kiev on the other hand provides the same amount of culture and activities  AND you can do all this at half the price of a visit to the aforementioned cities. As an example, I will show some prices of  my expenses on this trip:

Metro ticket: 0,12 euro

Big Mac menu: 2 euro
Taxi: Mostly between 2 and 3 euro
Regular Buffet meal + soft drink:  2,5 euro
Beer in a pub (0.5l): 1.2 euro

As you can see, the difference in prices with London and Paris is enormous.

Riding the subway for a month will only cost you 3 euro

4: The traces of the Maidan crisis are still noticeable:

Traces of the revolution are still present, but well hidden. Many government buildings were destroyed during the revolution and while most of them are restored in original state, the ones who weren't are now covered with huge panels with nationalistic statements on (see picture above).

Maidan square itself is completely restored to its original state and looks nothing like the black mess we saw on the news several months ago. The obituaries of the fallen citizens  surrounding the square are the last reminders of the recent crisis.  

During the revolution the square got almost completely ruined

Hundreds of portrets like these surround the Maidan Square area to honor the citizens who died during the revolution

5: the beauty of Kiev:

Every time an abroad trip presents itself I ask myself the same question: is there a capital in Europe which is even less attractive than our 'lovely' Brussels? Again the answer is negative, Kiev surprised me once again. The city is a mix of beautiful parks, bridges and most of all, architectural beauties.