Oh Wise and Worldy Ledgies
 

I will be escorting my mother and her two sisters as they visit Ukraine and Poland. This will be thier first visit home since they left after WWII, and they really want to see what has become of the places they knew as children. They would like to visit Crimia, Kyiv (Keiv), and Krakow. I know these are not tourist hot spots but was hoping for some practical tips from fellow ledgies.
I have done a fair amount of research on the internet and am getting conflicting information.
My first question is regarding sort of general travel about Europe.

Are the train schedules available on the internet, reliable?

Are the month Euro rail passes worth the investment, particularly in Poland and Ukraine?

Is train travel going to be so completely confusing because of the language? I have a hard with the 24 hour clock time thing now throw in the Cyrillic alphabet Oy! My mom and her sisters are fluent and can read it but I hate not knowing what the hecks going on. Would it be totally impractical to rent a car?

How about money exchange, I have gotten many conflicting reports on the internet regarding this.

Are Euro's the way to go? Hryvnia? Złoty? Dollars?

Should we use the exchange booths or banks?

Can I really use my Debit card?

It seems that renting a flat is cheaper than a hotel. I am reluctant to book with brokers over the internet, worried about scams. What I should do?

Do younger Poles and Ukrainians speak English?

How do Europeans perceive Americans?

They want to see the "Black Madonna" in Czestochowa. Has anyone ever been there? Is this going to be too touristy? Extremely crowded? The reason I ask is my mom and her sisters are elderly and I am worried about them standing in long lines.


Should we take any extra precautions in Eastern Europe? I read it's extremely bad there one place and then read that violence and crime is vastly exaggerated in others. Here again I am concerned because I will be traveling with three elderly women. Are we gonna get mugged on the subway?

I have read that we should carry out passport or a copy of the first few pages with us at all times in the Ukraine because the police will detain us if we can not id ourselves, true or no?

Will the police shake us down looking for a bribe? I have read conflicting reports.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

I don't have much time so I will answer some of your questions later, but...

Do you really want me to answer this one? :laugh:

Yes please:o

Dont say dumb Cowboys ala Bubba Bush

I might die.

I can only tell you some things about travel in Belgium.
The trains are reasonably reliable and time tables can be found on the internet : http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php
In the flemish speaking part of Belgium, most people speak english fairly well so asking for and getting directions should be no problem.You do have to ask though, people will not come up to you to help (like i've noticed americans will do when they spot some tourists that look lost :D )
Most belgian people keep to themselves but that does not mean they do not like you, so do'nt let their attitude fool you !
As for safety : i do'nt know about the places you'll be visiting, but i guess it's the same as all over the world: use your common sense, rely on your instincts, do not stay in places that do not feel right to you,ask local people that you're staying with which areas you should avoid, also avoid deserted streets,do not wear an abundance of jewelry (i usually leave most of it at home), take copies of all your important documents (passport,driver's license,credit card,plane tickets and so on) and give them to your travel companions. That way, if you loose something, one of them will still have a copy. Just generally be carefull.
As for driving a car in Europe : unless you're used to driving in LA or Miami, you're in for a shock i guess. Europeans drive like madmen compared to Americans :sorry:
Anyway, i truly hope you will enjoy Europe and will get to see a lot of it.
Are you planning on seeing more european countries and if so, which ones ?

Here's what I know about Poland (I've been there before, whereas I've never been to Ukraine, so I can't help you with that, aside from some technical stuff). Eastern Europe, and especially Poland, is one of the cheapest areas/countries you can go to. Before Poland joined the European Union, a lot of things like washing machines and computers used to cost about a quarter of what it costs in Western Europe. Many people drove there to get their stuff. The people in Poland still don't make as much as we do, so the men come to this part of Europe and work in construction or in the fields for about half of what we earn, but twice as much as they would earn in Poland. It's gotten to be quite a problem. But that's an aside...

Poland still uses the Zloty, so it's really easier to get some of that. Euros will probably be accepted at various stores or restaurants, but I wouldn't trust the local exchange rates, so exchange some money at the bank. It'll be a few more years before Poland switches to the Euro, seeing they only recently joined. As for Ukraine, they aren't even part of the European Union, so I don't think they accept Euros anywhere. Definitely go with Hryvnia there. Dollars won't be accepted anywhere.

I have to say that most Polish people I have encountered don't really have any grasp of the English language, and I suspect neither do Ukrainians. Not even the Polish people that have been here for a while speak any English, and besides German that's basically the only way for them to communicate with us. They speak better German and French than they do English. The younger generation would probably be the better people to approach. I am pretty sure English is mandatory in school throughout all of Europe now.

Debit cards... as long as yours comes with a Cirrus or Meastro logo, it will be accepted at any ATM machine in Europe. Poland and Ukraine are not big on credit cards, so you won't find many places where they accept that.

As far how Americans are perceived... that's a tough question. Overall, America is not that popular with the Europeans, for a lot of obvious reasons, but Eastern Europe is very different from Western Europe, and I can't really say what their overall opinion is. But generally, we are nice people! Just don't go to France. :laugh:

I do think crime is vastly exaggerated, but there is still a difference between there and here. In general it's the poorer part of Europe, and like with all areas where poverty is a problem, so is crime. It's inevitable, but I guess the same goes for any big city you visit, just don't wander into too many remote areas. If you stick to the touristy areas, you'll be fine.

No.

Check the rates every day. They vary.

You should be able to.

Europeans will probably ask if youre Canadian first. If they do, say no, I'm American...and the only good thing about Canada is that they are next to us!

Always be careful in other countries. You dont want to get in trouble with the law. And just be aware of your surroundings. Dont look like a wandering tourist. Get some European clothes too.

Always keep a copy of your passport handy. A colour one at that. Keep 2 in fact.

Excuse me? Exactly what do you consider 'European clothes'?

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

you mean styles have changed since the sound of music?

:lol::lol::lol:

also, i really hope you don't actually say that bit about canada.

No, I still wear dresses made of drapes. :shrug:

Funny thing is that there are quite a few people that think Canada is part of the US. :lol:

I so wanna hear the reply to that :confused:
Or do you mean "matching colours and prints" :laugh:

:laugh:

ah yes, states 51-64. :laugh:

Well, most consider it one state, and the most popular answer when asked what the capital is: Montreal. :laugh:

These same people also think Alaska is on the North Pole.

LOL.

to be fair, i think most americans do, too :laugh:

I guess it could be worse, I've heard people say Niagara Falls also. :lol:

IN other words, clothing brands that you get in other countries. When I was in NZ and Oz...they can spot you a mile away by your clothing brands.

hahahahahahahaha that one's my favorite! :laugh:

I've said that bit about Canada MANY times. I have 3 really close born and bred Canadian friends who think its hilarious.

It's not so much the Canada jokes that is off-putting, it's the arrogance associated with these kind of 'statements' that doesn't really put the Americans in a more favorable light. :shrug:

…………..I’ll drop you a more detailed reply by pm later this week on the Ukraine. I’ve worked in parts of the former Soviet Union over the last 5 years and am familiar with Kiev.

On the language issue, I did notice last year that there has been a shift towards all the signs/notices being written in the Ukranian dialect/language rather than standard Russian. So if your relatives are fluent in the dialect, you’ll be fine. In Kiev all the public transport has English timetables and trains/buses run on time . I’ve hired a car and driven in and around Kiev. I wouldn’t recommend doing that in Siberia but you’ll be fine in Kiev. I have always stayed near the old town which is better to be honest if you want to see the highlights of the city. It is pretty nice – not remotely like Moscow. I have stayed at the Hyatt but can recommend a number of hotels/restaurants and will send details later on.

The local restaurants don’t accept visa/amex etc but there are several banks that you can draw money from. Only use the hotel or banks for changing money. Bank notes go out of circulation quickly so you need to guarantee that you have current notes.

I’d be surprised if you were stopped by the Police. I have been stopped and arrested four or five times in China for not having all my papers but never in the old Soviet block.

Oh and tipping. Russia/Ukraine/China doesn’t do tipping. It is assumed that good service is part of the deal when you eat/drink somewhere. Westerners do it but the locals just think it’s weird………….

They think we have six-shooters & gunbelts & we shoot-'em-up every chance we get.

Will you be visiting the Czech Republic? Be sure to walk the Charles Bridge in Prague.

http://www.andel3w.dk/prague/gif/charlesbridge.jpg

Beethoven visited Prague twice: in 1796 & in 1798. On his 1st visit, he stayed at 285 Lazenska Street.

http://www.lvbeethoven.com/Lieux/Rep...e/Prague00.jpg

He preferred not to stay in the center of the city but on the other side of Charles Bridge, in a neighborhood known as the Mala Strana. Today his residence is in No. 11 on Lazenska Street, & it is known as Beethoven Palace.

http://www.lvbeethoven.com/Lieux/Rep...Lazenska02.jpg

^^^

WOW David, that bridge photo is breath taking!

I was a foregin exchange student to Germany back in the 70's....and the teenagers made me change my style of clothing, "because Americans draw too much attention by their loud clothes." So, in short, times haven't changed...

As for recommendations and advice, I can't add anything, but to say that this thread has been interesting to read.

(Nowadays, I never get to travel, unless it's watching the AMAZING RACE in slow motion...)

Its not an arrogant thing. I know I've been labeled that on these boards. If any of you had met me in person you know I'm a complete jokester. I dont say that and mean it. Its all about taking the piss. LIGHTEN UP.

It's just funny because I think I would admit to being Canadian waaaaaaayyyyyyy before I would let on that I'm American. Hate to say it, but America kinda sucks. And by kinda, I mean completely.

Well I got ribbed a lot in New Zealand, and Australia for it. But its all in good fun. If youre a good chap, they dont care where you are from. That being said, I was always asked if I was Canadian first, then "Oh American?" Just about everyone I asked WHY they asked Canadian first, they replied, "We didnt wanna offend the Canadians" followed by a hearty laugh. All the Canadians I met in my travels were awesome folk, and i made some lifelong friends from several other nations as well.

Hell yes it does. I want to get the hell out of here ASAP. Bush has given us a bad name for years to come, it would take a magician of a president to fix what that retard has done. Ugh.

I'm not saying you have to be a GWB backer, but what bothers me is the ungratefulness of people here. And the shame. You shouldnt be ashamed of where you are from, your heritage, or your country. For all intents and purposes, we live in the greatest nation in the world. We have everything. I mean, we are spoiled. Traveling abroad will teach you that.

And personally, regarding the presidential comment. I hope everyone marks the words of this conservy...I dont believe Bush is gonna leave office in disgrace.

If by spoiled and ungrateful you mean being denied basic human rights, then I guess you're right.

Like I said...I live close enough to the border to justifty calling myself Canadian. I just have to get the moves down to pass myself off as a Canuck. You know, like moving the entire top half of my head when I talk.

you already almost talk like them :D and you are the "coolest minnesoah'n i knoah" :D

no, we shouldn't. but a lot of people do, with good reason ...

i think there are a couple billion people who would disagree with you there

as mikey said ... aside from basic human rights, you're 100% correct!

i don't know what "conservy" means and i can't even guess at what you meant to say. but i think you are dead wrong about that last statement. he's a disgrace now and in 100 years, if we haven't all died in a nuclear holocaust, he will still be a disgrace.

I like it here (the U.S.). My choices are numerous: I can do generally what I want to make a living (as long as it's legal), I can live where I want (generally), I can buy thousands of things like boxes of Kleenex with amazing designs on them & shoes with thick soles for jogging, & I quite like the idea that I am the owner of my own life, an idea which undergirds the classical liberalism of James Madison, Adam Smith, & Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

What's he going to do? slip away in the dead of night?
He's a dummkopf.

That means a lot coming from you, election ruiner. :mad:

don't be jealiz of the power i hold.

Blech.

Yes, I guess health care for everyone and a college education for everyone, to name a few things, really makes this a less great country.

i will be, simply because you told me not to.

but do you have cheetos, mountain dew, and american idol?

those are the makings of the real american dream.

better be nice to me or i'll send you icky videos :mad:

Yes on cheetos and Idols (as it's called here), but no on mountain dew. :distress:

We have this though!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Fotos-0016.jpg

That's what I am having for dinner right now. :laugh:

^well as long as they're "good" ...

just don't try to feed me mediocre noodles :distress:

cup o noodles?

https://calcatering.housing.berkeley...photos/126.jpg

Hey, we're only a mediocre nation. :shrug: