Hi all from Mark in New Zealand

[MERLIN II]

Many people I know who’ve been to Europe recently have said ‘If you’re going to Europe, make sure you include Ukraine because it’s an interesting mix of East & West, cultures, religions and all sorts of industry.’

I’m a third generation New Zealander with recent ancestry tracing back to Ireland on one side and to the Bohemian region and the city of Plzen (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic on the other – so I’ve always planned to visit Europe – and have finally fixed 2012 as the time to go.

I hadn’t heard much about Ukraine before so I did some searching on the net. Got to say, this certainly is one very interesting country all right with some very clever people, so I’m looking forward to spending plenty of time there too and having a good look around – not just flitting about briefly as a tourist.

I reckon the only way to really get to know a place is to head off the beaten track and spend time catching up with the locals for a relaxed, friendly chat – spinning a few Irish yarns both tall and true along the way.
So when I found your English speaking forum on the net, what better way to kick off for the present than with people from all over the world who are either Ukrainian or who’ve been to Ukraine.

Interests are laughing a lot, listening to people’s views and ideas, sailing, small fizz boats (power boats with an outboard), fishing, cars, engine modification, off-road buggies, aviation especially WWII aircraft & restored examples, taking things apart to see how they work, putting junk together in ways that work for fun, physics and chemistry.

Hey, look forward to catching up – your posted commentaries and links to any sites on Ukraine you reckon I should take a look at would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Mark

[lisaparx]

Welcome Mark!

[andrewblow]

Hi Mark,
I'm through and through English - but have been to Ukraine twice a year for 13 years, so I know western Ukraine a bit. These visits are the highlight of my year and I love the people and especially the teenagers that I meet on our holiday camps in the Carpathian mountains.
I love driving in particular and have a sweet Alfa Romeo, but am an architect by profession.

But WELCOME.............and I hope you get some good posts from 'real' Ukrainians.
best wishes,
Andrew

[stepanstas]

Welcome to the forum. If you want to learn more about Ukraine, just ask.

[MERLIN II]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome! Nice cars all of those Alfas Andrew - will be sure to post some questions soon. Am intending to drive across Europe West to East in a van. What's driving in Ukraine like for foreigners?
Cheers
Mark

[stepanstas]

I am so glad you asked.

Here is my favorite video.

YouTube - Ukrainian Driving (L'VIV) .RoMan.D.

What this means.

In Ukraine, if drivers wait on a stop light for more then a few seconds, you might see them drive on the sidewalk (where pedestrians walk). As you can see, a bus starts it.

Do not be surprised if two lanes turn into 3.

I think that sums it up.

Good luck.

[MERLIN II]

Stepanstas
Watched the video - crikey! What get's me is the bloke strolling along the footpath didn't even flinch. By the looks of it Ukraine drivers would make good off-road pilots! Speaking of L'viv, I see on the map that it's probably going to be the first port of call after nipping across Southern Poland. Looked it up - plenty of history there to check out.
Catch up
Mark