a look at ukraine as a foreigner

[Irinka]

All the power to you then, I hope you find whom you're looking for

[Blackman_75]

No I really am interested. I need to know as much about Europe (I'm going to 3 places so far) and particularly Ukraine as you can tell me. I'm black no hiding that. I need to know the obstacles I'll run into. Please comment freely and don't be afraid of offending me. Sorry if I seem advasarial sometimes. That's the problem with typing you can't see or hear the other persons expressions.

Blackman

[nikolai]

I've known one Ukrainian woman who married a very dark-skinned Canadian.

This Canadian was an immigrant from Guyana, and he was of Indian origin. His ancestors were brought to Guyana from India by the British as indentured servants.

This Canadian was a medical student who was doing some of his internship in Ukraine.

I think that there is some racism in Ukraine, but a well-off dark skinned foreigner can still find a good wife for himself there.

But I think that cross-cultural marriage is more difficult to hold together because there are more possibilities for misunderstanding and conflict.

And people (including relatives), who have something against inter-racial marriage, can actively try to break apart such marriage.

Of course, some countries are more tolerant of inter-racial marriage than others.

Perhaps in Canada or in Britain such marriage can work.

[Blackman_75]

Thank you very much for your insight and information Nik. I really appreciate any experiences like this and any insights people on the board have.

Best wishes,
Blackman

[Ulysses]

Blackman,

I think as a general rule. Stick to bigger cities like Odessa and Kiev. Big cities in any country tend to be more cosmopolitan, and inter-racial relationship are less taboo.

Originally posted by Blackman_75
Thank you very much for your insight and information Nik. I really appreciate any experiences like this and any insights people on the board have.

Best wishes,
Blackman

[dokk]

i think its shame for countries with history as ukraine russia etc to be so difficult for people from other countries to visit them cause of the crime.i discuss with my friends many times to visit this country but we always regreat it as we learn from people thats its not secure to visit the country.i come from greece and we know here that hospitality its the main thing for everyone.if the goverment of yours and police (not the civilians)realises that many things will change in your country.

[Lubov]

Originally posted by amy68
Ukraine gov't is highly corrupt but I don't think it had anything to do with you being Turkish. I personally have never had a problem with the police or going through customs but I know people who have.
I love Ukraine and its people. The people are just wonderful and probably the most gracious people I have ever met in my travel.
You just need to travel wisely and don't give in with bribery. Hold fast to this. If everyone gives into bribery, then they will think they can continue this practice.
Odessa is not safe at all and it would be best if you stayed away from this city; it is common knowledge that the police are heavily corrupt and the mafia is thick there especially around the train station.

AND on top of all above said the problem that the police had with him was that he was Turkish. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, many policemen are just plain idiots that were to inapt to get a decent job but the one where they can compensate for the personality failure by harrasing people, especially people of color.