Kiev Local Customs

One of the most remarkable experiences I made was the extraordinary awareness regarding empty bottles. What? Yes, you read it correctly, almost or maybe all glass bottles can be returned and will be recycled this way.

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Of course every nation has some common habits that eventually differ from other local customs. It could well be that some descriptions I have put in here in this category may also apply for Ukraine as a whole but I would not write such things about the country without deeper insight into specific Ukrainian habits. So I keep with Kiev where most of my experiences are rooted.

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Superstition is a widely spread peculiarity in Ukraine. There are several things you should avoid in order to not leave your person opposite helpless and playing according the local rules:

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In the heat of summer in the city Kievians buy tons of water melons to quench their thirst and have something for refreshment. Virtually on every corner you can find trucks or big cages full of melons, the latter serving as storage space during the night while the salespeople take their well-deserved snooze.

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I cant speak for the rest of Ukraine because i dont know but public toilets in Kyiv tend to be nothing more than a whole in the floor, in the Metrograd it costs roughly 10-20 kopeks to use the facilities. Public toilets are usually quite clean. Toilet roll is picked up from the kiosk where you pay to use the toilet.
Toilets in restaraunts, bars and hotels are usually the ones you see in Britain.

One thing i wasnt keen on in Kyiv was the beggars. Children are the most common hold their hands out infront of you asking for money. Locals do not often give them money. One child got violent and hit my father in the back because we didnt give any money.

I love Ukraine for many reasons, but one of the greatest things is that independence day in Ukraine is August 24. What is so significant about August 24? It's also my birthday! How great is that? Fireworks, parades, and a whole country celebrating your birthday!

For those of you that have an opportunity to be in Ukraine during Easter, try to attend an Easter service in a small town. You will have the opportunity to see the beautiful pysanky eggs and taste the delicious "kutia". For those of you not as lucky, here is a recipe to try making it at home.

1 cup wheat kernels, cleaned
6-8 cups water
1/4 cup honey, dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Spread the wheat on a baking sheet and place in a 250° F oven to dry for an hour.
Wash the wheat in cold water and soak overnight.
The next day, bring 6 to 8 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and simmer the wheat for 3 to 4 hours, until the kernels burst and the liquid has thickened.
Meanwhile, scald the poppy seeds and drain them. Place in a small saucepan, cover again with water and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain, and put through a food grinder twice.
Combine the honey and boiling water. Stir the honey mixture, poppy seed and chopped walnuts into the cooled wheat mixture. Refrigerate.
Serve cold.