Artist to Tourist in the Countdown to Kiev
UEFA European Football Championships
Part 2
As a music artist/singer who has spent time in countless cities across the world, I never really having the opportunity to get a ‘feel’ of any of the cities outside of the arenas, event locations and clubs. This time I was going to take some time to try to enjoy a city and get experience some of the atmosphere and the real people.
This is the second of four reports on the Ukrainian city of Kiev – 13 days before the opening of the UEFA European Football Championship 2012. My pop formation “Never2Loud” has a football anthem “We need a goal” featuring the football legend, ex Brazilian National Player, Pelé, so this seemed to be the right time and place.
This is the second of four reports on the Ukrainian city of Kiev – 13 days before the opening of the UEFA European Football Championship 2012. My pop formation “Never2Loud” has a football anthem “We need a goal” featuring the football legend, ex Brazilian National Player, Pelé, so this seemed to be the right time and place.
Travel from Kiev Airport to Kiev City center
The next task was to find my accommodation. Sergey, an employee at the accommodation I had booked, offered a transfer service of $40/£26. The driver, Roman, met me, cigarette hanging from his lip like an eastern gangster with a face that did encourage a strange trust despite his lack of a smile. Forty minutes later, I arrived – there was little to worry about regarding the traffic it was 01:00 and all was relatively quiet.
For the return trip, I took a local taxi and as expected it was cheaper, not much faster but considering it was about £14 and 14:00 in the afternoon – this option comes highly recommended.– Ukrainian traffic in Kiev really does not compare to the heavy traffic of other capital cities like London or Moscow. The drivers are almost generous in giving up lane space and the drivers look content and relaxed. Yes, I know, I was so shocked I nearly bought a Skoda.
For the return trip, I took a local taxi and as expected it was cheaper, not much faster but considering it was about £14 and 14:00 in the afternoon – this option comes highly recommended.– Ukrainian traffic in Kiev really does not compare to the heavy traffic of other capital cities like London or Moscow. The drivers are almost generous in giving up lane space and the drivers look content and relaxed. Yes, I know, I was so shocked I nearly bought a Skoda.
Accommodation in Kiev
Money in my pocket, accommodation reached, now I was curious what the room would be like. To my surprise, it was very pleasant and only one street behind the Football Arena where some of the games for the UEFA European Football Championship 2012 will be played.
The desk attendee was a pleasant Ukrainian woman who spoke acceptable English and was very friendly. The room was on the sixth floor of the building. The room was clean and decorated in a warm brown Ikea showroom style. I must admit that I liked it. The view did look directly onto a back alley, which was not unlike many London Style views. However, the room was relatively large and light.
Many hotels list wonderful extra amenities but they do not always live up to their promises. I am happy to say that the free Wi-Fi was both there and even strong, however my room was directly next to the receptions so probably next to the Wi-Fi transmitter. The television had 600 channels but only three English-speaking channels. I speak German, some French and am learning Russian, so found 15 channels that were at least partly understandable.
On this weekend, there was a report on television showing the politicians in the Ukrainian parliament brawling in the governing hall. I could not help but wonder if they were trying to show any possible hooligans that even their older politicians could take them on. Alternatively, knowing that the famous Ukranian, Vitali Klitschko, is trying to enter Ukrainian politics after retiring as World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, perhaps they were trying to prepare for him.
Towels were there and through the four days they were changed once but not the bedding - not at all.
The staff were very helpful and I even met Sergey the next day. He spoke perfect English and could not have been friendlier. It was a good start to exploring the Ukrainian reception of this Black English Possible Football Tourist.
Read Part 3 for more on Kiev just before the UEFA European Football Championship 2012.
The desk attendee was a pleasant Ukrainian woman who spoke acceptable English and was very friendly. The room was on the sixth floor of the building. The room was clean and decorated in a warm brown Ikea showroom style. I must admit that I liked it. The view did look directly onto a back alley, which was not unlike many London Style views. However, the room was relatively large and light.
Many hotels list wonderful extra amenities but they do not always live up to their promises. I am happy to say that the free Wi-Fi was both there and even strong, however my room was directly next to the receptions so probably next to the Wi-Fi transmitter. The television had 600 channels but only three English-speaking channels. I speak German, some French and am learning Russian, so found 15 channels that were at least partly understandable.
On this weekend, there was a report on television showing the politicians in the Ukrainian parliament brawling in the governing hall. I could not help but wonder if they were trying to show any possible hooligans that even their older politicians could take them on. Alternatively, knowing that the famous Ukranian, Vitali Klitschko, is trying to enter Ukrainian politics after retiring as World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, perhaps they were trying to prepare for him.
Towels were there and through the four days they were changed once but not the bedding - not at all.
The staff were very helpful and I even met Sergey the next day. He spoke perfect English and could not have been friendlier. It was a good start to exploring the Ukrainian reception of this Black English Possible Football Tourist.
Read Part 3 for more on Kiev just before the UEFA European Football Championship 2012.
