Ukraine and Istanbul - July, 2000

I wanted to share some tips and observations from my recent trip to Ukraine (Kiev, Simferopol, and Yalta) and Turkey (Istanbul).

+ Unisel Network (800-531-2060) provided a visa service on short notice without the need for an invitation.

+ Head right to the medical insurance sales booth as soon as you enter the terminal from the plane in Kiev. Passport control was turning people back who did not have the insurance certificate. Insurance was cheap: 3 weeks for $8.

+ I had to go through the red line at customs because I had more than $1000. Be meticulous about the customs form. I was taking in 6 silver jewelry pieces as gifts. I had to unpack all the pieces. The customs officer was not happy until she saw all six. She didn’t even look to see if there were more. Just wanted to verify I had at least 6 pieces.

+ Alex met me at the Kiev airport and took me to my hotel. 458-32-64 (H) 295-92-86 (W) Alex is a travel agent.

+ The Domus Hotel is convenient to a number of good restaurants and others sights but it is very expensive ($150/night) compared to renting an apartment.

+ Mumuho restaurant serves excellent Georgian food and the staff speaks English. 10a Spasskaya street; (044) 417-3545.

+ Exchange rates decrease the further you get from Kiev. 5.4/$1, Kiev; 5.3, Simferopol; 5.2, Yalta.

+ Natalie Koval provides interpreter and tour guide services at reasonable rates. She also can provide a driver and car at a very good rate. The driver took me to the airport and waited 2 hours due a delayed flight for only $10. Natalie can also arrange for an apartment. Cell phone # +38-044 2320803; kovaln@yahoo.com

+ The best hotel room in Simferopol is at the airport hotel. $15/night for a nice room with hot water and a fan. Downside was the room was very hot due to the limited window ventilation and the pillow smelled like an entire army division had used it. Otherwise, very nice.

+ The best hotel location in Simferopol is the Hotel Ukraine. Deluxe rooms have hot water in the tub and leaving all the windows open at night cool the room down. Expect to get at least one or two interruptions a night from the working ladies. The floor administrators tell them where the single men are located.

+ Flower shops are located in the underground crosswalks. $5/bouquet. Box of chocolates are less than $3.

+ Native American silver jewelry gifts went over very well.

+ Simferopol to Yalta is $3/person on a minibus or per person for 4 people in a taxi.

+ Apartments (a decent walk to the ocean) can be had for $10/night in Yalta. No hot water, and water turns off after 2100. We had a wonderful time.

+ The Art Café next to the concert hall on the Yalta ocean walk is very good. Georgian food once again. We ate there 4 nights in a row.

+ I don’t recommend the Soviet style spas. No A/C, hot water only 5 hours a day, no laundry service, and the food is poor. The grounds are beautiful but the buildings are going down hill.

+ Istanbul is a good mix of the old and the new. It can be very romantic at night when all the mosques are lit up.

+ The Ibrahim Pasa Hotel is in a great location near the Blue Mosque. A/C, lift, and a great staff. $69/night for a double with breakfast. 90-212-518-0394. pasha@attglobal.net http://www.all-hotels.com/a/tkpasha/tkpasha.htm

I hope these are helpful. Happy to answer any questions.