In anticipation of celebrating the 20th of Independence of Ukraine, here is an excerpt from the book American Andrew Alice Evans, who managed to stay in Ukraine for several years and visited most parts of the country, "the traveler's Guide: Ukraine".
Ukraine through the eyes of Americans.
The survival of the citizens of Ukraine - in the blood. They know lots of troubles given to mankind, but managed to survive. The global financial crisis are evidence of this. Confidence is rooted in the understanding of one simple truth: if something happens again, the Ukrainians will take shovels, hoes and rakes to grow at their dacha potatoes and survive in the hunger winter.
In the Ukrainian society is very much older women. It seems that they are everywhere and always busy with something: sweep up the street, pulling excessively large sacks, sell something. Why is Ukraine so much babushek? During the Second world war the Soviet Union lost 20 million people, mostly young men. Their wives, sisters, and mother survived, and now make up a large part of the population. They are old, but sinewy, as retired at the time of Independence and sipped Lehigh.
All older women Ukrainians are treated with respect - babushka, babulya or babusya. The majority of Ukrainian children raised by them. For foreign tourists - they are living witnesses of historical events such as wars, famine. Buying grandmothers on the street of flowers or seeds, you may support them financially and help.
It is fair to say that the Ukrainians are living better than ever in its history.
The troubled past and uncertain future brought up in the Ukrainian super-high tolerance. Their decisions always depend on is really important - the changing seasons, family and ability to survive. Today they know about their role in history and proudly looking at a very difficult past. For the first time they became available historical truth.
In Ukraine you are judged by their clothes. Going to the people, Ukrainians dressed in all the best - regardless of how poor they are. If you come in winter, you can see with his own eyes, as women in high heels does not manage to fall on the ice, and men to go to clean his pants the whole day, despite the mud.
Ukrainians love feast - drink, eat, sing, tell stories and jokes. They are very good philosophers. Welcoming and happy to open the door to a stranger, are familiar with not more than a minute. The guest will be offered tea and probably well fed.
The cause of all troubles and bad weather for Ukrainians it is evil. The most powerful version - the evil eye. He can be self-fulfilling fatigue, depression, toothache, quarrels in the family, problems at work, liquid stool.
Ukrainians love to read. Books - an indicator of status. Therefore, even in the most remote place you will find a large library of Ukrainian and Russian literature. The Soviet government permitted some to read foreign authors. Here people know about Hemingway, Jack London, John Steinbeck, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Ukrainian folk songs are usually about love, vodka or love of vodka. Sometimes even fat. Some are humorous, but most are filled with sorrow. The traditional instrument to accompany - Pandora string in the form of tears. But now, more singing and playing guitar. Soviet folklore was also included in the repertoire.
Foreigners are often shocked by the conviction of the Ukrainians that the blame for the crime victim herself. They will never open the door without asking "Hto tam? " or looking through the peephole.
On the market you will not sell stale products, lash compliments from all my heart and without irony.
Ukrainians know how to stand in line. However, they do not respect other people in it. You can't assume that you'll be standing in it for 20 minutes or more, while in front of you will not fit without apology anyone brazen. With this better not be contacted. If the front of the window you are looking for money or tickets, Ukrainians think that it gives them the right to take your place. Beware! Can get to the end of the queue...
When comes the tram, bus or metro, about all forgotten. All try to get into the first transport, pushing all the others. If you are slow, you risk not climb inside.
Ukrainians love the photos. Every family has a home with shovanku albums. Strangers on the street also do not mind if you take them off. If an adult sees that it is removed, it ceases to smile and make a serious face, as a "passport". If you ask him ulybatsja, he most likely will answer - "vsyo" and leave.
Wheelchair users are only found near the Church, where they beg for alms. In Ukraine, for such people there is no infrastructure.
Buses and minibuses in the winter is very cold, and you will pray to a big babushka came and sat down next to you.
Train is the best way to travel around the country, as the ticket is very cheap. And there you will see the real Ukraine.
If you want to return from Ukraine alive - don't drink water from the tap. It tastes awful and terrible diarrhea from it. Petya only bottled or at least boiled. Teas and drinks in restaurants is safe.
If you want real Ukrainian food - do everything you can to get to the family dinner. None of the restaurant will not be able to reach such culinary skill as Ukrainian babyshka.
Travel to Ukraine without food is considered a sin. People you just met, can provide you with a huge basket of products - "on the road". Even if it's only a 2-hour bus transfer.
Ukrainians love to eat ice cream all year round. Sell it and eat on the streets even in the coldest days of January. If ice cream doesn't melt in your mouth, chew it.
If you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to buy a child seat to a toilet bowl and carry it with you. This may facilitate the visit more horrible toilets of the "hole in the earth". Or toilets on trains. Baby diapers can be purchased at any big store. Just say "pampers" with a Russian accent.
Packing things in Ukraine, take a sewing kit and a decent supply of buttons, because they are often in Ukraine tear. Depending on which part of the country you are traveling, bring Ukrainian or Russian pocket dictionary, or even better both.
To allow a man to treat you to a drink, and to accept an invitation to go to his home - a very bad idea. Especially persistent can say that you are a deeply religious woman: "Ya verushaya". And they get away.
Pack your things in a simple soft carrying case, so as not to attract too much attention. For exploring the city does not take "bright" bags - put all your belongings in a plastic bag for shopping, all of them are the majority of Ukrainians. Thieves and not think of his stealing.
In the Museum you immediately categorically explain where to go and what to look for. Free walk the halls is "no", and if you dare to miss some of the room or go in the opposite direction, it will feel the wrath of the babushka. Through lack of funds in museums rarely warm, and the Rangers do not include light in the room while you are there do not go down. However, the effect of inclusion and justification of light depending on the direction of your movement rather gives a sense of omnipotence.
Ukraine is more adaptable to an organized group tourism. If you want to see something specific - it is better to choose this option. But then you don't know what the real Ukraine. Incredibly rude woman at the ticket office, night trains, and attacks on the nature of the window will remain a tourist bus. Yourself you will have a wonderful opportunity to talk with the locals, but it is most valuable and most interesting in the journey to Ukraine.
In the preparation of this material, we are very grateful to the user widely-known resource virtual diaries-LJ, namely the user 
felbert
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