I just got back from chernovtsy, went there for 2 week's, it was an experience to say the least. If anyone has any questions, I will be glad to give any help I can.

Dear Drew,

Thanks for your offer. I am seriously considering making the trip and hope you can tell me:

1 Is it safe?
2 What is best way to travel (airline etc)
3 Hotel of apartment accomodations?
4 Sightseeing
5 Were you there meeting a rw? (none of my business) but that is primary purpose of my visit)
6 Approximate costs for 2 weeks including air fare.

thanks,

bob

Bob, and others,

I just returned from Ukraine where I spent 2 of the 3 weeks In the country in Chernovtsy. You couldn't choose a better city to stay in Ukraine.
The costs are very, very reasonable. The cost
of my 20 days (15 in Chernotsy 4 in Kiev)
including airfare from St. Louis MO USA was about
$3000... This included apartments in both cities.
A driver from Kiev to Chernovtsy and back to Kiev
and side trips to L'vov and the fortresses. An
average (actually superb) meal for two people will
cost you:
Lunch: 40g ($7.50US)
Dinner: 120g ($20.00US)

Taxis are dirt cheap... usually about 5-6g ($1)
to go anywhere in town.

I used a service for arranging my apartment... driver... etceteras. If you want a worry free trip
contact her at ss@chv.ukrpack.net

Katya and Natasha own a "service" on the
university campus. She is great to work with and
speaks fluent english. She arranged a nice 4 room
apartment in Chernovtsy for $50/day. Much cheaper than the hotels.

You can also call them at their offices:
011 380 372 232244 (from USA) they are 7 hours
later than New York. (+2 GMT)

Have fun and contact me anytime... later

Hi Drew. Tell us about your trip. Are there any places one must be sure to see when visiting Chernovtsy? Any good restaurants? Did you stay in a hotel? What are your suggestions for an inexperienced traveller?

Wendy

If you travel from Kiev to Chernovtsy by train, avoid the train that travels through Moldova. I took this train and had problems with the Moldovian border guards. Despite the fact that the train passes through only a small part of Moldovia I had to pay the border guard $30 US to avoid being taken off of the train. I am convinced that the Ukrainian train conductress was operating with the border guard. When the train stopped at the border, the border guard came right to my stateroom and confronted me about not having a visa for Moldova. I was with a Russian speaking Ukraine national who translated for me. I was the only person on the train who was hasseled.
It is best to hire a driver and car to take you from Kiev to Chernovtsy (if you travel through Kiev). The trains are not clean and the restrooms are flithy. I am returning this fall. I plan to fly to Warsaw and take a LOT Poland airline plane to Lvov, Ukraine. I will then travel from Lvov to Chernovtsy by private automobile (about a 4 hour drive). If you do this, spend a day or two in Lvov. It is a beautiful city. I stayed at the George Hotel while I was there and found it very acceptable ($80 US per night).

I see that you were in Chernivtsi earlier in the year, can you help me find someone? I am looking for Yuri Makar, he is a professor at the university there.
Thank you,

Tom Smathers

Is he the Dean of the College of History here at the university?

Hi Drew,

I am engaged to a wonderful girl in Chernovtsy and would appreciate and info that would make the visa documents easier for her and where she can send e-mail from?

njeagle@aol.com

Hi John,
My wife is from Chernovtsy. We used Kit's Internet Service for our email letters. They can also provide translation services if you need them. The owner's name is Victor. He is fluent in English and a very nice fellow. You can write to him at chkit@fox.univers.cv.ua His fees are modest.
I don't understand your question about help for her with the fiance visa. You must get the visa documents from U.S. Immigration Service. You will need to visit her in person before you can have visa application approved. I obained the visa documents and took them with me when I went to Ukraine to meet my future wife in person. We completed the application forms and obtained the other documents while I was in Chernovtsy. Her Ukraine records must be translated into English. Victor provided this service. He is an official translator and is familiar with the immigration documents. If I were you, I would engage Victor to assist you. I was so satisfied with his assistance and work that I gave him a bonus when he was finished.
If I can be of more help, write to me.
Good luck

Darrll,
The e-mail addess for Victor you mailed is not valid and gets returned. Are you sure you got it right?
I tried to e-mail him for some assistance I need but got returned mail!!!!??