You arrive in Ukraine. After a long trip to get here, and maybe even some time going through immigration and customs, you're tired and you need something to drink. Something simple, like bottled water.
But here in Kiev, bottled water isn't a simple matter. In the US, you just go down the aisle with the water, find a brand you like from a choice of three or four, and take it to the cashier to pay. Two problems here. First, except in some larger stores and supermarkets, you just can't walk down an aisle and pick up your purchase. You must tell the attendant what you want and she'll get it for you. That may be a problem if you are Russian and Ukrainian challenged. But let's say you know "voda" the Russian word for water. You ask for voda and she'll start asking you questions. This is because water is no simple matter here in Kiev. And here's the second problem. Your choices may consist of:
- Plain water without gas.
- Plain water with gas.
- Mineral water without gas.
- Mineral water with gas.
Many small stores will have a selection of each. You may see a brand you recognize, like Bonaqua. But there are different Bonaquas too. What to do? Easy. Just point and hope for the best. If she picks the wrong one, just say "nyet" and motion with your hand. Elegant? No. But it will generally work. Just make sure you have some hrivens (the local currency) handy.
So, is there something simpler? Maybe there'll be a vending machine around. Or maybe not. But if you don't have to have water, the simplest thing you could order would be Coca-Cola. The name's the same here, and there's less chance for misunderstanding. Order anything else and you may get it with a side order of confusion.
Technorati Tags: Kiev, Kiev Basics, Kiev Life, Kyiv
No comments:
Post a Comment