What's On Kyiv Issue 45 2011

004_COVER_Wok_45_11_539_.indd 51

06.12.2011 17:01:42

004_COVER_Wok_45_11_539_.indd 52

06.12.2011 17:01:48

45.indb 3

06.12.2011 17:43:24

4

What’s Up Could What’s On Become Obsolete?

The Latest Symptom of a Sick Country

In Kyiv and Donetsk, a small but determined group of people continue their hunger strike. They include veterans of the Afghan War and those who cleaned up after Chornobyl. They were given additional pension rights to cover their extra health concerns as a result of their service to the state, but in September those rights were unceremoniously withdrawn. To-date, neither the President nor the Prime Minister have had the common decency to see them, hear their concerns and/or explain their reasoning.

The hunger strikers’ refusal of food is the latest symptom of a wider sickness. When a government fails to look after its most vulnerable citizens, in this case those who are sick from service to Ukraine, it hits rock bottom. Unfortunately, this particular government manages to hit a new ‘rock bottom’ every week.

Yet in the midst of all this, there are encouraging signs. Ukrainians are once again beginning to find their voice, noticeably absent as the opposition was being thrown in jail. They are now slowly being roused to shout louder, grow stronger and take more extreme measures. After the Arab Spring, could it be the Ukrainian Winter?

Football Visa Fun

The immigration visa. A wonderful invention. With EURO 2012 fast approaching, questions concerning who’s going to need what to enter where have been plentiful. We are going to try and give you the lowdown. We should warn you, however, that due attention is required. The ride gets bumpier the deeper you go.

To watch the games in Poland, Russian and Ukrainian fans are going to need Polish visas. The Poles and other citizens of the EU need no such visa, Ukrainian or otherwise, to enter Ukraine, provided their stay is within the 90-day period. Fans from those countries that do require visas (such as New Zealand and China) to enter Ukraine, will receive all of the necessary documents with the purchase of an original UEFA EURO 2012 ticket. Those arriving in Poland without a ticket can apply for a standard tourist visa via the regular channels.

Because of all the buzz about documents, Polish consulates in Ukraine and Russia will have separate visa corridors for fans where the customary pre-registration for visa application will be dropped. For Ukrainians looking to catch a game next door, visa applications can be submitted as early as March 2012, so you may want to get your documents in order now.

001_ComicSoon_Wok_45_11_539.indd 4

Concerts could cease altogether and Kyiv’s only English-language cultural magazine may soon have nothing to publish should parliament ratify a new law surrounding the country’s cultural life. Yes, we all know the Ukrainian government to be as corrupt as they come (and now Transparency International proves it – see pg 5) but this brings them down to an all-time low. As it stands at the moment, foreign agencies must pay a flat fee to bring any international act into the country to perform. Should this new law come into force, however, that fee will be required from all acts – local, foreign and interplanetary – and will be a standard 1 – 5% fee of of an assumed sell-out.

Affecting not only big concert halls like Palace Ukraine and October Palace, smaller halls and nightclubs will have to stand in queues to acquire the necessary permits for those gigs they have every night. But the real kicker is, even if the event gets cancelled, whatever gets paid into the pot goes straight into the pockets of our trustworthy government.

Producers, concert agencies and local musicians are already up in arms. Culture in Kyiv may soon be too expensive to continue, and the average Ukrainian may never get the chance to see acts like Britney Spears (not that that would be any hardship) or Moby again! Meanwhile, authorities are already tapping their fingers together like the miserly Mr Burns from the Simpsons, wondering how to spend their extra 90 million hryvnia per year.

Kyiv Pride

While there are many things that are light years behind the times in this country, we are happy to say there are a few issues that continue to plough through the din, taking their rightful place up there on the podium of human decency. Organised by activists here in Ukraine, as well as neighbouring Belorussia, our beloved capital will celebrate Kyiv Pride – for the first time ever – this spring. Representatives of the gay community, or LGBT, advocate for equality in society regardless of sexual orientation, and have planned a forum with politicians and opinion leaders with representatives from all over Ukraine and the EU. “The purpose of this event is to show society that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are the same as everyone, and should have the same rights as other citizens of Ukraine. We stand for equality of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation,” said committee member Taras Karasiychuk.

Business 101

Adidas has taken on severe criticism about its Jabulani ball from the 2010 World Cup and has come up with a completely new, completely redesigned ball for EURO 2012. The company recognises its livelihood rests on its reputation. Imagine if the Ukrainian government took on that approach.

06.12.2011 18:12:16

5

This Week in History Offer Champagne At Your Peril

Parliamentary Election or Popularity Poll?

Our friends and neighbours to the north and east have just been to the polls to vote in a parliamentary election. As well as electing folks to sit in the Russian Duma, many have called it a popularity contest for Vladimir Putin, the man who has sat at the helm of the country for the last 12, long years.

According to Golos, the only independent monitoring group in Russia, as many as 5,300 complaints of violations of one form or another were reported during the day, which sounds like some fairly widespread vote rigging and ballot stuffing. The question we want to know is if 5,300 people chose to register a complaint, how many actual instances of election fraud were there? Were one in ten reported? Or one in a hundred? We’re unlikely to ever get an answer to that, of course, as the website of Golos came under some form of cyber attack on Election Day. There are many people, including Prime Minister Putin, who believe the role of election monitors are completely unnecessary, and has recently accused “foreign powers” of “meddling in election preparations”.

A few Duma members have also recently questioned why a foreign funded organisation is allowed to monitor a Russian election. The Golos project is indeed financed by both the US and the EU, but how anyone can suggest (without suppressing a giggle at least) that a Russian election does NOT need some kind of independent oversight is beyond us.

45.indb 5

As the 29th richest man in Ukraine, worth almost $500 million, Yevgeny Chernyak probably thought he could get away with almost anything. Not so. He was recently attacked outside a bar in the southern city of Zaporizhya. A group of men set about him and his two bodyguards with feet, fists and bottles.

He says it was an orchestrated attempt on his life. Others say it was revenge.

Chernyak had earlier been flashing the cash and had over-stepped the mark when he offered a lady a bottle of champagne, under the nose of her boyfriend. The attack followed shortly after, when her boyfriend – perhaps understandably – voiced his displeasure. As predictably as the boyfriend’s disquiet, the video of the incident has appeared on YouTube, taken from the nightclub’s surveillance cameras.

All this prompts thoughts of how one should behave when one has wealth, power and/or status. Offering a lady champagne in her boyfriend’s presence was always going to humiliate him, and was never going to look cool, despite that being the likely motive. Those with wealth often need class, and those with class always manage to show it without embarrassing others.

12 December 1674

The Kyiv-Pechersk publishing house publishes its first short history of Ukraine from ancient times up until the 17th century. The book is called Synopsis.

15 December 1699

Pyotr I introduces the Julian calendar from Moscow. Henceforth, the new year begins on 1 January as opposed to on 1 September.

9 December 1863

Borys Hrinchenko, Ukrainian writer, ethnographer, lexicographer and historian is born.

Hrinchenko is an outstanding person in this country’s history. He wrote and published a four-volume illustrative dictionary of the Ukrainian language.

It’s a Race for Last Place

Transparency International, a global civil society organisation, has published their annual report on world corruption, and one doesn’t have to throw away too many guesses to figure out just where Ukraine fits on the whole slippery scale. Moving on down from 134th in 2010, the country has demonstrated itself as far more corrupt than last year, acquiring 152nd place out of 183 in terms of corruption.

Receiving a rating of 2.3 out of 10, with 0 denoting countries that are the most corrupt, we beat out countries like Nepal, Zimbabwe and Kenya, but only just. Turkey received the best rating (4.2) where Eastern Europe is concerned, while the worst include former USSR states (big surprise) Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with 1.6 points each. However, Russia and Belarus have nothing to tout about either, as they hover above Ukraine by only 0.1 point.

It sounds a bit like the Olympics for reprobates; and Ukraine has everything it takes to get the gold medal.

11 December 1914

Mykhailo Hrushevsky, eminent Ukrainian historian and political activist, is arrested in Kyiv.

The Soviets claim he is communicating with the Austrian government and charge him with espionage. Though they could prove nothing, he was imprisoned for months and then banished from the capital.

12 December 1991

Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada adopts a law banning the criminality of homosexual relations.

15 December 2000

The Chornobyl Nuclear Plant ceases operations.

Up until this point, the damaged reactor from the 1986 explosion was still emitting radiation.

06.12.2011 17:43:28

45.indb 6

06.12.2011 17:43:33

001_ComicSoon_Wok_45_11_539.indd 7

07.12.2011 11:20:38

8

This Week Theatre & Classical Music

9-15 December 2011

Legendary French Musical Closes Notre Dame de Paris (international, musical), Palace Sport (Sportyvna Pl 1)

13 December at 19.00

The Notre Dame de Paris musical is quite possibly one of the most successful of our times. Translated into many languages and performed all over the world, it has brought great fame to its soloists Bruno Pelletier, Helen Segera, Garou and Patrich Fiori, to name a few. With more than 10 years of success in their pocket, the group has decided to split. But! Before they do, the original cast will perform one last time, here in Kyiv and Paris.

This is a great honour for the Ukrainian capital, and one you shouldn’t pass up.

Tickets are 450 – 5000hrv. For more information call 246-7406.

12

Monday

9

Friday The Master and His Students Concert Cycle Works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin Time: 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697 Classics on Fridays Concert Cycle Featuring Vox Animae Ensemble, Zhukova (harpsichord) Works by Lotti, Scarlatti Time: 20.00 Master Klass Cultural Centre (Lavrska 16) 594-1063 La Traviata Opera in Italian in 4 acts Time: 19.00 National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) 279-1169 An Evening of Organ Music Featuring Kharechko (organ) Works by Mozart, Elgar Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186 Mr X Operetta in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Kyiv Operetta (V Vasylkivska 53/3) 287-6257

The Return of the Prodigal Father Play in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Drama & Comedy Theatre on the Dnipro (Brovarskiy Pr 25) 517-1955 Uncle Vanya Scenes of rural life in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Molody Theatre (Prorizna 17) 278-7392 Oedipus. Dog House Play in Ukrainian in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Dakh Modern Art Theatre (V Vasylkivska 136) 529-4062 An Evening of Chamber Music Featuring Briar Trio Works by Mozart, Schubert, Schumann Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

10

Saturday Subscription № 6 – Violin Music Eggner Trio (Austria) Works by Schubert, Schumann, Shostakovich Time: 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697

Frederic/The Crime Boulevard Theatrical novel in 2 acts Time: 19.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre (Ivana Franka 3) 279-5921

An Evening of Liszt Music Featuring Sydorenko (organ, piano), Shvydka (soprano) Works by Bach, Guilmant, Widor Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186

In The Captivity of Passions Drama in 1 act Time: 19.00 L. Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 55) 234-4223

Two Flowers the Colour of Indigo Choreographic drama Time: 19.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre (Ivana Franka 3) 279-5921

1001 Passions/The Little Things in Life Tragic comedy Time: 12.00 Angel/Sexual Neuroses of our Parents Play Time: 18.00 Uncle’s Dream Tragic comedy in 2 acts Time: 19.00 L Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 5) 234-4223 Lying the Pure Truth Play in 1 act Time: 19.00 Drama & Comedy Theatre on the Dnipro (Brovarskiy Pr 25) 517-1955 A Human Being and Eternity Philosophic comedy in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Molody Theatre (Prorizna 17) 278-7392 Oedipus. Dog House Play in Ukrainian in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Dakh Modern Art Theatre (V Vasylkivska 136) 529-4062 An Evening of Romances Featuring Rozhkovska (soprano) Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

11

Sunday An Evening of Bach Chamber Music Featuring Kyiv Soloists National Chamber Ensemble, Pyetukhov (Russia, piano) Time: 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697

Zaporozhets Beyond the Danube Opera in 3 acts Time: 19.00 National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) 279-1169

An Evening of Classical Music Featuring Lysenko Quartet, Bazhenova (piano), Kalynovska (organ) Works by Vivaldi, Albinoni, Scarlatti Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186

Key on the Cobblestone Comic opera in 1 act Time: 19.00 Kyiv Operetta (V Vasylkivska 53/3) 287-6257

Mrs Minister Comedy in 4 acts Time: 19.00 L Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 5) 234-4223

Anthem To Democratic Youth Play in 2 acts Time: 19.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre (Ivana Franka 3) 279-5921 The Very Married Taxi-Driver Comedy in 2 acts Time: 12.00 The Leaning Tower of Pisa Farce in 2 acts Time: 18.00 Quartet Play Time: 19.00 L. Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 5) 234-4223 The Dove Tragic-comedy in 2 acts (from the play Colombo) Time: 19.00 Molody Theatre (Prorizna 17) 278-7392 26 Rooms Play in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Drama & Comedy Theatre on the Dnipro (Brovarskiy Pr 25) 517-1955

An Evening of Chamber Music Featuring Yevsyukova (piano) Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

13

Tuesday An Evening of Vocal and Instrumental Classical Music Featuring Solovyanenko (soprano), Lavryenova (mezzo-soprano), Chikirov (lyrical baritone), Reutova (piano), Kharechko (organ) Works by Liszt, Dvorak, Gershwin, Shostakovich Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186 Kyiv-2011 International Festival of Guitar Music Featuring Lorenzo Micheli (Italy), Matteo Mela (Italy) Works by Bach, Debussy Time: 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697 Romeo & Juliet Play in 2 acts Time: 19.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre (Ivana Franka 3) 279-5921

Trees Die Standing Play in 3 acts Time: 19.00 L Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 5) 234-4223 Oedipus. Dog House Play in Ukrainian in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Dakh Modern Art Theatre (V Vasylkivska 136) 529-4062 Christmas Concert of Classical Music Featuring Kyivska Kamerata Ensemble, Pivnenko (piano) Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

14

Wednesday Kyiv-2011 International Festival of Guitar Music Time: 10.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697 An Evening of Bach Music Featuring Lyatoshynsky Classical Music Ensemble Works by Beethoven, Schumann Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186 Aida Opera in Italian in 3 acts Time: 19.00 National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) 279-1169 Moskoviada Play in 3 acts Time: 19.00 Molody Theatre (Prorizna 17) 278-7392 Oedipus. Dog House Play in Ukrainian in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Dakh Modern Art Theatre (V Vasylkivska 136) 529-4062 The Proposal Mon-spectacle Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

15

Thursday Kyiv-2011 International Festival of Guitar Music Featuring Juan Padilya (Spain) Works by Bach, Scarlatti Time: 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2) 278-1697 An Evening of Bach and Messianic Music Featuring Kalynovska (organ) Time: 19.30 National House of Organ and Chamber Music (V Vasylkivska 77) 528-3186 Krol Roger Opera in three acts Time: 19.00 National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) 279-1169 Romance. Nostalgia Musical drama in 2 acts Time: 19.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre (Ivana Franka 3) 279-5921 Farewell Tango Tragic comedy in 2 acts Time: 20.00 L Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre (B Khmelnytskoho 5) 234-4223 The Highest Benefit of the World Play in 2 acts Time: 19.00 Drama & Comedy Theatre on the Dnipro (Brovarskiy Pr 25) 517-1955 Asso & Piaf A history of love Time: 19.00 Suzirya Theatre (Yaroslaviv Val 16) 212-4188 Notes of a Crazy Man Mon-spectacle Time: 19.00 House of Actors (Yaroslaviv Val 7) 253-8247/2081

Best Guitarists Gather in Kyiv 2011 International Festival of Guitar Music, National Philharmonic (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2)

13 – 18 December at 19.00

Getting together guitarists from Italy, Spain, Poland and more to perform for the masses, Kyiv will soon be a centre of musical masterminds. Focusing mainly on classical guitar compositions, each musician will showcase those arrangements particular to his or her homeland, making every evening of this festival interesting and unique. The last day will feature winners of the festival where each musician will have the opportunity to play with the Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic.

It’s going to be resplendent!

Tickets are 20 – 100hrv. For more information call 278-1697. : What's On Recommended

45.indb 8

06.12.2011 17:44:04

9

Live Music

9-15 December 2011

9

Friday Light Flirt (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 Tres Deseos, Beefeaters (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) 390-6106 Some Like it Hot (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Moskovskiy Pr 17/1) 461-8788 Beefeaters, Tres Deseos (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551 Motor’rolla, Red Rocks (cover bands) Time: 22.00 Admission: 75hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 Symphomania, Partyzanski Vytivky (cover bands) Time: 22.00 Admission: 75hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528 Esperanza (cover band) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545 Vzrosliy Band, Mr Och and his Root Boys (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865 Riffs (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Star Pub (Popudenka 1a) 292-2900 Nicolas Tym (pop-rock) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366 Jazz Inside (jazz) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (V Vasylkivska 76a) 289-5606

Funky New Beats

Boombox (pop-rock, funk), Stereo Plaza (Kikvidze 17)

9 December at 19.00

Boombox will bring fans together this evening to present their new album Seredniy Vik (Middle Age). Enthusiasts have had to wait a year for this one. And considering it’s their fourth official LP amid a solid first three, you can understand their impatience. While Ukrainian bands do tend to fade in popularity the longer they hang around, the opposite is true for these guys. Come check out what middle age looks and sounds like for this musical machine tonight.

Tickets are 150 – 1000hrv. For more information call 222-8040.

10

Saturday Lumen (Russia, alternative rock) Time: 19.00 Admission: 150-200hrv Bingo Club (Pr Peremohy 112) 424-2555 arakesh, MJ Project M (pop-rock, cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 Hot Guys, Mama Mia (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) 390-6106 Jake Box (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Moskovskiy Pr 17/1) 461-8788

Mama Mia, Hot Guys (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551 Tabula Rasa, Partyzanski Vytivky (rock, cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 75hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 Motor’rolla, Red Rocks (rock, cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 75hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528 True Colours (cover band) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545 Symphomania, Dr Feel Good (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

Hot Guys (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Star Pub (Popudenka 1a) 292-2900

Night Block (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717

Carnival Heat (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 20hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717

Jazz Wednesday: Project Nothing Personal (jazz) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366

Morton, Dr Feel Good (cover bands) Time: 21.00 Admission: 30hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

More Khuana (cover band) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

Olena Nikolska (jazz) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (V Vasylkivska 76a) 289-5606

Budet (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

Tex-Mex Co (cover band) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

Thursday

Light Dream, Sport & Music, Diser Tape (cover band) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366

Night Block (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

12

Monday Ukrainian Project (folk-jazz) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 Tres Deseos (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 Rock Hero (cover band) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

arto, Dead Boy’s B Girlfriend (rock) Time: 20.00 Admission: 60hrv Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366

Dejavu Music (cover band) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

Jazz Duo (jazz) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (V Vasylkivska 76a) 289-5606

Bridgi’s (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

11

Sunday

13

Tuesday

Soyuz 44 (jazz) Time: 22.00 Admission: 20hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

Vexlarskiy Orchestra (pop-rock) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

Alai Ali (reggae) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Moskovskiy Pr 17/1) 461-8788

Yansen Kukansen, The Groovers (pop-rock) Time: 21.00 Admission: 40hrv Bochka Pyvna (Moskovskiy Pr 17/1) 461-8788

Guitar House Jam Session (jam) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366

14

Wednesday DZD (pop-rock) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 Chill Out (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) 390-6106 Gurt Yogurt (Irish, cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551 Rocking Wolves (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 The Magma (cover band) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528 More Khuana (cover band) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

15

Fofei.in (pop-rock) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 Red Rocks (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) 390-6106 Lucky Band (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Moskovskiy Pr 17/1) 461-8788 Hot Guys (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551 Ruky v Bryuky (cover band) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 Marmalade (cover band) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545 Pirata Band (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865 Porokh & Puzo (Russia, pop-rock) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366 Vasyl Podolskiy, Pavlo Sklerov (jazz) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (V Vasylkivska 76a) 289-5606

Good, Evil, Bad (cover band) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

Accordion for the Soul

Richard Galliano & Tangaria Quartet (France, jazz), Officers House (Hrushevskoho 30/1)

9 December at 19.00

Hoping to warm up your winter, Richard Galliano and his talented quartet are bringing their Festival of French Spring to Kyiv. As one of the world’s best accordionists, certainly throughout Europe and the Americas, Galliano is a great follower of Astor Piazzolla, and is often referred to as the Saint Monster of Jazz. Passionately exuberant whenever he plays, this is an evening you might want to consider should you be feeling the unwanted effects of the cold season.

Tickets are 130 – 500hrv. For more information call 253-8072. : What's On Recommended

45.indb 9

06.12.2011 17:44:06

10

This Week Art

9-15 December 2011

Antiques Close-up

Grand Antique Salon, Mystetsky Arsenal (Lavrska 10-12)

8 – 18 December

Grand Antique Salon is Ukraine’s largest display of antique items.

Held yearly since 2008, museums and collectors proudly present their most prized heirlooms. For visitors, it’s the chance to peek at those priceless items doused in history and tradition typically hidden away in closets and attics. Featuring ancient weapons of the 15th – 18th century, the Lviv Museum has been solicited to show their wares. The pearl of the event, however, will be armoury of the Polish cavalry.

For more information call 288-5225.

My Future Movies Exhibition of photographs by Arkadiy Nasonov Ra Gallery (B Khmelnytskoho 32) Until 13 December 235-3619

The Art of a Nonconformist Exhibition of paintings by Vudon Baklitsky and Mykola Tryhub Triptych-Art Gallery (Desyatynna 13) Until 20 December 279-0949

The Mission of Purity Exhibition of works by Oksana Chumechenko Wunjo-Art Gallery (Heroiv Stalinhrada 10a) Until 23 December 228-6620

Summer Mood Exhibition of works by Iryna Sachenko Foundation of Art Development (Frolivska 1/6) Until 14 December 238-6521 Spanish Rain Exhibition of paintings by Mykhaylo Demtsyu Mystetska Zbirka Gallery (Tereshchenkivska 13) Until 18 January (050) 136-47-37

Pure and Beautiful Photography Exhibition of photographic works by Stefano Orazzini Brucie Collections (Artema 55b) Until 21 January 205-4264

Figures on White Exhibition of works by Mykyta Kadan Karas Gallery (Andriivskiy Uzviz 22a0 Until 25 December 238-6531

Forgotten and Rediscovered

Exhibition of works by Yevhen Sahaydachny, National Art Museum (Hrushevskoho 6)

From 9 December

Yevhen Sahaydachny is a remarkable Ukrainian artist whose name has been unjustly forgotten. As a close personal friend to Mykhaylo Boychuk – Ukraine’s most eminent graphic master – he was often inspired with the ideas of the neo-Byzantine style, developing the idea in his own works. Combining folk motifs with a modern style, his pieces are decorative and beautiful, revealing the true nature of the land and the people he’s lived among and loved greatly.

For more information call 218-7454.

Family

A Sophisticated Evening of Leisure

The Ball of Princes, Honchar Museum (Mazepy 29)

10 December at 19.00

The Ball of Princes is Kyiv’s first ‘sophisticated evening of leisure’ this season, which will meet and greet guests with an atmosphere of luxury, live music and truly aristocratic entertainment. Each and every guest will be introduced to the king whereupon the evening will proceed with a profusion of Baroque-style dancing and a master class on sophisticated etiquette. The most diligent students will be christened princes and princesses, from which the king will choose his queen! It’s going to be a truly unique evening – don’t miss it!

Tickets are 1200hrv for adults and 300hrv for children. For more information call 221-6279.

45.indb 10

Puppet Theatre Hrushevskoho 1A (metro Maidan Nezalezhnosti) 278-5808

Circus Peremohy 2 (metro Vokzalna) 486-3927 www.circus.com.ua

Municipal Puppet Theatre Mytropolska 1 513-1500

Zoo Peremohy Pr. 32 241-7769 www.zoo.kiev.ua

Marionette Theatre Sahaidochnoho 29/3 (metro Poshtova Ploshcha) 417-3058 http://marionet.com.ua

Dyvosvit 4D cinema, children’s labyrinth, attractions Marshala Malinovskoho 24/10 502-0088 www.dyvosvit.ua

Butterfly Ultramarine Cinema, children’s playground, bowling, arcade Uritskoho 1A (metro Vokzalna) 206-0350 www.kino-butterfly.com.ua Kobzov Circus 239-2181 Prospekt Pobedy 82 www.circus-kobzov.com.ua Mystical-Aquarium Centre Koshytsa 8A (metro Poznyaky) 502-1796 www.aquariumfish.com.ua

Nemo Dolphinarium Akademika Glushkova 9 520-5550 www.nemokiev.com Kyiv Planetarium Chervonoarmiyska 57/3 287-7508 www.planet.org.ua/about.html Aquapark Terminal Aquapark, shopping and entertainment centre Kyivska 316 in the town of Brovary 200-1450 www.aquapark-terminal.com.ua

9

Bicycle with Red Wheels Adventure in 1 act Time: 12.00 Lypska Youth Theatre 253-6219

Friday The Prince & the Princess Fairytale in 2 acts for children 5+ Time: 12.00 Lypska Youth Theatre 253-6219

10

11

Saturday Fairytales for Kind Hearts Puppet-play for children 4+ Time: 11.00 Little Red Riding Hood Puppet-play for children 4+ Time: 13.00 Chock the Piglet Puppet-play for children 3+ Time: 15.00 The Golden Key Puppet-play for children 3+ Time: 17.00 Kyiv Puppet Theatre 278-0566 Patrick and the Wolf Ballet in 1 act Time: 12.00 Kyiv Theatre of Opera & Ballet for Children & Youth 425-3116 Yasnogorodskya Ostrich Farm Podlesnaya 32, Yasnohorodska (30km outside of Kyiv) 782-3240 www.ostrich.com.ua Hopak in Kyiv Hopak Training Centres 332-7747 or 067-933-3244 Visit http://hopak.kiev.ua/ua/ Nabeg Horseback Riding Centre Vishgorodska 85 067-712-3384 http://www.loshadi.kiev.ua/

Kotigoroshko Musical fairytale in 2 acts Time: 12.00 I Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre 279-5921

Marika and the Bear Puppet-play for children 3+ Time: 11.00 Our Happy Kolobok Puppet-play for children 3+ Time: 13.00 Thumbelina Puppet-play for children 4+ Time: 15.00 Sambo Puppet-play for children 3+ Time: 17.00 Kyiv Puppet Theatre 278-0566 King Grizzlebeard Musical in 2 acts for children 7+ Time: 12.00 Lypska Youth Theatre 253-6219

State Museum of Toys Klovskiy 8 253-5400 Interesniy Kiev Tours in and around Kyiv in English! 491-1176 or 068-121-4458 Visit www.interesniy.kiev.ua/new/ tour/english

The Fanciful Love of Grizzlebeard Musical in 2 acts Time: 12.00 Molody Theatre 278-7392/8568

14

Sunday

Kyiv Horse Race Track Akademika Glushkova 10 266-2223

The Story of Kai and Gerda Romantic opera for children in 2 acts Time: 12.00 Kyiv Theatre of Opera & Ballet for Children & Youth 425-3116

Wednesday Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs Ballet in 2 acts Time: 12.00 Kyiv Theatre of Opera & Ballet for Children & Youth 425-3116

15

Thursday How the Cossacks Tamed the Snake Musical fairytale in 2 acts Time: 13.00 Kyiv Theatre of Opera & Ballet for Children & Youth 425-3116

Pyrohovo Open Air Museum Folk architecture and life Marshrutka #3/156 from metro Lybydska 526-5542 Mamaeva Sloboda Outdoor Cossack Museum Mykhayla Dontsya 2, Otradniy region 361-9848 www.mamajeva-sloboda.ua

Nivky Park Children’s playground, rifle ranges, walking paths, cafes Prospect Pobedy 82 Kurenevskiy Park Playgrounds, attractions, cafes Frunze 134 National Botanical Garden Open year round Timiryazevskaya 1

06.12.2011 17:44:13

Nightlife

11

9-15 December 2011

13

Oh, The Anticipation

Tuesday

The Best Track in Ukraine Awards 2011, Crystal Hall (Dniprovskiy Spusk 1)

9 December at 22.00

Marvellous Night Time: 22.00 Admission: free Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024

CTS Records and nightlife.tochka.net are hosting one of the best parties of the year, where one of our Ukrainian compatriots will go home an even bigger star. Special guest this evening is American DJ Juan Atkins who has not only pioneered the techno movement but spawned an entire movement of dance genres. Of course, some of our own Ukrainian stars – The Maneken, DJ Yoshi and DJ Sender – will play a few sets as well, and perhaps we’ll even get one of the forerunners of acid house and head judge this evening, DJ Pierre (US), to play a little magic as well.

Admission is 200hrv. For more information call 288-5069.

9

Friday he Best Track in Ukraine T Awards 2011 – Juan Atkins (US), DJ Pierre (US) Time: 22.00 Admission: 200hrv Crystal Hall (Dniprovskiy Spusk 1) 288-5069 Playmodel – Lady Vamp, Alex Pride, Lunni Time: 23.00 Admission: L-50hrv, G-100hrv Party Room (V Vasylkivska 5/3) 050-187-6003 Latin American Music Time: 22.00 Admission: L-100hrv, G-150hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 Where Has the Circus Gone? – MC Rybik, DJs Maniak, Key Time: 23.00 Admission: free Sky Bar (V Vasilkiivska 5) 223-8888 Say No to Bribes Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-free, after50hrv, before 21.00 G-free, after 90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 House DJs Event – DJs Ira Champion, Ml-Key, Jalsomino, Artem Neba, Rainy Day Time: 22.00 Admission: L-50hrv, G-60hrv Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780

DJack Tv & MC Kate Birthday Party – Artem Neba, Koma Junior, Kayun, Roys, Dgrow, Shafransky, MC DJack Time: 22.00 Admission: L-50hrv, G-60hrv Sullivan Room (Prorizna 8) 066-485-5555 Dirty Raves – Hack The System, Autofish, Katsurin, Bodya Shevchuk, Mashinka, Fozz, Frai Time: 23.00 Admission: L-60hrv, G-70hrv Cinema Club (Entusiastiv 1) 555-5854 Addicted – DJs Peter Van Hoesen, Dego, Igor Glushko, Roman K, Skaz, Stan Laev Time: 22.00 Admission: 80hrv Xlib (Frunze 12) 417-3233 Hit Friday – DJs Konstantin Ozeroff, Watson, Saylex Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Bionica (Borshchahivska 128a) 232-7296 Opening Party – Tom Boxer & Morena, DJ Alighery, DJ Kovalevsky, Ballet Le Club Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Museum Le Club (Muzeyniy Per 10) 233-4469

Rave On – DJs Woo York vs Exploit, Suhar, Egor Boss, Spieler, Mitchell, Cluber, MC Roman Time: 22.00 Admission: L-40hrv, G-50hrv Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070

Ibiza Party – Chris Montana (Germany), DJ Eldar, DJ Darchik, Jay Kofin Time: 22.00 Admission: free before 23.00, after call and check D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009

DISCOteka – DJs Driver, Nikz Lorenz, MC Alex Van Cool Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-30hrv, G-40hrv, after L-50hrv, G-60hrv Prime (Nauki 8) 524-2209

Fullmoon 2011 – Artur, Serge Proshe, Weizman Time: 22.00 Admission: L-free, G-100hrv Mantra (V Vasylkivska 5) 050-336-2848

10

Saturday Sucklips. Superheroes – DJs Evil Nine, Valblush, Antoni, Lunni, Alex Pride, We are Superheroes Time: 23.00 Admission: 100hrv Crystal Hall (Dniprovskiy Spusk 1) 288-5069 Fashion Night – DJs Light, Dan, Saylex Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-30hrv, G-50hrv, after L-50hrv, G-70hrv Bionica (Borshchahivska 128a) 232-7296 Party Hot Lips – DJs Taina, Denny Vento, Vipper, Deep-I, Motor Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 free, after L-free, G-50hrv White Cocoon (Obolon Pr 16b, Dream Town) 485-0222 F*cking Fashion – DJs Anastasia, Rockstar, Romeo Time: 23.00 Admission: free Sky Bar (V Vasilkiivska 5) 223-8888 Audiofly (Barcelona) Time: 22.00 Admission: L-100hrv, G-200hrv Mantra (V Vasylkivska 5) 050-336-2848 Play Techno – DJs Psyk, Mays, A-Hvich Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-50hrv, G-70hrv, after L-60hrv, G-80hrv Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780 Ira Champion Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Maximym (Dekabristov 12/37) 562-6262 T-DJ Phoenix & DJ Kirsanov Time: 22.00 Admission: L-free, G-40hrv Aldo Flirt Club (Milyutenko 7) 067-536-6565

Mix Style – DJ Shtuzer Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Aura (Vyshgorodskaya 28/1) 237-7023 Disco-Latino Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 Dzedjula & Bezpredel – DJs Marka Pola, Underhill, ID Crash Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.30 L-30hrv, G-40hrv, after L-50hrv, G-60hrv Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070 D’Lux Club Night – live music, DJ Eldar, Jay Fokin, Tommy Lee Time: 22.00 Admission: free before 23.00, after call and check D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009 Official Sunrise Party – Kalyaskin, Technique, Sancho, Priku, Kozo Time: 23.00 Admission: before 23.55 60hrv, after 80hrv Cinema Club (Entusiastiv 1) 555-5854 Opening 2nd Day – Phonique (Germany), DJ Kovalevskiy, Ballet Le Club Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Museum Le Club (Muzeyniy Per 10) 233-4469 F Night Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-free, after 50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 Electro Jam: DJ Stranger (Moscow) – DJs DavidDJ, DennySmile, Neo Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-30hrv, G-40hrv, after L-50hrv, G-60hrv Prime (Nauki 8) 524-2209 Latin American Music Time: 22.00 Admission: L-100hrv, G-150hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290

Pioneer Hen Party – DJ Games, MC Adam Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Aura (Vyshgorodskaya 28/1) 237-7023 RnB Boom – The Loft, DJs Lady, Мykvik, МС Hiha Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780 Hen Party – DJ Dan Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 free, after L-free, G-25hrv Bionica (Borshchahivska 128a) 232-7296 Voskresation – DJs Kayun, Platina, Oliver Varnce Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.30 free, after L-20hrv, G-25hrv Prime (Nauki 8) 524-2209 Banana Party: Part 3 – DJs Kirill Mixer, Ruzhynski, D Spieler, Hors Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.30 L-10hrv, G-15hrv, after L-14hrv, G-30hrv Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070

12

Monday Hot Marakas - Js Sky Love, Vova Blacks, Serg, MC Ruzhui Time: 22.00 Admission: free Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024

11

Pivomania – DJ Size Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Aura (Vyshgorodskaya 28/1) 237-7023

Tango Passion Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-free, after -50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024

Salsatequa Time: 21.00 Admission: before 23.00 –free, after L-20hrv, G-50hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290

Sunday

Children and More

Robert Miles (Italy, electronica), Sullivan Room (Prorizna 8)

10 December at 23.00

Born to Italian immigrants in Switzerland, Robert Miles really wanted to be a part of the music scene. Working as a DJ in underground Italian clubs and private radio networks, he used all his savings to buy a studio with second-hand equipment where he wrote what is known as his most famous dream trance work, Children. By 1997, more than 5,000,000 copies of the single were sold worldwide and had won him platinum records in many countries. Remaining under the radar since then, his latest album released in February of this year, entitled Th1rt3en, includes a mix of progressive rock with ambient and electronic soundscapes.

Check it out, and then check him out this month.

Tickets 180 – 500hrv. For more information call 066-485-5555.

Discoteque of the 80s – DJ Velskiy Time: 21.00 Admission: free Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494

14

Wednesday Women’s Feast – DJs Bodrov, Roma Rio, Jumper, Vova Blacks, MC KlunNichka Time: 21.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-free, after L-50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 Latina Fiesta Party – DJ Stalkera, MC Adam Time: 21.00 Admission: free Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494 Island of Amazonkas Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 Radio Day – DJ Shtuzer Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Aura (Vyshgorodskaya 28/1) 237-7023

15

Thursday Friendship of Nations Time: 22.00 Admission: L-free, after-50hrv, before 23.00 G-free, after 90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 Ladies Night Time: 21.00 Admission: L-free, G-100hrv Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494 Master Class in Dancing – MC Adam Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Aura (Vyshgorodskaya 28/1) 237-7023 Disco-Latino Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 Dastish Fantastish Showcase – MC Dym, Markov Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780

: What's On Recommended

45.indb 11

06.12.2011 17:44:18

45.indb 12

06.12.2011 17:44:29

13

What were your first impressions of the country, given that you came just after independence?

I came here two or three times during that period.

Kyiv was great, but getting out into the countryside was a bit remote. They hadn’t seen many foreigners at all, especially those that spoke a funny language. I thought the scenery was magnificent, and some of these hunting lodges around the lakes were incredible. I loved it. The drive was fantastic, but the roads were in a bad condition, and if anything I think they’ve got worse over time.

Crimea was great too, a real sense of history. I went down to Sevastopil, to the fleet, and they made me an honourary Russian Major on board the aircraft carrier ‘Moscow’. They took the whole crew on a helicopter around the base and we got to film it all, including the nuclear submarines. A year before we’d have probably got shot for being there. We had a private lunch with the Admiral and the Captain. I think they were trying to see who could get each other drunk the quickest.

had the wow factor. I flew on its first return voyage in 1976, and it continued to amaze me, every flight I made. It made my life much easier. My first commercial flight across the Atlantic took me 18 hours in the late 50s, but Concorde cut it down to less than 3 hours in the 80s.

When did you start flying transatlantic?

I started flying transatlantic in 1958 and I’m still doing it today. In 1983 somebody noticed I’d done 150 flights on Concorde and British Airways notified an executive travel magazine who came to do some photos. Then Guinness came, spoke to the airline and said they’d like to put me in as the most travelled passenger. So I’ve been the world’s most travelled passenger officially since 1983.

Do you not get bored?

No, I actually like airports. I know my way around most, and I have a sequence. I always check in early, and these days I usually get to go to the lounge. I do miss Concorde though. It last flew

"I like Airports , I Know My Way ARound Most, and I Have a sequence. i do miss concord though. what other airplane could fly supersonic for 4 hours whilst serving dom perignon to 100 people?"

The Admiral at one point asked me if it was alright if the Captain gave me a kiss. I obliged – ‘when in Rome’. Afterwards we flew back to Kyiv, but Boryspil was closed at that time of night, so we landed at some other airport, where there were thousands of Aeroflot planes all over the runway. The bus we went in around Ukraine was like a railway carriage on wheels, but they loaded it up with strawberry vodka every morning, so it wasn’t too bad.

And the people?

A lot of foreigners I think get the wrong idea. The accent is quite hard, and it can sometimes sound like they’re shouting, either at others or at you.

They’re not, and I’ve always found Ukrainians to be tremendously hospitable.

You’re in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s most travelled man. How did it happen?

I didn’t do it on purpose. I was working for a company that specialised in the international transfer of technology and they licensed people to manufacture goods, rather than import them. So my job took me to many third world or developing nations. I was like a little Sputnik. I was crossing the Atlantic two or three times a week. Once I crossed it three times in a day, to get a contract signed. Concorde allowed for that. It meant that I could be in New York by morning and Nairobi by evening, having gone via London. That plane

45.indb 13

in 2003. What other plane could fly supersonic for 4 hours whilst serving Dom Perignon to 100 people?

With all these thousands of miles of travelling, have you had any scary moments?

Well, I was once on a flight with an attempted hijacking. It was London to Hamburg, about 25-30 years ago. We landed, and they said we were waiting for a gate, but I could see the gate from miles away. Suddenly we were surrounded by tanks and troops. They came on board and took two guys off with guns. I was meant to be meeting my wife that night, and when I turned up late and told her what happened, she didn’t believe me – until she read it in the paper the next morning. We never found out who it was or what they were after. I’ve also had a crash landing, when we had to land without the wheels. Immediately after that flight I got on another flight to New York. It was circling for about an hour. I asked them what the problem was and they said it was a minor electrical fault. When I challenged them, they admitted they suspected a bomb on board. Fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm. One time I missed my flight to Singapore and my regular seat was taken by another chap. Behind him was a lady in a wheelchair, who produced a knife in the air and stabbed him in the head.

It missed his brain by about 2mm, but he was still in a very bad way.

Have you joined the mile high club?

I’ve joined the 12-mile high club. Concorde used to be fitted with accordion doors, and all the film stars used to go in there. You could see what was going on because the doors were shaking back and forth. They used to call it the supersonic bang. The Concorde days were brilliant. It was like an executive lunch club. You’d get on, have lunch, have a chat and get off. I spoke to David Frost, Johnny Cash, Cassius Clay – the stars of the day. And either side of it, you’d often have to sit in a London traffic jam and a New York traffic jam, both in the morning of the same day.

You mentioned that you first came to Ukraine in 1992. When did you settle here?

I came back in 2005, after I met a delightful young lady. I wanted to come back earlier, but I was too busy unfortunately. I worked with Virgin and also some African airlines. I was asked to come back to write for a magazine, but my wife was the main reason. I live in Komsomolsk, a beautiful little town on the Dnipro known for its iron ore. It’s 4.5 hours south of here by car, and the drive through the forests and the cornfields is spectacular.

It’s interesting that as the world’s most travelled man, you’ve chosen Ukraine as your home.

I have a few favourite places. Top of my list is Kenya. It’s on the equator, yet it has snow-covered mountains. It’s got huge lakes, vast plains, the Masai Mara and the sea. It’s got good food, and it’s just a great place. Next on the list is the Seychelles, because with so many islands, you could never be on a crowded beach, and they’re the best beaches on earth. After those two, it’s Ukraine, for the scenery (both feminine and actual), the food, the culture and folklore. I think it’s brilliant.

You’re now the ambassador for Ukraine International Airlines, isn’t that right?

Yes. When I flew with them, I was really impressed. I think the attitude of those who work on the flight starts at the top, and I’ve met the senior leaders and I like them. I also like the fact a lot of staff have been with the company a while, so it gives a good continuity. My idea now is to have a Fear of Flying school here. There are lots of people who are scared of flying, and that could help them. I also want to do route checks.

What are your favourite things to do when you’re in Kyiv?

I love the restaurants here, and I have particular favourites of course. These days I’m involved with the Euro 2012 build-up. But apart from that, I’m just a big fan of the city. I think it’s a far better tourist destination than Moscow, and I think the river’s beautiful too, perhaps even better than Prague. The churches too are stunning. Also if you get down to the heart of Ukrainian hospitality, the vodka has to be the best.

06.12.2011 17:44:34

Yulia Hudoshnyk

14

Kyiv Culture

Have Fun

With Your Fate The Ukrainian mentality is a little bit mysterious, a touch traditional and a lot superstitious… Employing fortunetellers and astrologists, Tarot card readers and healers, we like knowing what our future entails. It’s one of the reasons we can’t wait for 13 December to come around each year! Christened St Andrew’s Day, it is believed to be one of the most auspicious days on the calendar. Would you like to find out what your future holds? Read on, there’s bound to be at least some truth found in these practices!

W

hile some might call the rituals we practise on the 13th fortune telling, ethnographer Halyna Oliynyk of the Ivan Honchar National Centre of Folk Culture doesn’t like connecting the two. “Yes, our traditions have roots that go back to the pagans. But Ukrainians have always been extremely religious people.

These traditions they employed in their spare time was more for entertainment than predicting the future.”

Because of the cold and the blatant lack of colour, this time of year often had a negative effect on people. To overcome the dreariness, Ukrainian families would often come together. Feasting and fest-ing, they sang the praises of St Andrew, Patron Saint of Ukraine, and came up with games to keep everyone entertained. “There was a diversity of rituals in the different regions of Ukraine, where every commune had its own strict rules and number of members. Days like these offered the girls a chance to learn their fate, whilst the boys were allowed to openly flirt with the girls they happened to like,” says Halyna.

The Key...the Belt...or the Straw

For those curious but too lazy to do anything too labour intensive, we suggest you start with the simplest of ceremonies. Take out a pen and a piece of paper. Cut the paper into squares. Let names enter your head, write down as many as you like. Then, put them all under your pillow, and go to sleep.

In the morning, take out just one of the pieces of paper – this will be your future spouse!

A more extravagant method to finding out your future involves a belt, a piece of straw and a key, which also need to be placed under the pillow. It’s not going to be comfortable, but you're fiddling with forecasts here, so go with it.

The next morning, pull out whatever your fingers reach first. If it’s the belt, it means you’ll be off travelling sooner than you think. Should it be the piece of straw, then home is where you’re meant to be. And if the key is the first thing you happen to touch you will no doubt enjoy a happy marriage.

The sleeping process can be an interesting one too, especially if girls follow the tradition of eating a whole whack of salted crackers just before bed.

Tradition dictates her future groom will appear, and parched from all the pretzels, he will quench her thirst with the glass of water she's left by her bedside. Yes, this one is perhaps slightly corny, but ever so romantic!

After a good night’s sleep it is vitally important to awake before sunrise. Back

45.indb 14

in the day, girls were supposed to collect water for baking from 12 different wells or springs nearby. They were not allowed to use buckets, however. For this ritual they had to carry the H2O in their mouths! The tricky part was they were not to be seen collecting the water, otherwise their fortunes would not be granted. This gets problematic in today’s day and age, however, so we suggest you just skip over this part and bake.

And in that case, you’re going to want to make some dough. Roll it around your arm. If it sticks, your beloved will stick to you! Sounds easy enough.

Girls also used to throw a few personal trinkets into their baking. Once cooled, the boys would help themselves to the buns where a prize might well have been waiting for them. This was referred to as the perfect matchmaking system. Just be careful! You wouldn’t want to start your courtship by having to call in a doctor for the poor guy who’s gulped down your little bauble.

Invite Fate In

Another technique to conjure up the future involves a candle, a small floating apparatus, a large bowl, water, paper and pen. First, pour the water into a large bowl. Write down a few wishes you have for yourself or your loved ones and attach them to the side of the bowl. Secure the candle to something that’s going to float (anything in the house that’s not going to sink will do). Light it and let it float on the water. The system is simple: the candle will choose the wish to be fulfilled!

If you still have doubts about your home life, take a glass of water. Add egg white and take a moment to watch what happens. If the egg stretches to the top resulting in high-reaching towers, your future spouse will be rich. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it means the man is going to be head of the household (something very rare in our culture!).

In case you’ve got a large party over for the evening, we suggest the ‘boots game’. Everyone grabs the pair of shoes they came with, and from the back of the room, start making a line – one boot in front of the other – in the direction of the door. The boot of the girl or boy to cross the threshold first will be the next to get married.

One of the oldest traditions involves porridge with poppy seed. It goes like this. Head outside and begin throwing the porridge in every direction. While you do this, make sure to invite fate to come and dine with you. Barking will of course be the result (and not just because Ukraine has so many cute canines). Your fate will soon appear from that very same direction in which you first heard the barking.

From wherever your fate appears, the celebration of St Andrew’s Day shouldn’t be missed. Halyna Oliynyk calls it an opportunity to “raise the curtains of the future”. We think it’s a day where anything is possible…

06.12.2011 17:44:36

Face of Kyiv

Final 2011 Coming Soon!

004_COVER_Wok_46_10_492.indd 51

45.indb 15

12/7/10 3:19:12 PM

06.12.2011 17:44:47

45.indb 16

06.12.2011 17:45:09

45.indb 17

06.12.2011 17:45:29

18

Coming Soon An Eternal Love Story

Anna Karenina Ballet, National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50)

20 February at 19.00

Anna Karenina is quite possibly one of the most famous of Russian novels. Having been staged and shot on film hundreds of times, there are few who have attempted to incorporate this tragic

love story into a ballet. Choreographed by the pristine Boris Eifman, the original story line remains unchanged and focuses on a love triangle of which Anna is caught in the middle. True passion, complex psychological twists and turns and a powerful score by Tchaikovsky all come together to create an unforgettable show!

Tickets are 250 – 2550hrv. For more information call 279-1169.

We’re With You Too

Red Hot Chili Peppers (US, funk, rock), Olympic Stadium (V Vasylkivska 55a)

25 July at 19.00

More than just legends of rock, the gods of funk are headed to Kyiv for the first time ever this summer! Bringing their new album called I’m With You, it took some time to release their 10th and most recent album. It has been, however, well worth the wait. Headlining various festivals and playing their own sold-out tours for over 20 years now, the guys have won 7 Grammys and continue to pump out some top tunes. The time has come for Ukraine to enjoy the antics of Anthony, Flea, Chad and Josh – and that we will in what will no doubt be one of the biggest concerts of the year.

Tickets are 600 – 800hrv. For more information call 080-050-5750.

Legend of Rock Star of the 80s

Chris Rea (UK, pop-rock, blues), Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

13 February at 19.00

The world fell in love with this English singer-songwriter at the release of his 10th album, Road To Hell, released in 1989. With the title track becoming a huge hit, it is one, among others, you will no doubt hear when he stops in Kyiv on his most recent tour, dubbed The Santo Spirito Project. Released this September on two CDs containing two featurelength DVDs written and directed by Rea himself, this project is worth more than just a quick look.

Tickets are 300 – 2500hrv. For more information call 247−2444.

Prosper with Publishers Kvitnu Fest, Cinema Club (Entusiastiv 1)

17 December 23.00

The Kvitnu publishing house is celebrating its 5th anniversary this December, and instead of a quiet staff party with cake and ice cream, these guys have invited musicians from all over to come and make merry with the whole city of Kyiv! Sonic rhythmists Sturqen and the electronic art of Vitor Joaquim

45.indb 18

both from Portugal will be taking to the stage to start.

Enticing you into their deep

beat, will be Rome’s Plaster, Ukraine’s electronic diva Zavolovka, Eugene Vashchenko of v4w.enko, electronic sound pilot Dunaewsky69 and amplified Kotra. If they aren’t already, indelible Austrian DJ Elisabeth Schimana and artistic Abs6 from Switzerland will get your feet tapping, and then you can’t forget about Spanish/Ukrainian Bass Minikin, and Kyiv’s Buzzkeeper, Lostlojic, and I Wannabe.

Admission is 80hrv. For more information call 555-5854.

Konstyantyn Nikolskiy (Russia, pop-rock, instrumental), October Palace (Instytutska 1)

25 February at 19.00

Konstyantyn is one of the founders of rock music in a country and during a time when it was more than just frowned upon to break the rules. Composing for himself as well as many Russian and Ukrainian singers, he comes to Kyiv in the new year to present his From Love To Love programme.

Prepare to be impressed.

Tickets are 150 – 850hrv. For more information call 279-1582.

Version 550

A State of Trance 550: Invasion, International Exhibition Centre (Brovarskiy Pr 15)

10 March at 21.00

Huge news just out! Armin van Buuren and his A State of Trance 550 will be making a special stop through Kyiv on his world tour this spring. Kicking off in Belgrade, Moscow will be next. Here in Kyiv we’ll get the best of the Dutch DJ on the 10th before he moves on to LA, Miami and then finishes up in the Netherlands. “Like last year, I wanted to lay it on again, so that ASOT 550 turns into a real worldwide happening. I’m very much looking forward to sharing this with all listeners, visitors and DJs!” Tickets TBA. For more information visit www.astateoftrance.com

06.12.2011 17:45:34

19

An Ocean of Encores

Okean Elzy (pop-rock), Palace Sport (Sportyvna Pl 1)

18 February at 19.00

Only Naked Beauty

No Art – exhibition of photographic works by Vitaliy and Olena Vasylyeva, M17 (Antonovycha 102-104)

From December 22

The M17 gallery is presenting a project called No Art, and allows for the manifestation of each and every person to become an artist in front of a blank canvas. The gallery warns, however, that you should not expect an exhibition of white walls. Instead, works by Vitaliy and Olena Vasylyeva, a couple who got started in Kharkiv and have often met with post-Soviet prejudices, will keep you guessing.

For more information call 596-2030.

Celebrating Christmas

Concert of Classical Music by New Era Orchestra, Master Klass Cultural Centre (Lavrska 16)

16 December at 19.00

It’s already the tradition of Master Klass Cultural Centre to invite all classical music lovers of Kyiv to celebrate one of the year’s most charming holidays. Preparing a special concert just for Christmas, last year’s performance by New Era included well-known Ukrainian folk songs with special guest, Oleh Skrypka! Including holiday melodies specific to the many nationalities found here in Kyiv along with surprises along the way, this year will no doubt be just as special.

Tickets are 50hrv. For more information call 594-1063.

After their first couple of shows with the National Symphonic Orchestra of Ukraine last October, fans flooded Okean Elzy mailboxes with letters asking them for an encore performance. Thinking it over and making plans, OE is keeping their supporters sweet with another classically accompanied concert in the new year. There is no better Christmas present!

Tickets are 160 – 950hrv. For more information call 246-7406.

A Whirl of Movement and Colour National Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Virsky, Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

22 December at 19.00

The National Academic Dance Ensemble named after Pavlo Virsky is one of the country’s calling cards. Presenting the traditional folk dances of Ukraine’s various regions, they do so with ease, beauty and an incredible 90 strong cast.

Collecting, learning and working around the clock, a collection of new miniatures in addition to their typically tremendous repertoire are in the programme for this evening.

Accompanied by an orchestra equal in competence and talent, these concerts are always worth the wait.

Tickets are 80 – 450hrv. For more information call 247-2316.

A Quarter of Century

Serhiy Penkin (Russia, pop), Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

26 February at 19.00

Truthfully, there are those who are not fond of Penkin. He has a very liberal attitude to life after all, which is something he’s not afraid to incorporate into his stage persona. Getting started almost 25 years ago and still gathering stadiums, however, both his fans all well as the Guinness Book of Records have only good things to say about his 4-octave range. He is our Elton John, and for that we love him.

Tickets are 250 – 1600hrv. For more information call 247−2444.

A Hungarian Rainbow

Hungarian Gypsy Symphony Orchestra (Hungary, ethnic), Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

then and there. What you can expect tonight is much of the same ethnically eclectic folk melodies full of passion and emotion.

Tickets are 120 – 1500hrv. For more information call 247-2316.

17 February 2012

The Hungarian Gypsy Symphony Orchestra is the most renowned gypsy orchestra the world has ever come across, with the story of its creation as wonderful as its music. Sandor Jaroka, famous gypsy soloist, died in 1985 with musicians from all over Hungary attending his funeral. Inspired by the master, they began to play, and an orchestra was born right

45.indb 19

06.12.2011 17:45:39

45.indb 20

06.12.2011 17:46:18

45.indb 21

06.12.2011 17:46:44

22

Take Me Out! Listings RESTAURANTS AMERICAN Arizona BBQ 25 Naberezhno Khreshchatytska st. 425-2438 Open: 08.00 – 24.00 The only American run restaurant in Kyiv, open since 1995.

Free Wifi, drinks, food, parking, satellite TV, credit cards, live music

New York Bagel Cafe Shota Rustaveli 15 235-9437 Open: Mon – Fri 9.00-21.00. Sat – Sun 10.00 – 11.00 Big Apple’s best recipes in Kyiv’s first New York Bagle Cafe.

Sam’s Steak House

37 Zhylyanskaya st. 287 20 00 Open: 08 a.m. – 12 a.m. www.karta.ua Steak House. Grill restaurant. Breakfast.

Wide choice. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., weekdays WI-FI

ASIAN Terrace Mezhigirska 87 B str. +380932673630 +380443511572 Оpen: 18 00 – 06 00 Asian style, comfortable room karaoke with beauties.

Saffron 3 Vorovskogo st. 569 10 10 Open: Sun – Wed: 12.00 – 00.00 Thu – Sat: 12.00 – 05.00 www.karta.ua Oriental cuisine, Karaoke-lounge WI-FI

Nobu 12 Shota Rustaveli st. 246-7734 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 Sushi bar in central location.

Great decor and service, wide menu of authentic sushi.

Tubiteyka 29/50 Tarasivska st. 287-0242 Open: 8.00 – 23.00 Asian and home made cuisine, delicious breakfasts, kalian. Oriental atmosphere – and decoration.

WI-FI

CAUCASIAN Ani 72 Chervonoarmiyska st. 4th floor 590-2565 Open: 11.00-23.00 An open show-case kitchen will let you watch the respected Chef cook traditional dishes on the chargrill for you.

Hinkali 4, Shota Rustaveli st. 234-0692 Open: 24 hours Real Caucasian culture reproduced in its best meals. Cuisine with an accent.

0015_Listings_Wok_45_11_539.indd 22

Kazbek 30a L. Ukrainky blvd. 285-4805 Open: 11.00 - 24.00 Restaurant with original interior and traditional Tone stove for baking bread.

Kuvshyn 10 Fedorova st. 592-6363 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 Caucasian cuisine. Every dish served in its own original and unique manner.

Mimino 10a Spasskaya st. (Podol) 417 35 45 Open: 12.00 – 00.00 www.karta.ua Authentic Georgian cuisine WI-FI

European BAcchus Class Chapaeva 2/16 (I.Franka)St. 234-6506 Open: 09.00 – till the last visitor leaves www.bacchusclass.com The one and the only Wine restaurant in Ukraine.

WI-FI 7FRIDAYS CITY-CAFE B Khmelnytskoho 29 278-1187 www.7fridays.kiev.ua Situated in the very heart of Kyiv, the 7Fridays cafe is bursting with city life while striving to preserve a homelike atmosphere. Offering a peaceful corner to forget about city rush, stop for delicious European cuisine for breakfast, business-lunch or dinner. Internet available.

WI-FI Story Cafe 17/18 Naberezhno-Kreschatitskaya st. 467 78 97 Open: 11.00 – 00.00 www.karta.ua French, Italian & Japanese cuisine WI-FI Razgulyaevo 70 Stolichnoe highway (to Koncha-Zaspa) 259 17 00 Open: 11.00 – to the last client www.karta.ua Entertainment complex (restaurant, hotel, sauna, paintball) WI-FI

FRENCH COMME IL FAUT RESTAURANT

Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 219-1919 Open: Monday-Saturday 11:00-23:00 Elegant French restaurant in the heart of Kiev.

Every day enjoy a unique business lunch with glass of wine. Come and try our new autumn menu…

Crep De Chine 25 Hoholivska st. 537-7070 Open: 08.00 – 23.00 A culinary expirience you won’t forget!

MEDITERRANEAN

INTERNATIONAL

Olivera

2A Velyka Zhytomyrska Street 219-1919 Open: 06.30 - 23.00 All day Mediterranean restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every day enjoy our Business lunch and Olivera Steak house. Spoil you friends and family with Sunday brunch from 13.00 weekly.

Arena Entertainment

2-a Baseyna st. 492-0000 Open: 9.00 ‘til the last visitor leaves Spacious and cozy restaurant with European cuisine and micro brewery.

Teatro Restaurant Opera Hotel 53 B. Khmelnitskogo st. 581 70 70 Open: 06.30 – 23.00 Mediterranean cuisine. Exquisite selection of the best dishes around the Mediterranean Sea Flavors & Tastes at their best!

Terracotta

5-7/29 Pushkinska st. 537-4535 Open: 07.00 - 23.00 Mediterranean restaurant of superior cuisine.

Wine and cigar rooms offer the perfect touch to Terracotta’s delicious dining experience

FUSION BEEF MEAT & WINE Shota Rustaveli 11 225-0035 Open: 12.00-24.00 Meet cuisine with no ethnic equivalent. Only the best meat from top suppliers and a wide choice of wine match.

WI-FI

BIER PLATZ (new!)

Maidan Nezalezhnosti – 7 Khreshchatyk 067-407-5544 From 11.00 until the last client Delicious Czech, German and Ukrainian cuisine.

11 sorts of draft beer. 7 plasma screeens and 1 huge wall screen, offering various sports channels.

Wi-Fi b-hush

Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 11th floor, InterContinental Kyiv Mob. +38 050 355 93 72 Open: Mon - Thu: 18.00 - 02.00 Fri - Sat: 18.00 - 04.00 Rooftop lounge bar b-hush - Rise above the bustle and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Our specialties include Asian Fusion menu, extensive cocktail menu and hookah menu.

Grill Asia Restaurant

5 Alla Tarasova st. 581-12-34 Open: 6:00 - 24:00 Two open kitchens, European and Asian cuisine in luxurious surroundings.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Buddha-bar Kiev 14 Kreschatik st. (near Khreshchatyk hotel) 270- 7676 Open: Mo – Wed: 13.00 – 02.00 Thu – Sat: 13.00 – 04.00 Sun: 14.00 – 02.00 www.buddhabar.com.ua Restaurant lounge-bar WI-FI

InterContinental

Kyiv Lobby Lounge Bar

Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 1 st floor, InterContinental Kyiv 219-1919 Open: 08.00 - 02.00 Enjoy the best coffee in town with home made pastries in a unique atmosphere. Great selection of whiskies, wine and comfort food at your choice - Lobby lounge the place to meet in Kiev.

Marrakesh 24 Sagaydachnogo st. (Podol) 494 0 494 Open: Sun – Thu: 12.00 – 01.00 Fri – Sat: 12.00 – 04.00 www.karta.ua Oriental restaurant. Moroccan, French & Japanese cuisine. Hookah menu.

WI-FI

MYKA restaurant Khreshchatyk 46a 227 8943 Open: 12-24 Delicious international cuisine in the heart of Kyiv

Marocana 24 Lesi Ukrainky blvd. 254-4999 Open: 11.00 - 02.00 This popular beau monde hang-out bills itself as a fashion TV cafe.

Hunter 147/5 Saksahanskoho st. 236-3735 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 There is no need to go hunting – just visit this special originally decorated grill-restaurant, try excellent grilled meat and fish!

06.12.2011 18:13:36

45.indb 23

06.12.2011 17:47:20

24

Kyiv Life The Art of Ads

CINEMA HOUSE The Night of the Advertising Eaters sounds like an anti-capitalist gathering or a horror story in which PR gurus are slain en masse. It wasn’t. Instead, it was an evening where people turned out and tuned in to watch a collection of some of the most innovative TV adverts. Creative and unusual, and not in the slightest bit sad, 26 November gathered a diverse crowd, as well as the usual celebrity accompaniment. Some of those screened were hilarious, whilst others touched on important social topics. Directorial skills were on show, and the evening succeeded in setting out in a most unusual way.

Ukrainian Stars voting for qualitative advertising!

Russian producers of the project Natalya Gorina and Danyl Kostinskiy

TV host Konstyantyn Stogniy taking a different angle on TV ads

Anna Zavalska and Editor of Star History Magazine Olena TurlovaOsipenko choosing the best shots

Nick Cotton and Victoria Usacheva of DTZ together with British Embassy’s Niall Cullens

Mulling over Moscow

COMME IL FAUT The InterCon don’t usually need a good excuse to throw one of their fantastic parties, but on 28 November they had a fantastic reason to do so, as they brought customers and partners together to highlight their new pad in Moscow. Guests were wined and dined as they heard about their new northerly addition. Now boasting 170 InterContinental hotels worldwide, we totally understand the need to celebrate.

InterCon’s own Iryna Krutikova and Artem Prikhodko

Jean-Daniel Glauser, Alexa Milanytch, Frank Cottet and Brad Miller

Tatyana Nazarova of InterCon, Elena Marchenko of ProInsurance and Natalia Yavorskaya of Salans grouped up for a photo

45.indb 24

06.12.2011 17:47:56

45.indb 25

06.12.2011 17:47:58

26

Kyiv Life The wives of Ukrainian footballers try their hand at modeling

Artist Illya Chickan as happy as ever

Designers Iryna and Vyacheslav Dyudenky

Alexey Gavrish and Anthony Addington-Barker enjoying the atmosphere

When a Good Result is a Draw

OLYMPIC STADIUM Football fans traditionally hate a draw, unless of course it’s a draw to see who plays who in one of the prestigious competitions in the world. Cometh the hour, cometh the after-party: Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW), Olympic Stadium and the British Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (BUCC) gathered people on 2 December and positively plied them with alcohol, themed fashioned shows (where wives of Ukrainian footballers had the chance to show off their modeling skills), dancing and singing, as well as the everpresent charity lottery at the end.

Organisers garnered over 30,000hrv to support the Ukrainian Paralympics Football team. Good effort, team.

In the middle of a “Who’s gonna win?” debate

Ambassador of Britain HE Leigh Turner makes his contribution

GM of UFW Volodymyr Nechyporuk hands off a check to the President of the National Handicap Sport Committee of Ukraine Valeriy Nechyporuk

Footballer Andriy Gusin always ready to take a photo with fans

45.indb 26

06.12.2011 17:48:39

27

Some handy goods from Ukraine

A Most Helpful Holiday Bazaar

KYIV EXPO PLAZA What do you get when you have almost 40 embassies and dozens of other organisations presenting products, dishes, drinks and souvenirs under one very big roof? This could only be the annual Holiday Bazaar, held each year by the fantastic International Women’s Club of Kyiv (IWCK), under their omnipotent banner ‘People Helping People’. Thousands of visitors attended, and brought with them their merry mood. An extensive entertainment programme was brought to life by Santa, who said afterwards he appreciated the atmosphere of cheerfulness and friendship of all nations.

As always, a very tidy sum was raised for charity.

Bazaar heads Babette Reefman and Victoria Tissot with Santa and his trusty reindeer Kate Sikorsky

SEB Bank’s Vitaliy Vorotnikov and Eduard Terpytskiy

Ambassador of Argentina HE Lila Roldán Vázquez de Moine helps out at her country’s booth

The Diplomatic Corps and organisers getting this show on the road

Inna Deputat and Olena Makeyeva of Aksenova and Associates

The Sky’s the Limit for Nordic Characters

Swedish Embassy Vlasta Sposobna and Yulia Yurova of UNICEF having a great time

45.indb 27

SKYART CAFÉ Strengthening the link between Ukrainian and foreign businessmen, the Nordic Business Club got together on 25 November at a venue with one of the best views in town.

Just like in a fairytale, businessmen shed their austere exterior for a more relaxed ethos, which was all thanks to a little champagne. As such our Northern European friends demonstrated that their networking events are always good for business, and even better for a good time.

Victoria Hetman looking seasonably stylish

06.12.2011 17:49:20

002_Kyivlife_45_11_539.indd 28

07.12.2011 11:24:47

Frishberg & Partners 10 Gorky Street, Suite 8 01004 Kyiv, Ukraine Tel: (38044) 585-8464 Fax: (38044) 235-6342

45.indb 29

www.frishberg.com

06.12.2011 17:50:27

30

Essential Kyiv Fitness Centres GOLF CENTRE Obolonska Naberezhna 20  230-9436 www.golf-center.com.ua The Golf Centre offers 36 stations, a 2-level floodlit driving range, 7-hole golf course, Golf Academy, Pro Shop and restaurant.

No membership required!

Plenty of free parking on site

Language Courses SMARTFOX Language school, Translation’s agency Vandy Vasylevskoi 7  502-6290 www.baziscenter.com

Premier Palace Hotel Blvd T. Shevchenka / Pushkinska 5-7/29  537-45-00  279-87-72 Reservation: 244-12-11 info@premier-palace.com www.premier-palace.com

Center of Spanish Language and Culture Obolonska 7, 1st Floor  239-2418 www.spanish.com.ua Ez English Blvd Lesi Ukrainki 16, #18  235-5926

Club Olympus Alla Tarasova 5  581-1234 Cyber Gym B. Khmelnytskoho 50  465-3171 Kiev Sport Club Blvd Druzhby Narodiv 5  522-8866

International House Vandy Vasylevskoi 7  238-9870

Lybid Hotel Peremohy Square 1 +380 239 76 00  +380 236 63 36

Oxford Klass School of English English for adults and children, Cinema club 34 Ivana Mazepa St. Kiev, 01015, Ukraine  594-10-64  594-10-62

reception@hotellybid.com.ua

www.hotellybid.com.ua

Premier Palace Fitness Center Blvd T. Shevchenka 5-7/29  537-453

Hotels

InterContinental Velyka Zhytomyrska Str 2A  219-1919 hotel.kiev@ihg.com http://intercontinental-kiev.com

Airlines

Ukraine International Airlines ticket office in Kiev 4, Lysenka Street  (044) 581-50-50 www.flyUIA.com

Austrian Airlines Kyiv City Office Velyka Vasylkivska 9/2, Reservation:  8-800-3000-492 office.ukraine@austrian.com www.austrian.com More than 60 flights per week from 6 biggest cities in Ukraine to the whole World!

Air France-KLM Kiev, 34/33, Ivana Franka str. 490-24-90, 496-35-75 www.airfrance.ua, www.klm.ua

Airports Boryspil International Airport  490-4777 www.boryspilairport.kiev.ua

British Council Teaching Centre Skovorody 4/12  490-5600

Kyiv-Zhulyany International airport Povitroflotsky 92  242-2309/08 www.airport.kiev.ua

Educational Program LEGO Education Borysa Hmyri 6 Klovskiy Uzviz 8 Heroiv Stalingradu 18  383-5150, 383-5152, 577-2900 www.vynahidnyk.org

Beauty Salons Favorit V.I.P. Club Muzeyny 6  278-3338

Education Delta Air Lines General Sales Agent SIA "ContinAt" Chervonoarmiyska 9/2, #17  287-3595 www.delta.com Now fly Kiev-New York Non-stop

45.indb 30

Language school Nota Bene - Russian and Ukrainian for foreigners - Business English - German, French, Spanish, Italian  8(097) 400-9699 8(067) 738-1691 278-8036 Volodymyrska 7, #17 notabene.school@gmail.com

American Academy of Foreign Languages Dymytrova 16, #16  230-2608 A.B.C. P. Lumumby 23/35, #13  239-1091

Dnipro Hotel Khreschatyk 1/2  254-6777  254-6737 www.dniprohotel.kiev.ua

Hyatt Regency Kyiv Alla Tarasova 5  581-12-34  581-12-35 info.hrkyiv@hyatt.com www.kyiv.regency.hyatt.com

Greenwich Prorizna 22-b  592-7843

Alliance-profi Mechnikova 6, #33 235-6643, 592-4588

Marriage Agencies Want to meet a lady who is looking for a man like you ?

Save your time and energy and visit www.marriagebynatali.com or call Natali personally at +38-067-232-0803.

Our reputation speaks for itself.

Recruitment

reservation@dniprohotel.kiev.ua

DTelite School Sahaydachnoho 20/2  417-5770 Business English Center Lesi Ukrainky 3, #114  234-0871

Translation Services 100 MOV Nahirna 24/1 489-5856

Radisson BLU Hotel Yaroslaviv Val 22 Reservations:  492-2200  492-2210 info.kiev@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-kiev

Diamond Recruiters Moskovska 43/11, 3rd floor, office 8  332-3100 www.diamondrecruiters.net kyiv@diamondrecruiters.net Diamond Recruiters helps you attract, retain and motivate Ukrainian and foreign talent. Our specialties include finance, administration, change management, and IT. Middle to senior management positions.

On Time Translation Agency Maiakovskoho Pr 10, 2nd floor 228 02 91 www.ontime.in.ua Anakonda-translate  529-3302

Internet Cafes Bunker Artema 11-a  272-4860 Cyber Cafe Prorizna 21  278-0548 Orki Khmelnitskoho 29/2  228-1187

Medical Centers

Opera Hotel B. Khmelnitskoho 53  581-70-70  537-73-73 reservations@opera-hotel.com www.opera-hotel.com

American Medical Centers Emergency Phone: +38 (044) 490 7600 Berdychivska, 1 +38 (044) 490 7600 +38 (044) 490 7600 patientservices@amc.com.ua

06.12.2011 17:50:37

31

Stephen Oryszczuk

more than a raspy tune? The list of poten-

M

Photography

What’s Hot

metro stations, bothering you with nothing

This Ukrainian pastime isn’t limited to

tial babushka-giving criteria is endless, and

snapping sweethearts. Kyiv has some

given that you’re usually walking past them

amazing amateur photographers, and

at the time, it all has to be weighed up almost

I’m desperately trying to persuade my

instantly. Babushka-giving is an exercise in

boss to replace the Face of Kyiv compe-

snap decisions, based only on the briefest of

tition with something photography-

visual clues.

based. If you agree, bombard her with

y friends know all about my ‘beg-

If you go with age and frailty, then there are

emails: lana@whatson-kiev

ging babushka’ problem, and

points for wrinkles, bent backs and arthritis.

Comedic Hats

have offered neither solace nor

If you opt for injury and ailment, then miss-

sanctuary. My problem is this: whenever I see

ing body parts score higher than internal

babushkas on the street asking for money,

complaints, because snap decisions are usu-

the battle in my head starts raging. It’s being

ally more limited to visual clues than medical

mas crackers this year. So far I’ve

fought between the good voice and the bad

background checks. If animals are to be in-

seen hats with ears, snouts and tails.

voice. The good voice (which I’ve called Jiminy,

cluded (Wallet views this practice with sheer

A prize for the best!!

after the famous Disney cricket) plays on the

cynicism), then both size and fluff-factor

impulsive urge to give them money. The bad

feature in the betting. It’s a nightmare, with

voice (which I’ve called Wallet, after the object

wafer-thin margins for error. One misplaced

it’s defending) reminds me that if I gave all of

eye-patch, or a slightly less straggly cub, and

them money, I’d have no money left. With the

the money’s gone, usually to the babushka

onset of winter and cold weather, the battle is

up the street.

I’ve been told the Kyiv Lions Club

intensifying.

The pain doesn’t end there. Once you’ve de-

throw the best party in town, but ap-

I’m caught in the middle, and have yet to de-

cided to give, you have to decide how much.

parently there are some others that

clare a winner. As such, I’ve consigned myself

What to do when, having delved into your

are definitely not to be missed. The

to a purgatory-like existence of half-giving,

pocket, you find that a 50hrv note is the

last Sunday brunch is meant to be

whereby I give to some and not to others.

minimum currency you hold? ‘What makes a

up there with the best of them. And

This in turn has created the biggest problem

worthy babushka’ then becomes ‘what is the

then there are the office parties!

to-date: to whom do you give? What makes a

babushka worth’.

worthy babushka?

What’s wrong with me? Does no-one else

Do you go for the particularly old and/or

have this problem? Apparently not. Most

frail? Do you give to the seemingly religious,

people I know don’t give to babushkas, and

as they bow their heads and make the sign

that’s fine – people can do what they want.

of the cross? Do you offer your hard-earned

But in this situation, a little clearly goes a

hryvnia to the infirm? The limbless? The life-

long way. Here, I’m yet again in awe of Ukrai-

avenue or designing worthless gov-

less? What of those with animals, all cute

nian women, who easily account for 90% of

ernmental websites are more impor-

and cuddly? Or of those who carry their life’s

the babushka-giving activities I’ve witnessed.

tant than providing a decent pension

belongings in a battered old bag? Do you pri-

Whenever I see it, Jiminy gives Wallet a sharp

for war veterans and Chornobyl

oritise those who actively pursue you down

elbow to the ribs, and like those who don’t

workers. At some point, either sense

the street, or those who sing softly in the

give, I turn a blind eye.

or popular sentiment will prevail.

Kyiv is coming out with some Christ-

Christmas Parties

It’s my first Christmas in Kyiv, and

Pathetic Pensions

It seems repairing the Presidential

What’s Wrong

Until then, it’s a fight for sanity.

45.indb 31

Dear Stephen, I am preparing to study as I want to work abroad, preferably in England. I read somewhere that Ukrainians have good technical skills but not “soft skills”. I looked it up on the internet but still don’t really understand what it means. Any advice? – Slava, 20

Getting Caught

What’s Not

What’s What

All Things Considered

If you’re going to engage in something

like people-trafficking, you need to

be clever enough not to get caught.

Three Ukrainians were recently deDear Slava,

tained by the Greek navy, as their

‘Soft skills’ is a term used by management gurus to make a lot of money by explain-

vessel carried 84 illegal immigrants.

ing, in a very complicated way, how to use common sense in the workplace. It’s a

We hope they had a good excuse.

nothing concept, because any skills that aren’t technical could be called ‘soft skills’.

In relation to Ukraine, the thing you read was probably referring to things like optimism, integrity and responsibility, but there aren’t many reasons for Ukrainians to be optimistic when government officials routinely lack integrity, and when they

AIDS in Ukraine

It doesn’t all go away just because we

almost always try to avoid responsibility. Get out of Ukraine, and you’ll get soft skills.

had World AIDS Day. Less than 20%

And you won’t have to pay a so-called Management Consultant a fortune for the plea-

of Ukrainian HIV patients receive

sure.

anti-retroviral treatment. Botwana

and Rwanda manage more than Yours sincerely,

80%. The government simply has to

Stephen

do more, and next year’s budget is the time to do it.

If you have a question about life, work or relationships in Kyiv please write to stephen@whatson-kiev.com

06.12.2011 17:50:54

45.indb 32

06.12.2011 17:51:13

45.indb 33

06.12.2011 17:51:20

45.indb 34

06.12.2011 17:51:29

004_COVER_Wok_45_11_539_.indd 53

06.12.2011 17:01:51

004_COVER_Wok_45_11_539_.indd 54

06.12.2011 17:01:56