lasvegasexpat's VirtualTourist Home Page

As a native of New York City (Astoria) I grew up suffering from what I call the "What's around the corner" phobia. Instinctively I knew that there was a lot to be seen but hey NY is a big place so I will get to it someday. Well that was then and this is now. I have lived outside of the US for about five years. I currently live and work in Kyiv, Ukraine and I lived in Zagreb, Croatia and Singapore prior to the current location. I have had the opportunity to see many places (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Hong Hong, Japan, Austria, Belgium, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Moldova, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, and Serbia) and there are many more that I have on my list. I discovered this site thru a collegue who introduced me to a member in Zagreb. The people that I have met have been without exception both charming and helpful. Hello to you all!

Always on the outlook for possible new members to VT, I try to find those persons with a large area of travel as well as the potential for great tips. While I didn't get an absolute yes, he will have more time to consider the offer to join.

I moved a few months back and this is what I see from my new flat. I overlook the central square called Maidan. The only negative is that unfortunately as always, Mc Donalds managed to get a restaurant located in the square. I took some additional photos of the decorations for the Victory Day parade on 9 May as well as some night shots from my balcony. See my Kyiv page.

I am completely taken in by the beauty of Kyiv. I spent Saturday photographing everything I saw. I have been a regular at Art Club 44 and O' Brien's and the music has been great. I lived next door to the Opera House and I have attended eight operas and four ballets in my first three months for around $5-10US. a performance. I have been trying my best to discover all there is to know about the wonderful Ukranian cuisine. (UPDATE)Ok I can state for the record that after more than two years in Kiev, I no longer have to point at the food that I want to eat. I can read a menu (almost) and get what I want. Preyatnava Appetita!

I have been living and working in Kiev for the past two years. I had the honor of serving as a volunteer Election Observer for the OSCE in the Presidential Election. During my time in Kiev, I have developed an enormous respect for the people of Ukraine. Despite what might be considered somewhat of an understatement that their history has been one of incredible beauty and tragedy it is rich with a spirit that is currently being viewed by the world. It is my sincere hope that Ukrainians reap the benefits that they so rightly deserve.

Something is always going on here. I've seen more fireworks displays here in two +years than I have in all my previous years anywhere.

I thought you might like to see why I'm enjoying living in Kyiv. Although housing prices are on a rapid increase, I found a lovely if somewhat modest place to spend my time. I'm certain that with a few small improvements, I can transform it into a place to relax.

While my summer place is where I try to relax, this is where I spend most of my time working on the critical issues that face the world. Going up and down the stairs can be a bit tiring but it is cozy.