| Nicholas misses his children in the US, but aside from that, he feels right at home in Kiev, Ukraine. Here he cites some of the things he likes and dislikes about the city and gives tips on how to make fitting in easier. |
 I. Nicholas Labenskyj |
-Where were you born?
Bavaria, Germany
-In which country and city are you living now?
Kiev, Ukraine
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With new family.
-How long have you been living in Ukraine?
16 years
-What is your age?
61
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Ukraine?
In 1980 during divorce proceedings in the USA. Also was involved in securing humanitarian medical shipments for the children of Chernobyl.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No
-How do you make your living in Ukraine? Do you have any type of income generated?
I have always been self-employed. Have a North-American partner.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I speak both Ukrainian and Russian. If you want to make life easier for yourself, you should learn the local language. Local customs should be respected and observed as you would expect foreigners in your own native country, to behave.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Miss my kids quite often. Favorite recreation is meeting other expats and movies.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
See my children in America, as soon as time permits.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Renting a 2-bedroom apartment. Housing costs are extremely high in Ukraine. Rental of a 3-room center city apartment is $1,500-$3,500 US/month. Purchase costs for an average 70-square-meter 3-room apartment in the city center is $400,000-$500,000 US plus the cost of renovation.
-What is the cost of living in Ukraine?
Cost of living, aside from housing, is low to middle in comparison to other European capitals.
-What do you think about the Ukrainians?
If the locals accept you, they can be very charming. Otherwise they expect foreigners to make up, financially, for all the ills created by their Communist system and government.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Ukraine?
Positive – Kiev has some of the most beautiful women in the world.
Negative – remnants of ex-Soviet system are present in every day life, from corruption to sub-standard living conditions.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Ukraine?
If you are the adventurous type and single, you will love Kiev.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Ukraine?
News of Ukraine: http://blog.kievukraine.info
Expat Blog: http://kievexpat.com
Kiev Plus City Guide: http://kievplus.com
Kiev Ukraine City Guide: http://kievukraine.info
