12 Step Planet: Kyiv
Where exactly is it?
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and its largest city with a population in excess of 2.5 million. The ‘Mother of all Cities’ is in the north of the country by the banks of
the Dnieper river, which flows southward into the Black Sea. Kyiv is characterised by the numerous wooded hillocks and waterways that lie within its urban perimeter.
How do I get there?
Kyiv isn’t accessible by direct flights from Ireland, but is easily reached from a number of major continental airports. Malev Airlines offer excellent value, one-stop flight options from Dublin to Kyiv’s Borispol International via Budapest. KLM have competitive rates from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Air France operates a regular service from Charles de Gaulle.
What language do they speak?
The official state language is Ukrainian. However, Russian is more widely spoken by the city’s inhabitants. Russian gained a strong foothold during the days of the Soviet Union and has continued to dominate the city’s commercial life. Ukrainian is primarily used by immigrants from rural regions. Kyiv is also home to smaller communities of Polish, Armenian, Georgian and Romanian migrants.
What is the local beer like?
Ukrainians certainly love their beer! Indigenous brands are aplenty, resulting in some difficult choices for the discerning drinker! The top breweries are Obolon, Lvivske and PPB, all of which produce a range of high-quality lagers. Lvivske Premium is an excellent bottled smooth pale lager, slowly gaining in popularity throughout Europe. Lvivske’s main rival in the bottled beer market is the sweeter Obolon Premium, an ideal brew for hot summer evenings. For something a little stronger, why not try Chernigivske Dark, a 6% strength amber coloured beer with a rich caramel flavour.
Other drinks?
Like many Slavic countries, vodka is popular and widely consumed throughout the Ukraine. An alternative local speciality is horilka, a grain-based spirit, commonly flavoured with peppers. Legend has it that horilka was a gift from the devil to the Ukrainian people! Multiple fruit-flavoured variations of horilka also exist, including raspberry, gooseberry and rose hip. Horilka is part of everyday life for Ukrainians; either as an accompaniment with pickled foods or for toasting special occasions. Ukrainian brandy or konjak is surprisingly good and an ideal guard
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