Situated in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is the Slavic country with the prosperous culture, troubled history, distant image and undefined future. Constantly dominated by Russia, Ukraine had no chance to reveal its culture to the world.
The country defended its independence in 1991 however the continuous instability has negatively reflected on people’s behavior. They do not greet strangers or smile to others, occasionally apologize in public transport or elsewhere. Protected from international awareness and foreign interference Ukrainian people find from abroad cuisines, education, family values, holidays and life styles almost abnormal. Ukrainians avoid innovations therefore they often stay at the same place for the whole life.
Despite of exorbitant prices service standards in hotels, restaurants, cinemas and malls are rather poor . Staff doesn’t accompany attending customers with a simple smile and too much care. A tourist should be ready to face expressed impoliteness as he arrives to an airport or a coach station and minor shock once he meets dressed up people on the streets, girls often wear heels and don’t leave their houses without a makeup on. Police and other state institution’s employees often treat people with prejudice which has reflected in a massive corruption. Caused by facing continuous difficulties the external aggression fades away in a friendly family atmosphere. Ones you have a chance to visit Ukrainian home you will be treated as a guest of honor. Most visitors to the country are gradually to observe not only the outer discourtesy but a tenderness of internal.
Ukraine: The search for a national identity. Edited by Sharon L. Wolchik and Volodymyr Zviglyanich. Boston: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2000. Print.
