Kiev , General info:
7/10

A pleasant surprise for most visitors. You think eastern Europe is all grey post communism heavy industry with factories speing out thick black smoke? Think again. Kiev is one of the greenest capitals I've ever seen (and I've seen 62) with huuuuge parks right in the city centre.

Kiev , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Alcohol and locally produced stuff.

All imported goods are just as expensive as in western Europe.

Kiev , Don't miss:
7/10

The cathedrals

Andrews Descent

The mummified munks in the lavra

Hydropark in the summer

Chernobyl museum

Kiev , Food:
4/10

There is a reason to why you can't find ukrainan restaurants all over the world, but some very tasty stuff if you know where to look and which meals to avoid. Plenty of indian, turkish, italian, chinese and mexican places to dine too.

Kiev , Hotels:
3/10

Either superexpensive luxuryhotels like Hyatt og Radisson, og expensive ex-Soviet-style coloss hotels with service attitude stright from the KGB-book. Save your money and rent an apartment instead, seriously.

Kiev , Safety:
7/10

Not worse than any western European big city, but keep an eye, or a hand, on your wallet and valuables in the horribly crowded metro.

Odessa , General info:
5/10

On the Black Sea, Odessa is both a popular summer resort city, and a working seaport. It has a lot of history, as earliest settlements date back to Greek Empire era.

Odessa , Don't miss:
8/10

Deribasovskaya Street is a pedestrian mall in the city center, with beautiful parks and very interesting shops and restaurants. From there, it is a short walk to the Opera House, an immaculately restored and beautiful structure.

Odessa , Food:
7/10

Basilisk Restaurant, traditional decor and cuisine. Excellent quality and service.