'The most lively city I've been to': American student's impressions of Kiev

You can look at Kiev in different ways: through the windshield of a car in a traffic jam, through the prism of clips of foreign artists, or from the height of Vladimirskaya Gorka. Today we will look at the capital through the eyes of a US resident - about our impressions of the project B-F told Christian from Los Angeles.

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About the decision to come to Kiev and first impressions

I learned about Ukraine from the news - I heard about the Maidan and the conflict in the east of the country. For some reason it seemed to me that Ukraine is a more Soviet version of Russia.

I thought that I would see people less happy, and it would also be insanely cold and gray. But it turned out that this is not true. People smile a lot, there is a lot of sun and not as Soviet-style as I expected. When I first walked around Kiev, I was bursting with energy.

Comparing Americans and Ukrainians

I think in America people pretend to be good, but they are not. They are self-centered. In Kiev, I know how people really react to my words. If I say something that they don't like, they will get upset or angry. If they are happy and enjoy spending time with me, they will take initiative and smile sincerely.

In America, you can talk to a person, and he will not get angry if he does not agree with something, but then he will go and write a complaint against you. Sometimes talking to people is dangerous. It seems to me that America is the modern Soviet Union, where neighbors write anonymous letters to you.

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About the people of Kiev

I lived in St. Petersburg for a while and noticed a difference in the way people dress. In St. Petersburg, they try to look like poets, wrap themselves in long coats and talk about winter all the time. In Kiev, street style prevails, it seems that the influence of rap culture is present. Guys dress like they are part of the mafia. I even bought myself a jacket here, like everyone else, to join the team, and I wear it unbuttoned. I don’t know why everyone doesn’t button up their jackets, Americans are surprised by this habit.

I also think that Instagram is a big part of Kiev culture. I don't know if I just came across it or how, but I only meet those girls who have at least a thousand subscribers. I always see people taking pictures on the streets or in cafes.

About favorite places and food

There are so many beautiful places in Kiev. I definitely love the glass bridge, but my favorite places are wherever they feed. In America, food is full of chemicals and additives, but here food is natural. Such a high-quality burger, which will cost you five dollars here, cannot be found in America for one hundred percent. Of course, I not only eat burgers here - I tried borscht and pancakes.

In every cafe you can find great food, better than anything I have tried before. I'm a fan of local food.

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Kiev and Los Angeles

Kiev was built at a time when there were only people and horses, and everyone lived side by side. And Los Angeles grew up in the machine age, so the buildings are very far apart. You can't get from point A to point B if you don't have a car. For the same reason, people do not gather in bars and cafes, as is often the case in Kiev. Here I feel like a part of society. I can walk along Khreshchatyk and meet people or go to a cafe and meet someone new. In Los Angeles, I feel like I'm alone in a big city. It's pretty lonely there.

After eight in the evening, there is no one in Los Angeles. It's very boring there. And no, I haven't met celebrities on the streets. In Kiev, life is always in full swing - even on weekdays, when everyone has to hurry home. I traveled a lot and so far Kiev is the most lively city I have been to.

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