... in response to Belarus and Turkey -- thanks for the inf..., posted by RickB on Jan 10, 2002Ricky B, Ukrainians don`t need visas to Poland or Hungary ( Budapest it`s quite cultural, interesting city - no cheap though ).. and few other countries ..you wouldn`t wanna go..`m supposed ..Visas are relatively easy process..meaning,... to get visas to Cyprus, Turkey or Egypt ( at major Port of Entry..10-20 $US ). There are some splendid resorts there. Lately, at Egypt`s Red Sea resorts packages are( 7 or 14 days ) starting from $250 per person ( hotel/air ) some half board . Best ones ,like Sheraton , Marriot , Ritz go for 400 and up ,last minute ( usually in a week in advance ) My guess is.... due the situation in the region...not many Western Europeans are flying there.. however many Russians and Ukrainians take advantage of over 50 % off regular prices . Besides, now , it`s 70-80 F there ! Hah . UIA charters there . I was considering to go there few weeks ago , but had to come back earlier to US. Any "serious" travel agent in Ukraine should be able help you ( or your lady, for that matter ). As far as Belarus..well,..they are pretty much like Russians..actually many are Rusians...many are "mixed" ..mostly slavic..nice people...."poorer" than Ukrainians . Pryntzyeepya ot gocydarctva ( goverment rules/regulations ) ..one price for Westerner, another ,for most FSU citizens ( e.i. hotels ). Best way... let your lady do "the talking"..accually ,I would apply that in any FSU places . If she is honest ......you gonna save bundle ( I.M.H.O... that`s one way to save money for some men..for others, to "chalenge" honesty of the lady..or both !? ). In Poland where are you heading ...Krakow ?.. Zakopane ? ( Tatry mountain )- Carpaty range..be aware of cab drivers ..try to use radio taxi whenever you can ..or be taken for a "ride" ..very common of EE . ( ..for me ,it`s no problemo ,$10 or $50 charge..it`s a matter of principal !...."They" call this "survival" - BS ! ) . You should find some decent place to stay in $30 -$80 range dbl per day. Prices are usually equal for everybody ( no matter where are you from ) . Pay attention to Restaurant bills in Poland. In general most middle/older generations speak Russian. If you you pay 10 % tip in Poland ..you`re being generous .Ukrainians are able to understand Poles . Younger generation( especially students ) speak english or other western language ( usually ) Hey , good luck to you ...Have good time Amigo Johny
