... in response to Re: Re: Re: TRIP REPORT! Dnepropetrovsk..., posted by Oscar on Mar 20, 2002That rocking motion on the train can actually be quite relaxing. I always take some ear plugs to muffle the clanking noises, but the train's movements have never really bothered me too much. In fact - given the right circumstances (that would be - with an appropriate traveling partner) those motions can be quite um, shall we say, helpful --smile--.
A couple of other tips are:
* take something light to eat and drink while enroute - it helps to pass the time.
* avoid the abominable toilets at all costs. Try to clear one's system prior to boarding the train.
* if traveling alone be sure to ask the attendant to lock your compartment whenever you need to leave it - like maybe for a walk down to the dining car or whatever.
BTW - there are a few trains that are really quite nice - clean toilets and excellent service. One such train is the Grand Hotel wagon running between Kyiv and Lviv each day. The compartments have a small sink in each one and there is running hot and cold water. The toilets on the wagon are very clean and the service is terrific. Also if you reserve the "Polish wagons" for travel to/from Poland, you will find similar qualities of service and cleanliness.
As for flying inside Ukraine - I've not had any problems, but I have had some interesting flights. The safety record of Ukrainian domestic airlines might make you think twice about taking another of their flights.
Having said that, I am reminded of a TV travel journalist who recently said that it is best to "trade time for money" - meaning, it is smart to place priority on your available (and normally limited) time in the country, hence, one should usually select the fastest mode of transportation available.
FWIW
- Dan
