This will not be your typical datasheet, and I'm not going to get into my notches, though I cleared the hurdle
![[Image: smile.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/smile.gif)
And even though I'm posting it here, it really is to just give
guys of color a view through my experience when I was there. I went there partly because when I tried to find information I was reading and hearing such mixed things about how I might be received, that I just decided to go and see for myself. Originally, I was only going to spend a couple of days in
Kiev, and then move on to Zagreb.
Racism/Safety
Contrary to a lot of opinions on the board, I really did not experience any. In my little over two weeks there I was not stopped once by the police, and I was walking all over the place during all times of the day and night. I would walk past them, and they would be in groups of 2, 3, and as many as 5 on a couple of occasions…but no stops. I rode the Metro and buses, no problem. I can't guarantee that everybody's experience will be the same, just as I cannot promise that the next time you step on a plane it won't go down. But what I am saying is that I think this concern is a little bit overblown, most of all by other blacks, who have probably never stepped foot in
Kiev due to the exaggerated fears of what might happen. I was the ONLY black person around for 98% of my time there, and so obviously I got plenty of stares and a few glares…but the vast majority of it I believe it was out of curiosity more than anything else. I did meet a couple of black guys, one who plays in the basketball league there, and met a guy from the UK who I hung out with a bit.
I hung out on Kreschatyk plenty for the first week, simply because there was a lot happening, especially on the weekends, and also to get my bearings and develop a feeling of safety (because of all the stories I heard about). The next time I go (and I will go back), I will definitely venture off a bit, but maybe not too far, as there is a lot more to the city than just this part…something I discovered during the second week. If you go and feel that you are being mean-mugged, it may not be racial at all, especially if you are seen as an American. There were a few people who I was convinced were itching to give me a beat down at the start of my trip (particularly in the clubs), who then were the same guys fist bumping me and high fiving me by the time I was leaving. I think it's just the (cautious, smile-less) way that they are personality wise
until they get to know you, even to each other. I could write so much more on this, but the bottom line is this, it's not as bad as you've heard...it could in fact, be pretty good.
The Women
Ok, what can I say that already hasn't already been said? The woman are hot…very hot. Let me qualify this though. Am I saying that a 9 here hotter than an 9 in Brazil, the States, Colombia, France (you pick the place)? No. In my opinion a 9 is a 9 is a 9. I personally am a little more naturally attracted to a more exotic look, i.e Brazilian. What you will be blown away by though is just the sheer numbers. If you see maybe three 9s in a week where you are, here it's not a stretch to say you will see three 9s within 5 minutes. If you are into exclusively black, latina, or asian women…save your money, you will not kind it here. Another misconception that I had was that the women would be really mostly waify looking, but I was surprised and blown away by the level of curves, especially with some sporting some hellacious legs.
And then…after about 5 days, I sort of got somewhat acclimated to all of the hotness and started seeing some of the flaws, and at this point you can start to see what separates the top women from the rest of the crowd. Sitting in a café and watching them walk by you don't notice it as much, but walking down the sidewalks and along the streets interacting, these things start to show themselves. My top 3 are that some (not all) of the women:
- wear a little too much makeup
- have skin issues
- have some dental issues
Can you hook-up as a black guy? Yes. I got the impression though, that most of the women (the ones I wanted anyway) were pretty conservative and wanted a couple of dates, and were definitely looking for something long-term and wanted to be sure there was something in it for them. But they are very, very curious…I was getting looks and eye-f**ked aplenty. I would stand in line at the Puzata Hata (cheap but surprisingly good eats), and invariably some chick would squeeze behind me in line, and I could feel the side of my face and skin being measured and analyzed…one girl ran her hand through my hair when we were alone because she wanted to feel the hair…lol. They do have to be convinced that a guy is worth the investment, and this probably goes doubly for guys of color, because it is a big statement for her to step out with you…and they definitely act a lot more on logic than emotion of the moment. There is definitely a sex-tourist fear and she will have to be convinced that she is not just another notch. You can get a SNL, but this is definitely more of a place you'd probably come if you are looking for an end-game girl. I get the feeling that they are a bit tired and weary of the sex tourist thing. When I hung out with a couple of Ukrainian guys, one of which who spoke decent English, I noticed a definite uptick in the reception I got.
I did get my Ukrainian flags, but honestly, they were not up to par with what I'll be going for next time. Though some here would disagree, I think in addition to Kreschatyk, a black guy should try to hit cafes and restaurants a bit off of the beaten path, but not too far, and some of the nightlife (not the usual spots). I got some great intel from a UK ex-pat and his friend on some cities outside of the capital that are a lot more receptive to all shades of visitors and haven't been overrun with tourists, that I definitely plan on hitting next time.
Nightlife
The information that I have may or may not be definitive, as I am not really a nightclub guy. I much more prefer lounges and low key out of the way spots, but I went to a few just to get the vibe of a few different places. Anyway, anyplace I went to I had absolutely no issues getting in…i.e.face control. Maybe the way I dressed…presented…but no problems…and I went to most of the usual spots talked about here. The one spot that I did not hit was Shooters (the one spot mentioned as being known for face control), mainly because it was a little out of the way from the areas I was hanging out in. I don't think it was that far away, but I made no special effort to check it out and I have a strong aversion to places that engage in face control anyway. As I said, I'm not really a club guy anyway. But some of the other spots (Buddha Bar, Vodka Bar, Decadence, Skybar, Dockers, Art 44, Duvanns, and a couple of others I can't remember)…no problem. Buddha Bar I remember because it was the first place I hit. I had dinner downstairs, and after went up to the lounge for a few drinks, made nice with the door guy on the way out, and was in from that point on for the rest of my stay. Decadence and Skybar had the hottest women I've ever seen congregated in one spot, all 9s and 9.5s…I actually think they screen for only the hottest girls to get in. I got the feeling that I may have been the only black American guy that had rolled thru for weeks…and it helped to be remembered and in making a mark to build a little social proof after I was seen a few times. If I had been there a few more weeks, I have no doubt that I could have locked a couple of the places down as "the black guy". Remember, they really have very little frame of reference besides what you bring to the table. Be cool. Be strong. Be respectful. Treat the workers and bartenders right. Tip well. Show them that you are ok. You are in.
Bottom Line
Would I go back? Definitely... wish I had 3 months straight to spend there to really do it right. I will probably be going back to
Kiev, in the May/June timeframe when the skirts will be in full force, but will probably hit a couple of other cities further south next time. But then again, I really want to do Romania in the near future, and I got real good feedback on parts of Poland, so who knows.