text:
Yatsenyuk: results of local elections in eastern Ukraine to be recognized only if conducted according to international norms
Donetsk Railways extends Mariupol-Kharkiv train until Sept 24
Prodan: European Commission proposes trilateral gas talks on Sept. 27
Crimea to choose governor from three nominees proposed by Putin
Mejlis office in Simferopol searched by Russian law enforcers for 11 hours
Yatsenyuk: Additional transition period for Ukrainian will bring 500 million euro a year
Lysenko: Ukraine will not put up barriers on the border with Donbas
Donetsk governor shocked by Rada decision on Donbas special status
Be honest - what is interesting in the Ukraine ?
Sounds like a comment from a Yankee who got taken for his money by a nice Ukrainian girl.
Not really. Sounds like a person that knows the truth. Nothing is interesting and there are alot of nicer places to visit for the same money.
Really why would someone visit ? Most of the population has herpes, hepatitis, tuberculosis or worst. Do not forget to get all vaccinations before you go.
Check out the WHO and CDC websites before you go.
Yes! The American Blacks are killing the police! Definitely stay out of America. Do not go to the US.
Except Lviv, or part of Kiev, what you should visit as foreigner? Maybe a bit Odessa?
But as we can see, the also interesting states in Eastern Europe, which surley have to provide interesting landscape, culture etc., will never have the same attraction for tourism as Western countries, due to their old tradition and so on..
ound like the opinion of some one who has traveled
Lots of sex. honestly, i think ukraine should build up its sex industry and tie it in with everything and be the world center of sex/glamour/casinos (fun). don't underestimate the sex thinking male who is willing to spend $$$ for it
prostitutes still request dollars and the same prices, apartements still in dollars and high prices. So why I should come?
trange! I have been visiting Ukraine a few times a year for 5 years. I don't speak Russian but I have now good friends there. I have never been proposed sex during all my stays, maybe because i never showed I wanted to get some. I have seen a lot f change during these years, mainly in Kiev where you can now find a lot of nice place for getting a drink, even if the service is very bad when you stay on Kretchatik. I have never got police controls (that's not the case in Moscow!), and never felt myself unsecured. There is still a lot of progress to do mainly in infrastructure and for finding a trustful travel agency. When you have found one, you will enjoy your stay and excursions and not pay so high price if you accept not to be as a Westerner wanting to get western standards of confort. And it's the main part of the Ukraine charm to make you discover a unaseptized way to disover a country!
I hate to tell you, but in every major world capital, including Washington, DC, there are hundreds of prostitutes or "escorts" available to any tourist, not to mention the dozens of strip clubs. Go to New York or Las Vegas if you think Ukraine is bad in this regard. There's really no reason to think Ukraine is any better or worse than every other world capital. As for tourism, the fact that the entire country is spending the equivalent of $300,000 to promote tourism is pitiful. Don't expect any increase in tourism this year, despite the fact that an American tourist can spend less than half what they did last year, and receive the same level of services.
Interesting comments from this Ousley character...who has made a living in Ukraine by promising the unrealsitic "beauty and the beast" phenomenon in his marriage agency...Ukrainian women to overweight, geriatric, usophisticated, uncultured truck drivers.
Ukraine is like the Titanic. The only difference is the Titanic had a band.
Sex-tourism could be branche where Ukraine should take more efforts to become even more attractive.
I work and therefore live in Kyiv, and have traveled several places in Ukraine. It's a pretty decrepit country. I would never travel on vacation or holidays to Ukraine. There are simply too many better places to go. Ukrainians are okay, even though I occasionally (probably too often) run into a jackass. But I'm from Michigan, so I run into jackasses there all the time. Ukrainians should be a little more humble, though, because in reality they have nothing to brag about.
I think what Ukraine should really do is promote sort of historical tours, namely WWII tours. There is a lot of that here. Or they can promote tours of the fathom.
In any case, I don't thing people in Europe are saying "let's go to Kyiv for a long weekend!" like they do about Prague, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Krakow or Warsaw, Rome, Paris, etc. I assume that people would rather drop $2,000 somewhere else for a good time.
Sorry, it;s really early in the morning. I meant famine and not fathom!
The problem is that most Ukrainians overestimate all things Ukrainian. Most of this is due to them not knowing any better. I wish I had a euro for each time one my neighbors harps on about how much nicer Crimea is than Hawaii. Of course, they have never been to Hawaii, so they don't realize that Crimea is about on par with the dumpy parts of Spain, without the good food and service. My middle class Ukrainian friends, however, would never dream of going to Crimea, as they can have the same-priced holiday in Antalya, Turkey.
Ukrainian service sucks, the country is decrepit and dirty, the food is awful, and the prices are on par with Prague, Istanbul, and Budapest. Who can sell that?
I have found Ukraine to be not as bad as many portray it. Having visited both east and west, to be honest I find western Ukraine more appealing in terms of architecture, landscape and attitude towards tourists. Kyiv though is a nigtmare, Paul Mason from the BBC in his blog on a very recent trip to Kyiv equates the capital to a third world country - not a flattering endorsement of Kyiv. Fortunately Kyiv does not represent the rest of Ukraine even though it should. I think it is important to remember Ukrainians are still living with the legacy of Russian communism and old habits die hard, so if tourists bear that in mind they will find Ukraine a good place to visit despite its shortcomings, I have no doubt Ukraine will come good ... in time.
I happen to agree to a certain extent - all the postings here. But I think this posting above is the most accurate. Once there is leadership in Ukraine; once there is more access to other cultures (not MTV rap artists); once there is an open travel agreement with Ukraine; etc. etc. then I beleive Ukrainians will have more of an open mind and consequently visitors will feel more appreciated as well.
I have faith in Ukraine and its' people. They are going through similar times that most of us have been through already in our history. Patience..patience.... but I can understand how the local Ukrainians won't see the kinds of changes they want in thier own lifetimes. I understand why many women in Ukraine want the best for thier children - in other countries! Most Ukrainian women are sincere, loyal and loving from my experiences. Going to Ukraine to find prostitutes is really too bad since there are so many ladies that are genuine and want to meet you too!
Crimea is season is still a wonderful place in the summer.. How a tourist behaves is subjective. Good food can be had if one is particular to eating at the right place. Ukraine overall is still drifting from its old relations with Russia but people here do smile more often and are more upbeat about life. Its not all doom and gloom. Ukrainians have had to put up with alot. I'd give them a chance about the future. they deserve it.
Crimea is the world's mekka for sex.
I have to say that I have studied in Ukraine at the most prestigious Institute of International Relations for four years.As a foreigner I was shocked by the attitude of my colleagues and professors at the University towards foreigners let alone by random passers on the Kiev's streets!!Very impolite people are!And if someone tells me that Ukrainians are very warm, open and generous I can not believe that because I experienced myself opposite while living there.But I guess the communism regime destroyed their good will and intentions towards foreigners.Majority don't even try to understand foreigners.There are few exceptions of course, but only few, usually those Ukrainians who lived abroad.I know that the economic situation is bad in Ukraine but in my country it is not better but my nation never lost human characteristics and smile.That is why my country attracts so many real tourists, not sex tourists...that does not even exists in my country which was so many years suffering from war
Are you Black?
Ukrainians hate blacks, chinese and other asians.
nope :))
What is the best I am Slavic too but generally Ukrainians are so impolite towards any nation, race!They are so incurious about knowing more about other cultures...The worst of all the people I saw every day at the University for 5 yrs studied International Relations!! They cared only about money, brands, good chicks,luxurious clothes and cars.That's says a lot about the future and present Ukrainian 'elite'...
Are you crazy. Who would come and visit this corrupt country. We don;t want to pay our dollars to corrupt Yushenko and its militia...They simply harass foreigners..
But old european men forsure like to visit Ukraine for cheap sex with young wores
I must say that apartement prices, if you look in internet, are still high (about 100$ a night)
Prostitutes are expensive also
Ukraine is a beautiful country. I go once a year, and find the people hospitable (and beautiful), the food very good, often exeptional, and the shopping great. If you're a creep just looking for women, you're still a creep. I've walked late at night and never felt unsafe (Kyiv and Lviv). The history and archictecture are amazing, you just need to learn a bit about this beforehand. And as for "tours of the fathom/famine" -- there is no place to tour. The new Holodomor museum in Kyiv , once it is finished, will be an "attraction", a sad one. The Holodomor must be promoted as a Ukrainian tragedy, but it's not to be commercialized. Maybe the first time you go as a tourist, go through an agency or a reputable guide and driver. The country is amazing.
hospitable ?!!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!the food very good????????? the shopping great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't agree at all!!!!!!! Those above mentioned SUX- poor quality and overpriced...and concerning people...hospitable only in villages but in Kiev certainly not!!
I have met many foreigners in Ukraine, and they really fall into two categories regarding their views about Ukraine: foreigners who live here for any length of time hate the place; the middle-aged, potbellied, socks and sandals crowd chasing the pure traditional love of blushing "virgins" always seems to think the place is great. It seems the more they explain the beauty of Ukrainian architecture (crumbling facades), hospitality (great if you are a close friend ONLY), or how wonderful the scenery is (every square meter of this place looks like a landfill exploded), the less pathetic/exploitative their trip seems.
I think that for the most part, you get what you expect, like everywhere else. I am from Florida and I have business in Ukraine, so I visit every 3 months, some 23 times already. I approach everyone politely and with a smile. Close to 100% of the times I manage to extract a smile back and polite service. I guess if you go fearing/expecting/anticipating rudeness, that is what you get. This is not unique to Ukraine. As for prostitutes, they are not exclusive to Ukraine, they are to be found in any major city in the world, especially where tourists or business travelers go. People, especially Ukrainians put too much emphasis on the 'sex' issue as a characteristic of this County: if they want to be original or outstanding at anything they will have to be more creative: pay to play is the world's oldest profession and it is to be found everywhere in the world. Just Google 'escorts' followed by the name of any city, to confirm this. Ukraine has many treasures besides.
Ukrainians are some of the most self-deprecating people I ever met, closely followed by liberal Americans. Although for opposite reasons, we see again that opposite extremes almost touch. It would appear that Ukrainians are very concerned on how they appear to the rest of the world, how we think and perceive them. That is quite arrogant in fact. The reality is most of the world does not even know where Ukraine is or the first thing about its history or people. Not much time is spent by others evaluating or considering Ukraine, as it does not really play any important part on the life, interest or even curiosity of others. As long as you continue with petty in-fights, battling for a larger piece of the same small and stale pie instead of growing it, showing the world how little self-respect you have, this situation will continue.
It would be interesting to publish figures as to the numbers of Men alone who arrive in Borispol.Also the numbers of accompanied people who appear the genuine Tourists.It is hard fact that Ukraine has become the Country of enticing men for sexual reasons.The amounts of Scams by women are unprecedented.Dating sites in abundance many not originating in Ukraine lure men into the trap.The Ukraine woman has little interest in leaving her Country and settling abroad and rightly so.Tourist travelling around Ukraine are open to abuse and their Security is compromised.
How is it Ukriane for toursists? It is like this: I was riding the train to Donetsk and ordered one glass of tea from the conductor. The next morning she was collecting the money, as they do and said, "Ten gryvna." "How much?" "Ten gryvna." It was only after I rattled off severl sentences in Russian that she realized that I was not a tourist, even if I was a foreigner. So, she simply said, "1 1/2 gryvna." No shame! No embarassment! No sense of anything! That is still fairly typical in Ukraine.
Brett Ousley has absolutely no room to talk. The prices he charges to men that come over is a crime in itself. I've talked with so many guys while enjoying an overpriced beer in obriens that were depressed with Mr Kiev Connections. I've been to Kiev many times. My wife of 6 years is from Ukraine. The thieves at Boryspil,the police and Kiev Connections are the single reason most people chose to not return. Hopefully when I return in July the Dublin Breakfast in Obriens will not cost me $13 because it's a great place to have a pint and meet some interesting people.
Dear quests and other strangers!
If you are hope to find in Ukraine hospitality and feel yourself safety it is very easy. You must respect this country and its inhabitants and luck will smile to you =))
I have read you comments and I am upset. This country brings you money or education so you have to be grateful and don't complain for food, people or apartment. You aren't satisfied, are you? Come back to your homes and eat yours hamburgers!
In other way – welcome to Ukraine and have a nice time!
Sincerely yours, young Ukrainian girl
I agree respect ukrainia and ukraina traditions. If you want to have western standards then go somewhere else. But all in all I prefer ukraina in all matters. But that could be becuase I am from roots in Kyiv and roots in my beloved ukraina. But by all means respect their language, try learning even a few words of russian or ukraine. be kind to the people, respect their history and by all means respect their culture.
Nobody knows about Ukraine. & It is difficult to get to.
If Ukraine wants an influx of tourists... MARKET YOURSELF.
Make Crimea known to more than eastern Germans and Russians.
Partner with Polish Tourist Councils to promote the shared history.
Make it easier to get in.
Translate. Translate. Translate. (While I have not been in several years the very well done WWII museum is basically inaccessible to non Ukr/Ru speakers.
Tourists are getting as far as Poland and Czecho. If you want them to take that next jump over - give them a reason.
I travel a lot to Ukraine, mainly for sex purposes.
"Young Ukraine Girl".....Sorry you are upset but the descibed is a fact which you should not ignore.Your Cultures dictate that you survive no matter the price you pay incl Prostitution which is rampant in the Country.Even to the point of Mamas resorting to this vile trade in order to provide for your education....Bless
to English realist
I am not care about problems of prostitution in my country because I think everyone have their own way to exist. But, I have been traveled a lot in many different countries. And I must admit that Ukrainian people and culture is very pleasant for a good people. Ukraine isn't perfect.
Stupid guys who only care about sex and food never understand how interesting and beautiful Ukraine can be. Shame for them…
So you do admit to Prostitution being rampant,and a way of life.With respect to you their is many things in the world you do not yet understand.Ukraine as the worst Infastructure in Europe.as i dont wear those dreadful pointed shoes I am a seen as a Tourist and O Boy they take you apart..Shame you and I cannot meet and further this discussin.
From the beginning of discussion I have said:
Ukraine infrastructure is very bad. I am absolutely agree
BUT. Ukrainian people - aren't
Don't make conclusions about Ukrainians for 1 or 2 bad examples.
I am really sorry that I couldn't show to all of you how funny, pleasant and comfortable can be with Ukrainians
Dear Friends
pls consider the proved fact that most comments on KP sites are placed by educated employees of pro-Russian organizations, destroying image of this country. This, unfortunately, bothers exchanging realistic opinions of ours.
what is the problem? I am American and I love Ukrainian girls for sex. And I like to speak openly about that, to open a discussion and to debate.
That's your problem.
Ukrainians are more correct, civil, gentlemanlike and etc. then Americans.
And they had never spoke about sex in details in public newspapers like Kyiv Post.
I do sex there with UKRAINIANS. so what? who is correct?
You are obviously not an American. It shows clearly in your language and your name. You are, though, a brute.
To be honest: When you want to book an apartement in Kiev (hotels are too expensive), they offer themself still at about 100$ at least for a normal room. The same as some time ago, before the devaluation. Of course you can bargain, but that it is demanding.
Food and restaurant bills may be cheaper, this is clear. But if you want to make a trip, you have to rent a car and they are also charged mainly in dollars and prices stay the same.
Much more however, why should a normal tourist no go to Ukraine? First of all, flights are not that cheap, in fact for a Western European it is half as expensive to fly to Berlin, Paris or London. Secondly, a lot of people also face less income in the West. And as Kiev is not necessarily a place for the wealthy tourists, normal tourists will obviously not come more often to Ukraine in a situation where they have themselfs a lot of financial problems.
Such CNN advertisment will not help a lot. More important are crucial, fundamental facts.
The whole Eastern Europe has tourism, but never in the same extent as other touristic destinations in the world. Regardless of the infrastructure shortcomings, Ukraine will not become an important touristic destination in nearest time - maybe Kiev and other cities are for some interesting.
In Winter, people want to go skiing, in summer they seek for the warm places in Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, Mexico and so on and on.... Also in Europe itself, Spain and France as well as of course Italy, offer enough.
We see it clearly: Russians and Ukrainians go themself to Turkey and Egypt in their holiday time. I think this explains all.
There is no tourism in Ukraine. I am absolutely agree.
BUT! I am absolutely disagree about people
the are going to Turkey and Egypt in order to see something new.
No, they sit at the beach in Turkey or Egypt. Just to sit there, not to travel around. In fact, it doesn't matter if you sit at the beach in Turkey, Egypt or somewhere else.
They go there because it is cheaper than to go to Crimea, where there is no (mass) tourism industry at all. Simple explanation. People are price sensitive.
I have been in Egypt last February and I traveled a lot. So, different people have different interests.
About Crimea. Have you ever been there?
There are a lot of ways to have a cheap rest there. Belive me. (I am not talking about sex) =)
Ukrainians go to Egypt or Turkey mainly because it is cheaper (as well as less visa restrictions). It is like that. Why to go to Crimea and spend a huge amount of money in a hotel or apartement?
Did you see in Crimea such hotels, several levels, with huge buffet zone in the morning? I don't think there are a lot - as against Turkey or Egypt. I don't judge here if such hotels should exist or not, due to other criterias. I just point out to this fact.
So this made such holidays cheaper and affordable - also for Ukrainians and Russians. This year, it will look different.
How old are you if I may ask? You live in Kiev?
There are obviously people which want to see something. But they are minority, and in fact, for a normal Ukrainian citizens, to travel around in the world is relativley expensive.
Yes, I was in Crimea. Nature is nice, as in Provence. But to find a normal hotel with normal prices, impossible. Apartements, you can find, but also quite expensive.
I would say there are other places which offer at least the same standard in nearer distance.
Yes. I am living in Kiev
I am 24 and what?
do you work in Kiev? How is the situation in the labor markets in the moment?
I am work in bank
The situation is awful
You work in the retail banking? Directly at the desk, back office? Credit departement? A lot of shortfalls?
No. I am financial analytic
Yes. Nearly 2.5 per cent of both retail and corporate portfolio
I mean loan portfolio
2.5 per cent of all client loan portfolio
You perverts who travel to countries for sex are pretty disgusting. Obviously, the only way you can get it is to pay for it. What does that say about you. It perverts like you who contribute to the misery of human trafficking. And you should be ashamed to reveal that you are an American; they are already reviled in the world. You should be hung by your dork until it shrivels off.
Why doesn't Ukraine promote heritage tours from the USA? There are literally millions of Americans who can trace their roots back to Ukraine. It would be interesting for many of these people to find their ancestral homes, and perhaps even find a living relative or two.
Such a shit what you are telling here. Shame on you!
Why is this such a shit, may I ask?
Respect to you
Good idea
First of all, most Ukrainians which went out of their country live in Canada. There are some in USA, but not that much.
Secondly, why should these people travel through a country, where they don't face direct relatives and as we all know, infrastructure is relativley weak developed.
I travelled around with car, from Kiev to Sevastopol and similar things. Of course you can do that, but it is also quite stressing under these circumstances. And where the hell you can find a normal hotel or motel on such routes?
I just mean, Ukraine has of course some potential in tourism. But this potential could only come if the the country itself is already better developed. We don't have in Ukraine that amazing nature as in other countries. I agree, there are beautiful places, but nothing which you could not see somewhere else.
First of all, I am not talking about recent emigres. I am talking about Ukrainians who left Ukraine (or, at the time Russia and/or Poland), to immigrate to the US, mostly during the period of 1860-1920. Surely the Ukrainian Embassy knows how many Americans can claim Ukrainian heritage And also, there are some Ukrainian cities, like Odessa and Lviv, that are interesting to visit correct? Not everybody wants to go to the best "party" city--some actually enjoy the historic sites.
So organize it. For that you don't need a government. Make newspaper and TV advertisement and then deport the people to Ukraine which you think should see this country.
If following your logic, every country with citizend with foreign countries should make cooperations with their original countries so that these people can be "sent" to their home countries to see it.
If they want to do that, they go voluntarily. And the rest is not interested. Someone which wants to see Ukraine goes there. Someone which is not interested, doesn't think about it. Someone which wants to see Antarctis goes there to see it. Someone which is not interested doesn't go. Someone which wants to put its ass on the beach does that. Usually there where he has the best offer respectivley price-performance relationship.
Can't find the comment about the tour to Ukraine -- there was a link. Was it deleted or did I lose it?
Stereotyping men who seek a wife in Ukraine is no different than stereotyping women in Ukraine. I am a nice middle age American man who came to spend time with a seemingly nice woman 9 years my junior, 7 years ago. I was treated very well by everyone but the ripoff employees at Borispyl airport. Of course I was never without a local with me so that kept many problems such as pickpockets and crooked militia away from me. The real problem was the "nice" girl scammed me and took my money and left me. No I won't be returning to Ukraine. It is a dirty country with too many police and others out to scam tourists. A country with a permanent inferiority complex. My suggestion? Take a look at Mexico. A poor country but their tourist attractions are great and tourists are treated like royalty because Mexico wants the tourists to return with their friends and more money. The coastal areas of Crimea could be developed into nice tourist attractions with some focused effort and money.
You just wanted to have sex with this nice woman. But she decided to take you the money away, before service appeared.
Who in their right mind would travel 15 hours by plane, spend $1000 airfare, and go to a less-than-desirable location just to have sex? You obviously have never been to the USA. We have thousands of high-class escorts everywhere you go. There's absolutely no need to go to Ukraine for sex.
"Thats just one theory why one would come to ukraine for sex..... "
nope, i don't buy it. I agree with the guy above who said
"Who in their right mind would travel 15 hours by plane, spend $1000 airfare, and go to a less-than-desirable location just to have sex?"
There are poor deperate girls everywhere. there is no reason to go to Ukraine and spend all that money on just some $20 hooker. i think ukrainian girls who think like that are full of it.
ome sick guys probably enjoy a poor deperate ukranian girl doing them for $20 USD. They dont get the same kick out of it in USA, they feed of that misery and desperation, they feel more powerfull. Thats just one theory why one would come to ukraine for sex.....
It sounds a little bitter to me. I too came to Ukraine to meet a nice girl. Unlike you I was not ripped off. I too met many americans that were looking for the right girl. But most of them had no manners, thought the mighty USD would make up for lack of class, unpressed clothes, dirty shoes and poor hygene, I lived in Ukrainia for almost 6 months to get her visa. Ukraina is my home away from home. I am closer to my ukrainia family then my unapprecative american family. I prefer Ukraina over any other place that I have visited.
I'm amazed at this story. Why would David Hall, an antique dealer, find it odd that a hotel concierge tries to steer him to a strip club or prostitute? That happens in every hotel in any major city. The concierge gets a referral fee from the strip club and/or escort agency for steering his guests to them. This happens everywhere.
Where is "everywhere"? Not in civilized Europe, not in the US. Try this in the Plaza in NY... Try in hotel Adlon in Berlin... Try in the Majestic in Cannes... You chances are you get thrown out of the hotel.
I am a 2nd generation American of 100% Ukrainian ancestry. My wife and I were in Ukraine last summer to visit the birthplace of my grandmother, a very small village about 70 miles south of VInnitsa. Our entire time in country could not have been more pleasant. We were sur[rised that the ATM machine at a bank in Murovani Kurylivtsi, a town of about 7000, was in English! Yes, we had our fears of vising a former Soviet republic, but we had the most wonderful time. Even coming and going through Borispol was easier than other airports such as Frankfurt and Zurich.
I have to agree with you there, I was pleasantly surpised with Ukraine
I was born in Kiev but lived in Canada most my life and on my first visit back to my homeland I was not expecting much. However Kiev has changed a lot in the last 14 years and most changes are for the better. I would definitly visit Ukraine again.
People will come to witness the charm of the disintegration of a state, and to feel better about their crisis-ridden countries back home.
The main interest in Ukraine is seeing how people still manage to be happy and maintain some dignity while being let down so much by their government.
With all repect to the Heritage Tours, it is revealing that it needs to be Heritage stuff to attract tourists. It is like, "look how underdeveloped we are".
Recently: half an hour to get a simple UMC phone card (the lady in the first shop was on the phone talking to a friend). The second shop was out of the right cards etc etc.
Recently: one hour to get money out of an ATM.
Do you have a huge penis, mike? Where you come from?
First question: i get no complaints on the service.
Second question: why does it matter so much? To go ahead with narrow stereotyping? If i tell you i come from country A or B or C, will you make negative conclusions about the people of this country?
You have a typical Ukrainian reaction: hear something uncomfortable? The speaker must be an ennemy. Always good to put the failures on the tab of a self created ennemy.
Let me tell you, the ennemy is within you. Low (read inexistent) professionalism and arrogance. And you want to attract tourists with such an attitude? Do you have any idea how spoiled average western tourists are? I am not talking about the safari tourists you get because they like that disfunctioning folklore.
Again, you run away from the reality: poor service.
Your answer is most likely to motivate big operators to organize tours in Ukraine (NOT).
Look, if a client complains, the international standard is to try to improve the service and not to insult the client. If you don't understand this, you will be very busy really not understanding why foreigners have negative views of your country.
Your problem is, that you don't like Prostiution. My only interest is prostiution and I offer one of the best services there. I don't see your problem.
I'm glad I live in Souther California... Still, I suspect it's more the lack of leadership in Ukraine that is the real problem.
Im happy you live in southern California too, a failed state, broke, begging the government for a bail out, illegal Mexican drug gangs, insane drivers that will shoot you for no reason, and one of the highest foreclosure areas of the country, yes, I too am glad you, not me live there. And you want to discuss bad leadership?
Typo: should have been Southern California, Los Angeles region. Yes, 30 minutes by car from Hollywood, Dineyland, and all that.
Mike 2 wrote:
"With all repect to the Heritage Tours, it is revealing that it needs to be Heritage stuff to attract tourists. It is like, "look how underdeveloped we are".
Well, Mike, shows how much you know and want to know -- you sure speak for yourself. Heritage does not equal underdeveloped. If you want MacDonald's and WalMart, well, that's your level of development? Stay home. Heritage is history, culture, everything that was and has continued. That Russian Communist (and tsarist, earlier) legacy sure warped the mentality of many people. And yet look how far they've come. It will take decades. And as for the low-life creeps who come looking for women, you deserve your life, if that's all you know. It will come back to haunt you.
Whether you are at home, or traveling, you see what you want to see, and seek out what interests you. If you're a sleazebag, you will look for sleaze. If you don't know about a country's thousands-year-old history, and just complain about rudeness (have you been in NYC?), you'll get what you're looking for. What about how you come across, big boy? Pathetic.
Hey, what do you mean rudeness in NYC? Obviously you've never been in NYC, because the people in NYC are friendly and helpful, and very much welcome the tourists and try to make them feel at home. Stop making these false stereotypes about NYC. You don't know what you're talking about.
The world is in recession.Ukraine needs to first develop the backpacker market in order for the tourism sector to develop. It also needs to encourage Russians to holiday in Ukraine. Europe or America does not see Ukraine as a holiday destination only a place to find a wife and sex tourism. Which is a shame really as Ukraine has a lot to offer the cultural adventure tourist. One of the best countries I have ever visited.
really this is at odds with the stuff in the report above, when i landed at boris i needed to get
to zapporozia ,a taxi driver took me to the train station ,bought me the right ticket escorted me
to my carriage ,thx, then im sharring a carriage with three girls a mum and daughter and cousin on their annual break to crimea , its july its hot i got no food or drink, but the girls feed me and teach me to say please and thanks, thanks, when i get off at zap. they are asleep and i leave
You could have bought your ticket at the airport. It sounds to me that your purpose for visiting Ukraine is to find a wife.I would have thought that most people would have woken up to the fact that 95% of the ads are scams. with 99% of the marriage agencies ripping you off. Find a wife at home.Its cheaper.
Watch the movie "Everything is Illuminated" and get prepared to the Ukrainian adventure.
I dont agree at all. Kyiv is a beautiful city, full of articulate, well educated and femimine ladies unlike in the states where they dress and act like boys. Kyiv is my spiritual city and Ukraina is my home away from home. Of course that could be that I have family ties to Kyiv and was raised on stories of Ukraina. Expecting russian manners to be more gentle then in the west, well that just does not make any sense. Russians manner maybe a little bit on the rough side but so is NYC, Give Kyiv a break and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds why you can. God less Ukrainia.
To be honest: When you want to book an apartement in Kiev (hotels are too expensive), they offer themself still at about 100$ at least for a normal room. The same as some time ago, before the devaluation. Of course you can bargain, but that it is demanding.
Food and restaurant bills may be cheaper, this is clear. But if you want to make a trip, you have to rent a car and they are also charged mainly in dollars and prices stay the same.
Much more however, why should a normal tourist no go to Ukraine? First of all, flights are not that cheap, in fact for a Western European it is half as expensive to fly to Berlin, Paris or London. Secondly, a lot of people also face less income in the West. And as Kiev is not necessarily a place for the wealthy tourists, normal tourists will obviously not come more often to Ukraine in a situation where they have themselfs a lot of financial problems.
Such CNN advertisment will not help a lot. More important are crucial, fundamental facts.
Ukraine is a not a five star destination.Why are you visiting Ukraine. Looking at most of the posts here it is clear that they are mainly men looking for young wives. No wonder Ukraine gives the wrong impression. If you visit Ukraine for two weeks you will never know it.Its not England or Scotland. The best thing for Ukraine's tourism would be if Russia also freed up its visas and Ukraine would be an added tourist destination in a chain of destinations.
After reading all of these comments, I am puzzled. I visted at least 10 times in the last 5 years, maybe they visted another place with the same name. There are areas of Kyiv I would not go to, but all the places i have visted I have throughly enjoyed. I find the women to be jewels. But then again I am not looking for sex or easy time. I prefer Ukrainia hotels or amerikan ones. The taxi drivers are what I expect, but nothing worse the London or NYC. Give ukriane a break. The people of ukraine are decent people, worthy of your respect. So give them a break.
hould be american not amerikan
go make a language course
Blah blah blah can you spell should? or did you soviet instructors not teach you that?
@Amerika: You go there to marry younger woman cause you cannot do that in the USA. And then you feel proud of yourself. But you just forget that this woman wanted to flee her country in first sense, and that as soon as you will get old, she will leave you. If she doesn't leave you, she will be happy that you finance her life. And I am sure that you do as she doesn't work.
You are right as I pay for my wive's life. But I can afford it. And I also help her family, but that is the price one pays for a good life. Everyone is happy, soon mama will come to amerika and get decent medical care. But after all we won the cold war and the spoils belong to the victors not to the vanquished
No American wanted you, poor. And Your Ukrainian swallows your money
Rather it was them other way around. i wanted no american woman.
What is the difference? There are quite nice American Girls. For eg. Anna Nicole Smith....
if you wish a amerikanski girl the best of luck. i have an ukrainian friend that married an american woman in kyiv and within 1 year he was divorced, she had his apt and he had her daughter. that is wwhat the difference. me I have been married to the same woman for 10 years now and three children later, we have a happy ukr-amerikan family
What BS. no one won the cold war. There were only losers from both sides. Your imperialistic attitude will not get you far and you will not be embraced by the country you visit. And tht is not just Ukraine but else where also. I suggest you take a long hard look at yourself and take advise from your President and Change,
I was married already to 8 Ukrainian women and always after 3 Months approximatley, I had to divorce. Why? They robbed all my money.
fool me once, shame on you. but 8 times? come on, dude.
LOL! - 8 times! haha
Ukraine has to be the worst Tourist spot on the globe.The women are worthless and lazy and educated to scam any one they can.The infastructure is the worst and the food Uugh.Its people are brought up to survive at all costs while the leaders get their noses further into the trough.You trust a Ukrainian at your peril.
We have lived and worked in western Ukraine. We have stayed in great hotels in L'viv, Kyiv, Dnepropetrovsk, and Odessa. Even rented an apartment for the holidays in Kyiv. We can't wait to return to Ukraine to work again.
They kindest, hardest working people we met was in the hospital when my wife was admitted for an infection that almost killed her. And I was ill also. They were infections we picked up using public facilities in Ukraine.
Back home, my wife was diagnosed as having been exposed to tuberculosis and I was diagnosed as having beat off a case of hepatitis.
There's the hacking coughing on the marshrutkas, the absolutely filthy restrooms. One women's bus stop restroom was nothing but a concrete room with a dirt floor and women were expected to find a spot another person had not defecated or urinated upon.
I cannot recommend Ukraine as a tourist destination. No tourist with money is going to squat in filth.
Yes Ukraine is not a five star resort.But it is an adventure/backpacker tourist destination. you do not visit Ukraine to stay in five star hotels. Its not America or England
America is 1 star maximally, as a frequent America visitor. Every 2nd motel has cockroaches.
.. but fresh towels
There are bad hotels, bad service, thieves and prostitutes all over the world, and not only in Ukraine. You can find bad hotels, bad service and bad infrustructure even in high tourist areas of the US, e.g. NYC, San Fran or LA. And yes, majority of people are rude in NYC. Ukraine has a lot to offer as far as history, culture, beautiful landscapes. People are very friendly and hospitable. I have never experienced anything bad in Borispol airport, and most of the comments I read about the airport sound very unrealistic to me. Not everything is perfect in Ukraine, but one may say the same about some areas of Italy, Spain, France, Turkey or Egypt.
The biggest problem is that the average Ukrainians - women and especially men - don t use showers and have never learnt the use of a tooth brush, even nose cleaning is done mostly using the hand only.
Looking at most of teh comments below is clear that most are visiting Ukraine for the wrong reason. Ukraine is not a five star destination. Those that visit Ukraine for two weeks looking for a wife are a sad lot. They will never know Ukraine and will most likely never know their wife if they manage to find one in such a short time. Ukraine is a backpacker/adventure destination. It has a lot to offer. The marriage agencies are mostly scams. They make their money on emails , flowers and gifts. Sometimes they make money on tours. Mostly on emails and gifts. Most men looking for a wife do not visit Ukraine.,Only the desperate, rich and stupid. If your rich then you may have a chance at finding a wife. Love no a wife maybe. Most likly you will have spent $10,000 met a lot of women and left much wiser., But you will still not know Ukraine. Two weeks is no where near enough time.
Best time to travel in Ukraine is May/June or September/October.
Thank you very much for this deep sighted insider information.
So valuable etc
Finally somebody talking is some sense. Yes, Ukraine is not a 5-star destination. Yes, the service is still crap. Yes, Soviet vestiges linger. And that's all part of Ukraine's appeal. If you want good service, creature comforts, and English, then stick to the US or Western Europe. If you're an adventurous type who prefers the exotic to the familiar, you'll find a lot to like in Ukraine - just as you'll ll find a lot to like off-the-beaten track in Russia or any other former Soviet country. Even for the less adventurous, there's still some places worth visiting in Ukraine, starting with Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa. There's also Chernobyl, Crimea, the Nuclear Missile Museum, Bessarabia and the Danube Biosphere reserve, Kamyanets Podilsky, oodles of quaint Western Ukrainian towns, good skiing and hiking in the Carpathians and plenty of Jewish and wartime history everywhere. Surprised how negative everybody here is about traveling in Ukraine (among other things).
Thank you. I visited Ukraine for two weeks back in 2001 and fell in love with the people and the country. I have since spent over six years living in Ukraine and traveling around all parts of Ukraine. I think it is the best country I have visited in terms of learning about different cultures and history. Its people are some of the best and pasts of the worst I have met BUT overall they are the most friendly and well educated.
I am sick and tied of hearing about the Bride hunters who get ripped off on some scam. Many are born losers anyway and they think they can come to Ukraine to save the women from life of poverty. Yes they may not have the same opportunities as "Westerners". If you do not like Ukraine stay away. Go to Florida or some exotic island. If you want culture, history and great company Welcome to Ukraine. There is a lot to do and see.
Not to forget Crimea. Yalta. Balaklava, Simperopol, Svestapol, Kerch, Alushta, Mali Myak, Alupka, and a host of other exciting places to visit in the Crimean Peninsula. So much to do. You can spend all you time just mixing and relaxing with the locals. We "westerns" can learn a lot from Ukrainians and Russians alike. When ever I meet a Ukrainian I make a point of telling them how wonderful and exciting their country is. They rightly should be proud of their history and culture.
It is no doubt true that alot of men from USA and Europe come to Ukraine for a wife, or women. However, that might be less true in the near future since I am finding out that new opportunities are opening up for American men with American women as a result of the recession/depression world-wide.
Alot of American men are out of work, 8.5% official unemployment and 16% unofficially, so this reduces the competition for the ones that remain employed. And you don't need to get on a plane for a 15 - 17 hour trip, either.
This country is better left alone,it is not safe for Tourists,a mecca for disease and a cultural society from the stone age.
Well... I just have to say that I also wanted to find a nice girl to marry from Ukraine. I tried several times over the past 8 years and finall got married to a nice girl for only 3 months. Again she took everything and ran away!!! I am the type of guy that many girls would want to marry but I made a decision to find a Ukrainian because of certain qualities I desired. I am the romantic type and I thought that the girls there were still interested in love! Of course as it turned out that was not the case. Trip after trip the idea of Kiev turning into a big brothel is reinforced. The people are becoming rude and even hostile toward visitors for no apparent reason. Maybe 10 or 15 years ago Ukraine was a nice place but now, and because of the many men going there, the girls learned all the scamming tricks. Unfortunately there are no moral values left because of, yes, capitalistic infestation!!!.
Ukrainians should not confuse the backpacking/adventure youth who stay in the cheapest places and take the night trains to save hotel costs. The tourist Ukraine needs are rich Germans, Austrians, and people from North America who will spend real money on a hotel room, rent taxis, and travel on tourists buses. These tourists do not want adventure if it involves disease and filth. Ukraine's virtue of frugality is also its tourism curse. In one city, the city built a new toilet at a tourist stop, but the city keeps it locked and forces tourists to use the nasty old pit toilet. They city does not want to pay to clean the new toilet. Also, every gasoline station and every restaurant built in Ukraine should be required to maintain clean restrooms. Private businesses that benefit from tourism should pay their share.
I was saddened to read all the negative views on Ukraine. I visited the Ukraine in February for the first time and stayed in Kiev for 4 days. I was never met by any rude treatment, quite the opposite. I don't speak any Russian at all (excluding Yes and No) but found most people very helpful. 1) Buying a local SIM card: Very helpful non-english speaking staff. 2) Topping up my SIM: very helpful non-english speaking staff. 3) Eating in restaurants: good service and good food from english-speaking staff. 4) Rides in taxis: No problems - I showed a map and asked: -Hrivna?, and was shown how much it would cost. Visits to bars: good service even from non-english speaking staff. And yes, I did meet Kiev-ladies although that was not the purpose of my visit: Some only spoke very little English, but were still very happy to exchange a few words. Some speak very good English and we had a good time together. I am now going back to Kiev over Easter, to see more of the city and more of the people.
I rarely post anything on the internet but given that this is close to home so to speak I feel like I can contribute. I have been living in Ukraine for over 10 years as an American and have seen it through good and bad. The article is a bit harsh in a general sense because it seems to mention all the negatives and leaves out quiet a few positives. The man who is running the marriage agency for instance, is himself known to be quiet a close on the Kiev nightlife circuit so perhaps some of that reputation has caught up with him. While it is true that issues such as police hassling westerners exist, I find it very difficult to believe that it happens all that routinely. I also work in the tourist arena here and hear these things every now and then but by no means they are widespread. Further, if one carries their photocopy of passport and entry card with them, they don't have to worry about being stopped at all.
Sorry I mean to say " .....the man who is running the marriage agency for instance, is himself known to be quiet a clown on the Kiev nightlife circuit ...."
It seems to me that the author of the article goes to Kiev and expect to find Orlando US there. This is never going to be the case. I think it may be worth mentioning, that while the typical Ukrainians appear to be cold and rude on the outside, if someone is truly in need they are always ready to take their shirt off their back to help that person, just like they do in almost all countries around the world. If anything, people are warmer with each other than say United States, where it is not uncommon for neighbors not to know each other's name albeit living next to each other for many years.
I will be the first to say that Ukraine has many issues in relation to tourism development; however, there also is a category of people that do prefer to see things in their natural state. What I mean is that if Kiev tomorrow becomes like Geneva, in the way it operates it will lose some of its appeal. There is some beauty in the fact that not the entire world is yet the same, there are places that drastically differ from each other and Ukraine is one of those places. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation with a cocktail in your hand, I suggest heading to Marbella or Santorini. If you want to have an adventure, meet nice people and have a chance to meet some of the most beautiful women in the world before the rest of the planet has discovered this place, then Ukraine may be for you.
I go from Sweden to Ukraine by car every summer, this year for the 14th time. No major problems ever occured to me. Friendly and helpful people. Roads could be a little better as well as food and other service. But for me it's a real break to get away from the "Western civilisation" for a while.
However, to become a hot tourist destination, Ukraine needs to do a lot more.
The only tourism that Ukraine can really expect to generate, outside of Russians going to Crimea, is the hard core adventure tourist - the type that likes to go to offbeat places.
Standard tourists - that seek good value, good service, well-known historical sights, etc will never make it to Ukraine. Why go to the Carpathian ski resorts, when you can go to the Swiss Alps for the same cost?
As for pedophiles: Pedophilia is rotten - but I doubt Western pedophiles travelling to Ukraine is truly epidemic.
As for sex tourism: Given that working women in Ukraine generally cost as much, or often significantly more, than their counterparts in Western Europe, I don't see this as ever becoming out of control, the way it is often depicted. Given the high rates of remuneration, we're not talking the kind of sex-slavery that exists in India and Pakistan.
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text:
Gamba Ristorante
- Address:
455 E 84th Dr
Merrillville, IN 46410Neighborhood:
Merrillville, IN
- Cuisine:
ItalianPrice: $31 to $50
Gamba Ristorante
- Dining Style: Fine Dining
- Website: http://gambaristorante.com/
- Phone: 2197365000x
- Hours of Operation:
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm
- Payment Options: AMEX,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
- Cuisine: Italian, Wine Bar
- Dress Code: Casual Dress
- Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
- Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, Wine
- Private Party Facilities: Gamba Ristorante is the ideal setting for any special occasion. It is perfectly suited for weddings, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate lunch or dinners, brunches, birthday parties and bridal showers.
- Private Party Contact: Michaelle Gamba 2197365000x
- Entertainment: Live Entertainment every Thursday Nights 7-9pm
A word from Gamba Ristorante
The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Café Venezia, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles. A banquet hall holds up to 175 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.Continued
Foodspotting photosSee all photos
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Gamba Ristorante - Best Restaurants in Merrillville, IN ›
Gamba Ristorante reviews from OpenTable diners
30 reviews since June 4, 2014
- Food4.5Service4.6
- Ambiance4.6Noise LevelQuiet
romantic (25)special occasion (24)fit for foodies (18)notable wine list (12)neighborhood gem (11)good for groups (11)great for outdoor dining (9)great for lunch (3)vibrant bar scene (2)hot spot (1)late-night find (1)kid-friendly (1)Show More
- a race horse that's a muleforurconsumptionDined on 9/27/2014really tried to like this place. It was our third try the other night. 3 strikes it's out! Servers are good, building is awesome, food sub-par. If you want to go some place for the view - go there. If you want good food - go some where else. They need to get a new head chef and take a good look at what they are trying to do. There's no dish on the menu that's worth the price or going back for. I like fine dining and don't mind paying the price if worth it. Don't have the concept down and seem to miss the point on dishes that are made there.
- GailieDined on 9/18/2014Great place for all your celebration needs and then some!!!!Special Features:
- Birthday celebration hitAmobDined on 9/13/2014We had a wonderful first visit at Gamba and quickly made the desicion we would be coming back. The attention to detail was top. I had mentioned in my online reservation that this was a bday celebration and they paid attention and made it very special. The food and wine (and desserts) were wonderful. We eat out often in Chicago and it is splendid to find a quality (and Chicago worthy) resturant a mile from home. Cider braised pork!!! I hope this is a special often.Special Features:
- GerryDined on 9/9/2014I have reviewed Gamba before but it gets better everytime we go there. Fois gras, pasta with scallops and shrimp, lamb loin, and truly outstanding veal loin made for a very memorable dinner . Half orders are available. I would nominate Gamba as the outstanding restaurant in Northwest Indiana!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- A Jewel of a RestaurantGerryDined on 9/2/2014We had a wonderful late lunch in a private room for the five of us . Good wine selection and very reasonable prices. The food was outstanding! Our party had potato/ fennel soup, mussels, shrimp and scallop risotto, veal scallopini, and wonderful beat salad. All very delicious. Service was excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Gamba's , and certainly plan to go back.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Gamba never disappointsMOsikaDined on 8/21/2014My husband and I were celebrating our birthdays at Gamba Ristorante. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. We ordered the oysters and carpaccio for appetizers. I would recommend both. I had a seafood pasta dish that was a generous portion with an abundance of shrimp and scallops. My husband ordered the Chicken Saltimbocca, which he also enjoyed. The service was attentive, friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return.Special Features:
- Best in area, hands down!!!!!!!!JDKnowzGoodFoodDined on 8/21/2014greeting and taking care of patrons for 25 years! Great food, excellant service & welcoming atmosphere make Gamba's the best restaurant in NW indiana and competes with Chicago's best!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Wonderful!jlafave22VIPDined on 8/21/2014Great bar menu and wonderful service! Food was high quality and expressed vibrtant flavors. However, you should make an early reservations as many menu items are limited in quantity and may not be available at later dining hours.Special Features:
- Outstanding NW Indiana Gem!OpenTable Diner Since 2008Dined on 8/18/2014I have been eyeing this place form afar for quite awhile, and finally decided to go to celebrate my wife's birthday and our anniversary. The decor is wonderful, with an ambiance rarely seen here in NW Indiana. The service was Very good, and the food was outstanding. The sous chef even took time out to come and personally speak to us, and then brought us the most wonderful peach sorbet and tiramisu that we have ever had. Even the company was good - the folks at the table next to us took time to chat with us and we all had a wonderful time until it was time to close. We will definitely be back, as this place is much too good to stay away from, especially being as close to us as it is.Special Features:
- Just passing thru townOpenTable Diner Since 2006VIPDined on 8/15/2014We needed to take a dinner stop in Merrilville, and turned to the OpenTable listing. A great find. I am sure we will regularly stop here on trips to Chicago. Extremely tasty dishes. Very nice atmosphere.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Elegant dining experienceJOHNDined on 8/11/2014My wife and I recently went to Gamba's to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We were promptly greeted by Mr. Gamba as if we were family. The server was very helpful and attentive throughout the evening. Our food was truly outstanding. The entire experience was something we will fondly remember for years. We endorse Gamba Restorante with our highest possible recommendation for fine dining enthusiasts.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Gambab2good2uDined on 8/9/2014Want to treat yourself, or just be good to yourself? A trip to Gamba's restaurant is in order. Food is wonderful, you get what you pay for.Special Features:
- Excellent food! Excellent service!OpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 7/24/2014Truly, truly enjoyed this restaurant! Our service was phenomenal! The food was superb! The boneless ribeye was succulent, it melted in your mouth! Definitely going again!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Hidden GemByTeeDined on 7/19/2014Gamba's is definitely off the beaten path. We even had trouble finding the entrance. However, my husband and I had an excellent server and a delicious meal. We will visit again.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Wonderful eveningFoodieVIPDined on 7/19/2014From the greeting at the entrance, to the top-notch service, to the interesting selections on the menu everything about the night was great. With so many tasty choices on the menu it was really hard to pick an entree. We did not go wrong with the evening risotto and the pennette. Both had rich flavors that permeated the dishes. I would definitely return and hope to do so soon!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- DecentEaterDined on 7/9/2014Food was decent but the portions are smaller than desired. Good ambiance for a night out or romantic evening.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- OpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 7/8/2014Disappointing. Second time at this restaurant and was expecting same experience as first time. Kale salad is excellent. Ordered lamb loin. It was rubbery and fatty. My date ordered the meatball pasta dish which was good, but seemed overpriced for a pasta dish. Seated at a table close to where are waiter seemed to be stationed. It was awkward talking with her hovering. A table of 8 was seated nearby and man at the head of the table spent a considerable amount of time on his cell phone. Left a lot to be desired. No desert menu - only ice cream. If I return I will go only for the kale salad and a glass of wine.Special Features:
- druggeri85Dined on 7/5/2014Waiter wasn't the most pleasant. He tended non-stop to a table nearby. Didn't pay much attention to us and was a bit snooty. Food was great but pricey and very small portions.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- PleasedVIPDined on 6/17/2014Fabulous! First time to Gamba and it was great - food, service, atmosphere. We went for my husband's birthday and it was a wonderful place for a quiet, intimate dinner for adults.Special Features:
- Just OkaynotsureDined on 6/6/2014This was my third time being here. My first two experiences were fantastic, this one not so good. Must have had a new chef I'm assuming as the food was not worth the money at all. We ordered a flatbread pizza that was soggy and one of the ribeye steaks was not cooked at all. Was completely raw in the middle, we had to send it back. Not sure I will be able to bring myself to go back there.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- The following 126 reviews are from the Gamba Ristorante reviews archive.
- Terrific!CPFoodieDined on 5/28/2014Would recommend for excellent food, atmosphere and service. Could not have had a finer time. Quiet and very intimate.Special Features:
- Fine Dining in NW IndianaGerryDined on 5/20/2014Server was owner's daughter, and very gracious and knowledgeable about the food. The food was outstanding and even though I ordered the small plate there was more than enough to eat. The tradition of fine dining continues at Gamba's!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great @ Gamba!ThebaileysloveGamba1Dined on 5/16/2014Hidden gem in Merrillville, great food, romantic & moderate pricing❤❤Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great for 20+ yearsOpenTable Diner Since 2007Dined on 5/16/2014Went to Gamba to celebrate many special occassions since my husband and I first offical date was at Cafe Venzia. We will be married 20 years this upcoming week. Many things have changed since Cafe Venzia has become Gamba however the great food, service, and passion for their restaurant and customers remain the same.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Amazing Restaurant!OpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 5/13/2014This is the 3rd time me and my wife have gone to Gamba Ristorante. We love the food and service and try to make it here whenever we can for special occasions. We will definitely be back!Special Features:
- OpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 5/10/2014The dishes we had were average at best. Nice place, but food presentation and taste was not impressive.
- DisappointednotcomingbackDined on 5/10/2014We liked it better when it was Cafe Venezia. We enjoyed the mature Italian waiters. The portions were larger. It was Not something that you could make at home. They were out of Tiramisu. Really? What mom was not going to have Tiramisu, so close to Mother's Day ! Benny Used to walk around from table to table asking people about the food. Instead the restaurant seems to be run by people under age 30, with no sense of tradition.Special Features:
- Not impressedCrowntownrnDined on 5/9/2014We went because wewanted to have a nice date night spot and heard good things about Gamba. The inside is different than any restaurant I have been at lately. The reastaurant didn't look busy but we waited for our food for almost an hour without any explaination from our server, which is rediculous. The food was not worth the wait. I expected way more. Frankly the food is much better at Coopers Hawk.
- disappointingrhs3Dined on 5/9/2014this use to be a great restaurant. on this day the food was below average and the service was very poor. the waiters were inattentive and did not even remember who ordered what and there were just 2 of us! the restaurant was not busy and thus this is not even a good excuse. the food was bland and lifeless. i could have stayed home and done a better job while saving a descent amount of money.Special Features:
- Well worth itsortoffoodieDined on 5/9/2014Cozy and comfortable ambiance. Great attentive service. I can honestly say that this was one of the best, most creative, appealing, appetizing and satisfying meal I have had in the area. Starting with crusty bread to housmade sausage (highly recommended) and chickpea fritter were delicious. One of the special of the day was a mushroom broth, so earthy, so rich, so taste that it left me wanting for more. For dinner arctic char was perfctly cooked. My wife had potato Gnocchi which were served in tomato based sauce. She was expecting a cream based sauce. Without any hesitation it was replaced. Needless to say she was quite happy. For dessert we had tiramisu, one of our favorite. If I had a more lighter and tastier version, I don't know where.Special Features:
- DissapointinggabnmanthaDined on 4/26/2014To cut to the chase: Arrived early to have a drink in the bar. Not very busy at all but 2 martini's took 10 min to receive. The bartender was nice but seemed overwhelmed w/ the 6 people at the bar & also taking care of the waiters station. Dinner was worse. The waiter was rather cold & wanted to rush us. We ordered the kale salads which were great. However, the risotto/tenderloin & asparagus dish a disaster. The risotto was runny & the tenderloin "chunks" were tough as ever. After 3 bites we were done. The owner did apologize and took both entree's off the bill. Obviously, we left disappointed. We've heard great things about Gamba's & were excited to go there.
- Great ExperienceXoco1Dined on 4/20/2014Absolute fine dining at its best. You would think your dining in the finest NYC or downtown Chicago restuarants, though even better in my opinion. This is the place to enjoy both the spectacular service and food. Highly recommend Gamba Restuarant to all.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Special place in Merrillville INFun4twoDined on 4/5/2014Great gourmet food and classy ambience makes this restaurant a real find for the Northwest IN area. Awesome experience!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great Dining Experience!BobandDianaDined on 3/24/2014We had a wonderful dinner at Gamba's! The food, wine and service were outstanding. Our server, Oscar, was great, attentive and helped with food and wine suggestions.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Third time was not a charmOpenTable Diner Since 2013Dined on 3/6/2014I was there with two clients. I arrived first and sat for 8 -10 minutes before I was even offered water by my waiter or acknowledged by him. In the lover section where my table was, he had one table (5 or 6 people) in the wine room and 2 other tables with two each at the time of my seating. When the others arrived we ordered, our salads were served with no offer of pepper or cheese (as others in the room we receiving). When our mail course arrived, two of us received ours and one had to wait. I finally asked if her meal was coming and it arrived shortly there after. I was long enough that my food was no longer warm. I have been here twice before and each time, I leave saying I will not return. Wish I would have remembered that.
- upscale in quiet settingapertifDined on 3/1/2014We went to dinner on a Saturday evening. From the moment we were greeted by the owner and his spouse, to the thank you at the finish, we were made to feel very welcome and important. This is an upscale Italian flavored establishment with first class service and a very interesting and atypical menu. We each had a salad,entree and dessert. We were very satisfied in taste and portions; enough so that we had take home. I highly recommend Gamba Ristorante for a special night out. Expect to spend some money, but I think the quality was worth it.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Unwelcoming environmentLeftA20forAcokeDined on 2/21/2014Don't correct a guest on where to sit. If my date wants to sit across the table from me she may I don't see where your staff sees it as a problem. We left after getting our dinner rolls due to the poor environmentSpecial Features:
- Valentine Dinner for 2OpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 2/15/2014The service and astmosphere was 5 star. Loved our waiter and the host who seated us. We went the day after Valentine's Day on a Saturday and had reservations we made online. The decore is quite beautiful and we love the modern circular flow and would like to use the outside dining when the weather gets warmer. Our dinner was very good. We shared a shrimp coctail that was delicious. We got 4 really large shrimp and the coctail sauce really has a kick to it which I loved. My husband ordered the Tomatoe Bisque (which had meat in it) and Filet Mignon, cooked to perfection. I ordered the Kale Salad and Pumkin Risoto. Loved the Kale Salad found the Risoto had not enough vegetables too much rice (thick and pasty). Loved the Carrot Cake!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- FantabulousMarkDined on 2/14/2014This NWI gem has Chicago upscale type class and a great menu. For our visit we were greeted with a great waiter who was apparently wanting us to be pleased with our evening. The halibut was really outstanding with all the right subtle tastes without hiding any of the great flavor of the fish. A wine was recommended that was also a great choice and added to the already great meal. This place was a step above anything in the area and created a great experience for us. Our second visit and we will be back again!Special Features:
- My girlfriend and I went hereOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 2/14/2014My girlfriend and I went here for valentines day and had a reservation for 8:15 pm but weren't seated until just about 9. The food however made up for it. I do understand that, due to the date, it was very busy, which was not a problem. Also, our waitress was very apologetic for our wait. Our meals were very well prepared and I was very surprised at the duration of waiting time between appetizers and the actual meals themselves. We had waited about 10 minutes for our food. I will definitely come here again because of this experience, and more than likely not on a holiday such as valentines day.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.

subset: commoncrawl


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Volunteers county-wide turned out for the annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 15, pulling trash and recyclables from Santa Cruz County's waterways and beaches as part of a statewide conservation effort.
According to data provided by Save Our Shores, in Santa Cruz County, 2,354 volunteers removed 9,947 pounds of pollution and debris – 2,204 of which was recyclable – over the course of the day.
Working in tandem with Save Our Shores, two San Lorenzo Valley-based organizations -- the Valley Women's Club and SLV Citizens Organized for Responsible Ecological Choices for Our Valley (SLV CORE) – hosted their own clean-up efforts at sites in Felton, Ben Lomond, Lompico, and Boulder Creek.
Between the two organizations, 124 volunteers pulled more than 2,000 pounds of trash and another 1,713 pounds of recyclable materials.
Sixty SLV CORE volunteers led the morning cleanup efforts at the Felton Covered Bridge Park, and reported bringing in more than 1,500 pounds of trash and 180 pounds of recyclables. Many of the volunteers were students from San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley schools.
As part of the Valley Women's Club's 26th annual River and Road Cleanup, 64 volunteers worked in Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, and Felton – removing 1,533 pounds of recyclables and another 644 pounds of trash.
Two of the top five cleanup sites county-wide were located within the San Lorenzo Valley, according to Save Our Shores, with 1,664 pounds of material pulled from theSan Lorenzo River at the Covered Bridge, and Lompico Creek with 1,425 pounds reported removed.


text:
I was watching "Road Tasted" with Paula Deen's kids, Jamie and Bobby. They were on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx visiting various Italian deli's and bakeries etc. At one place, they were checking out the stuffed bread. You know. You roll up cold cuts, mozzarella etc. into bread dough and bake it up. Good stuff.
Anyway, the baker offers the boys each one heel or end of the loaf and asks whether they know what they got. Of course, they respond in the negative and baker enlightens them and says they call that "oo gool" where the "oo" is pronounced like the "oo" in "boo."
Well, the soda squirted out of both my nostrils when I heard that. We never referred to anything edible as "oo gool" when I was a kid. In fact, had we referred to anything as "oo gool," we might have gotten the back of our father's hand. Transposed into normal Italian, "oo gool" is "il culo." I'll leave it up to you gentle folks to look that up online. As a good Catholic boy, however, I might have hit the bleep button on that one.
I was wondering. Do any of you real live Italians use that phrase to refer to the heel of a loaf of bread?
And while we're at it, has anyone ever driven by the Halloween costume shop on Park Ave. in Rutherford, N.J. called the "Fun Ghoul?" No, I ain't kiddin'.


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HowTo use Client Java API for Searching inside Documents
I have used in the past only SQL Databases but I'm very interested in NoSQL and want to use it for a new project.
I read the wiki/manual and tried a few example programs, but the main big problem I have is to understand how to implement a "search" with the Java API.
For example: My data consists of "customers" and "orders". Each customer can have multiple orders. Now I want to write a Java Client program with a search field and search button. When pressing the button the result should depend on the search field content. E.g. searching for "name" and "address" fields inside the customer document.
1. Is there a way to do it on the server side?
2. Or should I write a view document containing all customers fields for searching and doing the filtering on client side.?
3. How do I access a view from the Java API
4. Do I need the new Couchbase2.0 server or is it also possible to do it with the stable 1.8 version?
5. Is it better to create one document containing the "customer" data and all "orders" together or is it better to put only a reference to the orders inside the customer document?
Thank you for your help!
1. Yes, you can do this server side through views. What you will want to do is write a map reduce view through the Couchbase Web UI to filter the data properly. If you are new to map-reduce then let me know and I can help guide you through writing a view.
2. I think your confused here on what a view is. Creating a view on the server side builds an index with the documents in Couchbase. This index can be queried by our Couchbase SDK's in a similar way to what you would do in a relational database. Note though that you cannot use SQL and must use a syntax very similar to how you would get a document using CouchDB.
3. The latest Java SDK for Couchbase 2.0 is the Couchbase Java Client 1.1DP. This client will provide some functions for obtaining a reference to a view and querying that view. Those functions can be found in the CouchbaseClient class.
4. Views are only available in Couchbase 2.0.
5. Both of the ways you suggest here can be done without a view. For example if you know the customers name and the document key is the customer id then if you could map customer names to customer id's then could get a customers data with one get operation in the first case. In the second case you would do a get on the customer and then gets on all of the orders.
If you want to create a view you could have separate order and customer documents. The order documents would contain the customer name and you would build a view that indexed all of the orders. You could then query that view to return all of the orders that contain the customers name.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you for your answers and offered help!
I set up a testing environment on my computer with Couchbase 2.0 and using the Java Client 1.1DP now.
First I want to report my successfully work to get all orders for a customer with the help of a view.
For this, I have created some sample "customers" and "orders" documents based on the following structure:
{ "_id": "customer.docid.customer1", "_rev": "5-f5e6e0abdc99eb820000005700000000", "$flags": 0, "$expiration": 0, "firstName": "John", "lastName": "Mayer", "Street": "Wall Street 4", "type": "customer" } { "_id": "order.order1", "_rev": "3-5d6c0a1c22b00ef50000004f00000000", "$flags": 0, "$expiration": 0, "customerID": "customer.docid.customer1", "quantity": 50, "price": 100, "type": "order" }
First I started to get all Orders for a single Customer. For this I created a new View with the following map-function:
function (doc) { if(doc.type=="order") { emit(doc.customerID, doc._id); } }
It is now possible to get all the orders of a customer by setting the query-key of the java client library to the customerId.
... query.setKey("customer.docid.customer1"); ... View view = client.getView("dev_lf", "OrdersList"); ... ViewResponse result = client.query(view, query); ... Iterator<ViewRow> itr = result.iterator(); ...
Now I am very happy with this result and I hope this was what you meant.
For the second step (the customer search) I have still understanding problems. I can create a new view for this with a special key which contains all possible search fields:
function (doc) { if(doc.type=="customer") { emit(doc.firstName + " " + doc.lastName, doc._id); } }
My problem is now, how to to query on client side, if I only know a part of my key and how can I ignore upper/lower case key search.
In other words my customer view result looks like this now:
|key |value | |--------------------|--------------------------| |firstname1 lastname1|"customer.docid.customer1"| |John Mayer |"customer.docid.customer2"| |Bob Mayer |"customer.docid.customer3"| |Steve Mueller |"customer.docid.customer4"|
How can I query for the two customers with the lastname "Mayer" or for all customers which lastname begins with an "m"? Is this possible or do I have to process this step on client side?
If you're only searching by last name, I would emit only the last name, which you could emit it as a particular case:
function (doc) { if(doc.type=="customer") { emit(doc.lastName.toLowerCase(), null); } }
That way when you search, you could specify the starting and ending key as always lower case (this might not be the right API for the Java client, I'm only a little familiar with that client).
query.setStartKey("m"); query.setEndKey("n");
To get both Mayers in the datbase:
If you would like to get first name and last name, you could use a composite key:
function (doc) { if(doc.type=="customer") { emit([doc.lastName.toLower(), doc.firstName], null); } }
-- John


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Black Bean Brownies
You'd never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
12 Servings
Prep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips,
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 eggs
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and oil in a food processor;
cover and process until blended. Add the eggs, brown sugar, cocoa,
vanilla, baking powder and salt; cover and process until smooth.
Transfer to a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray.
Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20-25
minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out
clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Yield: 1 dozen.
Nutritional Facts:
1 brownie equals 167 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 53 mg cholesterol, 131 mg sodium,
© Taste of Home 2014
2 of 2
Black Bean Brownies
Nutritional Facts:
24 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
© Taste of Home 2014


text:
There are 241 days until Coachella 2014 kicks off for its first weekend — but "it's never too early to start speculating over next year's summer music festival lineups," Consequence of Sound wrote in a blog posted Tuesday.
Katy Perry or Lady Gaga — both set to release albums within the next year — could headline Coachella 2014, while Arcade Fire and Pearl Jam — also set to release new albums — should be shoe-ins for headlining festivals, the Consequence bloggers said in a video post.
Here's a look at what else has been out there so far: