What to do while in Ukraine

A backward country infested with corruption, AIDS, prostitutes and racist thugs. This is the description of Ukraine splashed on the pages of tabloids across Europe in recent weeks, warning fans of the dangers of visiting the country for the Euro 2012 soccer championship in June. While some of these criticisms ring true, Ukrainians, tourism experts and expatriates say these views are often exaggerated or outright false. But Ukraine does a bad job of advertising itself, and successive governments have consistently failed to tackle the issues that give it a bad reputation. Despite an ancient history, beautiful nature and hospitable people, it seems Ukraine remains among the destinations least favored by international travel agencies and Western democracies. This is so despite the fact that Ukraine, unlike Russia and many other former Soviet republics, has allowed visa-free travel to citizens of most Western nations since 2005. Ukrainians are hoping the upcoming football c

The next wave are here. Neymar, M’Vila, Götze. Hungry to break through. Unafraid to line up with Ribéry, Sneijder, Ronaldo. Followed by thousands more. Ready for the chance. Are you? Watch the film, then find what it takes to make it. The song: Chicken, by Eighties Matchbox B-line Disaster.

The fame of Octopus Paul from the 2010 World Cup put animal oracles the world over on alert. At Euro 2012, a prophetic pig is set to predict the outcomes of football games at the official fan-zone in Ukraine’s capital, Kiev. The boar, described as  “a true connoisseur of football mysteries and a prophet”  will give his forecast at 5pm local time on every matchday of the European Championships. The swine is a very respected creature in Ukraine, as it is the source the country’s favorite dish – a type of salt-cured pork fat – Salo. Animal oracles became very popular after Octopus Paul accurately predicted the outcome of all of Germany’s matches at the 2010 World Cup, as well as the Spanish victory in the finals. Many other critters tried to follow his tentacle-steps, including Heidi the crossed-eyed opossum, but none has managed to emulate his success.

UEFA made changes in official EURO 2012 song. More Ukraine in the official clip of EURO 2012 song. Now: Before: