Home Is Where the Heart Is!
Most foreigners come to Ukraine for a period of time usually specified by a specific job assignment or contract. And many return to their native lands when their assignments are completed. However, a considerable number become so entranced with the country they decided to remain, either by extending their original contract period or in some cases as a part of the growing permanent expatriate community. Our Pub Poll on this issue was conducted at various watering holes - O'Brien's Pub, The Drum - and somewhat unusually - the British Embassy's Cave Garden Party.
We asked this month's Board of Drinkers:
"What factors brought you to Ukraine or keep you here?
 "I came here to teach accounting and finance at a university in Kyiv, and found I enjoyed teaching accounting more than practicing it. Now I also work part-time for a professional accounting training organization. Being a native speaker of English with teaching experience in the English language makes me more valuable here than in the United States, where there are many people with my experience and background. So, it really doesn't make sense for me to return to the States."
Kevin Ellis, MBA, MA-Religion,
Instructor, ATC Global and Int'l Christian University,
4 1/2 years in Kyiv
 "I am here to gather interest in sponsorship for my drama film based on the Holodomor, working title: "The Devil's Harvest." Hopefully, the minister of culture and interested investors will come to the table to support this first-ever English full feature screenplay on the subject. I hope to eventually shoot the film here and finally open the eyes of the world, unaware of Ukraine's man-made famine!"
Richard Bachynsky-Hoover,
Writer-Actor (20 years in film),
Sixth visit, 15 days this time in Kyiv
 "I first came to Ukraine as a tourist. My first impressions were good and I have met many good people here and enjoy their company. I have found a good partner and she keeps me in check. I work in the oil industry on a rotational basis and the tax laws make it necessary that I spend a required days out of England. I say what a wonderful place to spend my days off after long hours in the oil fields around the world."
Gordon Melling,
Health and Safety Enforcement Manager, Total Oil Company,
2 years in Kyiv
 "News of the culture, the people and way of life brought me here. Anticipated business expansion of the international community will keep me here."
Dennis Myles,
Area Manager, VFS Int'l.,
1 day in Kyiv
 "A wish to see Kyiv in the summer after being here in a very cold winter. Summer scores much higher - similar to the hemlines! Not enough keeps me here - regrettably I have to go back in a couple of months. What I enjoy are the foods, Czech lager, and a city that is a pleasure to walk around in the evenings. Seriously though, the sights in the morning, which a young man should not see before a hearty breakfast."
Derek Johnson,
Environmental Analyst, Nippon Koei UK,
3 months in Ukraine
 "I came to Ukraine to be part of a rock 'n roll band. I felt that it was a place of vibrant energy, perfect for a band wanting to play for audiences with a positive attitude and looking for a good time. The band's doing reasonably well and so I have no plans to return to England. Even if the band split I have made such great friends here that I would have to find a new job so I could stay. Maybe a kebab shop?"
Mick Lane,
Guitarist, D.V.S.,
18 months in Ukraine
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