A few things that I learned in Ukraine

*How to order a pineapple juice and count to ten in Russian

*How to turn when you’re rollerblading (haven’t quite mastered this one)

*How to tell the difference between a Ukrainian and a Russian-style church (the former has a domed roof that narrows at the bottom, and the latter a half-sphere roof)

*That even the cutest monkeys shouldn’t be trusted

*That Ukrainian lemonade is… unexpected

*That the right Ukrainian taxi driver can tell you anything from local legends to the health benefits of red wine

*To expect fees at any local attraction (whether it is the viewpoint for a waterfall or the greenhouse of orchids at the botanic gardens)

*That it’s best to travel Ukraine with a big appetite           

*That it’s best to wear less on train rides, because air-conditioning is not a priority

*That (at least among younger generations) you’ll be surprised what you have in common -- bizarre YouTube videos, TV shows, bands, books and video games