Michigan Farm Bureau Ukraine Study Tour 2013 Sept. 7/8 – 16, 2013 AgriTours Canada / Real Ukraine
So you’re going to the Ukraine….
Agriculture in the Ukraine - Videos Farming in the Ukraine – Investment video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt8z3bW9_P4 Alpha Farm – typical leasing and crop sharing. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIgJ1PYzEAc • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_det ailpage&v=CIgJ1PYzEAc • North American perspective of Ukraine Agri-Potential • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRazTn2oJUU
• Credit cards work in most places in the Ukraine, however, it is best to have two options – MasterCard and Visa are most acceptable throughout Ukraine. • Currency Exchange can be done at the hotels and in Kiev on Day one of the trip. Time and location will be provided to change money. • Don’t keep all your money in one place! • Medical Insurance card – keep two copies in case needed, and also leave one for family at home. • Currency is the Ukrainian Hryvnya or credit cards. • 1 USD = 8,09 UAH – this rate may fluctuate
Breakfast included at all hotels – consist of many similar things as in the USA: breads/toast, yogurts, fresh seasonal fruit, granola cereal, boiled eggs, some locations will have bacon and eggs, coffee/tea/juice. Lunches and dinners will include: • Vegetable Salad (tomatoes/cucumbers) or soup during lunches, Main course, Dessert, Tea/coffee, Bottle of water Beverages: Beer and Wine, milk, soda/pop is also at extra fees and not standard with meals.
Things we remind our groups while on tour! A traveller’s philsophy! Unlike Vegas, what happens in the Ukraine does not stay in the Ukraine. – An official study tour is like a small trade mission or ambassador group – you represent your entire country, not just your state or province. – People you meet get an impression of your entire society by your actions – both good and bad – the reverse is also true. – Your actions influence the responses you get in return. – The country you are visiting is influenced by their history. – The people you meet are genuinely proud of their accomplishments. – What you learn while on tour will influence your path in the future – it is a life-changing opportunity.
Michigan Farm Bureau – Things you need to know! • You are a foreigner in a strange land: – Don’t bring or wear any clothing or footwear that have been worn in your barns, around livestock, in greenhouses, etc. – Liquids are not advisable – however if bringing alcohol (gifts) or maple syrup, etc., make sure it is bubble wrapped and in a sealed bag in your checked baggage. – Do not bring and wear gaudy or expensive jewelry, sun glasses or other items that might attract the attention of thieves. – Your American style of dress will be noticeably different from most Ukrainians, and as such you might be targeted – do not go out alone at night, stay in groups and tell somebody where you are going before you go out! – Don’t buy items or exchange money from street vendors or people who offer you great deals – you might get cheated! – Always be aware of who is around you in public places.
Michigan Farm Bureau – Things you need to know! • Consideration # 1 – When in Rome do as the Romans do ? To a point!!! – You are NOT going to Rome! You may observe that people in the Ukraine drink a lot of Vodka – and this is one thing to be wary of while visiting some locations. Participate Carefully! – Be aware of your surroundings at all times! Unlike in America, you’re not on familiar ground and you may run into situations you’ll not be able to talk your way out of, since your Ukrainian language skills, probably suck! – You have a guide who is both your Tour guide and your cultural guide. She is a V.I.P. in your life for the time you are in the Ukraine – treat her as such and you will have a valuable ‘ leg up’ should you need help, advice or guidance on the tour. – Your driver is your 2nd best friend – he guards the bus & all your belongings while in the bus-he may NOT speak English!
Michigan Farm Bureau – MORE Things you need to know! • Consideration # 2 – Observe EVERYTHING and be aware of your surroundings at all times! – While in the Ukraine: 1. You will see some amazing cultural and agricultural locations. 2. They are unlike most things you will have seen in your life before. 3. Experience the difference! – Listen and learn – question things you don’t understand through Mila Yashchuk your guide OR the city guides who will be with you during city tours. No question is a bad question. – While at Agricultural Enterprises – be careful NOT to go out of the areas where you are allowed to go – there might be some hazordous areas OR areas with sanitary restrictions . – Photographs can be taken in ALMOST all locations – always ask the guide if you are unsure or before going onto the site.
Michigan Farm Bureau – Be thoughtful and respectful ! • Consideration # 3 – Respect of another culture is not only important, it is helpful while on tour! – Whenever and wherever you go in the world, you receive better responses from your hosts when you are both polite and respectful of the people you meet while visiting them. – Even though you might see something that you think is archaic, incorrect, poor quality, etc. compared to where you come from – remember, this is where they are in their history and their development – it is their reality! – Remember you are the guests of the people you are visiting. They are proud of who they are, of their facilities, animals, machinery, equipment, etc. Think how you would feel if in their position and consider their feelings as if you were them.
Passports – What you need to know, do and be prepared for! – Remember your passports – make 2 or 3 photo-copies of the important pages in your passport with your photograph and pertinent information. • Give one copy to your MFB group leader. • Keep at least one copy in a separate location in your luggage away from your original passport. • Leave one copy at home with family members. • In case of lost or stolen passports, this photo-copy may speed up replacement of lost passports. – Guard your passports and never leave them in an exposed pocket, purse or hand bag – theft can occur. – At night, if there is a safe in the room, lock up your passport and reserve money not immediately needed. – Always check & empty your safe before departing hotels
Packing for your trip – What you need to bring! – Remember, only bring what you absolutely NEED. Too often people over-pack and regret the weight and cumbersome nature of their luggage (& airline charges). • Pants and slacks can be worn 2 or 3 times during this trip so long as they do not get stained. Bring 1 or 2 pairs of jeans, 2 or 3 ‘good pants’ that are not jeans for evening meals and for official meetings. • Shirts and blouses – long sleeved shirts will likely be needed, but one or two short-sleeve shirts will be OK for those hotter days in the southern areas. • Layers are important – bring a small back-pack which you can carry a lightweight jacket and sweater in, as well as your camera, small unbrella and water. • Shoes – 3 pairs are the MOST you should need. Good walking shoes, closed toes, treads, waterproof.
Packing for your trip – More things you need to bring! • Undergarments – approximately 2 days wear each. • Socks – fresh pair every day – consider your fellow travellers on the bus. • One heavier warm jacket or overcoat in case the weather turns cold. Wear this onto the plane to avoid weight in your suitcase, store in overhead bin. • Toiletries – men, is your electric razer compatible with 220 volts? Women – most hotels have hair dryers, but not curling irons – if you bring one, be sure it’is 220 V compatible and for travel (foldable). • Do not bring curling irons that are heated with gas cartridges, they are dangerous on aircraft. • Adapters – 110 to 220 – round pins
Packing for your trip – still more you need to bring! • Medications split into two separate packages. • One nicer outfit for the day you are meeting their government representatives. • Money belt – some men carry spare cash inside money belts that look like normal belts. • Chargers for your electrical equipment – be sure they are designed for 220 V or they burn out. • Computers/tablets – 220 V adaptable – WiFi available at all but one of the hotels. • Cameras and storage medium – 8 Gb or more. • Gifts for places you will visit. There are 17 locations you are visiting but in some places, more than one gift is sometimes needed at some locations.
• Mila Yashchuk project manager at RealUkraine/Dykun • Tour Guide for MFB Office Tel: 011 38 047 444 67 56 Mila’s Cell : 011 38 067 470 17 • Mila’s personal cell 90380975512171 • Magic Jack account 0103150477.
• Day 1 - From Detroit to Amsterdam is an overnight flight – sleep at least 1/2 the flight. • Although very tempting, avoid drinking too much of the free alcohol – you will pay for it the next day, it disturbs your sleep at altitude. • Get up and move about at least every hour or so to avoid blood pooling in your lower legs. • Bring an eye mask, listen to soothing music.
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