Poltava: The Gem of Central Ukraine

• HelloПривіт
  [Pryvit]
• GoodbyeДо побачення
  [Do pobachennya]
• YesТак
  [Tak]
• NoНі
  [Ni]
• Please/You're welcomeБудь ласка
  [Bud' laska]
• Thank youДякую
  [Dyakuyu]
• Excuse me/SorryВибачте
  [Vybachte]
• How are you?Як справи?
  [Yak spravy?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А ви?
  [Dobre. A vy?]
• Do you speak English?Ви говорите англійською?
  [Vy hovoryte anhliysʹkoyu?]
• I don't understandЯ не розумію
  [Ya ne rozumiyu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЯ б хотів подивитися меню, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv podyvytysya meny, bud' laska]
• I don't eat meatЯ не їм м'ясо
  [Ya ne yim m'yaso]
• Cheers!Ура!
  [Ura!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЯ б хотів розрахуватися, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv rozrakhuvatysya, bud' laska]

• Help!Допоможіть!
  [Dopomozhitʹ!]
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  [Pidi hetʹ!]
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  [Poklychte politsiyu!]
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  [Vyklychte likarya!]
• I'm lostЯ загубився
  [Ya zahubivsya]
• I'm illЯ хворий
  [Ya khvoryy]

• I'd like to buy...Я б хотів купити...
  [Ya b khotiv kupity...]
• I'm just lookingЯ просто дивлюсь
  [Ya prosto dyvlyusʹ]
• How much is it?Скільки це коштує?
  [Skilʹky tse koshtuye?]
• That's too expensiveЦе занадто дорого
  [Tse zanadto doroho]
• Can you lower the price?Чи можете ви знизити ціну?
  [Chy mozhete vy znyzyty tsinu?]

• What time is it?Котра година?
  [Kotra hodyna?]
• It's one o'clockОдна година
  [Odna hodyna]
• Half past (10)Пів на одинадцяту
  [Piv na odynadtsyatu]
• MorningРанок
  [Ranok]
• AfternoonДень
  [Den']
• EveningВечір
  [Vechir]
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  [Vchora]
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  [Zavtra]
• 1один
  [odyn]
• 2два
  [dva]
• 3три
  [try]
• 4чотири
  [chotyry]
• 5п'ять
  [p'yat']
• 6шість
  [shist']
• 7сім
  [sim]
• 8вісім
  [visim]
• 9дев'ять
  [dev'yat']
• 10десять
  [desyat']

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  [De ye/znakhodytsya...?]
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  [Yaka adresa?]
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• When's the next (bus)?Коли наступний (автобус)?
  [Koly nastupnyy (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Квиток (до ....)
  [Kvytok (do ....)]

The Battle of Poltava, fought on June 28, 1709, was a pivotal moment in European history. This decisive victory by Tsar Peter I of Russia over the Swedish forces led by Charles XII marked the beginning of the decline of the Swedish Empire and the rise of Russia as a major European power. The battle took place on the outskirts of Poltava and is commemorated by several monuments and museums in the city.

In 1802, Poltava became the administrative center of the newly established Poltava Governorate (Gubernia) in the Russian Empire. This period saw significant urban development and cultural flourishing, including the construction of iconic buildings like the Poltava Governor's House and the establishment of educational institutions. Poltava became a hub of Ukrainian culture and education, attracting intellectuals and artists.

In 1926, a monument dedicated to the revered Ukrainian poet and national hero Taras Shevchenko was unveiled in Poltava. The monument symbolizes the city's deep connection to Ukrainian national identity and culture. Shevchenko's legacy continues to be honored in Poltava through various cultural events and institutions.

During World War II, Poltava was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1943. The city suffered extensive damage, and many of its inhabitants were subjected to harsh conditions. The Battle of Poltava in 1943 was part of the larger Eastern Front conflict, and the city was eventually liberated by Soviet forces. Post-war reconstruction efforts restored much of Poltava's historical architecture and infrastructure.

The Poltava Art Museum, established in 1919, is one of the city's cultural gems. It houses an extensive collection of Ukrainian and international art, including works by renowned artists such as Ilya Repin and Mykola Yaroshenko. The museum reflects Poltava's rich artistic heritage and serves as a center for cultural education and appreciation.

Poltava has been a significant center for Ukrainian literature. The city is associated with famous writers like Ivan Kotlyarevsky, whose mock-epic poem 'Eneida' is considered the first literary work written in modern Ukrainian. Kotlyarevsky's house, now a museum, is a popular tourist destination that offers insights into his life and works.

Poltava is home to numerous architectural landmarks that reflect its rich history. Notable sites include the Holy Cross Monastery, with its stunning baroque architecture, and the Assumption Cathedral. The Rotunda of People's Friendship, also known as the White Gazebo, offers panoramic views of the city and is a symbol of Poltava's blend of historical and natural beauty.

Poltava is conveniently located in central Ukraine. The nearest major airport is Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv, approximately 350 kilometers away. From Kyiv, you can take a direct train to Poltava, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) operate regularly from Kyiv and other major cities to Poltava. If you prefer driving, rental cars are available at the airport, and the journey by road takes about 4 hours.

Poltava has a well-developed public transportation system including buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas. Tickets are inexpensive and can be purchased on board. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available in the city, and Poltava is relatively bike-friendly with several cycling paths.

The official currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Poltava, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city center and shopping areas, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Poltava is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded spaces. The Zhovtnevy District is known to have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so exercise extra caution when visiting this area.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Poltava has several hospitals and medical facilities, and pharmacies are available throughout the city. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications can be purchased at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your head and avoid talking loudly. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Poltava like a local, visit the central market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ukrainian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Poltava Battle Museum and the Round Square, which are significant historical sites. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Vorskla River, especially during sunset, for a picturesque view.