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Cargo shorts in Crimea?
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Posted by: Dave1

I'm going to Yalta next month and am still getting my wardrobe together. My girl says shorts are common for men in Crimea in summer. Any thoughts on cargo shorts? I generally don't like the looks of cargo pants or cargo shorts, but it occurred to me that the cargo pockets would be a good place to keep individually wrapped flushable moist wipes :-) In my usual state of semi-paranoia I wonder if cargo shorts (or cargo pants generally) will draw attention to me as an American in Crimea? Any other fashion do's or dont's or "must brings" or "mustn't brings" would be appreciated. Again, I am talking about Crimea in summer, not Russia. Also, any thoughts on the availability of sunblock? (I'm prone to skin cancer).

Posted by: Big wheel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1

(I'm prone to skin cancer).

where pants. That what i would do. or wear what ever you like. JUST GO AND HAVE FUN. We all are here for a little time so don't worry about what kind of shorts.

Posted by: Pin Boy

bring your own sun screen. how much room could it take up? you can wear shorts and not stand out so much. the fashion that many men wear in the summer in the fsu is nylon athletic shorts like adidas, slide type beach sandals, and t shirts. i would see many younger men (not sure of your age) dressed like this in kiev, not just at the beach. sadly, many men dress like this while working reconstruction projects with bricks and sheet rock. have a great trip!

pb

ps you could sling a back pack over your shoulder too, or a casual looking messenger type bag.

Posted by: Dave1

I am planning on taking 3oz of my own sunblock, along with as many other 3oz tubes of toothpaste, bottles of mouthwash, etc as I can fit in a 1 quart bag per TSA limitations for carryon luggage. I am not counting on my suitcase (and large bottle of sunblock) arriving, so all essentials must be in my carry-on, thus my concern about availability of sunblock.

I'm 49, so young man's fashions will look odd on me, even though I am physically fit.

Posted by: Raspberry

I have been in Ukraine times where there is warm weather, and I see almost nobody(particularly men) wear shorts....the only places I've seen shorts being worn were in Dnepropetrovsk and Odessa.

Although I like wearing them, I know I would stick out in the crowd. Then again, Crimea is more of resort type of place---so it could be normal.

But just an observation...

Posted by: Raspberry

Oh yes, about sunblock....I'm not sure about the quality, availability or price of sunscreen.

I remember when I went to Uruguay(South America), I ran out of sunscreen in the middle of the trip. Had to buy some, but it was expensive, and did not feel good on me.......and was a bit medicinal.

Word to the wise---bring your own and be safe and comfortable....

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

I have been in Ukraine times where there is warm weather, and I see almost nobody(particularly men) wear shorts....the only places I've seen shorts being worn were in Dnepropetrovsk and Odessa.

Although I like wearing them, I know I would stick out in the crowd. Then again, Crimea is more of resort type of place---so it could be normal.

But just an observation...

Agree Raspberry, the only place I ever saw a guy wearing shorts was an American from California, this was in the middle of Kharkov, he looked so out of place it was unbelievable, sure the weather was warm, but all the women were still dressed to the nines and the Ukrainian men were dressed in informal business attire, not shorts.

If you are going to spend all your time on the beach then that is different.

Posted by: shaun1000

I`ve been to the Crimea twice, shorts on the beach Da, shorts formal wear Nyet.

Posted by: freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

That sounds about right. Or just go to the nude beach - no wardrobe worries!

Quote:

Also, any thoughts on the availability of sunblock? (I'm prone to skin cancer).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Oh yes, about sunblock....I'm not sure about the quality, availability or price of sunscreen.

Word to the wise---bring your own and be safe and comfortable....

Sunblock is no problem, its available at almost all of the supermarkets, and from beach-side kiosks. They have the same system, so 8 or 12 is moderate protection, 25 or 30 is almost total sunblock. I always buy mine over there, I had a bottle leak in my bag once - messy! {shampoo or cologne can be wahed out, but sunblock is very oily/greasy - can ruin good clothes}

Posted by: Dave1

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaun1000

I`ve been to the Crimea twice, shorts on the beach Da, shorts formal wear Nyet.

Gotcha, dress for the occasion. I am still unclear about "cargo shorts". This is such a goofy looking style that I would like confirmation that it wouldn't mark me as a foreigner. Unlike most people that wear them, I would actually be using those extra pockets-- nothing really bulky mind you, primarilly individual packets of wet wipes (I take seriously the warnings about lack of toilet paper).

Posted by: freebird

Dave, shorts are not that bulky so it shouldn't take too much space to bring a couple pairs of "cargo"s and a couple pairs of the style you usually wear.

If you get there and they seem out of place you can easily have your girl take you to the bazzar {"Rinok" in Ukrainian}, there are hundreds of separate booths selling everything from shorts, suits, shoes to tools & toothpaste.

Then she can help you pick out something that she thinks looks good. The prices are not more than you might find in Wal-Mart.

Where is your girl from?

Quote:

I would actually be using those extra pockets-- nothing really bulky mind you, primarilly individual packets of wet wipes (I take seriously the warnings about lack of toilet paper).

Couple bits of advice. You can buy toilet paper there, but it is usually rather cheap quailty. Bring a roll or two if thats a problem. Always try to use the toilet while you are at a restaurant, most decent places have a regular toilet. If you have to go later, a public toilet will be probably kinda nasty and "primitive" style {just a hole in the floor}

Also my advice for packing is to divide your clothes in half, with each half in one {of two} suitcases. Make sure that each bag has some of everything, shorts, shirts, pants, socks etc. so that if ONE bag gets lost, you wont be without something. In most cases the lost bag will show up 4 - 10 days after you arrive, but might only be available for pickup in Kiev or Odessa {this happened to me}

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird

It amazes me how magnificient these railroad stations are....but they have holes on the floor as toilets!!

Also, if you are taking the train to anywhere, it is often not stocked. On the last one I took, they had TP, but no paper towels. AND the water faucets weren't working. So bring a few rolls of TP.....and actually what else is good to bring are those wipes with disinfectant...like baby wipes! I always take them!

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird

Also my advice for packing is to divide your clothes in half, with each half in one {of two} suitcases. Make sure that each bag has some of everything, shorts, shirts, pants, socks etc. so that if ONE bag gets lost, you wont be without something. In most cases the lost bag will show up 4 - 10 days after you arrive, but might only be available for pickup in Kiev or Odessa {this happened to me}

That is a good tip, Freebird, especially if you will be there over a week!

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Wonder if the Kharkov militsia interrogated and hand-searched this guy, too!

Posted by: Texas Proud

There were very few who wore shorts unless they were on the beach...

I stood out big time... but I did not care... but they dress up to walk along the shore... strange..

As for sunblock... you can buy it anywhere... take what you want, but you will be able to get some..

Posted by: Chrismc

I bet they did, he was way over the top, he dressed as though he was on the beach, no matter where he went, he saw me in the street one day and called my name, I was with a lady and nearly died, I just didn't want to be associated with him

you could see everyone staring at this idiot and thinking, American

he is one of the ones that give you guys a bad name.

Posted by: Dave1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Kharkov is a very long way from Yalta, or even Crimea, so I'm not sure you can use the same standard--sort of like comparing what they wear on the streets in Dallas to how people dress while vacationing in Galveston in the summer. My girl, who lives in Crimea, says it is very common for men to wear t-shirts and shorts in summer. My main question is whether "cargo shorts" are common, or are a uniquely American fashion.

Posted by: Pin Boy

just wear the darn cargo shorts and stop worrying!!

Posted by: Chrismc

Yes I know Dave, but I have been all over Ukraine and still only ever seen that guy in Kharkov, but what does it matter, do as Pinboy says, just wear them if you feel comfortable in them.

You will still stand out as a foreignor anyway, cargo shorts or not

Posted by: Pin Boy

i agree with chris. as someone once remarked to me, "you could dress like a Cossack and still stand out as a foreigner."

Posted by: Sparky114

HI

I agree with the guys above

I have been in Russia and Ukraine a total of 15 times, no matter what you take to wear, it MUST[U] be is something you are comfortable to wear!!!

If when you are there your worrying what you look like, you will not be giving your full attention to your lady and this will be a greater sin than you looking like a foreigner (which as the guys say above will happen no matter what)

Other than that just relax and have great trip

Mark

Posted by: Big wheel

Crimea is a tourist place and you will stick out. So don't worry about it. If you are than go there and do some shopping. JUST GO and have some fun.

Posted by: Dave1

Just got back from Yalta and thought I should update this thread. Uniform of the day in Yalta in June 2008 is shorts (cargo or otherwise), sandals, and a pullover shirt. Very few men in white athletic shoes, sandals being the norm. I saw as many men walking around in nothing but a speedo and sandals(no shirt) as I saw in long dark pants. Simferopol, however, was another pair of shoes. Simferopol attire was more formal with light colored trousers, and leather shoes as the norm; very few people in shorts or white athletic shoes in the part of Simferopol I saw, though shirts were often colorful. Baseball caps are right out.

Posted by: Sparky114

Hi Dave,

Glad to see you made it back in one piece

So what did you Wear then?

And how was your trip?

Mark

Posted by: freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1

Just got back from Yalta and thought I should update this thread. Uniform of the day in Yalta in June 2008 is shorts (cargo or otherwise), sandals, and a pullover shirt. Baseball caps are right out.

Good post, I think you got it right.

Posted by: Dave1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky114

Hi Dave,

Glad to see you made it back in one piece

So what did you Wear then?

And how was your trip?

Mark

I started out in black dockers, dark long sleeved shirt, dark tie, blue blazer, and black leather shoes. I completely sweated out this ensemble before I ever boarded the plane to Kiev in New York City. I was dripping by the time I cleared passport control in KBP, and left a puddle of sweat at baggage claim where I waited for hours for my suitcase that didn't come. I spent the majority of my time in Yalta in my cargo shorts, a pullover shirt I bought in Yalta, and my white Nike's.

My trip was great! My girl was even more wonderful than I imagined. We went to Swallow's Nest, Livadia Palace, Marble Cave, and the cobblestone beaches of the Black Sea. If you are going to spend much time on the beach, I highly recommend staying at Yalta Hotel--it has a private beach with lounges so you don't have to lay directly on the rocks, and is not as crowded as public beaches.

Posted by: Raspberry

Oh yes....the time I lost my luggage two years ago, I had to buy clothes. Happened to get cargo shorts at the flea market in Dnepropetrovsk, and in fact, saw some people wearing them there.