It's a bit eerie to watch this today and see how much has changed. Fast forward to today and some shelves are empty at the grocery stores and the cost of living has sky rocketed in North America. But, in hindsight, it's still better than what Ukraine is currently experiencing. Hope your family is safe in their cute little apartment 🤍
Listening to how you share your thoughts and feelings in such a deep and simple way is rewarding at the same time. See how you get excited when you talk about how badly the elderly are doing in your home country says a lot about how you are. Being aware of the luck you have had to be able to emigrate being such a child to a country that has allowed you and is allowing you to fulfill your dreams is comforting. Hopefully soon Ukraine can enter the European Union and all its inhabitants can improve their current conditions of life. You are a lovely person, I wish many more people were like you.
Hi Nataly! These are difficult times that we pass. Here in Brazil there are also many people unemployed and going through a lot of difficulty. I hope circumstances change for the better, of course.
Ms Mcleod, thank you so much for your kind reminder that we should all be grateful for what we have. If people can hold gratitude in their heart, they will feel warmth in heart and have glory on their face. Also, you poignantly pointed out the difficulties in Ukraine. I think you can give them more advice and encouragement, that will help a lot, because words from a kind heart will always be beneficial, and people will have a better life whenever they feel there is hope.
I stumbled on this by accident but I agree with you . I discovered the Ukraine back in 2012 and it was amazing and still exploring and my next trip April 2018 . Even though life is hard there , the people are beautiful and that was magical to me and have made many friends now . Smiles and Cheers from Sydney Australia Ric
This video really makes you sit back and think about everything very sad I hope things improve in Ukraine especially for the seniors living on pensions that was one one that really got me
This is a thoughtful video. I stumbled upon your channel while looking at various plant based diet videos, but I am pleased to see you have additional videos, and your comments in this video resonated with me. My grandfather was born in the Odessa region, and as an infant emigrated with his parents to Canada and later to the US. Perhaps there is a faint echo of similarity to your family in that. I have always thought that this decision made by my great grandparents to make that arduous journey, is the defining moment in "my" life (in a sense). My family lives a life, as you noted, of tremendous opportunity, largely free of basic survival challenges here in North America. A life not lived through communist decades, a life not lived in the midst of WWII, and difficulties of current corruption. Your thoughts are well taken. The bravery of that decision made long ago by my great grandparents, and many like them in the interviewing decades, should illuminate our own life challenges and decisions today. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.
Thank you so much, Christopher. I very much agree that it's interesting how the brave decisions of our ancestors really do place a pivital role in our lives long after they were made. It takes a lot of courage to leave your home country without knowing what awaits you and if you could come back. I was lucky enough growing up my Mom and I got to visit every couple of years, but there's many even now who leave and can't afford to go back that often. It's important to always find light in any situation.
Your remarks are very very true. We all need to have gratitude for all that life has given us. Its ironic that now unemployed people have to attend "gratitude" classes in order to understand the concept of gratitude. The "American Dream" however is not everything. The citizens of Ukraine also have an inner richness that money cannot buy. Thank you for this video. Its the influence of those from Ukraine and their values that are making many who meet them more caring and less self centered. We exist as a society to care for each other. Individualism on its own is living life in a "me" centered bubble. We are all members of society no matter where we come from.
This apartment looks like it’s in central area in Kyiv, any big city like NYC in US has same situation- a couple of generations live in same apt since they can’t get their own, or have locked rent prices and live in tiny apts with like 5 kids for years because of location. Any big city at that matter, also I still can get education for free in Ukraine and make money without any debt you would face in US (not sure about Canada). Bribery is still there tho and so is pensions. But plenty of homeless of the streets in US, much younger. Ukraine has changed a lot and there is no real reason to say living in US or Canada is a blessing, if you would move to a metropolitan area like Vancouver with no family or friends things would look the same way.
Hello Alina, first of all big hello from warm and sunny Los Angeles. I recently became a big fan of yours, really enjoyed your videos about Kiev. I am planning to visit Ukraine for the first time this year and had so many questions about whether the media here was portraying Ukraine correctly and I was blown away by what I’ve been missing and how safe and exciting the city is, and how wonderful the people are, so thank you for sharing xoxo. More importantly I wanted to add to your video here that yes we in the west do take many things for granted. I myself work in banking and finance it seems that people never have enough and always want more; the latest gadgets, new cars, where you go to school, social status, your clothes, the way you speak, and yet a lot of people I know suffer from depression and aren’t happy but struggle to pretend to be. I had to work hard and didn’t grow up with a lot of money, experienced insecure people who made fun of my car in college, or the way I dressed, or that I was poor when I was younger, so I felt it made me stronger and respect people and appreciate things and not waste. I knew people I went to university with who grew up with everything given to them and they fall apart when life throws them a curve ball and they don’t get what they want or when that money disappears... maybe that’s why dating is tough in LA lol... anyways enough with the rant. Keep those videos going. Big hugs from LA!
Thank you so much for the support. Ukraine is a very special place and even though it has its share of problems, I think it's definitely under-rated as being a great place for tourism. We could all use getting out of our bubble, as with the examples you gave, that life is far more than the superficial and we should appreciate all we have. All the best to you
Thanks for putting things in perspective...Things we take for granted if we have them.. Food fights ,lol..that was funny.. I came to your channel through the dating beyond borders video where u played a Russian girl and I was convinced you are.. The accent u did there was awesome.. best of luck and keep it up :)
Oh my goodness I've been feeling the same way. Every day after my yoga sessions or before I go to bed, I remember to express gratitude for everything I have. I am so damn privileged it makes me cringe sometimes.
That's fantastic you do that. It's so easy to forget sometimes the things we would sorely miss if they were taken away. Gratitude just makes our lives so much richer as well
Are you saying entitled? As islamic demands you use every extreme to accomplish? Not the same as dignity in humble gratitude just thought I'd give you a, "heads up". Oops didn't mean to tempt your jihads... The culture you address here is a loyal and kind ancient one not merely a fad… YVO
Love this Video! Very realistic and honest. They say England is a land of shoppers, France is a land of chefs, but Canada is the land of Immigrants. Lots of first generation Canadians are very thankful for the wide opportunities that is available. Toronto and Montreal have many , many first generation Canadians. But Second Generation Canadians are not that much thankful. Your video is the best so far I have seen in RUclips. Not only are you pretty but you have a very nice character, which not many people have. Proud to be Canadian Also, from Montreal.
Now you are talking. Very serious interesting, deep stuff. So opening my eyes. Thanks a lot for the info. Now I can understand better. Keep nice and well. Cheers.
Alina...I am an American...and I feel, exactly the way you do about "Privilege in the West"....thank you for "summing it up, Perfectly". I could not have said, all that you said any better or more beautifully! This video is very "special"...you have such great insight into the "differences between the Ukraine and America/Canada"! Thank you for telling the World about the "Truth" about economic depression in the Ukraine and even disgraceful Russian political intervention in this autonomous country, the Ukraine. The Ukraine is not Russia and it is very sad that Russia has bullied it's cousin the Ukraine...they use to be best friends...and should still be...they will be again when the political environment in Russia changes...and it will...with new political leaders, younger hopefully...whom will look to the "West" for freedom and a free economy...less corruption...and social programs to help the elderly...higher wages....no "Russian/Ukrainian Mafia".....an American/Canadian style of "Ukrainian Capitalism" and "Free Markets"...Judeo/Christian values...as taught in the Orthodox Russian Church. You should be proud of being both Ukrainian and Russian...the countries are brothers/sisters and have a "shared" culture, tradition and even Russian speaking Ukrainians...all great but no Russian usurping or bullying of it's brother....this is unacceptable and I hope that American and Canada will help the Ukraine both militarily and economically to stop Russian intervention in Ukrainian government.....God Bless You....I will follow your videos...with pleasure....I have a Ukrainian girlfriend that I Love....so I am involved.....S.H.W.
of course, according to western political agenda, Russia disgracefully intervened. If one dives into the history of the region and checks the amount of Russians and Ukrainians not happy with imposed policy of drifting towards Europe, yanking out Russian business out of Ukraine and so on... you would understand why there is an internal conflict of forces, some are backed by the West and some by Russia. There are hundreds of thousands - if not millions- of mixed Russian-Ukrainian families, where the West doesn't give a *hit about and intervenes. Of course USSR was not a role model, but you can see how former republics join back together: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan...Why would they - ask yourself a question.
Steve Wilkins. What a crock of poo. I see you've been nicely worked over by Ukrainian/Western propaganda. There was a homicidal, anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine in February 2014, aided and abetted by the West. This coup brought extreme right-wing nationalists and mass-murderers to power. They promised to move Ukraine into NATO, kick the Russian navy out of its historic base in the Crimea, and forbid the use of Russian as an official regional language in eastern Ukraine. Because Ukraine is a mashup of various disparate lands cobbled together randomly by those evil Soviets, what seemed like a good policy in one part of the country, the nationalistic western and central part, appeared as unacceptable in another part, the historically Russian south and east. It is the most predictable thing in the world that a murderous armed usurpation of the government by extreme Ukrainian nationalists would bring a reaction in the pro-Russian parts of the country - which is precisely what happened. Russia's intervention, to protect its vital security interests and its ethnic kin on its historic land, was predictable, understandable, and vastly more justifiable than the innumerable violations of national sovereignty that have been perpetrated by the West over the last 20 years. Indeed, as someone from an eastern Ukrainian city, Kharkov, I regret that the Russians did not also rescue my city, and other southern and eastern areas, from the murderous, chaotic, incompetent, and hyper-corrupt neo-Nazi Banderovite regime in Kiev. Russia might have its own problems, but compared to Ukraine, it is Switzerland! - as the Crimeans, to their unending pleasure, are finding out. As for the West bringing their wonderful progressive democracy and rule of law to the benighted of this world, wake up Steve Wilkins, and your Ukrainian girlfriend too! Take a close look at what has been happening in the world over the last 20 years. However prosperous and advanced it may be on the inside, to the outside world the West has brought only perpetual war, death, destruction, impoverishment, and chaos. I am talking about Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine. With help like that, it is better to just throw yourself off a cliff. And one last thing: if the West doesn't come to its senses and end its messianic megalomaniacal quest for total world domination, it will cause a catastrophic war with one of the other great powers, endangering its very existence, however enlightened, prosperous, and progressive that existence may be.
You are a smart lady. Regardless of how low the wage is in Ukraine. You cannot compare their wage and standard of living compare to us in Canada. Everything is much much cheaper in Ukraine compare to here. Cell phone bill is like $4 a month compare to $100. My brother in law which lives Kyiv. He is making over 1k usd a month working as a developer. So it really depend on which field and job you have. Under our current government in Canada. Soon our living condition will end up much much worse than Ukraine.
Yes, I know you have to compare price to wage in both countries, but I meant it more in the sense of once people are in Ukraine working at an average job, it is very difficult for them to extend outside of Ukraine and play on the global scale as we in Canada are able to do. Even with prices being much lower it is still difficult for most people to afford average items at the current point in time. I do hope it will get better.
Nice to see you in Ukraine! I witnessed what was happening to the elderly there in Ukraine. On my last mission trip to Ukraine back in 2011 - 2012. Whenever I saw the elderly in the streets would hand them 20 hryvnia, it's not enough but I know it helps them.
From another Ukrainian Canadian family to your own thanks you for Youtubing. I like your video and will try to keep up with any more you make. There certainly is a lot of subject to cover which could tell the story of human race, culture and loving families then, now and all the love so many have never found from both sides of the water. I also have a story with definitive cultural influences’. However I was raised constantly reminded of the prejudices the rest of Canadian cultures have toward Ukrainian blood lines. Now I am older and knowledgeable however the bias against me because I come from a peoples who cherish love and cultivate healthy family values, I as so very many are simply worn down by liberal north American demands designed to genocide not merely my DNA but the stronghold of what I gather was the strength of Ukrainian cultures our love for family and raising children with no less dignity than our very own. PS. I will try to make clear reason should I write comments again. Until I should say, Thank you for sparking what is good once again, God bless.
USA & Canada are way more organised than Ukraine, so we are very fortunate. I'm in sympathy with Ukraine for it's many srruggles. They've gone through a lot, and needn't have Russia threaten them with war ever so often.
I have the Sony A5000. I REALLY like it considering how good the quality is for the price. Great little camera to have for on the go or sit down videos.
Alina Mcleod, I just check the specs because I just bought a Canon T3. Woah, your Sony has impressive video quality for compact it is. I think my camera only supports up to 720p video but I'll make up for it with lighting techniques)
I grew up in Ukraine and moved to Canada 14 years ago. So, I am a so called Canadian Ukrainian now. In the last few years I go to Ukraine every year. Mom mom still lives there. And I know very well, first hand experience what the life is in Ukraine. Your videos have a very perverted image of Ukraine. It is a tearful humbling confession, which is absolutely not correct and gives a twisted information about the country. First of all, I have never seen the bums seniors on the streets. They might exist I am not arguing that, but they are definitely not the majority of the bums. The majority is the drug users and alcoholics, just as in Canada. Second, your counted blessings in North America are coming at the very high price of a financial slavery to your credit debts and being not even able to enjoy your life before retirement because you are so stressed out about your savings for the retirement. All that because the children do not care about the parents. You think Ukraine needs more institutions to care for seniors, more nursery homes where those seniors would be confined...I think that is a shame of the western society, and God forbid Ukrainian people would adopt such a shameful system!!!! I think the custom to care for the elders does not steam from the financial necessity but from the natural gratitude for what they have done for us, a younger generation!! I would die of shame if I put my mom into the nursery house!!!! I grew up with my grandma living with us all her life. Definitely not because she hadn't have a place to live! She moved with us from her own house, but because it was my mom's duty to help her when she was old. Something that the selfish American society cannot process in their minds. Then, when you give those frightful numbers as for the pension and for the salary, you forget to tell that the rent of an apartment in Ukraine, in average cost about 50-100$ per month. That is a good apartment. If it is Kyiv, then of course it would be more, but the salary in Kyiv is not 500$ either. The average in Kyiv would be about 1000$. Could be more, it really depends on the occupation. So, don't try to make it look as all Canadians and Americans have to wake up and go to bed with a prayer of gratitude for not living in such an unfortunate country as Ukraine. It is so so not true and so a biased point of view!!!! I think Americans, including Canadians, cannot open their minds to really appreciate something beyond the money value. The culture that Ukraine has, the art, history, the food and folk art, all that and much more has a way more value than your thousands of dollars. Besides, I finished the university in Ukraine without much efforts too. I did all that I was dreaming about. It is not true that Ukrainians cannot have a higher education if they want to. The percentage of people graduating from the post secondary educational establishments is higher in Ukraine than in Canada. And I was travelling while I lived there and I went to the sea coast every summer...and I am from a very average middle class family. So, no, Ukrainians are not so deprived as you want to show in your video. And those years when the shelves were empty, I lived them through, they were brief and not so disastrous as you want to picture them. As for Canada for example, your generation may not remember such upheavals, but the older generation who lived through dirty thirstiest, for example, it would tell you exact same stories. So, read the history and understand that times are changing for every country and every nation. What you see today, people a 100 years ago haven't seen...and who knows what your grandchildren will see here... If after my ardent speech you would ask me why didn't I stay in Ukraine if I like it so much, I would answer you that I was young and stupid and the wind of adventures carried me away... Happens. But that doesn't mean I would blindly bash my homeland for the sake of dollars I am making here... No. Ukraine is a way better than you are portraying it.
despite the incorrect numbers we all know the standard of living in Ukraine and Russia etc is lower than that or north america unless you have a bomb ass job etc. ive seen documentaries
i guess, it is not a question of what country is better but how Ukraine is portrayed. Most of Ukranians are just fed up trying to explain that red lipstic, borsh and Chernobyl mutants are not symbols of our country and every aspect of everyday life should be comparative. Like, it is fun to hear only once something like:"- Oh, you are Russian? Then why aren't you drunk?", or:"- You are not a true Canadian because you are not holding a hockey stick", or even:"- Ha, americans are those fat people in vans with burger in the left hand and the gun in the right one while shooting children at school". But when you are facing partners who literally believe that Ukraine is desperate and it's workers are supposed to be treated like garbage because it is somehow OK, i am SO sorry, there is no respect for those who disseminate false information
RiBeautyFashion - not a time to use Ukraine and Russia in the same sentence, since the western coup and overthrow of Ukraine's government. Russia has advanced tremendously in the last 20 years. Really sad what has happened in Ukraine. My wife's family has been slip up because of it.
Nataliya Sharlay...The stats for Kiev are updated regularly, on "NUBERO" and other sites. You are wrong, Alina is correct about the average monthly wage. Also, yes, social programs have gotten out of hand in the west, but they are a safety net for those who truly need them. It's the ideal, that everyone takes care of their own, but we know that's not the reality in any country!
There's honestly nothing too crazy you need to learn. Just do some research of the area you're staying in since other than in Kiev there's not always a lot of English help and guidance. If you are ever invited to someone's home, always bring a gift. And always take money out of atm inside a bank since ones randomly on the street can sometimes be sketchy.
I am grateful living as minority in a large Muslim country. Not every aspect of our life is easy, so much challenges and yet we still find ways to thriving forward. We enjoys every hardship we endured due to our belief, because this make our heart and spirit stronger. Thanks for your thoughts. Best wishes for Ukraine, from Indonesia.
Watching this in 2022 it's much easier to understand what you say. I am sure no one could possibly imagine at that time lives in Ukraine are only getting worse after just 5 years
I'm an American that got to live in Ukraine for 2 years for a government-funded program. It is a very nice country and nice people. I know many Americans living in Ukraine (teachers, business professionals, peace corps, etc).
До боли в сердце типичная и оттого ещё более грустная картина большей части постсоветского пространства. И особую боль, конечно, вызывает состояние славянской семьи и взаимоотношения, как внутри неё, так и внутри европейской цивилизации в целом. Но правители приходят и уходят, а остаётся правда и любовь. И красота, как у повествующей героини с нежной грустью. Красота способная менять мир к лучшему и не дающая погаснуть надежде на его спасение. Wish You fantastic run throughout all your life!
I am form Auatralia and i feel lucky to have what i have))) what you said in this video i could not agree more, i feel the need to experiance Ukraine and this wonderful culture and people,i can not help everyone but i be more then happy to help people in need when i viset,you are so right that people complain about nothing really,I lost half of my family but this only makes me more determine to live my life.there are people in this much worse of then i am. kind regard doug.
Hi, Alina another nice video a little sad about the elderly as that kinda thing shouldn't happen anywhere.U mentioned how the economy in Ukraine hasn't changed where wages have stayed the same but the cost of living has gone up, is that situation still the same today or has the job creation and wages increased over time. do pobachennya JERI
Pryvit Alina, I watched ur video when u did ur workout I forget what it was called something 57 I think anyways I been weight training 4 20 yrs if theirs any advice you'd like I can give I've got alot of experience
Hi I was adopted and found out that my dad was Ukrainian my mom is native but I'm more Ukrainian than the other how do I learn more about myself another Canadian ...Edmonton..
That's awesome. I'd say probably go to a service that provides family trees/dna scans and then maybe you could visit the areas where your family lived.
OMG, you are looking so pretty as if an angel from heaven has just arrived on earth to spread her charm and bring a million dollar smile on whosoever she meets. I am just awestruck with your elegant looks.
Labas.Taip esate gražios.Ka galiu pasakyti apie bendravimą.Nemanau kad nori su manim bendrauti tu nori plataus rato dėmesio.Aš mėgstu kas su manimi bendrauja atvirai be trūkumų.Viena detalė viską keičia.💟👍🌹🌹🌹💞☺
Are you a Canadian citizen now? I got my US citizenship 7 years ago and so thankful for it! At first, I didn’t want to get it but now I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, especially with the crazy president we have now. 🤪
That's awesome! Yes, I basically became a Canadian citizen 7 years ago as well which is kind of funny. My Mom wasn't sure whether she wanted to give up Ukrainian citizenship yet so I had to wait til I was 18 to apply and then about 2 years for all the paperwork to go through. We are so fortunate :) Even with crazy politics haha
Most people do. There are many social services available and no matter what income you make you are able to have your basic needs met in a home once you are a senior citizen.
As an American I support immigration but legally not people stealing into your nation. When they steal in you have no idea who is coming into your nation. You get drug pushers and transporters and human traffickers . MS13 gangs and all the horrors that come with that. Teach people how to fish or do a job and learn the benefits of Capitalism that will bring people out of poverty. The elderly are another issue and you have to help them financially, no time to learn a new job.
It's 2023 now, I like the idea of many generations living under one roof, but it can be hard. Now in Ukraine everything is gone, how will Ukraine come back from this?
Not based on luck. But on the circumstances. But still the middle class in the US is far worse than in Canada, when we Americans do not guarantee health care.
The problem is youth leaving Ukraine. Pensioners have no way to live off their pensions because there's too few younger people employed who are paying new revenues into the system and governments always find a way to steal from the pension system to divert the money for other priorities and to greedy individuals who buy off the politicians. The other reason the pension system is failing to support pensioners is due to inflation because an increase in the issuance of currency erodes its purchasing power. The best retirement plan is where one prepares him/herself holding solid reserves in gold, silver and the like. Obtaining it little by little.
How is the hottest women in the world doing, Thank you for all your help, I just got back from Kiev. It was so Awesome, Met so many great people. Your a very Awesome women, was able to help 40 orphans celebrate up and coming Independence day, Wow, I fell in love with Ukraine, Not so much the night life, I never once went the clubs, God is very much alive there, Its getting better, Keep in touch, Next time I go I will hire one of you family to show me around if you like, Belus
Moving there in May, Was going for 3 months but may volunteer and go 1 years to help teach English to the orphans, The future of Ukraine is in her youth, :) My family is totally against it, But I live for me!!! Stay blessed and stay beautiful Alina, Belus
Such a twisted vision of Ukraine. Exaggerated and twisted, with the luck of a real personal experience of actually living there. This is the American perception of the world that is different from theirs...in many instances very much not true at all. Very irritating.
Hopefully soon, Ukraine will join the European Union and NATO. Life will then steadily improve. What is heartbreaking is that Ukraine has to spend so much of it's money fighting Russian aggression in the east of the country, instead of investing in it's infrastructure and job creation. I fully agree with you that people who engage in food fights are really committing outrageous and completely unacceptable behaviour !
Delirium. What about NATO members such as: Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Estonia...they are all poor. Neither the EU nor NATO saves from poverty.
Всё, что ты описала абсолютно верно во всех странах поганого СНГ, в том числе и у нас, Казахстане. Но в Украине хотя бы свобода есть, в отличие от нас. Everything you're telling is as sad as true for every CIS (post Soviet cleptocratic) country including Qazaqstan that I belong to. Though Ukraine can boast and enjoy Freedom unlike CIS
Hey Shiva, thanks. It's a very complex situation. Of course personally I do not think it was right for Russia to take Crimea amongst other things, but I don't have any sort of animosity towards Russian people since most people don't want war or tension between the two countries either. My heritage is Russian so I feel just as much Russian as Ukrainian.
hey girl, some people say beauty and smart don't came in same package but just prove them wrong missy and one more thing what do u think vegetarian is it ok
Yes. Ukraine is filled with wonderful people. Especially in the Western part where the hutsul live :) Although, we have to do something about the genocide being committed against the dogs in this country. I’ve never seen anything like it. People think it’s ok to kill dogs like they are ants or not alive. In other countries this is jail time. In this country people seem to do nothing about it.
I have been to Ukraine twice (Kiev+Kharkov) and I agree with you. I also noticed that people have a lot of pride, which may explain how people don't show or complain about their situation. I admire that since here in USA, liberals cry out for anything and don't appreciate the country they live in. They take just about everything for granted. Cheers Alina.
The economic situation in Ukraine is very complicated, but it is a result of horrible Soviet governing prior to 90s and usurpation of all political power by the very first corrupt politicians of independent Ukraine (Kravchuk and Kuchma). They established this corrupt criminal oligarch political system of which Ukraine can't get rid of until this day. Soviet people never had a chance to have they own pension funds and they rely on government pensions, but right now the amount of taxes payed by working people is only enough to cover these tiny 70 dollar pensions. And there is no way to raise taxes because the income is so low as it is. So the pensioners who worked during Soviet era are now the most vulnerable. It's a desperate situation, a dead end. Russia can afford to pay a slightly higher wages and pensions only because they sell ridiculous amounts of oil, gas and other natural resources. Ukraine doesn't have a lot of those. But younger people now have better options, they can start thinking about old age beforehand and not rely on state pensions so much. I know that I won't have a good pension from the government so I start saving up while I'm young.
It's very sad indeed. I know the past doesn't show promise, but wouldn't it be incredible if Ukraine actually got a government that lifted up the country and allowed everyone to prosper? Ukraine has so much to offer the world. I really hope things continue to change for the better.
It's a bit eerie to watch this today and see how much has changed. Fast forward to today and some shelves are empty at the grocery stores and the cost of living has sky rocketed in North America. But, in hindsight, it's still better than what Ukraine is currently experiencing. Hope your family is safe in their cute little apartment 🤍
❤️❤️❤️
Listening to how you share your thoughts and feelings in such a deep and simple way is rewarding at the same time. See how you get excited when you talk about how badly the elderly are doing in your home country says a lot about how you are. Being aware of the luck you have had to be able to emigrate being such a child to a country that has allowed you and is allowing you to fulfill your dreams is comforting. Hopefully soon Ukraine can enter the European Union and all its inhabitants can improve their current conditions of life. You are a lovely person, I wish many more people were like you.
Aw thank you. I hope they can enter the EU as well and that there is then more positive regulation in their government. All the best
Thankful to be living in Canada. Ukraine has been through a lot. Hard to believe seniors in Ukraine get by on so little.
Hi Nataly! These are difficult times that we pass. Here in Brazil there are also many people unemployed and going through a lot of difficulty. I hope circumstances change for the better, of course.
Ms Mcleod, thank you so much for your kind reminder that we should all be grateful for what we have. If people can hold gratitude in their heart, they will feel warmth in heart and have glory on their face. Also, you poignantly pointed out the difficulties in Ukraine. I think you can give them more advice and encouragement, that will help a lot, because words from a kind heart will always be beneficial, and people will have a better life whenever they feel there is hope.
Absolutely
I love that you're so humble! like you said, there are so many people I know here in the United States that take all of their blessings for granted.
We're all guilty of it sometimes. Thank you :)
I stumbled on this by accident but I agree with you . I discovered the Ukraine back in 2012 and it was amazing and still exploring and my next trip April 2018 . Even though life is hard there , the people are beautiful and that was magical to me and have made many friends now .
Smiles and Cheers from Sydney Australia
Ric
That's wonderful!
This video really makes you sit back and think about everything very sad I hope things improve in Ukraine especially for the seniors living on pensions that was one one that really got me
This is a thoughtful video. I stumbled upon your channel while looking at various plant based diet videos, but I am pleased to see you have additional videos, and your comments in this video resonated with me.
My grandfather was born in the Odessa region, and as an infant emigrated with his parents to Canada and later to the US. Perhaps there is a faint echo of similarity to your family in that. I have always thought that this decision made by my great grandparents to make that arduous journey, is the defining moment in "my" life (in a sense). My family lives a life, as you noted, of tremendous opportunity, largely free of basic survival challenges here in North America. A life not lived through communist decades, a life not lived in the midst of WWII, and difficulties of current corruption.
Your thoughts are well taken. The bravery of that decision made long ago by my great grandparents, and many like them in the interviewing decades, should illuminate our own life challenges and decisions today.
Thank you for taking the time to make the video.
Thank you so much, Christopher. I very much agree that it's interesting how the brave decisions of our ancestors really do place a pivital role in our lives long after they were made. It takes a lot of courage to leave your home country without knowing what awaits you and if you could come back. I was lucky enough growing up my Mom and I got to visit every couple of years, but there's many even now who leave and can't afford to go back that often. It's important to always find light in any situation.
Your remarks are very very true. We all need to have gratitude for all that life has given us. Its ironic that now unemployed people have to attend "gratitude" classes in order to understand the concept of gratitude. The "American Dream" however is not everything. The citizens of Ukraine also have an inner richness that money cannot buy. Thank you for this video. Its the influence of those from Ukraine and their values that are making many who meet them more caring and less self centered. We exist as a society to care for each other. Individualism on its own is living life in a "me" centered bubble. We are all members of society no matter where we come from.
That what you said was soo true and I'm sure many people, including me, needed to hear this
This apartment looks like it’s in central area in Kyiv, any big city like NYC in US has same situation- a couple of generations live in same apt since they can’t get their own, or have locked rent prices and live in tiny apts with like 5 kids for years because of location. Any big city at that matter, also I still can get education for free in Ukraine and make money without any debt you would face in US (not sure about Canada). Bribery is still there tho and so is pensions. But plenty of homeless of the streets in US, much younger. Ukraine has changed a lot and there is no real reason to say living in US or Canada is a blessing, if you would move to a metropolitan area like Vancouver with no family or friends things would look the same way.
I was in the US military and traveled ALL over the world and saw pitiful things that broke my heart...we are blessed !!!!!!!!!
Hello Alina, first of all big hello from warm and sunny Los Angeles. I recently became a big fan of yours, really enjoyed your videos about Kiev. I am planning to visit Ukraine for the first time this year and had so many questions about whether the media here was portraying Ukraine correctly and I was blown away by what I’ve been missing and how safe and exciting the city is, and how wonderful the people are, so thank you for sharing xoxo. More importantly I wanted to add to your video here that yes we in the west do take many things for granted. I myself work in banking and finance it seems that people never have enough and always want more; the latest gadgets, new cars, where you go to school, social status, your clothes, the way you speak, and yet a lot of people I know suffer from depression and aren’t happy but struggle to pretend to be. I had to work hard and didn’t grow up with a lot of money, experienced insecure people who made fun of my car in college, or the way I dressed, or that I was poor when I was younger, so I felt it made me stronger and respect people and appreciate things and not waste. I knew people I went to university with who grew up with everything given to them and they fall apart when life throws them a curve ball and they don’t get what they want or when that money disappears... maybe that’s why dating is tough in LA lol... anyways enough with the rant. Keep those videos going. Big hugs from LA!
Thank you so much for the support. Ukraine is a very special place and even though it has its share of problems, I think it's definitely under-rated as being a great place for tourism. We could all use getting out of our bubble, as with the examples you gave, that life is far more than the superficial and we should appreciate all we have. All the best to you
Thanks for putting things in perspective...Things we take for granted if we have them..
Food fights ,lol..that was funny..
I came to your channel through the dating beyond borders video where u played a Russian girl and I was convinced you are..
The accent u did there was awesome..
best of luck and keep it up :)
Thanks so much, Antrix. We definitely need to be more conscious of all the amazing things in our lives no matter where we live.
Oh my goodness I've been feeling the same way. Every day after my yoga sessions or before I go to bed, I remember to express gratitude for everything I have. I am so damn privileged it makes me cringe sometimes.
That's fantastic you do that. It's so easy to forget sometimes the things we would sorely miss if they were taken away. Gratitude just makes our lives so much richer as well
Are you saying entitled? As islamic demands you use every extreme to accomplish? Not the same as dignity in humble gratitude just thought I'd give you a, "heads up". Oops didn't mean to tempt your jihads... The culture you address here is a loyal and kind ancient one not merely a fad… YVO
Love this Video! Very realistic and honest. They say England is a land of shoppers, France is a land of chefs, but Canada is the land of Immigrants. Lots of first generation Canadians are very thankful for the wide opportunities that is available. Toronto and Montreal have many , many first generation Canadians. But Second Generation Canadians are not that much thankful. Your video is the best so far I have seen in RUclips. Not only are you pretty but you have a very nice character, which not many people have. Proud to be Canadian Also, from Montreal.
aw thank you
Now you are talking. Very serious interesting, deep stuff.
So opening my eyes.
Thanks a lot for the info. Now I can understand better.
Keep nice and well. Cheers.
Alina...I am an American...and I feel, exactly the way you do about "Privilege in the West"....thank you for "summing it up, Perfectly". I could not have said, all that you said any better or more beautifully! This video is very "special"...you have such great insight into the "differences between the Ukraine and America/Canada"! Thank you for telling the World about the "Truth" about economic depression in the Ukraine and even disgraceful Russian political intervention in this autonomous country, the Ukraine. The Ukraine is not Russia and it is very sad that Russia has bullied it's cousin the Ukraine...they use to be best friends...and should still be...they will be again when the political environment in Russia changes...and it will...with new political leaders, younger hopefully...whom will look to the "West" for freedom and a free economy...less corruption...and social programs to help the elderly...higher wages....no "Russian/Ukrainian Mafia".....an American/Canadian style of "Ukrainian Capitalism" and "Free Markets"...Judeo/Christian values...as taught in the Orthodox Russian Church. You should be proud of being both Ukrainian and Russian...the countries are brothers/sisters and have a "shared" culture, tradition and even Russian speaking Ukrainians...all great but no Russian usurping or bullying of it's brother....this is unacceptable and I hope that American and Canada will help the Ukraine both militarily and economically to stop Russian intervention in Ukrainian government.....God Bless You....I will follow your videos...with pleasure....I have a Ukrainian girlfriend that I Love....so I am involved.....S.H.W.
Thanks so much, Steve. I am definitely proud to be both Russian and Ukrainian and I hope as well that they will find peace. All the best
of course, according to western political agenda, Russia disgracefully intervened. If one dives into the history of the region and checks the amount of Russians and Ukrainians not happy with imposed policy of drifting towards Europe, yanking out Russian business out of Ukraine and so on... you would understand why there is an internal conflict of forces, some are backed by the West and some by Russia. There are hundreds of thousands - if not millions- of mixed Russian-Ukrainian families, where the West doesn't give a *hit about and intervenes. Of course USSR was not a role model, but you can see how former republics join back together: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan...Why would they - ask yourself a question.
Steve Wilkins. What a crock of poo. I see you've been nicely worked over by Ukrainian/Western propaganda. There was a homicidal, anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine in February 2014, aided and abetted by the West. This coup brought extreme right-wing nationalists and mass-murderers to power. They promised to move Ukraine into NATO, kick the Russian navy out of its historic base in the Crimea, and forbid the use of Russian as an official regional language in eastern Ukraine. Because Ukraine is a mashup of various disparate lands cobbled together randomly by those evil Soviets, what seemed like a good policy in one part of the country, the nationalistic western and central part, appeared as unacceptable in another part, the historically Russian south and east. It is the most predictable thing in the world that a murderous armed usurpation of the government by extreme Ukrainian nationalists would bring a reaction in the pro-Russian parts of the country - which is precisely what happened. Russia's intervention, to protect its vital security interests and its ethnic kin on its historic land, was predictable, understandable, and vastly more justifiable than the innumerable violations of national sovereignty that have been perpetrated by the West over the last 20 years. Indeed, as someone from an eastern Ukrainian city, Kharkov, I regret that the Russians did not also rescue my city, and other southern and eastern areas, from the murderous, chaotic, incompetent, and hyper-corrupt neo-Nazi Banderovite regime in Kiev. Russia might have its own problems, but compared to Ukraine, it is Switzerland! - as the Crimeans, to their unending pleasure, are finding out. As for the West bringing their wonderful progressive democracy and rule of law to the benighted of this world, wake up Steve Wilkins, and your Ukrainian girlfriend too! Take a close look at what has been happening in the world over the last 20 years. However prosperous and advanced it may be on the inside, to the outside world the West has brought only perpetual war, death, destruction, impoverishment, and chaos. I am talking about Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine. With help like that, it is better to just throw yourself off a cliff. And one last thing: if the West doesn't come to its senses and end its messianic megalomaniacal quest for total world domination, it will cause a catastrophic war with one of the other great powers, endangering its very existence, however enlightened, prosperous, and progressive that existence may be.
You are a smart lady. Regardless of how low the wage is in Ukraine. You cannot compare their wage and standard of living compare to us in Canada. Everything is much much cheaper in Ukraine compare to here. Cell phone bill is like $4 a month compare to $100. My brother in law which lives Kyiv. He is making over 1k usd a month working as a developer. So it really depend on which field and job you have. Under our current government in Canada. Soon our living condition will end up much much worse than Ukraine.
Yes, I know you have to compare price to wage in both countries, but I meant it more in the sense of once people are in Ukraine working at an average job, it is very difficult for them to extend outside of Ukraine and play on the global scale as we in Canada are able to do. Even with prices being much lower it is still difficult for most people to afford average items at the current point in time. I do hope it will get better.
Just like people making $15/hr in Canada. It is nearly impossible for them to travel as well. Grass is never greener on the other side.
your comment was 3 years ago, now the gov will bring 1M immigrants to improve the nation
@@billybetts936 More like sink the nation.
I enjoy the videos you made. They are honest and unpretentious. You must be a smart lady. Cheers
Aw thank you. That's very kind of you to say.
Alina Mcleod I am Indian I want to settle in Belarus it's good or bad replay
A Wiranggayudha hi
I really enjoyed your prospective. Changed my mindset on a lot. Thanks
You are very smart Aline.
I follow all her videos.
They are very well produced. A question?
you must be a model, right?
I am from Kiev thank you for interesting facts!!!
Nice to see you in Ukraine! I witnessed what was happening to the elderly there in Ukraine. On my last mission trip to Ukraine back in 2011 - 2012. Whenever I saw the elderly in the streets would hand them 20 hryvnia, it's not enough but I know it helps them.
Alina, don't be sad. enjoy life, your doing good in your video and your story "CHEER"
Thank you
Hi ma'am Thaks for sharing this video GodBless yuo allways and yuors family
Quality video. I found it by looking for info on Ukraine which has fascinated me since Maiden. Very best of luck to you from a Sasky!
Thank you so much. Right back at you from a sasky!
From another Ukrainian Canadian family to your own thanks you for Youtubing. I like your video and will try to keep up with any more you make. There certainly is a lot of subject to cover which could tell the story of human race, culture and loving families then, now and all the love so many have never found from both sides of the water. I also have a story with definitive cultural influences’. However I was raised constantly reminded of the prejudices the rest of Canadian cultures have toward Ukrainian blood lines. Now I am older and knowledgeable however the bias against me because I come from a peoples who cherish love and cultivate healthy family values, I as so very many are simply worn down by liberal north American demands designed to genocide not merely my DNA but the stronghold of what I gather was the strength of Ukrainian cultures our love for family and raising children with no less dignity than our very own. PS. I will try to make clear reason should I write comments again. Until I should say, Thank you for sparking what is good once again, God bless.
Thank you so much and all the best
USA & Canada are way more organised than Ukraine, so we are very fortunate. I'm in sympathy with Ukraine for it's many srruggles. They've gone through a lot, and needn't have Russia threaten them with war ever so often.
What camera do you use? I was in L'viv and I wanted to Vlog but my camera phone is not that good and does not have image-stabilization.
I have the Sony A5000. I REALLY like it considering how good the quality is for the price. Great little camera to have for on the go or sit down videos.
Alina Mcleod, I just check the specs because I just bought a Canon T3. Woah, your Sony has impressive video quality for compact it is.
I think my camera only supports up to 720p video but I'll make up for it with lighting techniques)
I grew up in Ukraine and moved to Canada 14 years ago. So, I am a so called Canadian Ukrainian now. In the last few years I go to Ukraine every year. Mom mom still lives there. And I know very well, first hand experience what the life is in Ukraine. Your videos have a very perverted image of Ukraine. It is a tearful humbling confession, which is absolutely not correct and gives a twisted information about the country. First of all, I have never seen the bums seniors on the streets. They might exist I am not arguing that, but they are definitely not the majority of the bums. The majority is the drug users and alcoholics, just as in Canada. Second, your counted blessings in North America are coming at the very high price of a financial slavery to your credit debts and being not even able to enjoy your life before retirement because you are so stressed out about your savings for the retirement. All that because the children do not care about the parents. You think Ukraine needs more institutions to care for seniors, more nursery homes where those seniors would be confined...I think that is a shame of the western society, and God forbid Ukrainian people would adopt such a shameful system!!!! I think the custom to care for the elders does not steam from the financial necessity but from the natural gratitude for what they have done for us, a younger generation!! I would die of shame if I put my mom into the nursery house!!!! I grew up with my grandma living with us all her life. Definitely not because she hadn't have a place to live! She moved with us from her own house, but because it was my mom's duty to help her when she was old. Something that the selfish American society cannot process in their minds. Then, when you give those frightful numbers as for the pension and for the salary, you forget to tell that the rent of an apartment in Ukraine, in average cost about 50-100$ per month. That is a good apartment. If it is Kyiv, then of course it would be more, but the salary in Kyiv is not 500$ either. The average in Kyiv would be about 1000$. Could be more, it really depends on the occupation. So, don't try to make it look as all Canadians and Americans have to wake up and go to bed with a prayer of gratitude for not living in such an unfortunate country as Ukraine. It is so so not true and so a biased point of view!!!! I think Americans, including Canadians, cannot open their minds to really appreciate something beyond the money value. The culture that Ukraine has, the art, history, the food and folk art, all that and much more has a way more value than your thousands of dollars. Besides, I finished the university in Ukraine without much efforts too. I did all that I was dreaming about. It is not true that Ukrainians cannot have a higher education if they want to. The percentage of people graduating from the post secondary educational establishments is higher in Ukraine than in Canada. And I was travelling while I lived there and I went to the sea coast every summer...and I am from a very average middle class family. So, no, Ukrainians are not so deprived as you want to show in your video. And those years when the shelves were empty, I lived them through, they were brief and not so disastrous as you want to picture them. As for Canada for example, your generation may not remember such upheavals, but the older generation who lived through dirty thirstiest, for example, it would tell you exact same stories. So, read the history and understand that times are changing for every country and every nation. What you see today, people a 100 years ago haven't seen...and who knows what your grandchildren will see here... If after my ardent speech you would ask me why didn't I stay in Ukraine if I like it so much, I would answer you that I was young and stupid and the wind of adventures carried me away... Happens. But that doesn't mean I would blindly bash my homeland for the sake of dollars I am making here... No. Ukraine is a way better than you are portraying it.
despite the incorrect numbers we all know the standard of living in Ukraine and Russia etc is lower than that or north america unless you have a bomb ass job etc. ive seen documentaries
i guess, it is not a question of what country is better but how Ukraine is portrayed. Most of Ukranians are just fed up trying to explain that red lipstic, borsh and Chernobyl mutants are not symbols of our country and every aspect of everyday life should be comparative. Like, it is fun to hear only once something like:"- Oh, you are Russian? Then why aren't you drunk?", or:"- You are not a true Canadian because you are not holding a hockey stick", or even:"- Ha, americans are those fat people in vans with burger in the left hand and the gun in the right one while shooting children at school". But when you are facing partners who literally believe that Ukraine is desperate and it's workers are supposed to be treated like garbage because it is somehow OK, i am SO sorry, there is no respect for those who disseminate false information
Nataliya Sharlay. You wrote too much you shoud be brief thanks
RiBeautyFashion - not a time to use Ukraine and Russia in the same sentence, since the western coup and overthrow of Ukraine's government. Russia has advanced tremendously in the last 20 years. Really sad what has happened in Ukraine. My wife's family has been slip up because of it.
Nataliya Sharlay...The stats for Kiev are updated regularly, on "NUBERO" and other sites. You are wrong, Alina is correct about the average monthly wage. Also, yes, social programs have gotten out of hand in the west, but they are a safety net for those who truly need them. It's the ideal, that everyone takes care of their own, but we know that's not the reality in any country!
Nice video, what would you recommend that I should learn before traveling to Ukraine?(I know few simple russian words)Thanks
There's honestly nothing too crazy you need to learn. Just do some research of the area you're staying in since other than in Kiev there's not always a lot of English help and guidance. If you are ever invited to someone's home, always bring a gift. And always take money out of atm inside a bank since ones randomly on the street can sometimes be sketchy.
I am grateful living as minority in a large Muslim country.
Not every aspect of our life is easy, so much challenges and yet we still find ways to thriving forward. We enjoys every hardship we endured due to our belief, because this make our heart and spirit stronger.
Thanks for your thoughts. Best wishes for Ukraine, from Indonesia.
Davied Lopulalan I love your positivity. Keep it up and thank you.
Indonesia is ok for now, but dont know how long it will stay like that.
Omg, I loved everything you said, absolutely great video, my regards from Las vegas.
Thank you!
Watching this in 2022 it's much easier to understand what you say. I am sure no one could possibly imagine at that time lives in Ukraine are only getting worse after just 5 years
Alina, thank for everything to know about you to know what real i want going on for next year so plan carefully to future.
I'm an American that got to live in Ukraine for 2 years for a government-funded program. It is a very nice country and nice people. I know many Americans living in Ukraine (teachers, business professionals, peace corps, etc).
I'm glad you're a fan :) It is an amazing country and people. And no, I'm not Jewish
До боли в сердце типичная и оттого ещё более грустная картина большей части постсоветского пространства. И особую боль, конечно, вызывает состояние славянской семьи и взаимоотношения, как внутри неё, так и внутри европейской цивилизации в целом.
Но правители приходят и уходят, а остаётся правда и любовь. И красота, как у повествующей героини с нежной грустью. Красота способная менять мир к лучшему и не дающая погаснуть надежде на его спасение. Wish You fantastic run throughout all your life!
I am form Auatralia and i feel lucky to have what i have))) what you said in this video i could not agree more, i feel the need to experiance Ukraine and this wonderful culture and people,i can not help everyone but i be more then happy to help people in need when i viset,you are so right that people complain about nothing really,I lost half of my family but this only makes me more determine to live my life.there are people in this much worse of then i am. kind regard doug.
Absolutely. We should always appreciate what we do have and try to not lose sight of it. Thank you.
2016 thoughts and ideas'' still inspires me''
Hope the best for your family over there ,
Hi, Alina another nice video a little sad about the elderly as that kinda thing shouldn't happen anywhere.U mentioned how the economy in Ukraine hasn't changed where wages have stayed the same but the cost of living has gone up, is that situation still the same today or has the job creation and wages increased over time. do pobachennya JERI
I can't say exactly now since I don't live there, but overall it seems similar from what my family tells me.
Pryvit Alina, I watched ur video when u did ur workout I forget what it was called something 57 I think anyways I been weight training 4 20 yrs if theirs any advice you'd like I can give I've got alot of experience
70$ pension?) In Kyiv - maybe, but in other cities it's ~ 47$ per month.
That's crazy
Great video!
Thanks!
can say I have not seen much more heart felt, well done
Thank you
The balcony! Two things which indicate that you are in Ukraine: 1) The balcony 2) The sound of Viber chiming everywhere. :)
Really agree with you that lots of US youth do not know how lucky they are just born here.
Hi I was adopted and found out that my dad was Ukrainian my mom is native but I'm more Ukrainian than the other how do I learn more about myself another Canadian ...Edmonton..
That's awesome. I'd say probably go to a service that provides family trees/dna scans and then maybe you could visit the areas where your family lived.
Thank you I'll do that 😀
I so wish there was more like you here in Canada.
Aw thank you :)
OMG, you are looking so pretty as if an angel from heaven has just arrived on earth to spread her charm and bring a million dollar smile on whosoever she meets. I am just awestruck with your elegant looks.
your video really hits me! like get a passport!!! and go see people!! like ...uughhh….go out there and just see the world!!!
Ur video made me to deeply miss Ukraine ,thx for publishing
Hi Alina...Good morning...tank you...you beautiful...thanks..💖💖🙏🙏
I Subscribed you Alina , just enjoy your life, you doing good job Alina. just keep "Pray" for good
Labas.Taip esate gražios.Ka galiu pasakyti apie bendravimą.Nemanau kad nori su manim bendrauti tu nori plataus rato dėmesio.Aš mėgstu kas su manimi bendrauja atvirai be trūkumų.Viena detalė viską keičia.💟👍🌹🌹🌹💞☺
Алина, вы говорите по русский/украинский?
Yes, I speak Russian and understand a little Ukrainian. I'll be doing more Videos about Kyiv and you'll hear me speaking some Russian there :)
Alina Mcleod
Хорошо! Я говорю по русский немного. Не говорю по украинский. :)
Are you a Canadian citizen now? I got my US citizenship 7 years ago and so thankful for it! At first, I didn’t want to get it but now I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, especially with the crazy president we have now. 🤪
That's awesome! Yes, I basically became a Canadian citizen 7 years ago as well which is kind of funny. My Mom wasn't sure whether she wanted to give up Ukrainian citizenship yet so I had to wait til I was 18 to apply and then about 2 years for all the paperwork to go through. We are so fortunate :) Even with crazy politics haha
You will never be able to retire in Canada on the pension you get there. Costs are very high. Taxes are very high.
Most people do. There are many social services available and no matter what income you make you are able to have your basic needs met in a home once you are a senior citizen.
As an American I support immigration but legally not people stealing into your nation. When they steal in you have no idea who is coming into your nation. You get drug pushers and transporters and human traffickers . MS13 gangs and all the horrors that come with that. Teach people how to fish or do a job and learn the benefits of Capitalism that will bring people out of poverty. The elderly are another issue and you have to help them financially, no time to learn a new job.
I hope the situation in Ukraine gets better ... 🙏🏼
Is Mcleod a stage name then?
No, it's my Dad's last name. My birth name was Andryeyeva.
You're half Irish/Scottish?
It's 2023 now, I like the idea of many generations living under one roof, but it can be hard. Now in Ukraine everything is gone, how will Ukraine come back from this?
Спасибо. Было интересненько! 👍
Happy a nice day
You are very correct about the elderly in Ukraine..... and the dogs... sigh
Сонечко, ти мене до сліз довела. Серденько, яке у тебе добре серце
Not based on luck. But on the circumstances. But still the middle class in the US is far worse than in Canada, when we Americans do not guarantee health care.
The problem is youth leaving Ukraine. Pensioners have no way to live off their pensions because there's too few younger people employed who are paying new revenues into the system and governments always find a way to steal from the pension system to divert the money for other priorities and to greedy individuals who buy off the politicians. The other reason the pension system is failing to support pensioners is due to inflation because an increase in the issuance of currency erodes its purchasing power. The best retirement plan is where one prepares him/herself holding solid reserves in gold, silver and the like. Obtaining it little by little.
At the end home is heaven
😄😉
most like 150 - 300, sorry but 500 maybe in Kiev or so!
Yeah I meant more if you're quite well off and can have your own place. Far too low.
Alina you look so beautiful in the video.
I think these wages in Ukraine is enough cause things are very cheap and that's good
deine Augen sind bezaubernd 💙
I'm moving to Kyiv very soon and I can't wait to be there :)
Relax this is just travel side
красотка ты, наши девушки самые привлекательные... я тоже родился и жил в Киеве пока не переехал в Германию.
Spaseeba! :)
Great video, god bless ukrain
Ukraine sounds a lot like my country, Colombia T.T
How is the hottest women in the world doing, Thank you for all your help, I just got back from Kiev. It was so Awesome, Met so many great people. Your a very Awesome women, was able to help 40 orphans celebrate up and coming Independence day, Wow, I fell in love with Ukraine, Not so much the night life, I never once went the clubs, God is very much alive there, Its getting better, Keep in touch, Next time I go I will hire one of you family to show me around if you like, Belus
Glad you enjoyed your time!
Moving there in May, Was going for 3 months but may volunteer and go 1 years to help teach English to the orphans, The future of Ukraine is in her youth, :) My family is totally against it, But I live for me!!! Stay blessed and stay beautiful Alina, Belus
Such a twisted vision of Ukraine. Exaggerated and twisted, with the luck of a real personal experience of actually living there. This is the American perception of the world that is different from theirs...in many instances very much not true at all. Very irritating.
You are so pretty, you know?. Your points of view very right you know?, But, you say too many "you knows" you know?. I will subscribe.
Sorry all these systems
Please don't swear. You're too pretty for that 😊
I am who I am!
Life is more stressful i man Canada than backhome
Hopefully soon, Ukraine will join the European Union and NATO. Life will then steadily improve. What is heartbreaking is that Ukraine has to spend so much of it's money fighting Russian aggression in the east of the country, instead of investing in it's infrastructure and job creation. I fully agree with you that people who engage in food fights are really committing outrageous and completely unacceptable behaviour !
Delirium. What about NATO members such as: Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Estonia...they are all poor. Neither the EU nor NATO saves from poverty.
Awesome video!! Ukraine and Canada are wonderful countries. I'm glad to call myself Canadian Ukrainian
Great story - Americans and Canadian don’t know how blessed they are!
Всё, что ты описала абсолютно верно во всех странах поганого СНГ, в том числе и у нас, Казахстане. Но в Украине хотя бы свобода есть, в отличие от нас.
Everything you're telling is as sad as true for every CIS (post Soviet cleptocratic) country including Qazaqstan that I belong to. Though Ukraine can boast and enjoy Freedom unlike CIS
hey girl, looking good and cuter day by day, how do u do that any tips
what r u thinking about russia taking crimea and answer if like or no worry
Hey Shiva, thanks. It's a very complex situation. Of course personally I do not think it was right for Russia to take Crimea amongst other things, but I don't have any sort of animosity towards Russian people since most people don't want war or tension between the two countries either. My heritage is Russian so I feel just as much Russian as Ukrainian.
hey girl, some people say beauty and smart don't came in same package
but just prove them wrong missy and one more thing what do u think vegetarian is it ok
Yeah, I think being a vegetarian is great. Sure, veganism is of greater good of course, but vegetarian is a fantastic place to start the journey.
we are truly blessed to live in North America. thank you for your perspective and message.
Thank you for the support, Willie :)
All this Canadian social systems will bring its economy to its knees eventually
Yes. Ukraine is filled with wonderful people. Especially in the Western part where the hutsul live :) Although, we have to do something about the genocide being committed against the dogs in this country. I’ve never seen anything like it. People think it’s ok to kill dogs like they are ants or not alive. In other countries this is jail time. In this country people seem to do nothing about it.
Just focus what you doing Alina , you have a beautiful country, I will visit your country maybe I can find my future princess
Hii mam
Remember Ukraine ,beautiful country .
I have been to Ukraine twice (Kiev+Kharkov) and I agree with you. I also noticed that people have a lot of pride, which may explain how people don't show or complain about their situation. I admire that since here in USA, liberals cry out for anything and don't appreciate the country they live in. They take just about everything for granted. Cheers Alina.
You got a big kitchen man
Ur seem cook like me 😜😄🤪
The economic situation in Ukraine is very complicated, but it is a result of horrible Soviet governing prior to 90s and usurpation of all political power by the very first corrupt politicians of independent Ukraine (Kravchuk and Kuchma). They established this corrupt criminal oligarch political system of which Ukraine can't get rid of until this day. Soviet people never had a chance to have they own pension funds and they rely on government pensions, but right now the amount of taxes payed by working people is only enough to cover these tiny 70 dollar pensions. And there is no way to raise taxes because the income is so low as it is. So the pensioners who worked during Soviet era are now the most vulnerable. It's a desperate situation, a dead end. Russia can afford to pay a slightly higher wages and pensions only because they sell ridiculous amounts of oil, gas and other natural resources. Ukraine doesn't have a lot of those. But younger people now have better options, they can start thinking about old age beforehand and not rely on state pensions so much. I know that I won't have a good pension from the government so I start saving up while I'm young.
It's very sad indeed. I know the past doesn't show promise, but wouldn't it be incredible if Ukraine actually got a government that lifted up the country and allowed everyone to prosper? Ukraine has so much to offer the world. I really hope things continue to change for the better.
Under the Soviet Union, there was no such rubbish!:) Today's thieves steal under the slogan of European integration and the Western way of life:)
When a woman looks this gorgeous when she wakes up , you know you are in Ukraine