who live in Crimea Ukraine

Economy:

Times were certainly better under the Communist Regime.  Everyone had a job and were paid well for it.   The Ukrainian currency has changed 5 times (unconfirmed) since 1991.  The Griven (= this symbol is the symbol I have seen used to signify the Griven - pronounced greeven) is the currency being used at this time.  It is about 5.37= - 5.50= to 1 US dollar.  This exchange rate certainly makes an American seem to be very wealthy.  I was able to purchase a bottle of water for about $.20, a nice dinner for 5 for $12, a decent automobile can still be purchased for about $4500 and a nice home for $25,000.  A low and middle class American's dream.

Retired Tatars I met receive anywhere from $13 - $22 per month from the government.  Those who are able, supplement their income through services or selling goods.  The day after I  arrived in country I wanted to exchange $40 and much to my surprise, my escort quickly hid my money from view and explained that I was getting ready to exchange the equivalent of 2 months pay.  I politely put one of my 20's back and exchanged only $20.  I took this to mean the average Tatar in Crimea brings in about $20/month.  That first exchange lasted for more than a week.  

Credit cards and loan companies are virtually unheard of.  Everyone pays cash for what they have, including building materials for their homes. Many Tataran homes are incomplete as the  work is done as money is available.  This home is expected to be finished within 10 years according to the owner.  He earns about $200 per month and says he'll need about $5000 to complete the work.  Interestingly, doors, refrigerator and stove are already purchased.  Once the lower level is complete, the family will move in and reside in the home while continuing the building project. 

Gas stations are found throughout the city and fuel is comparable to US prices.  For the locals this is a tremendous cost and when ever a stop is made, the vehicle is shut off to conserve fuel.  Drivers carefully calculate how many liters will be needed during the day and fuel is added to the tank accordingly.  "Fill 'er up" are words rarely heard by attendants.

Public and private restrooms are something to get used to.  Public restrooms in the city cost a small fee to use and toilet paper is extra.  Aiming is also initially a challenge.  The feet are placed on the areas seen next to the hole and...............well,  you get the idea.  The little canister in the bottom photo is for washing the floor if aiming is a problem.

Private bathrooms are varied.  Some have indoor tubs but no toilet, some have indoor toilets but no running water.  A bucket of water may be sitting next to the toilet and water is poured into the toilet to flush.  Although cumbersome, this system did come in handy at night.  Many homes have gravity plumbing.  Water is supplied to the home by pumping water into a large holding tank positioned at the top of the home beneath the roof.  When water is needed, the faucet is turned on and the water runs through by gravity.  I found this out as I watched a home owner attach two ends of a long hose together one night.  He explained that he was pumping water into the tank for the next day's use.  I observed this at two other homes. The hot water is heated through a separate heating device fueled by propane or by a wood/coal fire started under the hot water tank.  Despite having lived in Crimea for almost 10years in established neighborhoods, the public water works have not come to their areas.  Another home had an indoor tub, but no running water.  Water was carried from the well in several metal buckets and the water was heated by special electric heating coils placed into the water for about 15 minutes.  I was told not to place my hand in the water while the heating coil is in there or I'd risk electric shock.  Youch!!  One night we forgot to remove the coil and the next morning the bathroom was clouded in steam and the heating coil was burned out.  Live and learn.