Kyiv’s Independence Square at sunset, filled with a large crowd around the Independence Monument, with a Ukrainian flag flying prominently in the foreground.

About Charles Joseph

The American expat behind I Love Kyiv's firsthand stories and practical city guides.

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Hi, I’m an American expat living and working in Kyiv, Ukraine. I created this website to capture my experiences in Kyiv and to share my sentiments on Ukrainian life. It’s not hyperbole to say that living abroad has fundamentally changed me. I’ve met some of the most interesting people, adapted to a new culture, and visited places that have changed my way of thinking. I’m so grateful to have had these experiences and genuinely just wanted to share them. Perhaps you’re intending to visit Kyiv, or you’re interested in Ukrainian culture – whatever your reason for reading this – welcome to I Love Kyiv.

Kyiv is a beautiful city, yet many people outside Eastern Europe may never realize just how much it has to offer. Ukraine is often portrayed as cold, distant, or unwelcoming, but that image couldn’t be further from the truth. Through the content shared here, I hope to offer a different perspective—one that highlights the beauty of Ukraine, the warmth of its people, and the richness of its culture. And who knows? Maybe it will even inspire you to visit one day.