Secret Passworded Bar

by Salma Suleiman (Egypt)

I didn't expect to find Ukraine

Sounds creepy right? But it’s not and was worth trying! Since I landed in Ukraine and started teaching English in a speaking club, I made a friendship with two Ukrainian guys -twin-, and then one weekend I told them I’m going to Lviv they said you’ve to visit Kryivka and don’t forget “Slava Ukraini“. Have you ever had to say a password to enter a bar? If not, the Kryivka Bar in Lviv is with password. “Slava Ukraini” is the password you’ll need to tell the doorkeeper in order to enter the Kryivka Bar, which is located on Rynok Square. This translates to “Glory to Ukraine” or “Salute Ukraine” in English. I forgot about the boy’s words and then I’m in Lviv! A very European city with a Polish taste. Lviv is the city from Ukraine bordering Poland. Lviv has a very romantic and cozy atmosphere with the very famous chocolates, coffee and lviv Croissants. Then I found a sign of Lviv city tour sign I went inside to ask about it! I went on the tour as and then the tour guide asked about if we went to Kryivka with a password! Like what! How did I forget about that? The multi-story bar that has an eclectic array of items including old car parts, TVs, and a shooting gallery. Unmistakably, the tone is of Ukrainian culture and pride. An array of old mechanical parts at Kryivka Bar. Finding Kryivka isn’t easy, even though it’s located in Rynok Square. Rynok Square is like the middle of the city “downtown”! There’s a large, wooden door that you’ll need to knock on and this is where you’ll have to give the “Slava Ukraini” password. Despite being tricky to find and needing to learn two Ukrainian words, Kryivka is a popular underground bar and restaurant. Live music is common, and when there aren’t professional singers, you may find attendees breaking out with their own songs.