How Ukraine Has Changed Since The Soviet Union | Kyiv USSR Tour

Ukraine just celebrated 30 years of independence, but it has been a long road since it was part of the Soviet Union. The ideology of socialism leading to communism was ingrained through propaganda from a young age and borders were closed to the rest of the world were closed to the average citizen. When the USSR fell apart, Ukraine had to rebuild its economy and government from the ground up and it has been a difficult journey with corruption and conflict with Russia. I was born at the very tail end of the Soviet Union, but my Mom lived through almost 28 years of it. In today's video we wanted to give you a tour of some of the remnants of Soviet times that still can be found in Kyiv and talk about what it was like to live through those times compared to modern day Ukraine. Hope you guys enjoy the video and if you haven't checked out our prior video on a similar topic you can find it HERE: • What It Was Like Growi...
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Alina

[@whyme760]

I visited the Ukraine during Soviet times. I met someone at a party and he invited me over to his apartment to see his books. He had many books. We ate a light meal and it became very late. No buses or trams. He told me not to worry that he will stop a car on the street, give the driver a ruble, and the driver will take me to my hotel. And this did happen. Something that could never happen during my university years in New York city.

[@gamermapper]

Are you from ex USSR? Cuz if you're Western idk how you've entered USSR and also spoke good enough Russian or Ukrainian to be in a party lol

[@jackfordon7735]

@@gamermapper Есть люди из запада, которые очень хорошо говорят на русском. Особенно во время холодной войны их было многовато.

[@PavelDalia]

​​@@gamermapper that's only an myth! People could to visit the USSR and the eastern socialist countries! 😌😉👍🏻

[@Its_Neneka]

My parents met in Ukraine because of the USSR as it helped my fathers country gain their independence from colonialist rule. In return also, provided nations free education. That’s how my father got his education in Ukraine and met my mother in Odessa. Like the older generations, they both feel that they preferred the USSR due to the sense of stability/equality it gave. However, as a younger generation I also appreciate a more free market and seeing the younger generation more independent, creative and with a sense of identity.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Totally feel the same.

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

Interesting story, was it Angola?

[@P.Whitestrake]

My friend told me about a little bit about how Ukraine was during the Soviet era, but I never knew that much. Your mum really added much more insights about how Ukraine's condition was. Thank you!

[@alexbond969]

Of course! None of that is true fact! But that’s ok! You cannot ask more from uneducated people.

[@invidusspectator3920]

I love when you film videos with your mom, she seems like such a kind soul. Great video, I look forward to visiting Kyiv one day !

[@AlinaMcleod]

She really is 🙂 thank you

[@zhukov43]

Really enjoyed learning about soviet times from your mum, wished this episode was longer I’m hooked on soviet history, thank you for an excellent episode Alina.

[@AlinaMcleod]

You are most welcome

[@alexbond969]

If you’re really interested in Soviet history time on Russian territory (yes, Ukraine is Russian land) you chose wrong blogger. She is completely incompetent! Just full of BS whole video.

[@zhukov43]

@@alexbond969 Why do you feel you have to write such nonsense? Rather than take your life problems out on other people, just go and smell the grass, flowers, trees or the salt air blowing off the sea or an estuary, Alina works hard to create awesome content, the internet really isn’t for you.

[@alexbond969]

@@zhukov43 If you say so! But I just kindly let you know, she has no knowledge or any understanding of what she is talking about! She is nonsense! And look like you as well! Go ahead, educate yourself with her videos : )))))

[@brucetattrie4363]

Outstanding Vlog Alina!

[@briannabee812]

Your work is a continuous cycle of improvement and the musical touches installed were a delight with how you used the colours of your setting. I was happy that you got to make a video like this with your Mum! Another golden touch to the palet of colours shown. Very good form Alina.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much, Brianna :)

[@garysnider3000]

Your overviews and perceptions were very much enjoyed and gave me another perspective to think about...Thank you both.

[@lenaandreeva5030]

thank you a lot

[@maryshelley123]

Thank you! It was really interesting to hear what your mother has to say about those times. Beautiful video!

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

A very awesome job and I love your support, Alina!❤️❤️

[@grhmnz4648]

To have your mum give her personal experience of Ukraine ,makes this a very special and well presented video Alina .

[@ukie_dude]

Thank you, Alina for your interesting to Ukraine and your kindness! Your videos make my day better

[@paullondon445]

Very interesting and wonderful to have your mom's perspective from not that many years ago. Thanks!

[@jeffhurst6989]

A brilliant insight into another beautiful city, the drone shots really are something else, another class video.

[@cherrlyn381]

My son and his family lived in Yalta, Crimea when the people there voted to secede from Ukraine, going back to their independence as they had before they were given to Ukraine. They did not get to vote in the 1950's but they did vote in 2014.

[@lukamilas8648]

Exactly, which means Crimea was not “illegally” annexed. The woman behind this channel is brainwashed by western propaganda.

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

It was so nice to see your lovely mother again in Kyiv. The connection you have to a city is ever lasting. It never leaves you no matter where you are in the world. My wife Harriet spent time there . i have never been. It's on my bucket list to visit as soon as things open again. Another great vlog . You and your mom were so good in explaining a little bit of the history of Ukraine. Thank you for taking us along. Your biggest fans. Harriet and Jim Richmond. Va.

[@ali_plz]

Wonderful video! I was born in Vinnitsa Ukraine in '86 and I loved coming to Kiev with my mom as a child and ride subways, and go to cool big stores in Kiev that we didn't have in Vinnitsa. Then we moved to USA in 2002. 🙂 I have very sweet memory growing up in Ukraine 💙🇺🇦

[@rickyyacine4818]

Hey I have questions is ukraine now dying ? Like economically I feel like it used to be heaven in ussr era but it struggle to find it self 🤔😢

[@Gvozd111]

​@@rickyyacine4818 First of all I remember USSR times and I know what it's like to wait three months in a queue for some crappy piece of furniture that you don't even get to choose the color of. Like a sofa. On the other hand everyone had more or less the same sofas and anyone had one at their house. I dont know how to call this situation but ceirtainly not economical heaven. Ukraine like every other post-soviet country is recovering from huge crisis of USSR collapse. It's not dying, rather the opposite! It takes time for the things to heal but we are going there. War with Russia is a big factor in economic situation. But if you look at it now they cannot take us as easily as they could've just 7 years ago. And not only because of the strong army that Ukraine built from scratch, but also new more diversified economical agenda. And most importantly because of the motiovation and strong mindset and political awareness of people that grew enourmously last decade. There are many problems but also there is a common agreement that we need to solve them. As time goes I see people start taking more reponsibility for their lives as opposed to just slaging off the government or elites. Especially young people. And I believe in life this is the most important key to success

[@velocita8842]

Fascinating, I really enjoyed this historical tour with your mom.

[@rudyarmijo9397]

Great video Alina, you are awesome!

[@john83864]

Great video! Very educational!

[@yura37126]

Thank you Alina for that movie!

[@h1nkok1321]

Very interesting video, thank you!

[@samuelrodriguez5033]

Wow...lovely video. Thank you Alina for putting together this well shot, and informative video. Your mom's input was priceless. Take good care of yourself and your mom. 🇺🇦♥️🇺🇦

[@yandali2808]

I was born in China, and I moved to Canada five years ago. I found that the apartment buildings and streets in Ukrainian cities look very similar to those in my hometown, a city called Harbin. My grandfather once was a russian-chinese translator and worked in a factory with people from the soviet union. Political ideology not only shapes people's lives but also architecture and arts.

[@shaulbosheth8372]

Good job, Alina and mom !

[@reggievangleason9511]

THANK YOU Alina (and Mother) for this amazing tour. Thank You for revealing the beauty of Kyiv. This is my first glimpse.

[@johnschneider5339]

Great Video. Thank you for this. John

[@keithschultz9406]

Thank you Alina and to your Mom for sharing the history of Ukraine:)) amazing and beautiful video of the city Kiev … it’s amazing to see the progression of changes happening in Ukraine:))

[@THE_ORIGINAL_I-SEARCHdotFUN]

Thanks Alina Mom. Thanks Alina.

[@GlobalNiko]

Really cool video to see Kiev & explore some of its history through yours & your mom's perspective & experience.

[@RonlyBonly]

Great video. I'm going to Kyiv in November and I have an interest in seeing older remnants of the Soviet times as well as how Ukraine has advanced forward since then.

[@jeffrosenberg8456]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Your mom was fantastic. It was amazing to see the changes since I lived in Kyiv in the 1990's.

[@1behd]

Thank you for this insightful video and also enjoyed the music accompaniment!

[@ronriesinger7755]

Well done. I visit frequently and appreciate the progress that has been made in the past few years.

[@user-vo7xu5hc6j]

I felt like Im there again, thanks to your lovely guide too!

[@alblack9869]

Another good video! Thnak you for showing us Kyiv!

[@learn1231]

Thankyou for this lovely video. Look forward to watching more. Спасибо.

[@michaelleggett3980]

Thank You, Alina.

[@martinlugus7242]

Nicely done.

[@Anaya301]

Hello Alina! You again have brought such a wonderful video and information as well for us at our door steps and ur mother also shared such meaningful information. It's lovely to see ur mother with u. 💕

[@CJHump]

Very interesting. Thanks.

[@zeroque2936]

Agree with others this is a great video, thanks Alina and Mother.

[@ryanharris6045]

You two are great tour guides. Thanks to mom for sharing her knowledge. Cheers!

[@sanzreub]

Loved it! There are some places you show on this video I have yet to see. I'm definitely overdue for another visit to Kyiv.

[@user-sd2mc5ei8f]

Алиша, Лена молодцы! Классное видео!

[@timvanprooyen6115]

I was in Kyiv for a couple weeks in August. Your video is very well-edited and learned some things that I didn’t learn in my trip. It’s more difficult to learn about what was different between now and communist times just from a visit there.

[@nataliiatitarenko4373]

Fantastic video, Alina! Thank you and your Mom for sharing the history of Ukraine and your opinion on changes during independence. God bless Ukraine! Slava Ukraini!

[@AlinaMcleod]

My pleasure!

[@s.m6141]

I love that video its awesome !

[@rhodium1096]

I think that old people in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus miss the USSR times!

[@HELESPONTify]

When exist UssR, Europe have good life, today Europe is bad place

[@domingosantos1292]

Excellent video well done 👏✔ peace and love for everyone

[@montcoatty]

I live in Philadelphia. My maternal grandmother and her brother were born in Kiev. Thanks for the video.🙂

[@franciscoespiritu9020]

I enjoy watching your beautiful video..... learned a few things about Ukraine... nice to see your mother again who fly from Canada to Ukraine

[@luegordon6774]

Thank you both for shafing. You and Mama are both beautiful, so is Ukraine. Hopefully, prosperity will return to Ukraine one-day to make it flourish abundantly.

[@user-xz4all]

There is not a successful post-Soviet state (southern Islamic regions - rigid clan capitalism, European regions (Ukraine, Moldova) plutocratic, oligarchic capitalism, the Baltic states on EU subsidies and loans from Scandinavian banks).

[@franciscogarciaperez7813]

How interesting is this video Alina. I really love how you present all your videos, but especially the latter ones in Ukraine. I found them extremely interesting, very illustrative and with a new and fresh look at the current reality of the country. It also fascinates me how their identity is taken care of in Ukraine. I congratulate you for your work, it impresses me as "you leave your feet in the street" for showing your beautiful country and, by the way, I will take your mother's invitation. In January I will visit beautiful Ukraine again. Greetings from Chile.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful time!

[@sidh089]

nice cinematography, keep it up

[@SyifaAdriana]

That’s a really interesting video, Alina and mum. I learned a lot! Lots of love 💕

[@AlinaMcleod]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alexbond969]

Syifa! You better read historical books and documents, watch documentary movie those days and biographies of famous people! And not to rely on this bias KZbin blogger who has no idea what she’s talking about!

[@noelfogarty1025]

@@alexbond969 yes a very biased . an american opinion on soviet issues. the western governments were just as repressed towards their people

[@alexbond969]

@@noelfogarty1025 They brainwashed them from kindergarten : (

[@paulbrower3297]

@@alexbond969 It is a personal view, and many of the historical sources for any time and places are from the people who had a cause for distorting history to exaggerate their achievements and downplay their offenses. For a country like Ukraine, which was under the harsh and overpowering hand of the Soviet Union, the official documents are Soviet documents. On occasion one can find a dissident view in which someone skewers the official story, as with Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who is as relevant to Ukraine as to any other former "Union Republic". This mother and daughter are not here to discuss Solzhenitsyn. The "little man" makes history, too, if as a foot-soldier and not as a general, if as a factory laborer and not as a tycoon or executive. The question is whether the individual experience, as with either the mother or daughter, is representative. To establish whether such a view is valid (if it is unique, then it might not be so relevant), one must compare and contrast it to the mass experience. This mother and daughter do this well. Because the Soviet state did everything possible to homogenize human experiences in a way impossible in a free society, this is easy to do and judge. As for the famous people, would you trust the view of someone who was a Party boss in "the Day"? I'd expect a self-serving, unimaginative, ideologically-laden account. Yes, news accounts (to the extent that they are not pure propaganda) might be valid sources of information, but I would take Pravda with a big grain of salt. Speeches by Party hacks? Likewise. The reality for anyone who lived under Soviet rule looks like much the same (unless one lived very well before or drew the ire of Stalin), whether in Vilnius or Vladivostok even if one was not a Russian. This is to an extent impossible even in the more compact and more monolingual USA, where nobody would confuse Michigan with Mississippi. History is as much what powerful people do to people as it is the monuments that those powerful people commission. This is as true of Franklin Roosevelt as of Leonid Brezhnev.

[@dabbleandtravel]

This was such a unique video. Loveee! ❤️🥰

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much! :)

[@alexbond969]

@@AlinaMcleod Алина! Расскажи маме, что после революции не было никакого КГБ!!!! Комитет Государственной Безопасности был основан в 1954 году, после смерти Сталина! А предшественником был НКВД, на который валят все репрессии. Но я думаю вам это не поможет. Быть настолько глупым …. это наверно семейное! Вы вдвоём совершенно необразованные, ханжеские люди. Не знаете ни своей истории, не свой страны! Shame!!!

[@BibEvgen]

@@alexbond969 Я вообще в шоке от этого видео, вот так иностранцам кухарки втирают всякую чушь. На трудах бедных детей эксплуатировали, вокруг черные вороны кружат, в ресторанах одни котлеты, …....………про историю молчу, про трактовку тех или иных событий молчу…………………а у что там в голове? Какая цель видео?

[@alexbond969]

@@BibEvgen Все очень банально, - деньги. Она просто стригет капусту благодаря таким же подписчикам. Я почитал пару десятков коментов, и понял, у неё светлое будущее. Люди перестали думать! От слова вообще!

[@StephenJohnsy]

Such a beautiful, informative and captivating video Alina! I love Ukraine and have been there couple of times, you just brought the memories back, now I want to visit!👌😄🙌🏻

[@rahulrasam]

This is your best video from Ukraine alongside Chernivtsi from last year. Definitely learned a lot about Soviet history and Ukraine in general as it was never taught in school. A big thank you to your Mom for sharing her valuable insight!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you :) Took very many hours to edit!

[@gkschick6804]

Great video. So many lovely panoramic drone shots of the city! You alluded to some of the older people yearning for the Soviet times. I suspect this is because the transition to a market economy, from one where many of ones needs were looked after under communism, was a difficult one, particularly for older folks, many of whom found they had meagre on no pensions under the new system. Their basic needs would have been looked after under Soviet times so you can't blame them for being nostalgic about the old days. Transitions are always difficult.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Yes, I think extreme transitions (even if they are for the better) are very difficult after you've lived your life in one way or under one system. I can't imagine what it would be like the have lived as an adult through that.

[@llcooljane1]

Really enjoyed this video Alina ... nice to hear the history and memories of such a tumultuous time through your Mother's eyes and memories ... also interesting to hear her perspective .... the historic events look and feel a lot like NOW in Canada / US ... I wonder what decisions and progressions or potentially regressions, will be chosen as we all move forward in 2021 ...

[@Majed.A]

Well I'm from Saudi Arabia and I've traveled a lot .. southeast Asia and north Africa and Australia and Western Europe .. but when I traveled to Ukraine two moths ago and visited almost every corner of it I fell in love with this beautiful country in every single way ❤️❤️ and certainly I'm going back

[@drsirajtakhtbhai8274]

Hi alina thanks for visiting us new places

[@derronstravels21]

Amazing vid Alina. I've been to Kyiv a couple times and I love the city. Btw, your mom's stories are incredibly interesting!

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

What a beautiful video, thank you on so many levels.. 😉👍

[@DavidL23.]

Hello Alina! Zdravstvuyte! 😄🙏👋🌟 I hope your having a wonderful fantastic day! This is really a beautiful magnificent amazing video you made Alina with your wonderful Mom. 😁👍❤️👏🇺🇦📹🥇💯🌟 It’s really interesting to know how much Ukraine has changed over the years since the Soviet Union. The drone footage looks amazing! It’s really a beautiful view of Kyiv. It’s wonderful to see how the Metro looks like in the city of Kyiv and the Hotel Salyut looks incredible! The architecture style looks very interesting, looks kind of like a space station. Also the Motherland monument looks amazing! I would definitely like to visit the city of Kyiv one day. It’s really a beautiful magnificent city! Thank you so much Alina to share with us your wonderful amazing travel adventures around the world. You are the best and greatest world traveler adventurer! 😃👍👏✈️🌎📹💯🏆🥇🌟 I wish you Alina a wonderful beautiful marvelous blessed day to you and to your wonderful family. Take care and be safe Alina. Have a marvelous time in Ukraine! 😊🙏❤️👋🇺🇦👍🌟

[@jimmyz2098]

Alina - Your videos are just incredible! Such a lovely way that you present the information, and a person can learn so much in your work. I know I do. A lot of fun, and great opportunity for learning, all at the same time. You bring a very unique and interesting perspective to The World. Makes me want to get to Eastern Europe. One day I hope I can get over there, and actually see some of it.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much! You should definitely check out this side of the world sometime!

[@driftertravels928]

Cool video, Alina.. cannot wait to visit Kyiv in November.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nolanpratt4291]

This video is very well done I think your craft is improving. Молодец!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much!

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

Such a super magnificent capture this one is The exemplification of beauty. Thank you for sharing ✔️✔️✔️✔️

[@williamcoleman5730]

Fascinating footage, made even more interesting with the addition of your Mum's commentary. Kyiv is a beautiful city, built by a determined citizenry and it shows.

[@mikejuan7498]

What a deep impression video tour about Soviet Union ! thank you for your sharing.

[@travelmaltaculture]

Thank you so much

[@giovannicardullo6282]

Beautiful city, beautful country, kind people

[@alexykong9378]

It's good your mom brought you out!#

[@timw4369]

This is always what I like to see. It's interesting to see what things were like before I have traveled through alot of eastern Europe and always wonder what is was like pre early 90s The interesting points during the final conflicts. It's pretty amazing.

[@marilovescoffee]

Beautiful video! I hope to visit Ukraine someday. My grandmother was born there in 1905 but was brought to Canada as a baby after her father died in an epidemic.

[@TheDoe53]

Enjoyed this special video. Enjoyed hearing your mother’s views & impressions of her times there years ago. The language English to Russian reminds me when growing up family speaking French and me as well but as I got older would respond in English. My roots are French Canada, Acadian, France & Northern Europe. Well done! Enjoyed this video.

[@tunuitahitianfire9875]

seriously really good episode!! please do more Soviet themed videos with you mom.

[@Timodon1]

Good video and informativ! We from Finland was so lucky to not be part of this experiment, but its was a close call! All good to Ukraine! :)

[@txfotog]

Visited Kyiv in 1999 documenting a medical mission for a trip from the US (for a local TV station in Texas). I recognized many of the memorial sites we visited back then in your video. It was my first time overseas and a very wonderful experience that I will never forget. BTW: Your videos have awesome production value. Good, solid sound, great visuals & storytelling. I know producing these videos is not that easy a lot of times. Thanks for the hard work! Glad I found your channel.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much!

[@shahnawazmushtaque8486]

nice video

[@christhomson6153]

Brilliant post , it helps us "outsiders" get the full picture of the before and after , love the after , awesome clean , modern buildings , fabulous wide sidewalks ... I have friends in Dnipro , Kharkov and Mariupol ,

[@hiteshmorzaria7254]

Well - Come Your mother 🙏 Beautiful movement with mother.Wonderfull history. Very Nice.👍

[@alexanderkorolov8264]

Cool stuff. I am probably the same age as your mum and lived a good part of my childhood and adolescence in Soviet Ukraine. İt's good that those times are behind us. I know it's hard to let go of your best years of life, but it is what it is. There is always a sacrifice in any charge.

[@lenaandreeva5030]

спасибо за комментарий

[@mikeses4392]

That was an awesome video! Good to see your mom and hear her comments of what it was like to live under the Soviet Union. I am planning a trip to Kiev maybe next year!

[@richardneufeld545]

My family fled Ukraine in the early 1920's . Your video is a great way to get a visual understanding of the country not available in a book. Awesome work.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

Family was really fortunate, Holodomer was 10 years away.

[@yuttanaintasan2396]

Hello Alina. I like this clip.

[@michaelnielsen9878]

I enjoyed this very much. I have visited Kyiv and Sevastopol in 1997 and 2000. It is clear Kyiv has changed since then, but I enjoyed seeing the sites with you through this video. Thanks!

[@pradeepsao4951]

GOD BLESS MY FAVOURITE TRAVEL KZbinR AND HER MOM!

[@tommyppq2314]

This video brought back many fond memories. I have been to Kyiv many times. The first time was 2002 when Ukraine still had much of its Soviet flavor. I especially enjoyed walking on Khreschatyk on the weekends where the street was closed for traffic; families slowly strolled down the street with old Soviet (Ukraine?) music playing through the PA system. My favorite was the outdoors War Museum that you showed at the end of the video.

[@roypruysvdhoeven1855]

DID YOU VISIT THE PRIESTS TOO ?

[@ranadebray5440]

Very nice 👍 video done by you, Alina and best wishes to your Mother.

[@billbuyshouses7077]

Great video, I found you from watching Bald and Johnny. My family is fascinated with Ukraine and Russia!

[@murtazaqasim964]

Wow ! So interesting to see your mother and discuss about her early days in Ukraine and her move to Canada.

[@alexykong9378]

Lots of love and appreciation!#

[@1americanboy]

Hi Alina, What a Beautiful, Inspiring and Educational Video ... I love your Mothers' Recollection of the History of Ukraine .. Her Personal Pride is Inspirational ..and she doesnt hesitate to say that the Girls were working Harder than the Boys .... You are a very Hard Working, so its only Natural to see where you got that great Quality ... Most People today don't know what USSR means or was ... and that it caused so Many Farmers to lose their Livelihood and their Lives in Ukraine .. Its so Great to see how Ukraine has Flourished and that the People of Ukraine prevailed and Lived to have Better Lives today .. Lots of Love and Success for the People of Ukraine .... and your Family ... Alina, Thanks for Sharing such a Meaningful and Beautiful Story ... I really enjoyed that ... Michael Las Vegas ...

[@lucillegil5306]

Thanks Mom , Alina it’s beautiful right now I am heartbroken 💔

[@mybagspacked6491]

I visited Kiev a few years ago. Beautiful city. I would like to go again.

[@eruobrianmoore9259]

let me know when you come….. i will like to meet you

[@alexykong9378]

Remembering your past vlog and your mom!#

[@TonyDracon]

did her mom passed away?

[@westernwanderer8397]

A fantastic history lesson of Kyiv. Thanks to you and your mom. When you spoke of the restaurants and stores offering the same things, I remember a joke from a long time ago. Basically, a person goes into the store to buy some clothes and the salesperson asks, "Which one do you like, the grey or the grey." IDK, something like that. Love your channel, a great combination of history, tourism, and entertainment.

[@AlinaMcleod]

That’s exactly it lol

[@polmaclin3019]

Western .We don't understand your English joke.It is very stupid .

[@westernwanderer8397]

@@polmaclin3019 I'm not the best joke teller, I'll admit. But it was just trying to play on the fact back in the Soviet days there was such a limited supply of goods and what they had, there was little variety. Maybe not the best joke, but not stupid - geez.