Ukraine rulz: Kiosks

The kiosk is the 7-11 of Ukraine. It’s a roadside beacon of commerce conducted through a ten square inch window. Walking down the street and abruptly noticing how parched you are? Don’t worry: there’s usually kiosk nearby. Suddenly realize you’re out of matches to light your stove on a Sunday night? Don’t sweat: the kiosk’ll have some. Want a beer at nine in the morning? Yeah, I don’t know why you would, either, but you can buy one at the kiosk–and the occasional young hoodlum does! And perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to imprison your bag in a locker before shopping at a kiosk (as you have to do whenever entering a traditional store in Ukraine).

But to me, part of the allure of the kiosk is its mystery. It’s impossible to see inside the kiosk, as every square inch of its windows are used to display every type of chocolate, mineral water, beer, sour cream, soda, potato chips, candy bar, dried calamari, juice and other product available for purchase. Or, at least, every product theoretically available for purchase. All you need to do is scan the window, crouch down while speaking your order into the little window, receive your item, and pay. It’s that convenient. And if they can’t make correct change, you’ll receive a couple pieces of candy or a stick of gum instead!

Sadly, I don’t think the kiosk is economically viable in America, as they probably earn a good share of their income from beer sales in Ukraine.  Since we have those annoying things called “liquor licenses” and “open-container laws” in the US, don’t hold your breath.