hi john
i've recorded there twice, in 2006 and 2007. pripyat is only 2km from
the nuclear site and is at the centre of the 30km exclusion zone.
permits are definitely needed to get there. they can either be
obtained from the ukrainian ministry of emergencies or as part of a
site seeing tour from Kiev. the latter are for a day and you're
unlikely to be allowed to wander far away from the group. in either
case if you say you intend to record then it's unlikely to be
problem. this is 2007 information. i don't know what might have
changed since.
radiation is no threat to short term visitors. levels returned to
normal in most areas long ago. a few hot spots still exist but these
are known and are anyway not much of a risk unless you intend to
pitch tent there for quite some time.
i had no problems recording outside the exclusion zone, although i
mostly used binaurals.
having said all that Ukraine is a fascinating place. the exclusion
zone is indeed a wildlife haven. i had a great time and made many
really interesting recordings (will be released shortly on the ReR
label under the title 'sounds from dangerous places').
best wishes for the trip
peter
>I have an opportunity to go to the Ukraine in September for a short
>period of time. In particular, in the region near Pripyat. Apart
>from the possibility of recording two headed six legged animals, has
>anyone got any advise.
>
>Has anyone been there or experienced problems? Any problems with
>carrying recording gear (Sound Devices with M/S rig) in these types
>of countries.
>
>Anyone on this list from these areas????
>
>Apart from travelling from England to Australia when I was two years
>old in 1961, this will be my first foray out of Australia as I
>approach the half century mark in life. So any information will be
>greatly appreciated.
>
>Simmo, if you're reading, chime in with recording travel advice please....
>
>Regards
>John
>
>
>
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