You're reading: Mister hospitality

Name: Joao Ribeiro.

Hometown: Lisbon, Portugal.

Time in Kyiv: 2 1/2 years.

What he’s doing in Kyiv: Trying to bring a Western touch to Ukrainian tourism working as a management consultant at the Dnipro Hotel

What he was doing when Ukraine declared independence: Working as managing director of three hotels on Madeira.

Future plans: “The future is today.”

Greatest fear: “To lose my personal independence.”

Special talent: Adaptation.

First impression of Ukraine: “How nice.” – The autumn of 1996 in Kyiv.

Funniest Ukrainian experience: “Not paying attention to the fact that many toilets are unisex results in some funny situations.”

Most important characteristic of a significant other: Loyalty.

One thing he can’t live without: Coffee, cigarettes and mineral water with gas.

Best quality: Understanding

Worst quality: Placing career above private life.

Favorite autumn activity: Eating and drinking in open spaces (parks, forests, etc.).

Dream job: Retired with a fat pension.

Best place he’s traveled: Cabinda in Africa.

First job: Junior accountant with the biggest Portuguese newspaper.

Goal in life: “To achieve that dream job.”

Best reason for staying in Ukraine: “The professional challenge – together with an exceptional girlfriend.”

Best reason for leaving Ukraine: A poorly paid job.

What he’s most proud of: “My professional achievements.”

What he’s least proud of: “Failings in my private life.”

Favorite film: “Gone With the Wind.”

Key to success in life: Work.

Pet-peeve: Smelly people.

Overindulgence: Tasty food and quality drinks.

Underindulgence: Stupidity.

One place he would spend $1 million: On traveling.