Ukraine

Made it out of Budapest and headed to Ukraine. Got to the border about 3pm and passed the first checkpoint and we thought we were through. Alas that was the Hungarian exit check. We have to produce the vehicle docs. We put them back and moved about 100 meters where we met another checkpoint with blokes dressed in military uniform. We got the docs out again but they just handed us bits of paper and we move another 100 meters where we had another checkpoint. This time we filled out the papers from the previous checkpoint and went to the booth where a scary woman shouted my name and gave me my passport. We then went 10 meters to the next checkpoint where the customs put all our details into an Atari computer. She was scary too but we made her laugh eventually. We got the stamp and moved another 100meters where we were met by our IPA colleagues and the final checkpoint bloke who spoke English.  We had to buy insurance but had no Ukrainian cash. The cops got a hold of a money changer who bought our Hungarian Forent from us and we paid the princely sum of £5 for a months insurance. We then headed for our hotel. At the hotel there was a party and we were invited to join. They ALL dance in restaurants and form a circle facing inward. They then all ‘Dad Dance’ to the latest Eurovision numbers. Every now and then someone goes into the middle to showboat a bit. Gordon managed the dad dancing well but Tom struggled being a stylish dancer.  We were then subject to numerous vodka shots and a hangover followed.

 

This morning our hosts took us on a tour of Uzhgarod which means grass snake. The town of about 100,000 inhabitants was named after its river that is shaped like a snake. We visited the castle which dates back to 14^th century. We then went to the traditional Banya or baths. This is like a sauna and plunge pool with a bar. By the way it is 60p a pint here and the Russian beer is good. (Baltica). Fuel is 50p a litre and our plush hotel room is £33 B&B. The 2 course meal in the hotel with some (quite a few) drinks came to  about £10. The tents may not see daylight in Ukraine. Onward tomorrow to ward Kiev. Attached are photos from today and of our hosts from Uzhgorod Police.