Fighting in the Ukraine!

Ok, the first thing I should like to point out ( mother ), is that...IT WASN'T MY FAULT!!

Let me explain. From Chisinau, Moldova, I headed north and entered the Ukraine by means of a floating steel platform that was hauled across the fast flowing river by a steel cable that was winched, by hand, from one of the guys on the 'boat'. At the far side of the river, I had to physically lift the bike onto the landing stage. I was lucky, the cars had to judge the bobbing of the raft, and when it came level with the landing stage, had to race across before it dropped again. A van wasn't fast enough, and was 'grounded'. It had to wait until the raft lifted again before he could drive off!! The twerp sat in the shiny porshe behind him needed some coaxing before he attempted the dash!

In Ukraine, I decided to head to Lviv, in the west. This would miss out Kiev, but the main reason I was going there, was to see if I could get a visa for Belarus. I decided to miss out Belarus, and get to Lithuania via Poland instead. So, over some very poor road conditions, battling with lunatic drivers and angry dogs, I made my way west to Lviv, having a couple of great wildcamps along the way.

Lviv is a very lovely old city, and I spent almost the entire day happily lost, whilst I looked for the hotel. I eventually found the George Hotel, hidden prominently on the main road. I checked in and took their cheapest single room, it came without a toilet or a shower, but had a lovely view of a 21st century fire escape. I dumped my bags off and went exploring around the old city. I can wholeheartedly recommend anyone to come and visit this place. I am pleased that I decided to alter my route and come and see it.

Anyway, long story short, the next morning, I was woken at 5am but the heavy rain outside the window - actually, I was woken by a drunken text from Sonia, but then I heard the heavy rain outside the window. I packed my bags, but wasn't in any great rush to leave just yet, my plan was to vacate the room, but then head out for a coffee and hope the rain eased a bit. First, though, I needed a poo. I wandered around the corridors, but could only find 2 toilets, and both were 'Ladies'. I didn't fancy it, not after the last time I had a poo in a ladies toilet...

Moving on, I went downstairs to check out. There was a very well spoken English couple at the reception. He was trying to find out if they had any larger beds, as he was a massive 2m1cm tall ( I know this because when the receptionist said ''Our beds are 2m long", he said "I know, unfortunately, I'm 2m 1cm tall!") Being short occasionally has its uses! Anyway, whilst I was waiting there, a short, heavy-set fellow came struggling into the foyer with his bag, and stood there, sweating and muttering to himself, impatiently. Then, another couple came in and waited. When the English couple finished, and the receptionist looked up, the new lady started forward to ask a question. At this point, the guy pushed to the front (literally), and started on the lady, waving his hand at her in a bullying fashion, and telling her to 'go away', repeatedly. He had the air of a self important little man who got his way by pushing people around. The lady had stood back now, and he was being dealt with by the receptionist. Then, he turned on her again, again telling her to 'go away' and waving his hands at her. She then said 'I only wanted to ask...' That's as far as she got as he started towards her, pushing her back. That was enough for me. I tapped him on the shoulder with enough force to make sure I had his full attention. When he regained his balance, he squared up to me, right in face.

(I have to wrap this up, the guy has just told me he will be closing soon - just as I start to get in the main flow!!)

To be continued...