Trains and buses..... departures, arrivals, and moving through.

A very interesting day. The first part trying to sort myself out. I have a chest infection. But no call to a GP here. We fortunately met an American volunteer doctor, around my age, Michael, doctor, caring, doing a stint out here...a tent, some volunteer translators led by Oleg, in the cold Lviv morning air.
Oleg saw Fiona, and never having seen her, said are you Fiona? He then went on to say in a very unassuming way.... having heard your voice I thought you would be much younger :) 

Next we met with some of the top officials of Lviv Council Oblast.(area) And this happened only through a connection of a family who we assisted in Krakow. Who now assisted us. Again, go figure.

Not many times have we entered a council building, with men with automatic weapons at the entrance desk... however we were met with such gratitude for what we were doing by the officials. It seemed out of proportion for the little we are able to do.
Yet they have made our path to support much easier. And they also gave some stats. Lviv 2.5 million population. 500,000 static refugees and 250,000 transient. 
This was the only point that I felt they were unsure how they would manage this..but only a feeling. It is an enormous challenge.

All this, and still a war. As we left, they left us by saying that things will be better when we win the war. Look at the faces... there was no doubt or bravado. Just a unshakeable belief. And I believe they are right.

And now the little observations of the days. A visit to the market. A market that to a large extent sells only produce that is in season. Eat your heart out Booths. Strawberries in season now, and ever so good. 

Us with no or still very little Ukrainian, and yet always greeted with smiles and good humour by the stallholders. Communicating with smiles and gestures. Yet my assumptions and preconceptions are always challenged....a mention of two older women, larger than life in such a positive way, whose vegetables looked superb. Thought they were traditional farmers.....and then one of them started speaking good English.....and as we walked away to much laughter shouted "I love you" to me....
In a country that has suffered so much... Good humour and fun remain....
Two photos today. One of a train pulling out of Lviv central station going eastwards. The second a mural recalling the 2014 revolution.



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