Making connections again

First thing, we went to the lovely Lviv railway station, where there is a large map of Ukraine's railway network high up on a wall. Someone must have gone up a very long ladder to put red lines through a few of the stations - whether they are no longer operational or non-existent now, I don't know. However, I do know that most railway lines are still running and providing a vital connection, e.g. for refugees fleeing the war in the eastern Donbas region, there is a daily train to Lviv, which is free.

We had hoped to meet one of our previous contacts - the coordinator of the volunteer centre in the station; however, this has folded as the money ran out. There is still an information desk, some psychological support and a lone volunteer about our age, on his feet, signposting. He says that he is too exhausted to do this for much longer.

Outside the station World Central Kitchen, medical aid, clothes tents, etc, still operate, and the same British guy, on his own, hands out sweets and soft toys to kids; he has branched out into providing pet food - "Woof woof!" as he helpfully explains to refugees passing by with pets.

Speaking of pets, something that made us giggle was a question from one of our guests in England about transferring a dog from Ukraine to England - could it be in hand luggage if it is a very small dog: 3-3.5 kg?!!

We met with 2 volunteers from MAD (Make a Difference), who support refugees with the UK sponsorship scheme, including transporting them from anywhere in Ukraine if needed. The MAD people share an office with volunteers who are promoting the Canadian Sponsorship scheme, who I really want to meet. We and MAD are planning to visit several refugee centres tomorrow to supply information and see where it will be best to base ourselves, if we can secure a translator.

We had another fascinating meeting with Yuriy, our previous translator (only available on weekends), who expounded on the history of languages, Ukrainian politics and many other things, and is attempting the seemingly hopeless task of teaching us some basic Ukrainian!

We have found somewhere to move to tomorrow - with a bathroom sink, a shower and a washing machine! 

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