Aid trip 8 - first leg to Khmelnitskyi


We set off early, without mishap. Although it's consistently below freezing, the roads were clear of snow so we made good time to Ternopil, where the photo of the semi-frozen lake is taken.

We stopped at the "Wheels of Victory" garage in Ternopil to load some more aid into the space left in our van -  now there is not a millimetre of space left. We asked the  mechanics to look at one of the tyres, as it looked like it may have a slow puncture or a valve problem. This led to a really interesting Google translation from Ukrainian to English: "I am asking P to help Bob and Fiona with the wheel (as if lowering through the nipple)"! Apparently, the word for nipple and valve is the same in Ukrainian - it all depends on context!

The mechanics found nothing wrong with the tyre - it just needed inflating. But whilst we were waiting we caught up with our friend, Shaun, from UK4UA, who was unloading a van full of aid, some of which he passed our way. After this we sat inside to get warm and Shaun included us in an online phone discussion with some potential donors in the USA. They listened to what we said about the situation here and what is needed, and the small organisations that we feel make a difference, like UK4UA and MAD Foundation. Before we knew it, we received a commitment to fund the repair of MAD Foundation's 13-seater sprinter van. Talk of opportune moments!

Because of the time taken in Ternopil we have only got as far as Khmelnitskyi. Tomorrow we'll leave early and travel to Odesa.

Our hotel is gaudily adorned with Christmas decorations, which is the first overt sign of Christmas we have seen here. We're aware that there are mixed feelings about public Christmas celebrations - trees, lights, etc. - which is understandable. For me, this picture is more representative of Christmas in Ukraine.

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