Good to be home...

...which is strange as home now is Lviv. It's a long way home. Today another 9 hours in the van. It was a cold, foggy day. We stopped by a lake to have tea in our cab. The thermos flask is invaluable...

Today it was Fiona's turn to get a speeding ticket. The police were kind and gave her the minimum amount - £7.00. They're incongruous - the smiles of the police, as they use Google translate to explain that Fiona has the right to appeal, and that if she doesn't have enough money a lawyer can be appointed. Put into perspective, I was ill in Colne once so didn't feel up to driving, took the bus home and left a note on the car. Still got a parking ticket. Appealed to no effect. There we are. Tomorrow Fiona will pay the fine at any bank.

We have had such positive feedback from our aid drop. Here is a video from some of the people who received aid. Basically, they are thanking us for taking the aid to them, despite the risk, and explaining how difficult it is to buy things locally as there are so few shops, if any, and expensive. Again, we are very humbled that these people are thanking us. It's the least we can do.



We also had a discussion about the risks of doing what we are doing. We can't guarantee each others safely, although we can try to minimise risk. We both want to carry on doing what we are doing so risk will be an inherent part of that. Still, we think, it's a relatively small part.

We were given some wonderful presents on leaving Antonivka. People do a lot of conserving of fruit and vegetables. This evening we tried both... delicious - especially the peaches in honey, said Fiona.

We wanted to mention that we have had some kind donations, both from friends/family in England and abroad. They will go towards buying aid on our future runs. Many thanks to all.

Finally, it's taken 10 months to learn how to put a video on here. However, this is slightly less time than the time that has elapsed since President Zelensky asked for tanks from Germany in March last year (as well as a no-fly zone). I hope that the German government will also learn how to do something new. Like say yes to a vital piece of equipment that Ukraine is desperate for, if they are to push the Russian army back.

Comments

  1. Franklinatsea23 January 2023 at 13:16

    Well written piece. You really ought to have a column in media sites. You connect these folks to what they used to take for granted, maybe.

    ReplyDelete

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