A blog of two parts....

The first part......Yesterday after a drive of some 10 hours we found ourselves in the city of Vinnytsia, and in a time warp. Being slightly older than Fiona, I remember in detail the fair grounds of the 1960's, especially the fair and amusement park at Belle Vue Manchester. It was, for us, where we lived, a once a year treat to go there, usually with the trip organised by our local working men's club.
Yesterday I walked into that amusement park in Vinnytsia...... And was taken back to my youth. It was wonderful. They should preserve it forever. Hopefully, the photos can convey an amusement park from a bygone era....but in many ways more authentic than somewhere with all the bells and whistles.
The big wheel was amazing, rust and all. Fiona thought it might be the end of us ...Mind you, a bit stingy with the ride....for the price, you only got one go round....

The place was busy. The war a distance away.
The other part of the blog. As we were driving back to Lviv, we heard of attacks in an area we were passing. A much longer wait at a checkpoint. The Russians, obviously trying to damage the Ukrainian supply lines were rocketing many places. As usual, with their general incompetence, they missed. Unfortunately, they did do what they are good at, hitting non military targets and injuring civilians. A lot injured, in fact, but, so far, no one killed. We passed about 1 kilometre from one of the attacks. Photo below.
Now back in Lviv, we are ready to watch something on telly. The Eurovision song contest. A contest like no other this year. Given the time difference we will be up long after Horlicks time.....I know already where my vote is going....even before I hear the song ...
I know in Lancashire there have been Eurovision song contest parties arranged. I hope you all have fun. We will....but still a war wages. And people die. Many of them too young. An age of image and media.
It really is all quite terribly surreal.

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