Day of the National Flag.


Today is the  Day of the National Flag. And tomorrow is Independence Day. Two important dates in the Ukrainian calendar, where people remember and understand the cost in fighting for your freedom. There is a fear that Putin will not allow these two days to go peacefully by. There is a concern that it will not be a quiet night. We shall see. I hope with all my heart that people will be safe in Ukraine tonight.

In the 3 years plus that I've been here, it has been a real pleasure helping in Ukraine.
Trawden4ukraine, has in Odesa, Kherson and Kharkiv, delivered over the 3 years, thousands of pounds of aid, and given direct financial support to many organisations.
On top of this there have been countless free English lessons. So you can imagine my general irritation when I got back to my car yesterday having finished giving free English lessons in the central library in Odesa to find this.

An Odesa parking ticket. I'm aware that rules are rules, but my vehicle has clearly marked humanitarian aid stickers and a UK number plate.

The parking in Odesa completely confuses me. You would have thought that they could use some discretion. But no, I suppose traffic wardens are.....(Find a suitable word) everywhere. It's not a big fine, and I'm sure that in time I will see the funny side. But for now it leaves a sour taste.

Thank you all for your continued support.






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