Odessa / Kiev, Ukraine, June 25-26, 2014 (Wed./Thursday)

 

Long bus trip back to Kiev (June 25) on a very hot day. It took us 7 hours to cover the 340 miles from Odessa to Kiev in a rather overheated bus crammed full of people. While endurable, it was a little tiring. George took a great dislike to the rather authoritarian bus hostess who told him in no uncertain terms to move back to his original less spacious seat.

Back in Kiev we had a meal near Maidan square and paid the square another visit in the dark. it was all rather quiet though quite a few dubious looking paramiltaries were walking about but not doing much at all.

Late at night another interview with the Voice of America, this time by phone. A young researcher wanted to know about Russia's influence in the region, including the influence of the Russian language in places like Armenia etc. We had a good prolonged chat; quite enjoyable.

Thursday, June 26: Return trip back from Kiev to Dublin via London on British Airways. BA even supplied us with a good meal served by a very friendly cabin crew. My generally low opinion of BA needs to be revised I think

Expected arrival back in Belfast (by bus from Dublin):1 or 2am I guess.