I returned from holidays over a week ago. I had fantastic time in Galapagos. It’s spectacular landscapes were relaxing. Swimming and snorkelling with playful sea lions and “cool” turtles was amazing therapy. Made me forget about crisis and “other” frustrating things. The fellow travellers on "Eclipse" - the ship I was a on – were adventure loving and fun. The guides highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun loving.
I made hundreds of photos of sea lions, lizards, boobies, finches, pelicans, albatrosses -which I expect to be sorting for months. In short my Galapagos memories will be an uplifting tonic when spirits are down for years to come.
I made hundreds of photos of sea lions, lizards, boobies, finches, pelicans, albatrosses -which I expect to be sorting for months. In short my Galapagos memories will be an uplifting tonic when spirits are down for years to come.
Some pics from Galapagos are on http://picasaweb.google.nl/lh/photo/ZiaBwkoLONPlkGBXolsBNQ?feat=directlink
When I left UA for three weeks vacation I expected things in the country would improve. I could not be more wrong.
Shortly after my return I heard someone gave Ukraine a nickname "Zimbabwe of Europe". While this might be an exaggeration (no cholera - yet) it's difficult (within Europe) to match speed of hrivnya devaluation (hrivnya moved from 5/USD to 10/USD within last month). The government remains dysfunctional. Tymoshenko accuses Yushenko of flaring-up devaluation. Yushenko states Tymoshenko is incapable of controlling the economic developments. While the President and PM argue people are losing their jobs and savings. The government proposes regulations smacking of administrative economy. Seems like moving towards the drak age of late 80ties and early 90ties. For all practical purposes country is in default or rapidly heading towards it. Ukraine also has not paid EUR 1.8 bn gas bill outstanding since September 2008. Since 2005 Ukraine-Russia "gas spats" around New Year are "regular event". The issue is UA-RU cannot agree an a gas price as of Jan 1st 2009. These gas price negotiation may win award for intransparency. On other side lack of clarity into gas price fixing process might be highly beneficial to off shore accounts of some individuals. In the meantime courtesy of politicians - common people will most likely have their flats decorated with icicles. While people will have fresh albeit freezing air in their apartments, Kiev mayor will be warm in his new Rolls Royce he purchased for a USD 1 mio last month (Rolls replaced "old" Maybach). In any European country there would be an outrage if a mayor will drive Rolls.
Amazingly some of my co-workers try to convince me there is actually no crisis. If Zimbabwean crisis standards are applied – they might be right. The worst is the dysfunctional government (naturally) lacks any "plans ahead" to face or fix problems.
When I left UA for three weeks vacation I expected things in the country would improve. I could not be more wrong.
Shortly after my return I heard someone gave Ukraine a nickname "Zimbabwe of Europe". While this might be an exaggeration (no cholera - yet) it's difficult (within Europe) to match speed of hrivnya devaluation (hrivnya moved from 5/USD to 10/USD within last month). The government remains dysfunctional. Tymoshenko accuses Yushenko of flaring-up devaluation. Yushenko states Tymoshenko is incapable of controlling the economic developments. While the President and PM argue people are losing their jobs and savings. The government proposes regulations smacking of administrative economy. Seems like moving towards the drak age of late 80ties and early 90ties. For all practical purposes country is in default or rapidly heading towards it. Ukraine also has not paid EUR 1.8 bn gas bill outstanding since September 2008. Since 2005 Ukraine-Russia "gas spats" around New Year are "regular event". The issue is UA-RU cannot agree an a gas price as of Jan 1st 2009. These gas price negotiation may win award for intransparency. On other side lack of clarity into gas price fixing process might be highly beneficial to off shore accounts of some individuals. In the meantime courtesy of politicians - common people will most likely have their flats decorated with icicles. While people will have fresh albeit freezing air in their apartments, Kiev mayor will be warm in his new Rolls Royce he purchased for a USD 1 mio last month (Rolls replaced "old" Maybach). In any European country there would be an outrage if a mayor will drive Rolls.
Amazingly some of my co-workers try to convince me there is actually no crisis. If Zimbabwean crisis standards are applied – they might be right. The worst is the dysfunctional government (naturally) lacks any "plans ahead" to face or fix problems.
During my vacation Catharine, Kees and their 11 year old dog Vibe took care of Igor. Under their excellent care Igor became a grown up boy (started to lift a leg)!!! Many, many barking thanks to Catherina for taking excellent care of Igor!!!
For Christmas and New Year I'll stay in Kiev. Pauline and Wyger will come to visit over Christmas. Since last week it snows here so "white Christmas" is guaranteed.
To all of you I wish you merry Christmas and happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.
