Back in Kiev

I returned to Kiev a week ago. Fiji was great. Diving was fantastic. I am scheming to go back. From Seoul via A’dam I arrived last Sunday evening in cold (-11 degrees) Kiev. Upon arrival while pushing a luggage cart on the parking lot I had a freezing sensation in my hands. I knew I left Kiev with gloves. But after wearing flip-flops and shorts in Fiji for almost four weeks I forgot to get them out from a suitcase.

Igor was happy to see me. Usually when I am back from a trip Igor is sulking for a while. Not this time. Seems he missed me.

When I came back I learned Ellen decided to leave Kiev and move to the Netherlands. Last Monday we made an impromptu plan for a dinner. Monday evening was a testimony to our flexibility and spontaneity (few changes of times and venues; at the end we had a dinner at my place). I will miss my balut and theatre buddy in Kiev.

Since Monday Kiev has snow showers and temperature between -13 to -17 and on Tuesday it was -22. One would guess the city administration would be prepared for such winter weather. Wrong. Seems they expected global warming effect. Even the main city roads are not cleaned. These days cars do not drive but plow through the snow. However by large majority cars in Kiev are not equipped for snowplowing. Most cars are without chains, proper winter tires etc. Not surprisingly there are many crashes due to skidding. With so many road accidents traffic was this entire week and weekend horrible. I was quite uncomfortable driving my 4WD as I frequently experience skidding when turning on a crossroad.

Irrespective of the weather Igor and I walk in the park. He is fine if temperature is up to -15. If temperature is below that he refuses to walk.

The park these days looks like a fairy tale. Due to the weather there are not many people and dogs in the park. So a few “die hard's” usually have a park and pristine powder snow all for themselves. Yesterday we met with Sonya and as one can see Igor was very happy to meet such a glamorous girl. Here is a photo of glamorous Sonya and "happy" Igor.

Next week Pauline and Wyger will arrive. I already prepared “blini”, caviar and vodka for another memorable Xmas in Kiev.

I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year.
Wishing you all a great festive break and may your holidays be filled with good food, nice drinks and festive cheer. And of course I hope Santa is good to you!