Donkey for a handbag

 

 

There is a belief in Easter Europe that if you leave your purse on the ground you won't have any more money.

So in many restaurants in Russia and Ukraine the waiter will bring a special small stool on which one can put a handbag. Sometimes restaurants even have a separate table.

In a small restaurant in Kiev a small donkey will hold a lady's bag. I could not resist and had to take a photo. Not only kids like a donkey. 

Independence Day

Today Ukraine celebrates 20 years of independence. Ukrainians have much to be proud of given achievements over past 20 years. That some things still have to be work on is natural. Progress is a work in process. Today people walking the streets were nicely dressed. Most put on a traditional embroidered shirts.
Regretfully I had an eerie feeling as there was too much police around the city centre - on the grounds that Tymoshenko protesters are arranging a big demonstration. The numerous police presence was kind of oppressive. Most of the streets in the centre were "sealed". See photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/116335751057137184269/IndependenceDay?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPfYrpCD-9mMwwE&feat=directlink

In the park - next to Shevchenko monument - some few thousand people gathered - to sing Ukrainian anthem and put flowers to Shevchenko monument. There was a good atmosphere in the park which contrasted empty streets with police on.  

Nice thing is Google celebrates Ukrainian independence too!! In case you google but are not familiar with Ukraine - yellow and blue are Ukrainian colours and a cossack plays kobza!

Restaurant Menu

Been to a newly renovated local restaurant. In the menu found some most curious dishes. Decided it's worth sharing "local" cuisine: 

Stolen Wallet

I got the wallet stolen today. I was shopping in the sport store approached by a women and asked by her to help her reading the label. The woman I was helping too was on my left. While I was being helpful another woman approached me from the left side. When I moved one I noticed there is no wallet in my purse. The women I helped was a gypsy. Sorry to write that - but next time you are approached by a gypsy be careful. I had my guard down and soft side turned on - and I paid for it.

When I realized I am lighter for the wallet I immediately;y went after the women. She was exiting the store very calmly. I met her on the pavement in front of the store and told her you took my wallet. With another woman she calmly entered the car parked next to the pavement. The care had not started driving immediately and I took the photo of the car.
The store does not have security personnel. It took me 20 min to get police in the store. Another 2 hours talking to the police and writing the report. The policemen were helpful and understanding. My russian classes paid off - as none of four policemen spoke English. They look at the videotapes and saw five gypsy women entered the store few minuets before me. The police also saw all five women left the store at the same time. However the videotape is of too poor quality to get good zoom on the faces.
The police also got the car and the driver. It appeared the car is registered as a taxi (but it had not taxi mark on). The driver said he drove two women from the store to the railways station.
Next time in the shop - if gypsy approaches me - I'll run away screaming.

Russian Spaniel Saved

Late Friday evening - Yulia - one of dog acquaintances, Alexey - another dog owner and I found in the park a very distressed Russian Spaniel.

The spaniel was very scared and distrustful. We spent more than half an hour getting his trust. At one moment he run out of the park on the busy crossing. Yulia run after him and "herded" him back to the park. This was scary.
In the beginning Yulia tried to get closer to him by giving him dried calamari (usual beer snack available in park kiosks). But calamari were not up to spaniel's taste. Alexey than decided to go to the restaurant in the park and ask for some food. He got some grilled trout leftovers. The trout did the trick and Yulia succeeded to get him on the leash.
Yulia took spaniel home. Next day she posted spaniels photos around the park, streets and metro stations. Alexey put the photo of spaniel on the Internet. I called some of dog acquaintances in the park.
Since Friday evening we found out that two drunk men were walking this lovely spaniel on Friday afternoon. One of these two drank men- usually walks spaniel in the park nearby. However Yulia still have not found the address of the owner. (Dogs here do not have microchip or tattoos or the register tag). But we keep searching on.
In the meantime - the spaniel is well taken care off.
On the above photo is Yulia when she succeeded to get spaniel on the leash.
Below are photos of spaniel put on Kiev lost pets forum.

Spanish band in Kiev

In a nice café with a terrace in Kiev there is a Spanish quartet playing guitars and singing Spanish, Cuban and Latin song. They are excellent.

They are in Kiev to earn money - two are from Valencia and two from Zaragoza.

I wondered why are they in Kiev. They answered because of crisis in Spain. Usually it is Ukrainians who go to Spain and Portugal as maids, waitresses and house help. I have not expected Spaniards to move to Ukraine to play in a band to earn some money.

With my friends we bought their CD.

Yulia's Arrest

Yesterday afternoon I was shocked when my colleagues informed me Yulia was arrested. I have not expected her arrest.

The court where Yulia's trail took place is on Khreshatik. I passed it every day. Since the trail started the supporters of Yulia took about 50m of pavement on the right side from the court entrance. The government supporters took another 50m on the left side from the court entrance.
Both sides put up tents with flags and huge slogans. There was music and loudspeakers. The court hearing was directly transmitted.
The trail seems politically motivated. Charges are Yulia have not negotiated well gas prices with Russia in January 2009. That's when most of the Eastern Europe was freezing because Russian closed the gas tap on Jan 1st 2009. Yulia went to negotiate gas prices with Putin and signed a deal. Russian Foreign Ministry stated the gas deal is legal.
Tymoshenko charges that her trial is a ploy by President Viktor Yanukovych to bar her from politics. Yulia refused to respect the court and remained seated when addressing the judge. She called judge a monster. When current Prime Minister gave his testimony in Russian Yulia requested a translator saying she does not understand Russian.
Yulia's yesterday's arrest makes obvious the government is not afraid showing off its power. There were 11 buses with military men on the street. So far intimidation works.

It's unclear how long will the Yulia stay in prison.

Pusha Lesnaya

For over a month had problems with the internet. Finally - the connection is back. Also had visitors with whom I enjoyed Kiev in summer.
In the meantime also had been to the court and paid a fine for driving backwards. The judge was a nice young lady who had two handsome young assistants. Everything was over in 15 min. I was impressed.
Have been to Pusha Lesnaya - a small forest resort outside Kiev. The resort is situated at the small lake surrounded by pines. Enjoyed it very much.