Hot and flat!!! That excitement took 15 minutes and at least we stretched our legs. Through to Ukraine border...... the process this time: driver out with papers....returns and an army guy comes on announces something and starts taking passports.....the driver disappears with one of the passengers and his passport: oooooh it’s all so weird like being in a film with uncertain suspense!!! Someone comes on the bus and is looking in the nooks and storage bits. It’s like they are expecting something somewhere. 2 guys taken off..... not sure if from the group and off they go for searching. Driver and something more about passports and then looks to say stay, and away he goes again. He appears a little hot and bothered but maybe as it’s 36degrees it’s just natural!! Just to amuse my day I’m wondering if I’ll hit the thunder storms when I get there!!! It’s now 1530 and this welcome has been 25 minutes so far! I’d like my passport back!!!! The driver drops off Pepsi at the custom guards, wonder if it’s a bribe of sorts, can’t be that easy!!! Missing my beach time!! Suddenly 4-5 other security / custom people are wandering around with Pepsi cans, maybe it’s cheaper in Moldova / Transnistria!!! Now 35 minutes and driver is off again and still no passports...... return of driver, 2 passages down still......I can see them working on the passports...... break must be over!! Oh it’s looking hopefully. She’s piling up the passports. The driver is whizzing around lots between the hut with passports, and the office type block where the guys went. It’s been 45 minutes and a total of 1 hour at customs!!!! Welcome to Ukraine!!! He comes on, asks for someone and the young guy at the front gets off and heads to passport. Next move....not sure if he’s chatting up the passport girl or there’s a problem. The guy is back working a minute.....and now driver starts the engine....... is there hope to be on the move??? We’re off I can only assume the guys are back too! Suddenly shouting and stop then some yes and we go again. The lady beside can’t find her passport. It appears nor can a couple more....then they are returned!! This keeps us entertained for a while, no one claiming one...... my stamp is right beside georgia one, I’ve loads of empty pages and they cram them together!!!
Clouds settling in as we pass lots of yellow flowering fields. Then the pot holes start, and the road works. These roads do not fair well after winter. The bus driver spends as much time on the opposite side of the road as on the correct. Again it’s long expanses of fields, manu just starting to germinate and green tips poking through. It’s like being on a boat!!! At 1650 we are into Odessa and start seeing people be dropped off. We have another police stop.....10 minutes and driver paper check we’re off....5k to go!!. I’m ready to get some sea air and can see darkening clouds in the distance!! Oooops!! Here’s the rain. On time at 5pm!!! Amusing me. Wonder what I get in my cabin tonight to round it off!!!
It’s raining it’s pouring so change money and take cover!!
Clouds settling in as we pass lots of yellow flowering fields. Then the pot holes start, and the road works. These roads do not fair well after winter. The bus driver spends as much time on the opposite side of the road as on the correct. Again it’s long expanses of fields, manu just starting to germinate and green tips poking through. It’s like being on a boat!!! At 1650 we are into Odessa and start seeing people be dropped off. We have another police stop.....10 minutes and driver paper check we’re off....5k to go!!. I’m ready to get some sea air and can see darkening clouds in the distance!! Oooops!! Here’s the rain. On time at 5pm!!! Amusing me. Wonder what I get in my cabin tonight to round it off!!!
It’s raining it’s pouring so change money and take cover!!
I find WiFi and update while enjoying a salad and a strawberry smoothie...... time to head to that beach!! It’s a 30min walk but it’s a great vibe when you find it! There’s clubs night and beach, food spots and lots of nice restaurants around. Although it’s 7pm lots of people are still in the sea and playing volleyball etc on the beach. It’s like a sozopol was in Bulgaria. I’m guessing it gets busy though!
I eventuAlly head to a place for a wine..... try a Ukraine one... Riesling. It’s not cheap here in the posher places (£7-10 main course)!! Sun is setting and I still have a bit to go.... and make sure I’m back for the bus!! Some guys want a table and as I’m almost done and at the view I offer mine and head off.
It’s a bustling city. Obviously the weather helps but as I wander through the parks there’s music playing and people out doing things, very few mobiles. Even in the city centre it’s full of music and the bars are busy! It’s a nice outside evening and feeling.
I stop for a smoothie again as I seem to need the fluids. I take a seat at a bit on the street and the girls says something that’s she can’t serve me. I’m guessing as I’m English, but I point at my choice and it’s still a no!! I wait about 5 mins for another to come and she says ok but still frowns!! Bless. I must learn a little!! I plan to return back through town to the place I was in for WiFi. It’s beside the station, had charging options and did a great salad and smoothies!! I can recharge before the train incase there’s no charger on the train. I feel much more relaxed here but maybe I’m just in the swing of it all, or maybe it’s more tourist orientated? This smoothie is mainly water. Not impressed but it’s £1 in the main night area so shouldn’t grumble too much!
I can’t wait to get a wash!! I feel so sticky!!! Nice!!!!
I head back to the place I was earlier with 45 mins to charge up and check my plans!! I’m struggling with the Ukrainian so need to get the info from my email account!
I find a quirky wee place that sells beer in 1+ litre bottles, to feel like a local I buy some lemonade..... it’s more lemon soda but it’s going to do the trick overnight!!
Back at my familiar place I order yet another smoothie this one appears to come with banana, not a bad option. I have some bits for Train and the Apple still so should be good. I’ve liked the start of Ukraine but let’s see how the capital feels!!
Off to meet my cabin mates for the night.....
I eventuAlly head to a place for a wine..... try a Ukraine one... Riesling. It’s not cheap here in the posher places (£7-10 main course)!! Sun is setting and I still have a bit to go.... and make sure I’m back for the bus!! Some guys want a table and as I’m almost done and at the view I offer mine and head off.
It’s a bustling city. Obviously the weather helps but as I wander through the parks there’s music playing and people out doing things, very few mobiles. Even in the city centre it’s full of music and the bars are busy! It’s a nice outside evening and feeling.
I stop for a smoothie again as I seem to need the fluids. I take a seat at a bit on the street and the girls says something that’s she can’t serve me. I’m guessing as I’m English, but I point at my choice and it’s still a no!! I wait about 5 mins for another to come and she says ok but still frowns!! Bless. I must learn a little!! I plan to return back through town to the place I was in for WiFi. It’s beside the station, had charging options and did a great salad and smoothies!! I can recharge before the train incase there’s no charger on the train. I feel much more relaxed here but maybe I’m just in the swing of it all, or maybe it’s more tourist orientated? This smoothie is mainly water. Not impressed but it’s £1 in the main night area so shouldn’t grumble too much!
I can’t wait to get a wash!! I feel so sticky!!! Nice!!!!
I head back to the place I was earlier with 45 mins to charge up and check my plans!! I’m struggling with the Ukrainian so need to get the info from my email account!
I find a quirky wee place that sells beer in 1+ litre bottles, to feel like a local I buy some lemonade..... it’s more lemon soda but it’s going to do the trick overnight!!
Back at my familiar place I order yet another smoothie this one appears to come with banana, not a bad option. I have some bits for Train and the Apple still so should be good. I’ve liked the start of Ukraine but let’s see how the capital feels!!
Off to meet my cabin mates for the night.....
So it’s 5 mins to the station platform and by the crowd beside one of the trains it’s mine!! I’m in carriage 11 bed number 34, ah my age!! It’s a long train, there’s about 20 carriages but I’ll count them in the morning. I double check on my way down to be told I’m second class!! When I arrive I find a man already on the top bunk and guess what, I’ve a top one too. This could be interesting!! I’m little worried about getting up there, there’s a small wooden and metal square that comes out and thankfully I’ve brought my almost ruined tracksuit bottoms, although they are starting to split at the crutch, so I wasn’t anticipating climbing. As I’m figuring out the amount of baggage on my bed, a lovely woman walks in and explains that it’s mine and the guy belows. She speaks very good English which is lovely to know if something happens!!, Who promptly walks in too...... great I have an audience to climb up.... thank god the tracksuit has a lining too which I don’t think has given way yet........ I’m up and on. Now to make the bed while on it. It’s so warm, so I’m a little unkeen to use the duvet. I notice everyone has put their head at the far end but I’m going to be me and put it at the end looking towards the window..... I ask the guy who’s taken over the charger if I can put my multi plug one in and he reluctantly says yes.... bonus of top bunk is that it’s above the door! I check my Fitbit..... 34000 steps, 13 miles not a bad days walking! A couple of guys are chatting outside and the door I still open but it’s giving a breeze which I really need! Im glad I changed and toileted before getting on, I’m not in the mode for climbing back down!!! I’ll leave the door closing to the guy below!! It’s going to be a bumpy ride........ sleep maybe very disrupted but at least no one has lit a cig yet and the only very fat naked man i saw was in first class on my way past the window. Suddenly our carriage hostess is back for my ticket and asks something. I look and my lovely friend explains tea now or in the morning. I say morning and she leaves with my ticket. The girl explains that my ticket includes this (not sure how) and I can have now or later, tea or coffee, but the coffee is in sticks with sugar!!! We’ll see. She also explains that the lady will come through soon and close all the windows and turn on the aircon. I have my bottle of water close by!! My carriage mates close the door and darkness it is.... I hear the windows close and the aircon starts. This is why we have duvets of sorts and sleeping bags above my head!!! Well let’s see, see you in day 3! Kiev here I come! So not sure if I’m a Ploner or not. The thing I assumed was a duvet is ls slightly fatter and more foam than I had noticed..... I’ve a feeling I’m using my mattress as a blanket!!! Oh well go with it with confidence!!! They gave you plenty of bits to your bedding, I also think I should have put the pillow case on!!! Oooops I’ll get a lesson in the morning before tomorrow’s one!!
Day 2: Kiev
Day 2:
Sleep is so so. I wake when Train stops and I’m finding it hard to curl up between the wall and the bed barrier to stop my potential fall, but I get reasonable amount and am woken by the lady 45 minutes before arrival. The tea becomes clearer, I use my translator to ask for coffee but it appears that the ticked said tea so tea is what I get..... I chose black. There’s no milk but sugar. It’s looking grey outside at the moment, not impressive at all, but I’m in summery stiff for now as there’s really not enough room to change and wardrobe rethink, that’s for the station!! The guy opposite in his shorts and t-shore is Mr Ben’d into a smart business man with shines shoes and such! My tea arrives and it’s in ornate large glass cups, so weird. I feel like we’re in first class! O chat with Natalia, we now know names, she’s studying from
Odessa (distance learning) psychology, she’s lovely and chatty and over tea gives me some places to go, apologising for the grey weather..... it’s only 0710!! Our cabin mates have gone as we’re in the station but she says no hurry and shows m on my map (I received from a work colleague) where to go. We get off and I get back my ticket. She offers to show me the metro system but with 12 hours until my next train I’m happy to wander unless rain stops play. I thank her and we bid good luck and farewell...... I’ve spotted a Mac Donald’s..... coffee, loo and wash!!!
I think the world has arrived there so I take my coffee (and wafer biscuit) upstairs and suss out with WiFi some options! Here’s to 12 hours in Kiev ......
Sleep is so so. I wake when Train stops and I’m finding it hard to curl up between the wall and the bed barrier to stop my potential fall, but I get reasonable amount and am woken by the lady 45 minutes before arrival. The tea becomes clearer, I use my translator to ask for coffee but it appears that the ticked said tea so tea is what I get..... I chose black. There’s no milk but sugar. It’s looking grey outside at the moment, not impressive at all, but I’m in summery stiff for now as there’s really not enough room to change and wardrobe rethink, that’s for the station!! The guy opposite in his shorts and t-shore is Mr Ben’d into a smart business man with shines shoes and such! My tea arrives and it’s in ornate large glass cups, so weird. I feel like we’re in first class! O chat with Natalia, we now know names, she’s studying from
Odessa (distance learning) psychology, she’s lovely and chatty and over tea gives me some places to go, apologising for the grey weather..... it’s only 0710!! Our cabin mates have gone as we’re in the station but she says no hurry and shows m on my map (I received from a work colleague) where to go. We get off and I get back my ticket. She offers to show me the metro system but with 12 hours until my next train I’m happy to wander unless rain stops play. I thank her and we bid good luck and farewell...... I’ve spotted a Mac Donald’s..... coffee, loo and wash!!!
I think the world has arrived there so I take my coffee (and wafer biscuit) upstairs and suss out with WiFi some options! Here’s to 12 hours in Kiev ......
Off I trundle, past the it’s like walking around slopes everywhere and traffic at a similar standstill!! It’s a 30min up hill towards the centre and as I get to the park with its quirky statues, I realise I have To go all the way back down; I see why they use the metro!!! The park is full of children’s statues
and there he is MY LITTLE PRINCE!!!
There’s lots of dog walkers around and there’s a cool breeze while it’s still overcast. I head back down past the blue and white st Andrews’s church and hit what seems the nice part of town! I stop for coffee and suss out my location etc. I order a couple of local scone things, one with dill and one with sweet cheese I think.
On wards and downwards, lots of people with bunches of Lilly of the valley, I think of granny! Not sure what the significance is or just it’s the smell but I don’t notice them, only the whiff of cabbage.
I’m wandering down what I thought was the central street by it’s not got that feel so Rune to veer off and do my park area earlier suggested. The sun is thinking of visiting!!!
There’s a nicer feeling as I head towards the park, a large cornered off area that appears to have a good lively night activity by the stage and various stalls around it. I come across a beach I can see on the opposite side of the river! Then there’s the old funicular, tempting!! I head back over to view be river and enjoy the reduced traffic noise and the fountain. I can’t tell if there’s drops of rain or wind blowing fountain water to me!! I can see my next destination : the Friendship of Nations arch. Let’s get that hill done!! It’s not so impressive but the park is lovely to wander through and a fab city view!! There’s lots of mistletoe and I can still feel the odd droplet of rain. ‘Park bridge is a high bridge leading over the road, not impressive but practical. So onwards to the palace Mariyinski. It’s 11am and still can’t decide if it’s going to rain or shine! I’ll keep going as the palace is in a park and maybe not too much shelter. I pass Dynamo Kiev football stadium, or at least one, and arrive at the palace, sadly heavily under reconstruction and desperately needing it!! Another time maybe!? Off to ivana franka square and see if there’s much there. I wander off following my map and it takes me down a street I must pass some guards to enter. There’s an exit on the map and none of the guards look twice, so in I go. There lots of army hovering around and I’m a little uncertain I should be here, then I hit a gate and a booth to get out which contains chairs and 2 windows. I see no exit so I turn round and walk back. As I leave my no go zone a guy is walking in and being searched. Funny, not like you can’t see my backpack!!! Round the alternative way and notice I’m in the posh part again, the lingerie shops, bars and sex shops line the area!! The drips of rain are more insistent now. Maybe time for lunch
There’s a nicer feeling as I head towards the park, a large cornered off area that appears to have a good lively night activity by the stage and various stalls around it. I come across a beach I can see on the opposite side of the river! Then there’s the old funicular, tempting!! I head back over to view be river and enjoy the reduced traffic noise and the fountain. I can’t tell if there’s drops of rain or wind blowing fountain water to me!! I can see my next destination : the Friendship of Nations arch. Let’s get that hill done!! It’s not so impressive but the park is lovely to wander through and a fab city view!! There’s lots of mistletoe and I can still feel the odd droplet of rain. ‘Park bridge is a high bridge leading over the road, not impressive but practical. So onwards to the palace Mariyinski. It’s 11am and still can’t decide if it’s going to rain or shine! I’ll keep going as the palace is in a park and maybe not too much shelter. I pass Dynamo Kiev football stadium, or at least one, and arrive at the palace, sadly heavily under reconstruction and desperately needing it!! Another time maybe!? Off to ivana franka square and see if there’s much there. I wander off following my map and it takes me down a street I must pass some guards to enter. There’s an exit on the map and none of the guards look twice, so in I go. There lots of army hovering around and I’m a little uncertain I should be here, then I hit a gate and a booth to get out which contains chairs and 2 windows. I see no exit so I turn round and walk back. As I leave my no go zone a guy is walking in and being searched. Funny, not like you can’t see my backpack!!! Round the alternative way and notice I’m in the posh part again, the lingerie shops, bars and sex shops line the area!! The drips of rain are more insistent now. Maybe time for lunch
I find a place serving burgers, I feel I need some meat! I order the beef burger with grilled veg all salad.. turns out the beef burger is not present and it’s an aubergine!! Ah well it dies the job well and fills me up. In the meantime my phone is being charged by the waitress behind the counter.
Onwards and again upwards and I arrive on a square that takes me back to Lisbon in its appearance. Few pics of the st Sophia cathedral and then down to st michaels cathedral, and try to find the ‘flags’ on the map from the different countries, however having passed what should have been about 8 and seen none, I’m thinking they’re embassies but not sure!! I find the golden gate which I need to establish the story for as it’s a brick structure on the centre and wood up the sides! The weather and I are at head on now, cardigan on, sun out, seal shelter, rain stops, come out, rain starts!! 3pm and I’m seeking shelter and foot rest for a bit!! Then the sun appears in full force so I’m back on it. It appears my trip has gone in a full circle and I’m almost back at the station with 4 hours to go. Beer and sun I think! The station had a roof top bar and so seems a se sensible idea and I can suss out tomorrow which is much more frantic and time dependant.
I’m heading tonight to Lvyv, then I intend to cross the border tomorrow into Romania but there’s only 1 bus per day to the border and I’ve a 3 mile run to get between bus stations if all is on time!!
Have an idea of it all but I now know how little help the locals could be so maybe best to find out first! Oh further checking and I’m on top tonight again. Warning for future, even numbers go on top!!!
Onwards and again upwards and I arrive on a square that takes me back to Lisbon in its appearance. Few pics of the st Sophia cathedral and then down to st michaels cathedral, and try to find the ‘flags’ on the map from the different countries, however having passed what should have been about 8 and seen none, I’m thinking they’re embassies but not sure!! I find the golden gate which I need to establish the story for as it’s a brick structure on the centre and wood up the sides! The weather and I are at head on now, cardigan on, sun out, seal shelter, rain stops, come out, rain starts!! 3pm and I’m seeking shelter and foot rest for a bit!! Then the sun appears in full force so I’m back on it. It appears my trip has gone in a full circle and I’m almost back at the station with 4 hours to go. Beer and sun I think! The station had a roof top bar and so seems a se sensible idea and I can suss out tomorrow which is much more frantic and time dependant.
I’m heading tonight to Lvyv, then I intend to cross the border tomorrow into Romania but there’s only 1 bus per day to the border and I’ve a 3 mile run to get between bus stations if all is on time!!
Have an idea of it all but I now know how little help the locals could be so maybe best to find out first! Oh further checking and I’m on top tonight again. Warning for future, even numbers go on top!!!
Further research shows that I’m heading with the rain, but that’s fine, I’m popping in and out of places so plenty of drying time!!
I’m able to catch up with some of the whatsapp people, scott back in Holland, Jakob my Georgian travel companion for the last 1.5 days is out in London and not heard back to poland, and loving it, and Sue is struggling in the 30+ degree heat!!!
The internet is very hit or miss so I may change location for a more reliable one. I’m figuring out again, my money......£3.5 left, travel out of country almost all paid so should be fine!! Coffee is £0.4p and I have snacks remaining so rather than be left with lots of cash on my long bus journeys tomorrow I think I’m fine! Although just found out stop number 1 bus and train station are both 6-7km from town and a 45min journey between. I gave myself 1.5 hours to see the wee city centre and get to bus station but it’s not the correct one. Then I find a recent post (2 days old) that buses run very late, so my 35 minute transfer and again 3 miles between bus stations is going to be interesting and I’m thinking it’s all going to go wrong!! Oh well let’s see! I may need to change money yet!!! I wanted to go through the mountains to see them, hence the route but it’s only a theory!! I’m going to look at Taxi in Lviv into centre and back out (rough on line guide says 50-100huk) haggle number 1, and then try to negotiate the bus driver stopping at the Ivano frankivsk bus station which I need of its on time as it’s before the final stop...... bet I can do!!!
I’m stocked up with water, and think I’ll grab a quick snack kebab outside and head to find my train. It leaves in 1h15m but there a lot of platforms to figure out!!
Wonder who I get to share with tonight!! I’ll sleep well: 12miles, 32000 steps and feet feeling it!!!
I’m able to catch up with some of the whatsapp people, scott back in Holland, Jakob my Georgian travel companion for the last 1.5 days is out in London and not heard back to poland, and loving it, and Sue is struggling in the 30+ degree heat!!!
The internet is very hit or miss so I may change location for a more reliable one. I’m figuring out again, my money......£3.5 left, travel out of country almost all paid so should be fine!! Coffee is £0.4p and I have snacks remaining so rather than be left with lots of cash on my long bus journeys tomorrow I think I’m fine! Although just found out stop number 1 bus and train station are both 6-7km from town and a 45min journey between. I gave myself 1.5 hours to see the wee city centre and get to bus station but it’s not the correct one. Then I find a recent post (2 days old) that buses run very late, so my 35 minute transfer and again 3 miles between bus stations is going to be interesting and I’m thinking it’s all going to go wrong!! Oh well let’s see! I may need to change money yet!!! I wanted to go through the mountains to see them, hence the route but it’s only a theory!! I’m going to look at Taxi in Lviv into centre and back out (rough on line guide says 50-100huk) haggle number 1, and then try to negotiate the bus driver stopping at the Ivano frankivsk bus station which I need of its on time as it’s before the final stop...... bet I can do!!!
I’m stocked up with water, and think I’ll grab a quick snack kebab outside and head to find my train. It leaves in 1h15m but there a lot of platforms to figure out!!
Wonder who I get to share with tonight!! I’ll sleep well: 12miles, 32000 steps and feet feeling it!!!
So last night was luxury!! Tonight it’s plastic seats, and thin mattresses. My coach lady looks stern!! At the station rather than try to figure out the line of information I asked at the kiosk and found where to go, much easier! Here’s a couple and another guy in with me this time. I’ve done as much research as I can into my day tomorrow so it’s all a wait and see. I changed a £10 also as otherwise I have only €20 and hope I can negotiate my plan for about 100uha, I’ve been here more than 24hours and not figured out the currency!! As we’re about to leave the heavens open!! Perfect timing!!! I’m unsure if it stops at Lvyv or carry’s on..... the station info didn’t say Lvyv so wait and see. I’m due in at 0610 so wake up at 5:20 I’m guessing, oh and maybe my tea!!! Romania brings with it the bonus of ability to use roaming and bank card, just hope I can find machines!! Forgot to check!! Ah well more excitement to add to the unknown!!
We’re almost all hanging about the outside of the cabins as we lurch into gear and leave! I can’t see my climbing bar to my bunk tonight........ok interesting again. Once up I’m not coming down!!!! The thunder storm hits in and large forks of lightening cover the sky with stunning sunsets!
It’s 2050 and maybe I’ll make my bed soon and go chill. At least I learnt from last night how to do it so I look more seasoned!!!
There’s a area free but I don’t recall this on booking so I’m guessing it’s not to be used......or the people are elsewhere!!
The toilets....... hmmm if not brushed my teeth before coming..... oh dear. You need a degree plus to figure out the tap, turn the knob, nothing..... behinds the actual tap is a tiny button you push up while soaking yourself and everyone if you have fat fingers!!!!ph dear...... certainly holding it in as no idea how loo flushed and looks like on one else did either!!! Bonus notice though, all compartments are no smoking!! Not sure what time lights out are, but turned down the tea tonight option. She’s not as stern as last nights obviously!!
I’ve hung my shoes outside as they are a little ripe so they will stay in the corridor for now and see if they survive without being thrown!!!
I think it’s bed time!! I changed earlier but it’s less clear how this works!!
The train is a mixture of ages including kids. We’ve stopped to fill the empty cabin!!! Obviously raining out!!!
Well I’m going to confidently make my bed like I know what I’m doing. It’s not that easy. I try to see if the others are getting off at Lvyv but they answer not than ‘da’ or ‘niet’ so I’m none the wiser, maybe they were saying another station?? I set my alarm for 0550 incase I’m not woken!! Think I’ll fall into the station without changing and change there!!!
We've all migrated into the cabin but also our phones are charged so no reason to stand outside (last nights were in the compartment) I’m glad I brought a multi charging adaptor (thanks dean for the suggestion) as I’m able to get to share the plug!!! I’ve made it to my crows nest as Paddy would say, and I’m not getting off!! My bag could go under the bed underneath but that’s not easy if I’m off separately. These beds are no long!!! Sure they’re shorter than last night!
I’ve noticed the info boards (paper on the wall) saying there’s a train to Ivano frankvisky but I don’t recall checking it, however the timetable is going the opposite way so maybe when I arrive I can see. Pretty sure I checked all options and time didn’t work!! My additional prep has been to translate and photograph ‘can I get off at bus station number 2 as I have a connection at 11:40 please?’ Plus I’ve checked accomodation in Romanian border town (Sighetu Marmatiei). Let’s see. Can’t be much more organised and I was aware that the lack of information on line (at least in English) was a problem in my planning!!
We’re almost all hanging about the outside of the cabins as we lurch into gear and leave! I can’t see my climbing bar to my bunk tonight........ok interesting again. Once up I’m not coming down!!!! The thunder storm hits in and large forks of lightening cover the sky with stunning sunsets!
It’s 2050 and maybe I’ll make my bed soon and go chill. At least I learnt from last night how to do it so I look more seasoned!!!
There’s a area free but I don’t recall this on booking so I’m guessing it’s not to be used......or the people are elsewhere!!
The toilets....... hmmm if not brushed my teeth before coming..... oh dear. You need a degree plus to figure out the tap, turn the knob, nothing..... behinds the actual tap is a tiny button you push up while soaking yourself and everyone if you have fat fingers!!!!ph dear...... certainly holding it in as no idea how loo flushed and looks like on one else did either!!! Bonus notice though, all compartments are no smoking!! Not sure what time lights out are, but turned down the tea tonight option. She’s not as stern as last nights obviously!!
I’ve hung my shoes outside as they are a little ripe so they will stay in the corridor for now and see if they survive without being thrown!!!
I think it’s bed time!! I changed earlier but it’s less clear how this works!!
The train is a mixture of ages including kids. We’ve stopped to fill the empty cabin!!! Obviously raining out!!!
Well I’m going to confidently make my bed like I know what I’m doing. It’s not that easy. I try to see if the others are getting off at Lvyv but they answer not than ‘da’ or ‘niet’ so I’m none the wiser, maybe they were saying another station?? I set my alarm for 0550 incase I’m not woken!! Think I’ll fall into the station without changing and change there!!!
We've all migrated into the cabin but also our phones are charged so no reason to stand outside (last nights were in the compartment) I’m glad I brought a multi charging adaptor (thanks dean for the suggestion) as I’m able to get to share the plug!!! I’ve made it to my crows nest as Paddy would say, and I’m not getting off!! My bag could go under the bed underneath but that’s not easy if I’m off separately. These beds are no long!!! Sure they’re shorter than last night!
I’ve noticed the info boards (paper on the wall) saying there’s a train to Ivano frankvisky but I don’t recall checking it, however the timetable is going the opposite way so maybe when I arrive I can see. Pretty sure I checked all options and time didn’t work!! My additional prep has been to translate and photograph ‘can I get off at bus station number 2 as I have a connection at 11:40 please?’ Plus I’ve checked accomodation in Romanian border town (Sighetu Marmatiei). Let’s see. Can’t be much more organised and I was aware that the lack of information on line (at least in English) was a problem in my planning!!
Day 3: to Romania, I hope....
I’ve had a reasonable night sleep, nodded off and got a couple of hours before I felt uncomfortable, and was woken by some railtrack loud banging which was frequent throughout the night, then took a bit to settle again, the bed felt very short and I couldn’t find where to put my feet!!! I woke though at 4am worries I was about to miss the alarm, then was woken by our lady at 5:15, along with everyone else.
It’s raining out, so not the best start and I hope it’s not a days omen!!!
Again the landscape is flat and vast. I hover at a plug point to charge totally my phone as there’s an uncertainty today of any / much other time out! Tomorrow and Thursday if I make it to my planned end point tonight today is an early start and plenty of whizzing around so sleep on bus is possible.
Morning routine done: remove the sheets and pillowcase, roll up the pillow in the ‘mattress’ ready for the next person and leave washing pilled up. The trains have been interesting, certainly not as I expected and well used by all (they are very cheap!). They’re on the whole, clean (except toilet) but very noisy rails!! I’d recommend if doing these long journeys as views are very restricted due to the tree lined track. It’s almost time to arrive and no offer of tea, maybe I wasn’t able to get it this morning!!! As I watch the landscape pass and the little villages dotted around, it is like home, green, rolling small hills and the odd large expanse of ploughing!!!!
All bed linen collected and sorted and still no cup of tea!! Oh well I’ve retrieved my shoes, photos of landscape taken (blurred due to the movement) and am ready to see what happens!!
Spot on time and we’re here, part 1/7 transport interactions successful!!!
So I’ve abandoned my plan and decided to just grab some food, a clean loo, and get to location 2. I pick up some mini dumplings and a coffee and head to find the minibus to the bus station.
It’s a very clean loo so I get a wash down and feel human again! Time to find this bus....... eventually found that bus number 18 connects here with bus station, but how to find it in the mass of buses...... and no info centre open! It is a big transport hub and I guess like London, one of many in the second biggest city. I’ve cash for a taxi but that loses the challenge!! Ok. None seem so I go to information. She half looks at my ticket and says 2 then back to txting on her old Nokia!! Bus 2? She nods.... I’m not sure as certainly didn’t see that, and I can hardly hear her as her microphone isn’t on and the tannoy is working. Hmmmmm I notice behind there’s a house info point, but not open, then beside that the kasa 2 with international communications above it. I’ll try here! Ok so not too much English, I’d come up with a brilliant plan b.... train to the border as it’s overcast as always when I take scenic routes!! 20hundred she says, ah ok, so I ask to bus station and show her my ticket, she points to the one opposite, I point again at ticket and she says oh and looks stunned........Taxi! I ask bus, she says 16, well I saw lots of them, so easy!! Off o plod (feet hurt!!) and find number 16, he says no and points further away...... I look and see a bus stop..... ooooh marching by shapes time, sure enough the number 10 will get me there, costing 5UAH, and hopefully in less than an hour! Poland was so much easier to navigate!!!
It’s a busy bus!! We’ve turned there way towards the bus station so I’m hoping it’s not too long....I have 50 mins!!
It’s crowded and even if I wanted to give up my seat the chaos it would cause is scary! I’m following on google maps having downloaded on line last night so know it’s not too far but the frequent stops and trying to get people off and on is not making it easy. The numbers I can see are 23 and 40 so I’m guessing that’s the capacity.... and we must be there! 2km to go and 30mins!! The chaos is interesting though. Money is being passed up and down the bus. There’s a huge honesty from everyone here. I’ll have 15 minutes to sort ticket (think I need to exchange my printed info, and get to the bus. Should just make it!!! Very kindly the driver stops and shout ‘autobus’ ok. Time to get off and along with a couple of others I get off!
Stage 2/7 completed!! Ticket collected and now the bus driver challenge!!
Ok. He arrived with 5 mins to go and I smile at him and show him my message, I have 2 photo’d as it gave me different translations!!! He half looks and says da, I re-point at the info on the second ticket (I’ve written ‘time’ in local, and indicated stop here. ‘Da, da’! Well can’t do much more
It’s raining out, so not the best start and I hope it’s not a days omen!!!
Again the landscape is flat and vast. I hover at a plug point to charge totally my phone as there’s an uncertainty today of any / much other time out! Tomorrow and Thursday if I make it to my planned end point tonight today is an early start and plenty of whizzing around so sleep on bus is possible.
Morning routine done: remove the sheets and pillowcase, roll up the pillow in the ‘mattress’ ready for the next person and leave washing pilled up. The trains have been interesting, certainly not as I expected and well used by all (they are very cheap!). They’re on the whole, clean (except toilet) but very noisy rails!! I’d recommend if doing these long journeys as views are very restricted due to the tree lined track. It’s almost time to arrive and no offer of tea, maybe I wasn’t able to get it this morning!!! As I watch the landscape pass and the little villages dotted around, it is like home, green, rolling small hills and the odd large expanse of ploughing!!!!
All bed linen collected and sorted and still no cup of tea!! Oh well I’ve retrieved my shoes, photos of landscape taken (blurred due to the movement) and am ready to see what happens!!
Spot on time and we’re here, part 1/7 transport interactions successful!!!
So I’ve abandoned my plan and decided to just grab some food, a clean loo, and get to location 2. I pick up some mini dumplings and a coffee and head to find the minibus to the bus station.
It’s a very clean loo so I get a wash down and feel human again! Time to find this bus....... eventually found that bus number 18 connects here with bus station, but how to find it in the mass of buses...... and no info centre open! It is a big transport hub and I guess like London, one of many in the second biggest city. I’ve cash for a taxi but that loses the challenge!! Ok. None seem so I go to information. She half looks at my ticket and says 2 then back to txting on her old Nokia!! Bus 2? She nods.... I’m not sure as certainly didn’t see that, and I can hardly hear her as her microphone isn’t on and the tannoy is working. Hmmmmm I notice behind there’s a house info point, but not open, then beside that the kasa 2 with international communications above it. I’ll try here! Ok so not too much English, I’d come up with a brilliant plan b.... train to the border as it’s overcast as always when I take scenic routes!! 20hundred she says, ah ok, so I ask to bus station and show her my ticket, she points to the one opposite, I point again at ticket and she says oh and looks stunned........Taxi! I ask bus, she says 16, well I saw lots of them, so easy!! Off o plod (feet hurt!!) and find number 16, he says no and points further away...... I look and see a bus stop..... ooooh marching by shapes time, sure enough the number 10 will get me there, costing 5UAH, and hopefully in less than an hour! Poland was so much easier to navigate!!!
It’s a busy bus!! We’ve turned there way towards the bus station so I’m hoping it’s not too long....I have 50 mins!!
It’s crowded and even if I wanted to give up my seat the chaos it would cause is scary! I’m following on google maps having downloaded on line last night so know it’s not too far but the frequent stops and trying to get people off and on is not making it easy. The numbers I can see are 23 and 40 so I’m guessing that’s the capacity.... and we must be there! 2km to go and 30mins!! The chaos is interesting though. Money is being passed up and down the bus. There’s a huge honesty from everyone here. I’ll have 15 minutes to sort ticket (think I need to exchange my printed info, and get to the bus. Should just make it!!! Very kindly the driver stops and shout ‘autobus’ ok. Time to get off and along with a couple of others I get off!
Stage 2/7 completed!! Ticket collected and now the bus driver challenge!!
Ok. He arrived with 5 mins to go and I smile at him and show him my message, I have 2 photo’d as it gave me different translations!!! He half looks and says da, I re-point at the info on the second ticket (I’ve written ‘time’ in local, and indicated stop here. ‘Da, da’! Well can’t do much more
It’s time to leave and he’s off having a cigarette. I’m liking his bling machine though!!! Haha. Seat at the opposite side from driver and maybe some scenery!! Although rain started again!
I’ve downloaded the next map too, so as it gets towards 11am I’ll check it out for location and try to ensure a stop. I’m disappointed that the transport is not central located, i was looking forward to seeing these more historic places.
The sun returns and I feel like I’m driving through the Borders! The scenery visible between the bushes is stunning and luscious looking. A woman walks along the roadside with a cow, and many houses have their own gardens or plots of land in front. We pass an area just full of oil seed rape as far as the eye can see, it’s lovely yellow but wow, so much!
A stop and 3 women get on. Despite the empty seats (6) at the back together they insist on moving our bags and sitting split up nearer the front, then try to talk along 3 rows to each other!! Quirkiness of people. Thankfully the lady sitting beside me has done well with the perfume so my shoes seem to be blended out of the aroma!!. More pickups and the driver seems angry about something, the woman smile and a guy who is already on shouts ‘hoy!!’ I wonder!!! Wow we must be the only bus!! We’ve done 4 pick ups and collected about 15 people! I better be able to get off at my stop!!! However I am really enjoying my £3 bus tour!
2 off, 15 on!! Full bus now!! 1/2 way and it’s cig stop!! It’s been a very busy bus!!! It last 10 mins and we’re off again through a much more industrial area. A large lake on the opposite side and not much else. It’s sunny but hazy so not seeing fully what it’s like. We seem to be making good time and I’m feeling slightly hopeful now!! People getting on and off all over so I should be a problem, just the getting out! I am second row in the 45 seater minibus, so hopefully not too difficult! It’s 1025 and I make it about 20km. I suddenly notice the driver has a pussy willow sprig above his religious pictures! Memories of getting sprigs of them home from mum! I’m watching my map closely. I make it just about 3km so not far......some people are getting off and it’s about 500m away so the legs need the walk and I’m off too!! I give the driver a bag of cheesy oatcakes as I say thank you in Russian and jump down the stairs!! No idea what he thought!!! I have just under 1 hour so relief if I can find the spot!! Into the ticket office and I buy a pastry and get my ticket. Ah a loo... and this is why I like Mc Donald’s!! 3UAH to pee in a hole!!!
I’ve downloaded the next map too, so as it gets towards 11am I’ll check it out for location and try to ensure a stop. I’m disappointed that the transport is not central located, i was looking forward to seeing these more historic places.
The sun returns and I feel like I’m driving through the Borders! The scenery visible between the bushes is stunning and luscious looking. A woman walks along the roadside with a cow, and many houses have their own gardens or plots of land in front. We pass an area just full of oil seed rape as far as the eye can see, it’s lovely yellow but wow, so much!
A stop and 3 women get on. Despite the empty seats (6) at the back together they insist on moving our bags and sitting split up nearer the front, then try to talk along 3 rows to each other!! Quirkiness of people. Thankfully the lady sitting beside me has done well with the perfume so my shoes seem to be blended out of the aroma!!. More pickups and the driver seems angry about something, the woman smile and a guy who is already on shouts ‘hoy!!’ I wonder!!! Wow we must be the only bus!! We’ve done 4 pick ups and collected about 15 people! I better be able to get off at my stop!!! However I am really enjoying my £3 bus tour!
2 off, 15 on!! Full bus now!! 1/2 way and it’s cig stop!! It’s been a very busy bus!!! It last 10 mins and we’re off again through a much more industrial area. A large lake on the opposite side and not much else. It’s sunny but hazy so not seeing fully what it’s like. We seem to be making good time and I’m feeling slightly hopeful now!! People getting on and off all over so I should be a problem, just the getting out! I am second row in the 45 seater minibus, so hopefully not too difficult! It’s 1025 and I make it about 20km. I suddenly notice the driver has a pussy willow sprig above his religious pictures! Memories of getting sprigs of them home from mum! I’m watching my map closely. I make it just about 3km so not far......some people are getting off and it’s about 500m away so the legs need the walk and I’m off too!! I give the driver a bag of cheesy oatcakes as I say thank you in Russian and jump down the stairs!! No idea what he thought!!! I have just under 1 hour so relief if I can find the spot!! Into the ticket office and I buy a pastry and get my ticket. Ah a loo... and this is why I like Mc Donald’s!! 3UAH to pee in a hole!!!
I have 30mins and why not have an ice cream, only had 1 so far..... poppyseed and white chocolate, it’s nice!! My next trip is 4.5 hours so I’m walking as much as possible up and down the bus station yard. There’s nothing around here except a couple of cafes and I’m not wanting to be needing the loo on the way as last cig stop didn’t look like there was much in the way of loos!!
I have my apple and some wine gums to keep me going!! I’ve a 2.5 mile walk to cross the border when arrive in solotvino to sighetu marmatiei. The relief I’m on track is big, but the disappointment of not giving the justice I wanted to, to the places is there. I guess I’ve felt more easy here than I expected. This route looks quite mountainous so looking forward to it!! Can also start to think about tomorrow plan!! Oh whoops I’m in someone’s seat,..... oh need to figure that out, didnt realise it was numbered.... oh I think I’m number 1!!! I’m going to sit there....... prime spot!!! No more reading others experiences I think!! 8 mins to departure and 4/7 transport connections is now 4/6!! Just need to get there and find my Romanian link to Baia Mare. Sun is out as we head off...... I’m not holding much hope for the destination town, it’s on of the only crossings between the 2 countries and only one on foot! A new adventure!
Some guy gets on and asks something. Everyone at the front look at me, he looks and repeats, I’ve already established with the lady beside me that I sisal English, so she’s no help. I get passport, but its ticket. The driver already checked it, but maybe as I advanced booked he was checking?? I’ll never know!! On the way out there’s a multitude of new apartment blocks going up. Certainly a city with a positive future.
I have my apple and some wine gums to keep me going!! I’ve a 2.5 mile walk to cross the border when arrive in solotvino to sighetu marmatiei. The relief I’m on track is big, but the disappointment of not giving the justice I wanted to, to the places is there. I guess I’ve felt more easy here than I expected. This route looks quite mountainous so looking forward to it!! Can also start to think about tomorrow plan!! Oh whoops I’m in someone’s seat,..... oh need to figure that out, didnt realise it was numbered.... oh I think I’m number 1!!! I’m going to sit there....... prime spot!!! No more reading others experiences I think!! 8 mins to departure and 4/7 transport connections is now 4/6!! Just need to get there and find my Romanian link to Baia Mare. Sun is out as we head off...... I’m not holding much hope for the destination town, it’s on of the only crossings between the 2 countries and only one on foot! A new adventure!
Some guy gets on and asks something. Everyone at the front look at me, he looks and repeats, I’ve already established with the lady beside me that I sisal English, so she’s no help. I get passport, but its ticket. The driver already checked it, but maybe as I advanced booked he was checking?? I’ll never know!! On the way out there’s a multitude of new apartment blocks going up. Certainly a city with a positive future.
1 hour down and it’s cig stop.... the mountains are infont of us. And they’re grey and dull. It’s 1240. At least unlike most other places I’ve been, they drive you into their mates place and you’re expected to eat or buy bits!! We leave and more pickups, then a hill and we’re almost at a standstill, so much so that the tractor is keeping up, and it’s an old style one!!! Little worried for the bigger hills!! It’s looking lonely out there if you imagine no clouds!! Another stop and it’s a bus station this time at Yaremche or just outside. I collect a few photos of word for my James challenge: how to not be scared of different alphabets, you may well know more than you think!!! It’s 1320 and looks like about 75km to go so thinking not bad timing. The hills to my side are now completely obscured by cloud but there’s still an alpine feeling to the place!! As the driver returns there’s something that suddenly makes me think of uncle Gordon, no idea why, strange association!! This seems like a big tourist centre with lots of advertising for waterfalls etc! I think I can see a ski slope but the foliage on the trees obscured a clear view. A river and more hotels many advertising pools, so wonder if it’s a thermal area. The woman beside me keeps taking pictures also saying wow!! I wish o could ask her more, maybe she’s a city girl!?! She’s following closely on her map app and videoing more than me!! It’s the worst of the roads we’ve had all journey and still not as bad as the one to Moldova / Transnistria!! Ah a ski centre but I see no lifts to my right. My left is blocked by the standers!! People keep dropping things off with drivers I’ve noticed. I’m thinking this is their postal service also!! By the look of my google map companion on my left we’re almost through the mountains (she’s got terrain on hers!!). Ah I see some baby slopes in the other side!! The numbers of standers has reduced. Must google this place, there’s plenty of small slopes scattered along the road. We’ve stopped to drop off again and it’s going to take a while to gain that momentum and speed up these hills again!! And no sooner said than its downhill we go!! It’s 1415 and appears that schools out by the amount of short rides to kids and accompanying adults!! It’s a lovely area, lowlands of alpine. Can just imagine Heidi!!! The driver makes me laugh, only the pretty girls sit up front with him if no seats!!! The roads are back to pot holes and I’m wondering if is this their way of keeping out the Bedford’s??!? The sun however has joined us and it’s looking lovely for my border crossing! Yet another stop, driver disappears with all his bits, and reappears with a woman with papers, who seems to have wrong numbers, and asks to see all tickets again. There’s a bit of heated discussion between and people head possible to get tickets?? My google map lady had moved behind me to get the window, but a couple of brash and loud women enter and as she’s left her bag only, they move it to sit together, despite 4 other pairs of seats. She’s not amused but they don’t care. It’s the first time I’ve seen this on any of my journeys, seats are usually respected! Oh well I now see why the journey takes so long, all the picking and dropping off and the stops!! It’s 1521 and I’m not far but too far...... come on guys, let’s go!!
Then there’s those pot holes!! Starting on check points now. The bus is going to Mukachevo so plenty of distance left and looks like a treasonable anoint among the border! Typing is hard with all the bumps!!!
We’re on the final approach to the town I leave Ukraine and I am ready but I’m very glad I’ve done the Carpathian Mountains and seen their beauty. I think I may have caught a tiny glimpse of snow but it looked very symmetrical and so I’m not convinced. They’re still very natural and appear undiscovered by excessive tourists. Slovenia still wins!. It’s a journey I’ll not repeat but was worth I (especially as there’s been lots of rain!!) today’s transport experience has taught me that the infrastructure sits outside the centre and makes it not easy to do quick visits. Also there’s very little signing to their stations as far as I could see. I’m hoping the border is not so bad!!
A long stop for something and it’s 1620 with a max speed I can see of 30kmph so much for being on time!!! Cabin fever made me hopeful!!! The map tells me Romania is on the opposite side of the river!! I could do with the swim too!! The door handle has been causing problems all journey. I think you need to give it a reasonable push but it’s keeping us entertained.... all these small things! We hit some traffic lights, must be a big place, then he starts taking Micky out of the flower girl at the lights!!!
We stop and lots of people get off...... I double check with the guy beside I’m not where I want to be yet and he says 5km..... ok. I have help!!! He tries to chat in Ukrainian but it’s not good and we give up!! Going to be a 40 minute walk to the train station but depends on the border time!! Trains 1808 or the bus 1850 so thank goodness I’m ready for a fast walk!! This is a Long stop.....it’s 1/2 way for the driver so I wonder if he’s going to change??? Oh. He’s back!! 15 mins and so near but yet so far!!! Oh no my help got off! Dad and Tommy the old farm road is bliss compared to this one!! Back to maps!! I know I’m almost here but I can’t see where exactly I need to go so I catch the drivers eye as he knows my destination and hope he gets off the phone in time!!
Here!! I think!! 1655, 45 mins late!!! Let’s go find this border crossing!!!
Then there’s those pot holes!! Starting on check points now. The bus is going to Mukachevo so plenty of distance left and looks like a treasonable anoint among the border! Typing is hard with all the bumps!!!
We’re on the final approach to the town I leave Ukraine and I am ready but I’m very glad I’ve done the Carpathian Mountains and seen their beauty. I think I may have caught a tiny glimpse of snow but it looked very symmetrical and so I’m not convinced. They’re still very natural and appear undiscovered by excessive tourists. Slovenia still wins!. It’s a journey I’ll not repeat but was worth I (especially as there’s been lots of rain!!) today’s transport experience has taught me that the infrastructure sits outside the centre and makes it not easy to do quick visits. Also there’s very little signing to their stations as far as I could see. I’m hoping the border is not so bad!!
A long stop for something and it’s 1620 with a max speed I can see of 30kmph so much for being on time!!! Cabin fever made me hopeful!!! The map tells me Romania is on the opposite side of the river!! I could do with the swim too!! The door handle has been causing problems all journey. I think you need to give it a reasonable push but it’s keeping us entertained.... all these small things! We hit some traffic lights, must be a big place, then he starts taking Micky out of the flower girl at the lights!!!
We stop and lots of people get off...... I double check with the guy beside I’m not where I want to be yet and he says 5km..... ok. I have help!!! He tries to chat in Ukrainian but it’s not good and we give up!! Going to be a 40 minute walk to the train station but depends on the border time!! Trains 1808 or the bus 1850 so thank goodness I’m ready for a fast walk!! This is a Long stop.....it’s 1/2 way for the driver so I wonder if he’s going to change??? Oh. He’s back!! 15 mins and so near but yet so far!!! Oh no my help got off! Dad and Tommy the old farm road is bliss compared to this one!! Back to maps!! I know I’m almost here but I can’t see where exactly I need to go so I catch the drivers eye as he knows my destination and hope he gets off the phone in time!!
Here!! I think!! 1655, 45 mins late!!! Let’s go find this border crossing!!!
I’ve no idea where I am and there’s no where looking like ha I guess WiFi aa my maps given up details and the one I screen shifted looks nothing like this one or the station location. I find a chemist, the girl doesn’t speak English but I show her the photo and she tells me to go straight down and I think turn left........ it’s 1705 let’s see.....I hit a dead end so head right as may have joined my prepicturrd map. 1/2 way along I ask some people with Christ pamphlets for Romania. They point to keep going!! Hopefully they don’t lie!! But 100m there’s a y-junction at a church.... I hand left then hit a t-junction and option of down hill...... Romania I ask again and it’s down the hill which makes sense as my other map has me crossing a river. All good. Follow my nose, although people to ask, and by 1730 I’m in Romania. Lovely people on customs and all good....... except that damn loo stop!!!! Oh and no money, and no idea where to go and still on Ukrainian Phone (Romanian is free roaming!! What could go wrong!!!! Poops I’m celebrating on the no mans land bridge!!! Still Romania customs to go..... ah he’s lovely and speaks English, and I can read with ease again. Ok back to the list. ATM, loo, signal and train / bus!!