[franksolich]

It's, uh, somewhat long, but I hope funny, and it's got some pretty pictures at the very end. I hope this is of interest.

[franksolich]

Ping for the list.

[NittanyLion]

The first few entries look very interesting...ping for later.

[Auntie Mame]

Amazing story and photos.....

This is a glimpse into recent Socialist paradise history that we here in the USA could not hope to see.

Thank you so much.

[RKM]

I’m glad you posted this. Ping me anytime you post. I read your whole story, and enjoyed it very much. Next year I will be off on a journey of my own, and this is very helpful to me.

[Daffynition]

>>saying I would show up at their home on such-and-such a date, to which they responded, "sure, fine, okay; we'll be here." <<

[Stegall Tx]

Brought back memories of my own trip to Khmelnitskya, Ukraine in the mid 90s. I was with one family for most of my two weeks there, hauled around in a ten-passenger van. I knew no Ukrainian nor Russian, but usually had a translator with me. Even so, the mother of the family, Tanya, could talk to me in her tongue and I knew exactly what she was saying. Somehow, she and I just clicked.

Thanks for posting this. Very entertaining.

[thesearethetimes...]

Wow! Thank you for a wonderful Sunday Morning read.

Happening upon gems, (and the knowledge within), such as this piece, adds to the ever growing list of reasons that to love FR.

May God bless.
Tatt

[smokingfrog]

Interesting.

Who knew National Geographic maps could be used for currency and ice breakers?

[meatloaf]

Very interesting. I’ve been thinking about Ukraine recently.

[driftless2]

Thanks a lot for this remarkable story. I’ve always been interested in what’s become of the old Soviet empire and the surrounding Warsaw Pact countries since the dissolution of the USSR. Stories about them are scarce in the western media. I’m sure life is not quite as dire now for these people as it was shortly after the demise. I hope they’re all living better. I work with a Romanian emigre, but I haven’t known him long enough to ask questions about life in Romania.

[hosepipe]

Interesting story to fill my Ukcrainium...
Being born POOR in the United States is a blessing..
Could be even worse in other places of the world..

[denydenydeny]

Wonderful read full of intriguing details. I wonder what exactly happened to the neighbor in Magadan.

[swift15]

“Ukraine in 1994 was … mired in shockingly-destitute poverty, crime, anarchy, mayhem. The capital, Kiev (where I landed) was … more crime-ridden than any blue city run by corrupt machine Republicans in this country.”

Interesting concept, for an alleged conservative.

[MagnoliaMS]

I enjoyed that very much. Would you please add me to your ping list? Thanks.