The driver arrived at 6:55. All OK! Got my security deposit back and we were off to the airport. A smooth ride as expected, at that time on a Sunday.
Check-in easy, put got nailed for overweight luggage ($8 or 1 buck per kilo, that I can handle).
Flight left early and landed on time, in Simperopol, Ukraine on the Crimean peninsula. Lots of dolls on the flight. My luggage came out quick and thankfully my driver arrived 20 s. later, and helped with the bags. It was a 1:45 hr. drive to Yalta. So comfy in that VW Passat, I fell asleep at least a dozen times. Traffic heavy, also due to the Chinese president there in town.
Got a nice welcome from Ludmila and Nikolai (appt. owner). Place was perfect and immaculately clean. They also connected me with Igor, my guide for the next few days.
Got the ins & outs of the place and the town and we were off, to shop. Scored some water, jus, water, coke, wine, rum, and a few Stella Artois, for 194 UAH.
Went for a 2 hr. stroll along the "Promenade" a.k.a. the Russian Riviera, even though it's part of the Ukraine. Humid. Picked up a pair of shaszlaks (beef & chicken kebobs). Had them loaded up with onions, muchrooms, mayo, lettuce and some mystery sauce, hot, but tasty).
Got back in time to witness a big-time thunderstorm roll-in and out. I had a beautiful view of it; and it was perfect to allow me to lay down & catch a few zzzz's.
Dr. J.