The "apartment dude" arrived on time and returned my security deposit in full, less $25 for this final fare to the airport.
Got nailed for excess baggage weight; other than that a smooth check-in.
Scored some duty-free rum for 13 Euros.
Then like a "fool-on-parade" bought a 75 ml. "Cool Water" by Davidoff, for 395 UAH more.
The turbo-prop left early, and arrived early.
Only 17 degrees C.
Found the centre, handed in my passport pics and paid the 45 Euro, visa processing cost. Total turn-around time 4 minutes. My man had done his homework.
Andrei was waiting, as was my luggage.
The 52 km. drive into down was both boring and scenic.
They had an issue with the reserved apartment;
Put me into another - not exactly a dump!
Paid the balance (105 Euros per) and he split as did I to get some local "cash".
Fucked up at the nearby ATM, so went to "Hotel Europa" and exchanged 200 Euros @ 3,980 or 796,000 BYR.
Went back to the "other side of the ATM - read: English script" and W/D another 500K with ease.
Scored water, juice and mix.
Totally relaxed, back in the appt. I checked out the "suround-sound" stereo system, and had a few cocktails.
It started to rain, but I did trip on out to the "Bell Centre" to call home, say I was still alive, (no big, bad Russians had hurt me as yet) and from there to another "Il Patio" for some wine, salad, and a so-so meat lasagna.
The "wait-staff" were good-looking, to-say-the-least!
Other than the weather turning to overcast, raining, gloomy, and cool - it was perfect!
These last 2 shots show the walk and entrance to the apartment complex.
Dr. J.