TUESDAY 30th JUNE 2009 (ODESSA CUSTOM BROKERS)

TUESDAY 30th JUNE 2009


We rested a bit in the morning after the disbelief of yesterdays news...the bit about the 'Historical Value and Cultural Significance' of the bike.

We had the address of where to go in order to get all this sorted but that was the simple part....the difficult part is actually finding said office.


We eventually found the Cultural Heritage office at 2.00pm (told you it wasn't easy to find) only to discover that it's the cultural centre for art (paintings and the like). Stop laughing you bastards...!!!
This building is hidden behind other imposing structures and opened up into an interesting courtyard with many sculptures. Felt like we were privy to a private art collection.

At least all this walking about took us past some other city icons to see, namely the Colonnade, part of the Vorontsov Palace, described as having wonderful views of the sea gulf. All we could see was a crappy old ship yard full of not-so-well-maintained ships - yes, wonderful views...!!!















And so the search was on again. We thought we'd find the Customs Brokers and get that process underway. That took another hour of searching. We found ourselves outside the large building but not one sign, one name plaque, or any clue as to where this office was. Turns out, the office we were after was around the back of this dark, imposing building, up a short lane-way, through a heavy old door, up some steps and there is was.....a plain brown door with not one indication of what was on the other side. How on earth we ever found it is a complete miracle.



OUR FATE LIES BEHIND THIS DOOR...!!!




We met Oksana CERGEEVNA, the lady Customs Broker who was to help us. And then the gorgeous, very tall blonde Alla came to our aid acting as interpreter. Both these ladies were lovely and seemed genuinely interested and helpful. Many phone calls were made and after an hour we were told that they need to contact someone in Kyiv at 10.00am tomorrow to find out more about the procedure involved! They will ring us tomorrow. This is not exactly what we wanted to hear!


Nothing for it than to forget about the whole situation and enjoy the afternoon. A bit hard when we know deep down this could take several days and if we can't get EVERYTHING organised by Monday (when the next ferry leaves) then...it's all not looking good.


We walked a different route home to take in more sights. Getting to know the city quite well now.

















I just love the imposing facades of the buildings with often the only clue as to what's in or behind them is when a gateway is open and you can see more of the private dwellings in the central courtyard that must be behind nearly every wall in the city. Met two cheeky young lads wandering about with their miniature horses demanding money for photo's of their horses. I wasn't about to give them anything - that's why the photo of the horses bums...!!!