Departure

7 - 8.10

How are things in Russia?

I have been to Russia a number of times. Mostly to the northern Ural Mountains, the so-called Komi Autonomous Republic. For some reason, I didn’t get many contacts or friends. The language was certainly a reason, but perhaps also something else that I can't quite put into words, something about people keeping more distance, even those who spoke English.

Before the war I had only a few friends.

One of them is obviously pro-Putin, has blocked me on the phone, and does not reply to emails. Another fled to Riga before the full-scale attack. He is married to a Ukrainian woman, and even before the war there was a disdain for Ukrainians among many Russians. My friend suspected what might happen and safeguarded themselves already in 2021 by buying an apartment in Riga. In January 2022 they fled to Latvia.

Maria and Sergei (fictional names) lived in St. Petersburg in a villa in the outskirts of the city. Both had well-paid government jobs. Three children, but no TV. They disdained the state TV channels and did not want heir children to watch the news. During Russia's large-scale attack on Ukraine, I often spoke to them. They were not among the brave ones who protested in the streets, and were careful about what they said on phone

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When I organized the first tour to Ukraine, I took the opportunity to collect money from email friends for the volunteer organizations we were going to meet. Maria and Serghei sent 3,000 rubles. Later Sergei traveled to Turkey, opened a bank account, and bought an apartment in Antalya where they could later transfer their money. Maria started selling the villa. By the end of 2023, they were all safe in Turkey. Only then did I get in touch with them on What`s App, only now could they speak freely. A week ago, I spoke to them again. They again wanted to donate money for Ukraine. This despite the fact that recently in Russia, a man was sentenced 17 years in prison for giving financial support to Ukraine. A normal sentence for murder is 10 years.

About trains in Poland

Right now we are on the train to Krakow. We were supposed to be 11, but only 10 showed up. Just before we were about to leave, I received a sad message. The poor man was seriously ill and had to cancel his tour.

Polferries Nova Star departing Nynäshamn

Now I have to wait until Krakow where the group will be joined by nine participants from Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and the USA. USA? He will have to explain tomorrow.

I like the Polish trains. Cleaner and faster compared to at home. Above all, they keep to the schedule. No quiet compartment is needed here; people speak quietly, and no one shares what they're listening to on their phones with fellow travellers. The dining car offers about 30 dishes, all prepared on-site, so it takes longer to be served compared to when everything is done by a microwave. My pancakes filled with spinach and cheese tasted excellent, especially together with a large beer.

At 22.16 we stepped off the train in Przemysl. Walked 100 meters to the not so fashionable Hotel Europejski and again confronted the angry woman at the reception. Climbed three floors with heavy luggage. Went into a shower that alternated between cold and brurning hot.