Well - a huge week this week.

Without going into the gory details I had my two big toenails extracted, rather painfully, by the doc. I had hammered them both playing squash and the quickest way to recover from bruised and dead toes was to whack them off.  Easier said than done though. The nurses definitely thought I was some sort of mad man volunteering for such procedure but it was over in an hour. I now can’t walk well and will be like it for two weeks.... ouch.

Took my first overnight train trip to Krivoy Rog on Friday to catch up with Dasha for her mum’s 55th birthday. I went first class (the same as the picture above without the top bunk) and shared the cabin with a young lass from Krivoy Rog. All pretty strange really but was pretty comfortable. I arrived at 5.30am without too many problems - although I didn’t drink the tea, or visit the toilet. The trains are Soviet style and the bathroom empties straight on to the track so I also didn’t open a window!

Natasha was turning 55 and in Ukraine this is a big thing. Dasha and Oksana (sis) had organised a birthday party at a local nightclub and Dasha also arranged a special performance of her own. It was difficult given my language issues but was interesting as well. I couldn’t walk so spent the evening taking video and pics - although badly. It was great to see Dasha’s extended family and also see some of the traditions - like speeches, singing, dancing and food (heaps of it!). Dasha made a great performance to Stings “Fragile” - which I have on video for later! Amazing really - she is talented.

I think most people were scared to talk to me so I really need to work on my Russian. With only a few months left here I need to focus to get some better basics in place. It was a great night though and is another unique experience.