Those damn thieves
Well just as I wrote and posted that long series of updates, it seems I have been deprived of both my wallets, and all my credit and debit cards by some light fingered son of a gun. I did at one point leave my table and go to the toilet and left my wallets in the jacket pocket on the chair. I had both on me as I was in the process of switching between currencies and cards to ones that worked better in the former soviet union. So here I am now with no cash and no cards.
By chance while riding around wondering what to do next (I just had enough change in my pocket to pay the cafe bill) I stumbled across a bunch of bikers – The Moto-Life Club of Odessa – having a few drinks in the centre of town. These guys took me in, passed the hat around and got me a bunch of cash to get me through till Western Union branches open again on Monday, and one of the guys has kindly offered me a place to stay for a night or two and a garage for the bike.
All my cards are cancelled, and the only document in there was the driving licence. But I have the paper copy and an international driving permit so that should be fine. But I did lose a decent amount of EUR and USD … and it will take at least 2 weeks to get new cards to access my accounts.
So its been a worrysome first 24 hours in the Ukraine, salvaged by typically outstanding hospitality from local bikers in this part of the world.
I will need to be more security conscious in future.
Your not the only one to get caught walter ,i was robbed in the ua myself, and then met some really good people.Just remember,tomorrow is another day.
What a bummer.
They got my camera in Kiev once – that hurt as it contained a 4Gb card full of a trip through Arizona.
It’s all a test to show the character of people, good and bad. You have seen both in a short period.
The sun will still rise and shine. Enjoy it.
Hey – which city is next? after Odessa? and when? need anything?
Thanks guys … the sun has indeed risen today, and I am feeling more chilled about it. Just have to make sure it doesnt spoil my openness to the locals in this part of the world.