Spending two or three weeks in Ukraine is not like vacationing in the south or a popular European destination.
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“Before I went there, I had images in my head, people did not dare to set foot in Ukraine, but we have learned to tame them, it is not a war over the entire territory,” explains Serge Fournier, who will be there for the third time.
The fact is, however, that caution is advised and relatives must also be reassured before departure.
“It was well received by those close to me but I was reminded to make my will. There were members of my family who wanted to accompany me,” notes Richard Kelly.
Further east
The group arrived in Lviv in western Ukraine, near the border with Poland, but will move further east.
“Traveling within Ukraine is not always easy,” says Gerry Frappier. We have to go to Lviv on our own and then they will pick us up. It is not easy to book trains in Ukraine if you try to do it from outside the country.”
In particular, you have to travel 20 hours by train to get to Zaporizhia. We are then closer to the war zones and far away from the comfort of Lviv.
“Lviv is a functioning city that does not appear to be in a country at war,” explains Frappier. I wanted to go to the east of the country because I felt there was more need there.”
Even before the service begins, the crowd gathers near the trucks. Courtesy of Serge Fournier
fears
Even if risk tolerance is limited, one can never be completely safe in a country at war.
“I traveled far to the East on my first trip, but not the second time. There was an incident that really made us fear for our lives.
“On my second trip I came close and didn’t return. I try to tell myself that I shouldn’t worry. I stayed 25 to 30 kilometers from Kherson, but there were visible signs of battle.”
It should also be noted that we are trying to control crowds and trucks coming to serve food become good targets.
“The Ukrainian army was less interested in seeing us in this area because we attract large crowds. We don’t have time to heat the ovens when there are hundreds of people waiting in line.”