Budanov 1 and 2
A friend of mine was inspired by my earlier summer trip and decided to sponsor buying and driving two more trucks to Ukraine. For some time, we could not find anything suitable, so we ended up buying a relatively new / top-of-the-market Ford Ranger 3.0 Auto and a 2016-plate Mitsubishi L200. Scott has named the cars after General Budanov, hence the nicknames. Processing the paperwork took a little time, and we only left for Ukraine in early November. Same route: Dover-Calais-Leuven-Berlin-Krakow-Border, roughly 1500 miles. I was driving the Ford, and it was overall a much easier drive than the slow, overheating K74 L200. The trip's highlights are Dunkirk Beach (vast, historic) and Krakow (atmospheric, fun, great for a short visit). The not-so-good experience was Berlin (too much traffic, too gloomy) and Auschwitz, which refused to let us in. At the border, we made the same mistake and went to the wrong queue, but at least it gave me some extra time to catch up with Natali, whom I have not seen for ages. I understand that the actual border crossing went reasonably well, we had all the paperwork in order. Afterwards, Scott got to stay in Lviv for two days, where he was able to absorb what it is like to be in a Ukrainian city which is under constant threat, even if very far away from the front line.
Here is a copy of my FB post when we handed the cars over the border:
What does it take to get a couple of cars to the Ukrainian Army?
2 former-school friends who love their computer games, to start a family friendship.
4 lovely Belgians and 2 wild cats. (Keep practising these board game skills ;))
A full attendance of 2 of the official Ukrainian sauerkraut fan club (currently away on tour in Krakow)
An advance party of 4, lead by commander Natali, and continued by agents Vitaliy and Andrew
Loads of donations from the wonderful Sacha Bunatyan 1 authentic Berlin Kebab, 1 broken parking bollard, some beer.
Two actual pick-up vans, “General Budanov 1” and “General Budanov 2”. One equipped with all the necessary features for combat, such as “Line Departure Warning” and “Cruise Speed Limiter”. The other is just a Japanese sumo wrestler pretending to be a civilised European car. Same appetite 🙂
One epic 2000 mile journey from Bath/Sussex to Lviv/Kyiv and beyond to the Ukrainian frontline.
Thank you, Scott Adams , for making this happen. This is very kind and generous of you. Thank you, Roman, I wish we could do more…
Love you all!
Slava Ukraini!
