American Embassy 2

So, Jason is appalled (not really) that i left out a few details of our trip to the Embassy.

First and foremost- it was a bunker. The fence around it was 20 feet high, and the fence itself was a good 50 feet from the first building. We had to go through metal detectors and no electronics (computer, cells phones, cameras) could be brought in. i set off the metal detector, but did not get wanded like the guys. Also, they let me bring my bag in, but the guys all had to leave their various man-purses (shaped like backpacks). We traded our passports for bright red ID tags that declared:ESCORT REQUIRED.

I know, i know, I needed both Wage and a camera- a missed opportunity for a series of brilliant photos.

We were invited to shop at the commissary and told that if we needed supplies to let them know and they would smuggle them out to us. So, what did we get? any guesses? Jiff PB, corn meal, baker's unsweetened chocolate (=brownies), and molasses (=BBQ, Kung Pao, and brown sugar for cookies), and Mrs Butterworths Pancake syrup (i have had success making "buttermilk" pancakes using kefir). I am saddened to report that i forgot to grab vanilla :o(

Finally, the security officer told us all that the safest ATM in Ukraine was inside the Embassy. They took us there so we could get cash (pre-commissary). As soon as we got back to the hotel, there was a phone call from our bank in the states... the Embassy ATM had flagged their security!