Zruda From Czech Republic, joined May 2006, 779 posts, RR: 31 Posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 3819 times:
Hey all!
Finally back home from Kiev but sadly not from Chernobyl. The Kiev part is still taking place as JRadier, DYflyer, Nighthawk and RJdxer are probably still enjoying Ukraine.
I don't know which number Dan called or what he tried to do about the Chernobyl trip, but I found one number at the web, we called it from Ukraine on Thursday and we got answered, even in English! The trouble is that the agency needs to get you some permit which takes time, so they were unable to organize tour for us in a weeks time.
So we say: lets go next time! This time we can make it a short over-weekend stay with one day trip to Chernobyl!
Instead of the real site we visited the Chernobyl museum. We also did plenty of walking and of course visited the Zhulyani State Aviation Museum which was a haven for aicraft lover.
Well I don't know about the rest but I am surely short a few brain cells and others are probably permantely deformed, but all for a good cause!
Left Thursday from IAH. Due to heavy loads, I had to jumpseat from IAH to BNA. Then jumpseat again from BNA to EWR. We landed on Runway 4 in EWR and that was a real thrill. Complicated approach and a short runway with a heavily loaded airplane. What Fun!! Then EWR to MXP on a CO764. I always love seeing the sun come up over the ocean.
Final approach to MXP.
AT MXP it looked as if my luck were about to run out as the transfer agent for Alitalia told me "Sorry, looking very very bad, plane is overfull". As I said in the other thread, sometimes those jumpseat privileges come in handy as they did here. Asked for and got the cockpit jumpseat but as I boarded the aircraft the steward said a seat in the forward cabin had become available and the cpt would like me to sit there. Any seat on the plane is ok with me. Don't get to see this sign everyday at U.S. airports.
Then it was on to Kiev....
Just beyond the YAK42 is the arrivals section, to the left of the curved departure hall. DO NOT follow the instruction printed on the immigration form. Fill out all the lines, even if you have no idea what your outbound flight is. Failure to do so earns you a dirty look and a brush aside to do things correctly. Also got to see the Ukrainian immigration police at work as they appeared out of nowhere, stuck a machine gun in some poor fools back, and with police dog growling at him, marched him off to a fate unkown.
And on to the tourist hotel. Reminders of the old soviet way were everywhere from the decorations that survived to the women who staffed the floors handing out keys.
And the whole group was finally together, Gavin already had a glow about him!
Next day it was off to the Ukrainian aviation museum. After a false start with the bus system we piled into a taxi.
Lots of fine examples of Soviet era aircraft. I will put together an album and post the link later here and in General Aviation. But here are a few samples.
Business first on the IL62
True economy class, bring your own damn seat!
RJdxer and Nighthawk prepare for departure.
Zruda makes her truimphant arrival into Kiev. Security was holding back the throngs of adoring fans...
One for UH60....
The Mig 25...
One of my all time favorites, the TU-55 Bear. One badass bomber.
And one of the ugliest I have ever seen...
Then it was off to Chernobyl museum. We didn't buy a picture permit so no pics from inside but it was very interesting.
Later than night it was back to the hydropark where we were treated to a fire works display during dinner.
And then Zruda learned a little Scottish!
The next day, newly found Scottish comment in hand, Zruda headed back to PRG leaving us almost totally language deficient.
And the following day, I was off to one day hop it from KBP to IAH.
A few things I learned in Kiev.
1. Ukrainians don't know how to do the Macarena.
2. Disco lives in the Ukraine.
3. The toliet is everywhere in the Ukraine
4. Skank clothing is in style, and thank God for it, in the Ukraine.
5. If you want to have a really good vacation and not spend a lot of money, head for Kiev.
A few things I will always remember about my first trip to Kiev.
1. If it looks military, don't take a picture of it.
2. Face control is not what it sounds like.
3. Hearing Gloria Gainers "I will survive" in Ukrainian. I instantly thought of STLGph.
4. Seeing the military museum at the victory monument and thinking about how delighted ANCflyer would be to walk through it and say, that one blows up real good. That one just sits there and smokes after getting popped. Oh
man, that one really goes boom!
5. Learning that there is a Scottlandia!
A real shame we couldn't get to Chernobyl but the groundwork has been laid for a successful attempt next year. Between the agency Zruda found and the friend Nighthawk and JRadier made in Kiev I'm sure we'll get out there. Start making your plans to join us now!
PlymSpotter From Spain, joined exactly 9 years ago today! , 11249 posts, RR: 63 Reply 7, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 3676 times:
Quoting Zruda (Thread starter): I don't know which number Dan called or what he tried to do about the Chernobyl trip, but I found one number at the web, we called it from Ukraine on Thursday and we got answered, even in English! The trouble is that the agency needs to get you some permit which takes time, so they were unable to organize tour for us in a weeks time.
So we say: lets go next time! This time we can make it a short over-weekend stay with one day trip to Chernobyl!
Darn it! I tried several numbers from agencies operating tours there and just got no responses at all - same with email Still, even though you didn't manage to get to Chernobyl itself I wish I was there with you, as planned, because the trip looked great - especially the aviation museum! Although I am glad I decided not to travel as things here have been more hectic than I could have expected.
Thanks, more than a few of them are the work of others though.
Quoting AndesSMF (Reply 6): You certainly get around, don't you!
I couldn't look myself in the mirror if I had the chance to go see Chernobyl and didn't make the attempt. I went into this meet with only one expectation and although it wasn't fulfilled, a lot of things happened that I didn't expect yet completely enjoyed. The only rotten thing out of the whole deal is that I was so focused on getting on the Air France flight Monday morning I completely forgot to change my money. The only exchange booth on the gate side of security at CDG was closed for no reason (go figure, it's France), the EWR money exchange wouldn't touch it, and I can't find any money exchange place here in Houston that will take it. So I guess I will hold on to it and that will be my stake money on arrival next year!
Srbmod From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 16896 posts, RR: 51 Reply 10, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 3643 times:
Does he ever work? I swear he's at every A.net Meet.... I'm guessing someone's got a bunch of swaps to pay for in the near future. I guess by the time he works them off, it'll be time for the next LAS Meet.
Pacificjourney From New Zealand, joined Jul 2001, 2698 posts, RR: 9 Reply 11, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 3638 times:
Ukraine and Kyiv are just the best but let's not teell too many people or it will be ruined. I thought trying to arrange a tour before arrival will be impossible and so it was, tourism doesn't really operate there yet.
Quoting RJdxer (Reply 5): 4. Skank clothing is in style, and thank God for it, in the Ukraine.
RJdxer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 3631 times:
Quoting Srbmod (Reply 10): I'm guessing someone's got a bunch of swaps to pay for in the near future.
Nah, I don't like being in debt. The two days off I took were days "owed" me on trades by others! The rest were normal days off and this entire week I'm on vacation. I'm actually thinking about jumping on the bike tomorrow and riding up to Tennessee to see some friends, UH60 included if I can get a hold of him.
Don't know how I overlooked these:
I can just see Pep now going, "yeah that turret will pop just like a champagne cork if you hit the ring here just so!"
Sunday is evidently wedding day in the Ukraine. We must have seen at least 20 or more of them. The monastery was pumping them out like a Vegas wedding chapel. Outside on the street we got to see these beauties!
JGPH1A From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 14, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 3570 times:
Quoting Alessandro (Reply 13): RJ, you call the Beriev seagull ugly, shame on you!
Agreed - all Berievs are ultimate cool - I want one ! But most of all I want one of these...
Especially if it comes with missiles. Imagine parking that bad boy up against the Quai des Milliardaires in Antibes ! Makes those billion dollar gin-barges look like rowing boats
PlymSpotter From Spain, joined exactly 9 years ago today! , 11249 posts, RR: 63 Reply 16, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 3527 times:
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 14): Especially if it comes with missiles. Imagine parking that bad boy up against the Quai des Milliardaires in Antibes ! Makes those billion dollar gin-barges look like rowing boats
Of course most of us can just use a regular jet ski...
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 12043 posts, RR: 42 Reply 17, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3516 times:
Sounds like you guys had fun!
Quoting RJdxer (Reply 5): 4. Skank clothing is in style, and thank God for it, in the Ukraine.
RJdxer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3515 times:
Quoting Zruda (Reply 15): I would say Odessa is even cheaper,
Guess I'll have to find out next year . All the extra hours of work and finishing projects before I left wore me down and I did not give myself a chance to recharge before leaving. Sunday it really started to affect me so I decided to skip Odessa and Yalta and come on home. Good choice as over the Atlantic I picked up the chills and am still not quite right.
Quoting Alessandro (Reply 13): RJ, you call the Beriev seagull ugly, shame on you!
Maybe if it's in the water it looks better, and with a coat of paint, but on land it is one ugly duck!
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 14): Agreed - all Berievs are ultimate cool - I want one
Nah, cool is:
and for personal transportation around town and over the traffic:
Won't go fast but it's piston powered so you avoid those horrendous hot core inspections and such.
One thing DYflyer and I discussed and you can see some detail in the photos of is how a lot of these aircrafts skins look like they were made by a tin smith banging them out with a hammer over a wooden form. The skin is quite thick and for all the world looks like it has hammer impressions on it. Not your typical stress deformations.
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 14): Makes those billion dollar gin-barges look like rowing boats
Wouldn't it be fun to run it up to breakaway power in the no wake zone! At about 5AM? Seriously though, I thought I heard a news report last week that the Chinese were working on this design.
After going thru my pictures again I found a detail I had missed and one with a question still unanswered.
1. Taken in the IL62 cockpit by the navigators desk. When did Airbus get into IL62 production?
2. Taken on the 26 with the UN colors, what sort of helicopter needs foot straps on the rudder pedals? What sort of manuvering would it be doing that the g forces would be so high as to not allow the pilot to keep his feet on the pedals?
And I do love the painted instrument panel!
I leave this afternoon for the Cape in Florida. I've always wanted to watch a shuttle launch and the opportunity has arrived! Even though I am not feeling 100%, my "want" section of my brain will not leave me alone.
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38584 posts, RR: 80 Reply 19, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3512 times:
Wonderful pictures folks! (bigthumbsup}
Looks like you all had a great time.
I love those Soviet aircraft. I was on one of those Aeroflot TU154s last summer. Those have to be the best sounding engines ever!
JGPH1A From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 3493 times:
Quoting PlymSpotter (Reply 16): Of course most of us can just use a regular jet ski...
You should keep very quiet, or be subjected to lengthy and abusive vitriol regarding your extreme ineptitude as tour guide / travel planning manager. We hear you suck !
PlymSpotter From Spain, joined exactly 9 years ago today! , 11249 posts, RR: 63 Reply 22, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 3473 times:
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 20): You should keep very quiet, or be subjected to lengthy and abusive vitriol regarding your extreme ineptitude as tour guide / travel planning manager. We hear you suck !
Zruda From Czech Republic, joined May 2006, 779 posts, RR: 31 Reply 24, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 3454 times:
Quoting RJdxer (Reply 5): 4. Skank clothing is in style, and thank God for it, in the Ukraine.
Is skank clothing the style what I call "looks like a whore"? Couldnt find that expression in the dictionary.
there is no coincidence
25 AndesSMF: Let's just say that the pictures presented did you justice. Yes.
26 DYflyer: Well, here i am back at work . What a great trip. Already looking forward to next years trip. Had good flights home, except for getting crying babies
27 Nighthawk: Thats me back at work after a bit of an adventure last night. Standing in the checkin queue at Kiev I spotted a gorgeous girl infront of me. While eye
28 Zruda: you bowbag! I thought this will be forgotten for ever
29 Nighthawk: Nope, the events of kiev will not be forgotten that quickly.... So just relax........and take it e-e-easy...
30 JRadier: So here I am, back in Germany. I don't have too much time right now (after all, it shouldn't start to look like work ) but it surely was a great meet.
31 Nighthawk: My turn Revolution Square Revolution Square Monument Monastry The Motherland Statue (Tin tits) - Tribute To WWII View back towards the hotel from "Tin
32 RJdxer: Thank you, I could not remember where I had seen this particular helicopter before!!! All that's missing is the rope ladder and picinic basket'. Yes,
33 Pacificjourney: Please don't believe this bullshit, if they take money for it then that's called a prostitute and yes they have them in Ukraine but if you think that
34 DYflyer: Finally some spare-time since i got home. Got time to go through my pictures, so here is a couple from me. Nighthawk, Zruda and JRadier checking out s
35 JRadier: WHAT? I'm pretty sure I had the map and was dragging you all around? Even Jim was complaining . Got to agree tho, you didn't complain .
36 Zruda: thank you Rune and thanx to Jurgen as well for taking the guiding role after me .)
37 DYflyer: Either Zruda had put a spell on the map, or it was just to make sure we took the shortest route. Besides you got so worn out that you had to sleep ha
38 JRadier: Well, that was only after walking around the stadium for a gazillion times, which you conviniently missed!
39 DYflyer: Like i am ever gone spend time watching football. Much less pay to watch it. I rather stay at the beach, drinking beer and look at the gir.. err... g
41 Nighthawk: damn that blasted edward! not only did he make us walk round the stadium 3 bloody times, but he also made us walk miles just to find a pub!!! Grrr! I
42 RJdxer: I'm smart enough to know what not to take pictures of. Ya got me. For sure the sheet metal making up the skin is thick as all hell. It would eat a hy
43 Nighthawk: *places hand in a hat and picks out a set of dates* Friday 13th June, 2008 - Sunday 15th June, 2008. Theres our winner You've got a whole year to ask
44 JRadier: I could probably make that, school wise.
45 DYflyer: Since it is early, most dates would probably work out for me. I think it would be most difficult to get time of from work in July. Just as important
48 JRadier: It doesn't just look like it. Small feat: I transfered my pics to my PC. I'm working my ass off however, so don't expect something anytime soon .
49 RJdxer: Who cares about luck? Sounds good to me. If my plans work out I won't have any vacation next year since I will have started a new job but I will find
50 JRadier: took a while, but I got my brand new 20" LCD connected to it. I'm doing 10-12 hrs days at the moment (starting very early), starting very early so ed
51 HT: @ all participants: Great pictures ! I now even more sorry that I couldn't make it to Kiev Those dates will be reserved for Kiev and a possible extens
52 ScrubbsYWG: duzhe dobre! I'd like to visit my homeland one day. Seems like it would be a beautiful place to see, with lots of history! thanks for the photos.
53 Zruda: ive made the whole album, so enjoy pics here http://storage.suchdol.net/anabel/galery/kiev/index.htm
54 Nighthawk: " target=_blank>http://storage.suchdol.net/anabel/ga...x.htm A salute to my motherland mmmm ukrainian beer....
55 RJdxer: Very nice album. I'm close to finishing mine, maybe a day or two.
56 DYflyer: Quoting Zruda (Reply 53): ive made the whole album, so enjoy pics here Very nice pictures. It´s a bit therapeutic to look through the pictures and re
62 RJdxer: Well we will need a signed note from your Sargent Major to make your absence and excuesed one! Before this thread dies a natural death, not some irra
63 Nighthawk: cheeky git! I work hard to maintain this superb figure, its not easy eating burger and chips every day! No problem Jim. It was great meeting you! I t
64 DYflyer: What? You seemed to get the "everywhere in Ukraine...." thing. Remember the "incident" at the top of those stairs with people coming up? Great meetin
65 Nighthawk: yea! They didnt even bat an eye lid! I guess the ukrainians are used to it!
66 Zruda: I wont let it die before Jurgen presents his pictures, as he had promised. So move your lazy ass, dutchy boy
67 Nighthawk: Relax............. take it e-e-e-easy
69 JRadier: I'm still waiting for James' gallery, as he promised And that's exactly what I'm doing
70 Nighthawk: bloody students, spunging off our taxes!
71 JRadier: Your taxes? Since when do you: a) Pay any taxes? b) Pay them in the Netherlands However, just to please you, I got this one ready and accepted View L
72 Nighthawk: Since the day i started working 6+ years ago I was referring to students in general. We have them here in scotland too ya know
74 JRadier: So, for russia next year, how about a visit to the MAKS Airshow? http://www.lenta.ru/photo/2007/08/24/maksgirls/
75 Nighthawk: " target=_blank>http://www.lenta.ru/photo/2007/08/24...irls/ im in!!!!
76 DYflyer: " target=_blank>http://www.lenta.ru/photo/2007/08/24...irls/ Isn´t MAKS a bi-annual show? It is a show i really want to visit (and that was already b
77 Nighthawk: The UEFA Cup draw has now been made.... and my local team Aberdeen have been drawn against non other than Dnipropetrovsk! I wonder if our good ukraini
78 JRadier: Let me find that for you! In the meantime, I'm still working on my pics and all. School has started and that takes quite some time as well. However,
79 Nighthawk: nice one, ive been meaning to do that myself, but never got round to it. I finally took the videos of the An24 flight off my phone, one day I will ge
80 JRadier: and then saying I'm lazy....... In the meantime, just to keep this thread up, let me present you this IL-62 cockpit photo! View Large View MediumPhot
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From Czech Republic, joined May 2006, 779 posts, 
and of course visited the Zhulyani State Aviation Museum which was a haven for aicraft lover.
From Canada, joined Jun 2005, 1324 posts, 
From UK - Scotland, joined Jun 2000, 24627 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Spain, joined exactly 9 years ago today! 
, 11249 posts, 
Still, even though you didn't manage to get to Chernobyl itself I wish I was there with you, as planned, because the trip looked great - especially the aviation museum! Although I am glad I decided not to travel as things here have been more hectic than I could have expected.
From Costa Rica, joined Feb 2005, 4180 posts, 
I swear he's at every A.net Meet.... I'm guessing someone's got a bunch of swaps to pay for in the near future. I guess by the time he works them off, it'll be time for the next LAS Meet.
From New Zealand, joined Jul 2001, 2698 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
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