Bill

Last weekend (16 Aug 2008), Ann, Igor and I were headed toward the Crimea. The highway was not bad, traffic was moderate, and we were moving at about 120 - 130 kph (about 70 to 80 miles per hour). Many cars passed us at MUCH higher speeds (I suspect some were exceeding 180 kilometers/hr). Ann is a really good driver, and driving in Ukraine is a challenge. I've not yet tried driving in Kyiv city limits, and not sure I ever want to make the attempt! I've driven in some really bad places (New York City is child's play by comparison to Kyiv, Ukraine, Yerevan, Armenia or Moscow, Russia), but city driving here is horrible.

As we were heading down the highway, crossing a bridge, a car ahead decided to make a U-turn at the end of the bridge! Four cars behind him had the good fortune of avoiding a major catastrophe by jamming on their brakes, sliding to the side, and luckily avoiding the jerk! I saw this happening and gave Ann an additional warning to make sure she was aware of what was happening. We were far enough behind the "action" to be able to slow down and avoid the mess. A lot of burnt rubber was left on that part of the highway that day.

So, to the driver who decided to make the U-turn, I say "dumb ass!" as Red Forman, the father on "That 70's Show" would often say to his son or the other kids on the show (at appropriate times, of course).

More on Crimea and Ukraine as time goes on.