Western Ukraine

After the depressive five days in Kiev, we were hoping things would improve - and they certainly did.

Tunnel of Love
We saw this place on the internet and just had to go. Fortunately, it's extremely difficult to get to without a car, meaning it is not overrun with tourists.

We travelled by train From Kiev to a large town called Rivne (7hrs $10 each for a sleeper). The train had 15 carriages and was 90% empty. Just as we had mastered Russian trains, we now have to learn the finer details of Ukrainian trains. We pulled down the matressses and pillows to sleep some of the journey and were promptly told off by the attendant that we did not pay for them. Apparently bedding is an optional extra when booking a sleeper!

Learning Ukrainian quickly to organize onward tickets.

Small town Ukraine

Mobile coffe van in Ukraine village

Lutsk bus station

After arriving at Rivne train station, we found the Marshrutka (mini bus) to the one street town of Klevan for the Tunnel of Love. It was a short walk to the Tunnel and the hotel that some enterprising local had built next door $44 per night.

Lviv
Getting out of Klevan is even more difficult than arriving. We caught another marshrutka from Klevan town to the main highway where we transferred to another for Lutsk. Once in Lutsk we caught the third bus to Lviv. It took all day. Arrived at the upmarket Lion Castle for a couple of days sightseeing Lviv $68 per night with huge breakfast.

Another city full of beautiful buildings and monuments.

A lot of underground dungeons to explore. Some have been turned into bars and restaurants.

Up the city hall tower for a great view of Lviv

Nice and sometimes weird street cafes

An unusual playground in an apartment block

The old classic

The old classic !!

It has taken a lot of patience (and Google translate) but we have finally secured a farm house in rural Ukraine. Next stop Stavne!!