You have heard me say several times that people of our age should not think that life is behind us but, more importantly, think that there is still to be lived in front of us. Well, our Jules Retrot, after being retired for many years, has just done that and taken on a journey of life that he will never forget.
Now, you will have to bear with me with this attempt to put some story together about Jules's adventure from snippets of information he recently sent to me. I know many of his Dance Group and Pickleball Group friends have been asking for any word from Jules, hoping he is safe. I hope that on his return, he can write a full account of his adventure to share with you all.
As I understand it, what brought about the adventure was that Jules had a longtime friend in England, and they decided to go on that long walk in Spain called Camino de Santiago. At the last moment, his friend had to withdraw as he had another commitment. I believe this was this adventure of organising a number of Four-wheel drive vehicles to be taken by convoy to Ukraine to help in their war effort, and Jules was invited to be a part of it.
The group involved posed for this picture.
It is 5 pm in Duisburg, Germany, about 100km from the Dutch border. Overnighting here in a comfortable hotel. This morning, ferry Dover to Calais after 5 am departure from o/n stay at Maidstone in Kent.
Took over driving from Marcus through northern France, Flemish Belgium, southern Holland, and east into Germany. All motorways are densely packed with more trucks than cars. OK, with RH driving after a 10-year gap.
Marcus' crew is composed of lovely, primarily ex-military blokes—all older, experienced, competent chaps who welcomed me in every way. Tomorrow, we will traverse most of Germany from west to east and close to the Polish border overnight. On to Ukraine the following day. 4 day stay in Lyme Regis was delightful. As expected, the weather is cold and damp...typical English winter weather. Pamela, at age 90, full of life and vigour, drinks a litre of whisky a week...
Diana and Marcus, as ever, were generous hosts and great company.
Well, they got there and achieved their goal, a real credit to them all. Here is a series of videos Jules took, taken a long the way. They will not be in the order of the trip and included some words from Jules. Jules is looking forward to being home and having a normal life again. Of course, that includes a lot of Pickleball.
The outhouse at the half-star hotel we stayed at when the vehicle broke down 4 hrs north of Odessa. Very friendly (and grateful for our aid efforts), local mafia members fixed it FoC and treated us to a vodka-fuelled meal.
Jules was very impressed with Odessa's architecture. See below. But also in Kiyv.
But the signs of war are everywhere, and we should not forget the losses. See video below.
Kiyv is a beautiful city. Dnieper River is frozen solid. It is at least minus five degrees, which is bearable, but gloves are essential outdoors. See the video below.
He was on his way back after dropping off the vehicles. This is Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe
In Jules's own words, "At Ukraine/Moldova border...no pictures, no filming permitted, but...you only live once!"
In Jules's own words, once again, "Barbed wire fence and tank trap ditch on Moldovan side of Ukraine border. Toilets padlocked. Did our number 2s behind taxi... sigh, such great memories." As I said, he won't forget this adventure and how wonderful his home sweet home is.
I am sure you all have many questions to ask Jules on his return. We might have to have a dinner party where he can tell the story of his adventure.
Hope Jules this tells some of your stories correctly.
It is not only President Trump who wants to change history, the Ukainian's also have their input.
this is great Baz - thanks for sharing this adventure with us!