3. Krakow - Ivano-Frankivs'k

After our little nap, it was time for the first presentations. In Prague, every team (consisting of four or five people) had to think of a lucky charm, a group name and an introduction for their team. So, in front of the student hostel people did their presentations, everyone on his own way, what maked it very various and nice.

Teams also had to show a proof that they had been in Vienna. One team had as a proof a telephone book, another team had the metro schedule, and another found the creativity to get several posters. After this, there was time to see the city and work on their next assignment, "Create a Borderless Europe without buying things." In the evening, we were introduced to the nightlife of Krakow by AEGEE-Krakow.

Next day one group left for the Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivs'k, the other group who had no visa went back to Vienna. Budapest and Bucurest were our following stops. Seven people didn't have the visa for Ukraine. Two organisers went with them on their way back to Vienna. The train to Ukraine was the first train that people missed. At the border of Poland with Ukraine we had to wait for the other half of the group, because Berber had the tickets to go to Ukraine.

Because of the missed train we also had to take another train who brought us to L'viv. There were only sleeping places available and our tickets were for sitting places. So we could arrange something in the train by paying some extra money. But, the next surprise was just behind the corner.

A lady came into the train and was selling insurance. At first we didn't want to buy, but after a letter of the government and half an hour talk, we finally paid. It said that none of our usual insurance was valid only the one she sold to us. We had to pay 5 DEM, for this one day stay in Ivano-Frankivis'k. But,...she gave us a receipt.

In L'viv we entered the worst train ever. It was alreay night when we went to Ivano-Frankivs'k. When we entered the train we could hardly breath because of a horrible smell. Sweat, alcohol, windows who could not open made the train a terrible place to be. But, we all managed with those super small beds.

Our arrival to Ukraine was unbelievable. We went to the mountains by bus together with local AEGEE members and people from the media. A three person orchestra was playing Ukrainian songs while we stepped out of the bus, half sleepy. The welcome was as if in a fairy tale. First a dive into the swimming pool, then singing songs and enjoying the sauna. All that followed by the 'breakfast'. In a beatiful wooden traditional made residence we had a complete meal. Also wodka and wine were on the table which seemed to be more traditional breakfast drinks than orange juice.

In co-operation with our main partner of the rally, Management Centre Europe (www.mce.be), we will keep you informed regularly about the latest developments.

Your Borderless Europe Rally/ MCE College 2000-Team
AEGEE-Utrecht and AEGEE-Europe