Soluted by 3 Ukrainian Policemen!
Trip Start
Aug 21, 2004
1
6
8
Trip End
Sep 16, 2004
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Thursday, September 16, 2004
In my case, a donation to their cause!
And...to "turn and walk away"--by a Jamaican--in Amsterdam?
A similar contribution!
Let's set the stage:
The Ukraine (earning the privilege of being saluted!)
Picture this:
It's nightime.
An African Safari.
The blood-hungry lions on the prowl.
The prey--the weaker member of the herd (AKA an unsuspecting American Tourist).
OK...now for the actual event:
Following a full full day of sightseeing in Kiev, with Paul's feet having carried him over-around-and-through miles upon miles of city streets, parklands, monuments and monasteries...he was thoroughly "pooped" (or "knackered", if you prefer!), and ready to be "home" for the night.
It began as a simple nighttime stroll through the beautiful park-overlooking-the-river that is Kiev's WWII Memorial...
While walking along a hedge-trimmed path...Paul spied a break in the foliage leading towards a well-lit street beyond...looked like a convenient short-cut! Looking to the left and the right--only darkness. The distance to the street beyond--maybe 100 yards via a very-dark and seemingly unpopulated tree-enshrouded park. A final glance back and forth on the vacant path now on then...Paul says to himself, "What the hay"...and...leaps off into the darkness!
And...just as an African Safari at night...such was Paul's fatal move...
Like lions circling in for the kill, separating a weaker member from the heard, the Ukranian Police came from out of nowhere and encircled Paul. Where there was no movement before...only darkness and peace...Paul soon sensed a change--shadowy figures collapsing inward from the left and from behind. Feeling the instinct to flee, he sped his walk hoping to reach the artificial light beyond. To no avail! The coordinated movement of the Ukranian Police officers was swifter--and their words full of authority. He stopped--paralyzed by their words...paralyzed by the light of their flashlights...paralyzed by the moment.
--NOTE: I am not sure "why" I was stopped...you know...I didn't do anything wrong!--
The interrogation was thorough--thorough enough to disguise their motives.
The search--of possessions and all over the body--was equally conceived:
*Policeman #1 reviewed el-passaporto while asking the questions.
*Policeman #2 performed the search--removing all items of value.
*Policeman #3 was handed retrieved goods of monetary value (for additional "inspection").
Their skill as a team was evident--cleverly using flashlights to illuminate the desired targets, then diverting such light away and to another target when appropriate. Paul "felt" as much as "heard" his money leave the wallet--a necessary frustration to be overcome when compared to the need to remain respectful and subservient (lest something worse come of the ordeal!).
In this way, the policemen cleverly concealed their intentions (through "stealing" Paul's money while he was "unaware" of it).
And...at the end of this fleecing...satisfied that "no crime had been committed" and their goal accomplished...Paul's possessions were "returned".
The Ukranian Police Officers declared their search complete!
The manner in which they communicated this? They saluted Paul! A 3-Police-Officer Salute!
An interesting way of saying "Thanks!"
--Note: Paul's contribution to the Ukranian Police Fund was about $20USD--
Amsterdam (the argument for carrying coins!)
Picture this:
It's daytime.
"Mission Impossible" is the movie theme here.
The canal-clad city of Amsterdam is the backdrop for a brief meeting between two spies.
Walking along a canal...the interaction occurs!
Here goes! (the actual event):
All is well with Paul in The Netherlands!
An opportune moment--seeking that perfect picture of the Heineken Beer Wagon (horse-driven cart laden with barrels-o-beer) passing one of the low-arching canal bridges.
Seemed to be so appropriate for Amsterdam...
Tall Black guy approaches Paul--seemingly asking for a cigarette in his Caribbean-English accent. However, his pace never changes and, as Paul indicates he doesn't smoke--too late! "Give me all your paper money, then turn and walk away", he is ordered!
With weapon pointing so very close--forming a pistol shape in the black hooded sweatshirt pocket--Paul is in no position to argue.
He removes his "wallet" and preceeds to retrieve el-paper-currency-oh.
Ordered to remove it all, he does (or thinks he does)...and says "that's all I have".
"All of it!" he is ordered...and quickly finds one more 5 Euro note he previously didn't see.
With long-bladed switchblade now out in full view, this last command takes on even graver significance...but following directions, he does as told and turns and walks away!
--Note: Paul was liberated of about $50USD here--
2 Robberies in 2 different countries...within a period of 4 days!
Looks like Paul's luck has run out!
Here's wishing you luck! And...happy days ahead!
:) Paul
