People have told me repeatedly that I need to go to Lviv. I now understand why. This city is beautiful with its own flavour and feels very Central European and different from other cities in Ukraine. It is proud for three things according to my friends. Its coffee, its chocolate and its beer. I can testify that it certainly lives up to its reputation. The food is good as well 🙂

This region has an interesting history. Even the Swedes have been here on our ancient violent trips. Charles XII even took the town by force but as he was interested in keeping the people as allies in his war on Russia he did not burn it down as was the normal custom. But he found a good way to get some money – he nailed the nobles to a wall and put a bucket in front of each of them. When a ransom was paid, the noble was then released and everyone was happy. The current Swedish self-taxation using text message feels better…

Wonderful city to just stroll around in, take a coffee or a beer. There are restaurants, cafes and bars everywhere.

Sigma has an office in Lviv and Ira at the office has offered her assistance in finding a garage as well as a mechanic who could give the Dnepr some TLC. I go to visit the office which turns out to be a very cool place – top modern with every facility you can think of. My Ukrainian colleagues impress me with their optimism and professionalism and the Lviv office is obviously no different. I join a group of consultants and a client who are down to plan a new release of their software as they went on a city tour and dinner. Feels fortunate to have so many nice colleagues.

But everything has to come to an end. Since it is the Vyshyvanka Day (traditional broidered shirt), I first go out and buy one that I like and get a lecture of its protective benefits. I need to leave the bike in Ira’s caring hands (it turns out that the bike will stay in her own garage). After a nice last lunch at the restaurant next to the office I step on the plane and go home. But I will be back 🙂