I entered the DHL office here in Rustenburg with a sense of trepidation. Yes, I had confirmed that this world-renowned courier service was active in Ukraine, but that was weeks ago. What if things have changed?
My fear was unfounded, though. Not only was I treated to extremely friendly service, but the cost worked out at a third of the amount that I was originally quoted! Just because I had bothered to consign the envelope in person instead of having it collected at my workplace! It should reach my legal person in Kyiv by the close of business on the 6th of June if all goes well.
Roman is more than my lawyer at this point. I think he is what the Regency romance novelists would refer to as my “man of business”, as he not only deals with the legalities in Ukraine but will also help me to secure a house that side, and help me get through the minefield of setting up a company in a country where the language is strange and the legal system is even stranger. That said, from what I have read online about setting up a company in Ukraine (even during martial law!), it is a relatively simple, quick, and inexpensive process. Roman will be remunerated for his role, but I trust that his services won’t cost me an arm and a leg, or kidney!
This week, a fellow #Fella of mine, Zhenya, posted a rant on Twitter about what volunteers should have in place before they even THINK about coming to Ukraine. He aimed it at the kitchen volunteers in his war zone kitchen, but his requirements are good to consider even if I don’t plan to go to an active front. After all, Ukraine is still a war-torn country under martial law, even if many refugees are gradually returning.
- Have a valid will! Anything can still happen!
- Have the support of your family back home.
- Don’t come with emotional baggage, or stress about kids, partners, etc.
- Have debt and other issues sorted out before you come to Ukraine.
- Come with a positive attitude and a willingness to help build, not add to the burden!
- Have enough money to support yourself for the time that you are in Ukraine, whether it is for three months or indefinitely!
I can tick most of these boxes. Frankly, I don’t know if my mom is truly on board with my goal of moving to Ukraine, yet, even if she agrees that South Africa is not a safe and secure home any longer. We’ll see as the time approaches.
I’ve yet to secure my transport arrangements and visas, but I have had some e-mail correspondence with Polrail this week. The Polish Rail Service runs the express train between Warsaw and Kyiv. According to them, I can take my cat(s) on the overnight train, but then I have to book a whole compartment. That will suit me fine, as I don’t want to create extra stress for myself and the animals on the journey. I reckon that we will all need some legroom, even if they will probably be sleeping on top of me anyway. (That’s the nature of cats!)
I shall follow the route of that document as it goes through Europe. It will be interesting to see how it travels. Hopefully, I’ll have more to report in my next blog post!