PROTECTION MONEY.............

[andrewblow]

It's funny how - in the west - we hear about some of the rackets going on in eastern Europe - Ukraine in this instance - but you never think it will happen to you! But I would like to recount below an incident that happened on 18th August this year.

I was travelling back from Chernivtsi (Ukraine) to England via LVIV International Airport. I did all the usual check-ins and (due to there being no trolleys at Lviv airport) personally deposited 2 cases and my guitar case at loading point. I was immediately given the 'folding money' sign by the baggage handlers regarding my guitar case. I refused - checked with the X-ray Operator ("Don't pay money") and repeated that my guitar be loaded with the rest of the stuff.

Come pick-up time at London - you've guessed it - TWO GREAT HEAL-MARKS RIGHT THROUGH THE CASE !!

I have of course taken this matter up with Polish Air (as requested by them) although they don't personally employ the baggage handlers.

It will be interesting to know the results.........#

Andrew

[NZman]

Sorry Andy but that is Piss funny.

Any country that's payin' sh1te money to it's workers is gonna have this problem. 10UAH is about what in Pommy money?... A little over a pound? Is you sayin' you can't afford this?

Love the NZman

[andrewblow]

If it anyone else's case - I also would see the funny side...but
a) He didn't say how much and I didn't have a clue (you suggest 10 Hg : I agree > no big deal) and
b) I was simply not minded to stand there and agree bribery deals with some loader. I have no idea what he earns - it was simply the principal of the matter. Maybe I should re-think my principals......or maybe I simply ask him for his 'name and number' next time - see what happens.!!

andrew

[NZman]

If it anyone else's case - I also would see the funny side...but
a) He didn't say how much and I didn't have a clue (you suggest 10 Hg : I agree > no big deal) and
b) I was simply not minded to stand there and agree bribery deals with some loader. I have no idea what he earns - it was simply the principal of the matter. Maybe I should re-think my principals......or maybe I simply ask him for his 'name and number' next time - see what happens.!!

Andy, Andy, Andy, lighten up dude,

You should visit India or Pakistan, then you'd know wot bribary was. You have to slip someone a back hander you to take a down load

Is you not aware of the average national wage in Ukraine

It's less than 100USD (This is my first non business trip here & I knows this)

Andy dude, a word from the wize, slip him a 10UAH note next time say ta very much & walk on.

Oh yes most of the 'police' etc in Eastern Europe dunt have numbers on there uniform, it kinda makes them less touchable.

Love the NZman

[andrewblow]

You takes the cheese......I'll have me wallet to hand.

I's fully aware that I's been insulated to some extent from the normal day2day stuff and I have not ever travelled to Asia, etc.

Appreciated.

andrew

[NZman]

Hi Andy,

I tell ya, India & Pakistan are well dodge. When it comes to gettin' anythin' done.

I was was there for a short time last year with work (Lordin' it as the VxWorks god that I am) & had to pee me kilt every day, either that or go mad and kill a few 1000 people.

However, they were great people & I had a most excellent time. So you justs have to live with it. They do.

You still had a good time I is hopin'.

Love the NZman

Besides wot I spent on back handers I made up in cheep beer & havin' a blind dude shave me with a cut thoat was one life experience I'll never forget. Well worth a few sheets

Love the NZman

[American4U]

Andy,

you did the right thing! Simply because you have visited a foreign country, does not mean that it is incumbent upon you to ALLOW yourself to be taken advantage by "sidewalk hustlers and Taxi drivers!" Only a simple minded wimp allows that to happen! It is not the responsibility of American's traveling abroad to have their wallet out every 5 minutes, simply because some Slav can't get his sh*t together financially. This is what seperates Americans from the rest of the pack as the greatest country in the world! Any American who would "bend over" and toss Ivan some loot (even a pound - sawnote, etc,) because he/she do not have the bravado to say "no thank you", deserves what they get. To follow up that last comment, when you visit the Ukraine, and display the propensity to continually open your wallet and toss bills to the Slavs, for ridiculous purposes (ie: locating your guitar,)then the word travels at light speed that a "fish" (<~~ inexperienced traveler) is in the water , and you WILL become hounded and considered an easy mark regardless of your destinations in the Ukraine! The Slavs (Ukrainian people) understand when an American passes them by or refuses to allow themselves to succumb to some form of minute extorsion - their reaction is that THIS American is a frequent traveler abroad, and knows the "program". In other words, he/she is not worth the effort to manipulate. They will then ignore you and turn to easier prey. When the wallet unfolds far too frequently and generously, then they identify this individual as a first time traveler and easy mark. Or spineless, which is even worse!