Eccentric Expat lives in the middle of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine; after weeks of tension, he woke up one day to the sound of jets flying overhead and bombs going off, as the Ukrainian military and seperatists engaged in a pitched battle around Donetsk airport. Part two of my interview with our involuntary war correspondent.
English Teacher X
So since the attack on the airport started, how have things been there?
Is everybody staying inside? Everything closed?
Eccentric Expat
Calm but tense, many shops have been closed and few people on the streets
English Teacher X
Have you considered evacuating or are you staying the course?
Got your go-bag packed/?
Eccentric Expat
I'm staying here, don't see any need to evacuate unless I absolutely have to
English Teacher X
Suppose fighting in the streets of the city started, a prolonged offensive of some sort. What would you do?
Eccentric Expat
Well, if it starts and I'm still here, I probably wouldn't have a choice but to stay put until its over
English Teacher X
is there a US embassy around there?
Eccentric Expat
Nope, only in Kiev and Odessa
Actually I think only in Kiev
English Teacher X
how quickly could you get to Kiev if you needed to? Are the roads all blocked off and stuff? Trains packed?
Eccentric Expat
The fighting the other day spread to the train station, not sure if the trains are running again
I could take a bus, maybe, but I think many of the roads are blocked off
English Teacher X
Geez, have you stocked up on canned food and water?
Eccentric Expat
Oh yes, of course
The small food stores by my apt are still open, too
English Teacher X
So as an American, have you experienced any increased hostility towards you, since this started?
Eccentric Expat
Not me, although my roommate has
Ive been playing it safe and staying off the streets
English Teacher X
What happend to your room-mate?
Eccentric Expat
No physical altercations, but he has had a few threatening gestures
Much harder for him to blend in, since he has darker skin
English Teacher X
What's the situation at the school you work at? Are teachers fleeing in general?
Eccentric Expat
No, there are only three American teachers there right now, although the school is closed until next Tuesday at the earliest
English Teacher X
Is everybody terrified? Or think it's really fun?
Eccentric Expat
They had to close down the branch in Lugansk since all the teachers there fled
I wouldn't say it's fun, but we are all hardier than most other expats
English Teacher X
Back in my day, we'd have holed up in an apartment together and be having a non-stop drinking party.
Eccentric Expat
Well, either that, or more stupid
English Teacher X
So, would you say that now is a good time to look for a girlfriend in the Ukraine? Has all this inspired the women to look westward?
Eccentric Expat
hard to say, although i wouldn't recommend any Americans come here right now
but i think it makes it a little easier for those of us already here to find one
too bad i've already got one
English Teacher X
How long are you planning to stay there?
Eccentric Expat
i don't have any plans to leave, so i'm hoping for a long time
but we'll see
but i really like my current job
English Teacher X
Girl doesn't want you to move back to US with her?
Eccentric Expat
no, she wants to stay in Ukraine
English Teacher X
Thanks for your input. Keep me posted as things get interesting.
Eccentric Expat
I'm gonna try to post more updates about the situation on my blog as well
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