Emma and I awoke and packed as usual but today Larry will replace Emma so I removed the modification and raised the seat before breakfast. Emma slept in and I left at 7am sharp. The road was unbelievably flat and straight for about 20 km and aside from some minor parts that were under repair, remained that way for the rest of the trip.

Larry was the physical education teacher from the center and was as strong as a tractor. He kept up really good despite the strong head force winds. I spent the day using mixed one word sentences like "roadgood" or "rainno" or "15good25tired". By the time we reached half way Larry was sweating a little and he had stopped talking all together. He was tired but I still couldn’t shake him. He was still keeping up.

Emma and Vlad met us just at the 100 km point and then followed us into town where we found the center and had a traditional Ukrainian welcome from the Ivankiev staff.

A really cute girl in a traditional Ukrainian headdress and shirt presented Emma with bread and salt for a welcome. I was really touched and Emma was too. This center seemed to be mostly run by girls and it had a more nurturing environment. Seemed like a really caring atmosphere. The director of the center was great and had a snack prepared for us upon arrival. We had a girl translator who turned out to be really nice and honest. She translated all of our conversation and the usual questions that we have found to arrive at each center. "Why did you decide to do the trip" etc... We were shown our room which was in an office at the center. We dropped our bags and toured the center where the director showed us how and where everything happens. You could tell that it was a safe environment for the people that the center serves. And it was just next door to the hospital.

After the tour of the center we took a tour of the town and some of the local cultures. There was a nice park with memorials everywhere. There was also a grave in the center where the liquidators rested. It was kind of sad to see that there was a couple of youth next to the fresh flowers drinking alcohol and yelling. I could see that this town really needed the center.

After the tour we went right to bed. I was exhausted

We met Chris and Larry on the road approximatively 15 km away from Ivankiev. Both were tired but happy. I was impressed by Larry because it was the first time I think he's biked so far in one day. He is a strong man!

We escorted them with the car and had time to take pictures in front of this huge egg which stands in the middle of a crossroad. Inside the egg there is a secret message for generations ahead that was written long time ago by some villagers.

While waiting for Chris and Larry, Vlad told me that Chernobyl centre was only 50km away from us and showed me the road that was going there. That shook me a little to know that we were so close!

We finally arrived in Ivankiv! A group of women from the centre were waiting for us with the traditional bread and salt as a symbol of welcome and prosperity for the guests. I was very touched by the traditional gesture and a little bit hesitant because I was not too sure what to do. Thank God, Chris seemed to know about this tradition and instructed me to take the bread and salt while people were taking pictures of our arrival.

We met with our two translators, Lucy and Lynda. Both of them studied English. Lynda is only 15 years but looks more mature than her age. Lucy is a nice, caring woman. I liked them both away because they were true and honest.

We also met with the deputee chairwoman of the centre. Valentina a beautiful , nurturing woman who gave us the warmest welcome. We had a small coffee break with great sweets, Larry, Vlad and his son stayed for a while then they had go. We were shown our room for the night. The director's office?! How's that for a hotel room?! The cook had prepared a sweet little midnight snack by our bed with coffee and tea. That was so nice of her!

But it was not time to go to bed yet. Lucy and Linda toured us around town and showed us different monuments and buildings. I took the opportunity to ask them to teach me a few Ukrainian words but I have to say it's difficult to remember them.

It was time to go to our new home. I was exhausted and could not wait to sleep in my new bed.