Yalta, Drink Machine

There were many sidewalk cafes, a group of drink vending machines, a kiddy-land with many rides in operation, and teenagers playing video games. We watched a lady dispense drinks from a 500 gallon trailer, with only a few glass tumblers for all to use. We saw no way to rinse or clean the glass.

The bus tour took us to Livadiya Palace, where the famous “Yalta Conference” took place near the end of WW II. After telling about all the good things decided during the meeting, and how proud they were of what happened thereafter, I told her the Americans were unhappy that Roosevelt gave away Eastern Europe at the Yalta Conference. I asked when they would be freed from Soviet domination. The tour guide didn’t see a problem with things staying just like they were at that time. Wonder what her story would be now that the “Iron Curtain” has been brought down, and those very same countries have joined NATO and the European Union, rather than remain under the influence of Russia.