Chapter III.
Seven Hours in time difference elapsed from New York to Ukraine. Once the Aerosvit Airlines jet landed, we walked down the ladder, onto the runway (a practice uncommon to me).
We headed to the most horrifically ugly, dark green transport-trolley imaginable. A group of us timidly ventured towards Odessa's finest Customs Officials.
I was the very last passenger in line. I was having trouble reciting Oksana's address, because she had just changed apartments several weeks prior to my arrival. I had to go into a room off to the side, to get my two huge bags. My two carry on’s were already fast in hand.
I presented the Custom Control Officials with the princess-cut diamond engagement ring, the diamond earrings, and the gold watch. I was carrying them in my black, leather briefcase.
I was taxed $244.67 for bringing in $680.00 worth of jewelry. In the end, they valued it as $1223.34 U.S.D.
(a.k.a., $6116.70 UAH).