AMAZING

While we've had more than a few run-ins and set-backs with construction, permissions, and the firm doing our work ... we've also had lots of second and third opinions on the work that has been completed. And, the really great news is, all those added opinions from engineers, the gas, water, and electrical departments are all very impressed with the quality of construction, piping, and work that has been completed. 

That's all fine and well. It's costing enough, taking long enough, and giving enough grey-hairs and premature wrinkles that it should be done well. 

Saturday another plumber came to do some work. He was truly in awe with all the piping and work that we've put in. His response, similar to too many local responses to mention, was something like:

"Wow, this is a lot of work. You must have been at this for what ... a year-and-a-half? Two years?"

No. Four-plus months, thank you very much. 

But here in lies a major problem ... all the local people are patting themselves on the back for doing so much in such a short period of time, and we are banging our heads against the wall saying "why is this taking so long!" Different perspectives? Maybe. Different expectations? Certainly.

Blending American and Ukrainian building and business techniques requires a bit of finesse and patience that we are trying to cultivate.