Nikolaev - Thursday middle of the day

When we returned to the conference hotel, Edwin and Ellie had to go their rooms to put on their full uniforms.  They are members of Pink and Blue, a police unit of gay and lesbian officers in Amsterdam who not only are on call 24/day for calls about "incidents" but also do training for new police officers and help officers who are investigating gay-related incidents.  They and some Ukrainian police officers were part of a round table discussion.  There was also a representative of the Ukrainian regional government.  We heard national and international reports on police mishandling of gay-related incidents and the abuse that gays have to endure often at the hands of the Ukrainian police.  The Ukrainian officers and officials were uncomfortable hearing the data and reports.  There were quite a few reports and fact and figures and charts.  It was academic and dry.  And then Ellie got up to report on the Netherlands and the development of the gay and lesbian unit Pink and Blue.  She was engaging and funny and beautiful in her uniform. the audience absolutely loved her and gave her the best applause so far.  She's a champion.  Edwin gave occasional facts and mostly looked very handsome in his uniform.  He's a great guy.  The two of them and their unit have done such an outstanding job in Amsterdam that their model will be used for national implementation in Amsterdam and they are beginning to be available for trainings internationally as well. Here's a picture of Edwin and Ellie in their uniforms - ooh la la:

After the presentation, it was mid-afternoon and they went off with the Ukrainian police to fraternize and view the police base.   Joel and I sat in the lobby to take advantage of internet access and then went to get something to eat at the hotel restaurant.  I had solyanka, a meat soup and mlintsi with apricot jam (mlintsi are crepes).  I had to leave to get ready for my part of the program which would start at 18:00.