The Equites team in full
So, the setting – a white steamship... Or to be more precise, the motor ship 'Marshal Rybalko' (in advanced circles – 'Marshal Fishing'). The presentation of the Equites television project, during which a real (not virtual) charity auction took place. At the auction, a 1942 Willys, which had climbed with Equites up a 25-meter wall ('Zagranitsa' No. 12, March 2001), was finally and irrevocably sold.
The seriousness of the project presentation was evidenced by the fact that it was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Diplomats from ten embassies, employees of the trade representation of Tajikistan and the European Council came to meet the team. Unfortunately, on the same day, there was a rotation at the French Embassy in Ukraine, and the ambassador was giving a farewell banquet for the diplomatic corps. Therefore, most of the diplomats could not attend the presentation, which, presumably, they greatly regretted. But... protocol, etiquette...
To the credit of the event organizers, even diplomats seasoned in such matters were quite surprised and interested in everything they saw. And what they saw was a fascinating dynamic film about the actions of the Equites team, which they had performed 'on the way to Africa,' and a beautifully constructed laser show. And the host of the future TV show, Igor Molyar, organized stormy applause and laughter in the hall. 'I don't like it when Ukraine lies,' Igor commented on what was happening on the screen. 'I like it when it stands!' With the host's last words, the laser depicted a nice Ukrainian trident, and in the dark hall, someone swallowed a lump that rose to their throat, and someone wiped a tear with their sleeve. I was there, I saw...
And then, from the pedestrian bridge, the main heroes of the occasion – Goltis, Sasha, and Kostya – literally swooped down onto the guests' heads. Despite their climbing gear, they were all in strict black suits, which suited them very, very well.
And there was also a nice auction, where one after another, Goltis's original photographs went under the hammer, one of which, by the way, became the property of Alexander Ponomarev, and at the end, the main lot was sold – old man Willys, which, thanks to the guys' efforts, ended up in the Guinness Book of Records. All six and a half thousand USD, which one of the auction participants (who, by tradition, wished to remain anonymous) paid for it, were immediately handed over to a representative of the Uzhgorod administration to be directed to help the flood victims in Transcarpathia.
And there were also dances, music, and cheerful songs by the soloist of 'Neschastny Sluchay,' who at the end of the event said that he was already happy...
In a short interview given to your correspondent by the team members, they all unanimously stated that they are morally and physically ready for the journey; as always, only the routine remains – the technical side of things. But that, too, is going according to plan. And Goltis added that, according to the custom that exists in his native Transcarpathia, before the start of the African crossing, he will bury a huge bottle of wine, which his father, a master in this field, is specially preparing for the team. During the journey, it will absorb the life-giving energy of the earth and the energy of the hearts waiting for the travelers. The drink promises to be divine...
'Zagranitsa' No. 27(80), 2001