clipper is back !

clipper has returned from a whirlwind trip to Greece, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Romania & Bulgaria. Following thoughts are based on VERY limited observation:

• Greece:  In serious trouble. Street rebellion and strikes punctuate daily life.
• Turkey: Appears thriving, but fiscal problems might be just under the surface
• Russia: A country still suffering from paranoia. Very difficult to get about without an official "guide".
• Ukraine: Appears to be successfully pulling itself up by its bootstraps after years of Soviet domination
• Romania & Bulgaria: Former Communist countries still struggling to move up.