"Mutt" is all about the journey rather than the goal to find an elusive little village. The stories focus on people, places and the events that took place along the way - seasoned with short travelogues for the full effect of travel - in a region struggling to find its' own place in new Europe. If a paragraph could sum up the value of travel in a few short sentences, I would qualify this one from one of my stories called "Vladimir of L'viv."
"These six days in Ukraine were among the most memorable and precious moments in my entire life. I've had great experiences in many countries around the world, but the kindness thrust my way by Vladimir, Dariya, Marian, Marianne and of course Miroslav, would remain etched in my memory forever. If grandfather were alive, he too would be proud and likely boast, 'Of course, what did you expect? We are Ukrainian, the greatest people in the world!'
'Da,' I would say in agreement and this time, not just to please him.
I climbed into the wagon and searched for my seat, praying to my god the compartment was not full this night, just to get a little sleep. Oh my God! It was a first-class single bed cabin. My god must be Eastern European because my guardian angels certainly were."
