Beach, please

Odessa is the destination I recommend to all of you. It is in the south of Ukraine at the sea side. The city is nice and homey, live music and street food is everywhere, it’s green and welcoming.  We discovered some hidden beaches out there which was a treat, an unexpected gift. In the past we visited Odessa and did all kind of things here including shopping and sightseeing. But this time we started chatting with locals to find out even more places to go and things to see. Obviously, over  the last five years things have changed for the better but it is still a world war two city for sure.

The sea is stormy, at night it looks like champagne and sounds like a song you remember from your childhood.

If you don’t like the idea of a hotel Airbnb is a viable option. Try to stay centrally located to be able to walk places. Taxi services and Uber are available round the clock. Locals love tourists, in most situations they would be ready to help you out. Although all kind of schemes are prepared for those who obliviously squanders money right and left. Once you made it here be aware that other people travel to the Black Sea to make some easy money.

Water sports and activities are at your disposal, great views and inspiration can be easily found here May through September. Speaking a bit of Russian would be a huge benefit, so learn your 200 words and bring your phrase book for the easiest fun time in Odessa.

Ukraine

August 24 is Independence Day in Ukraine. It’s a big deal for Ukrainians since latest events have not been the greatest. Lots of people immigrated different places still dreaming to come back one day. Who knows maybe in the future things will be back to normal? Keep praying and hoping for the better.

If you ever want to travel somewhere nice and cheap go visit Ukraine. I miss it terribly! Kyiv is the best city I have ever lived, for me it’s the place where miracles happen and history is still alive. Explore and you will be surprised how much more there is to discover…

This country has a lot of problems and stuff but it feels real with four seasons, good and bad smells, street markets and all the pleasures of public transport. People are so direct, sometimes you wish they weren’t that way and women are so beautiful that it’s hard to keep up to par. Population is mostly poor, there is no middle class but it doesn’t seem that way.

Ukrainians love foreigners thinking that all of them are milliners. Foreign culture is considered to be better, a lot of loan words are used just because it’s cool. Traditional food is great, hospitality depends on the money paid and part of the country you are in. If you want to see the contrast go to Lviv where people speak Ukrainian and Odessa which is mostly Russian, fantastic tourist destinations with tons of things to enjoy. I wish I was there to be your guide…