Odessa

Odessa is a very interesting city. It was established by Catherine the Great’s favorite General in the late 1700’s, so it is a young city. It is a port on the Black Sea once belonging to the Turks. The city’s founders were very forward-looking, but some of the styles were created to give the impression of a rich historical background, which they did not have. All buildings here are constructed of brick or stone or concrete. A series of mining tunnels was developed to provide limestone blocks as building material. They are called the catacombs and their length is estimated at 1,553 miles.

In the morning we sauntered to the nearest cafe called Gogel Mogel for an outdoor breakfast and then walked around the old city. We descended the Potemkin Stairs, both a route to the shore and an impressive welcome for those arriving by sea. Going down, you can’t see the steps, it looks like a smooth slope with several landings.

We then took a harbor boat tour.

In the afternoon we met a local guide, Leonid, who showed us around Odessa and into the catacombs.

This sign post is like the one in South China…tells the direction and mileage to important cities!

Odessa is rich in history and wears its title of being Ukraine’s “hedonist capital” well. It’s geography lends itself to welcoming and entertaining travelers and traders. Over time, Odessa has survived and kept its identity. Our guide, Leonid, told us that Odessa remains known for three things; corruption, humor, and trade.

I love that the city celebrates Humorina, Humor Day, on April 1st, as a holiday. This is not celebrated by other cities in Ukraine. City government offices and schools are closed and there’s a day-long festival that attracts humorists, satirists, and anyone looking for a laugh.

Today was Vlodimir’s birthday, and we went to a restaurant which specializes in Ukrainian food and decor and even music. We tried a fabulous cabbage soup in a special bread bowl.

Several special appetizers, Chicken Kiev and a mixed meat platter, a bottle of vodka and two traditional drinks later, we celebrated with a cake with a metal sparkler candle.