So We Sailed Into The Sun
Trip Start
Aug 19, 2011
1
10
13
Trip End
Aug 31, 2011
Odessa, Odessa, Ukraine
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Because it was Sunday morning and just before 9:00, there were few to no services open at the small, sparse terminal, so I decided to take a taxi into the center and drop my suitcase off at my hotel before looking for something to eat, as I had chosen, for comfort reasons, not to eat before the train trip and I was now, HUNGRY.
Unlike my experience in Kiev, the taxi driver was very mellow and did his best to speak in English and as my hotel is new, he had to ask several other drivers for directions, before taking me into town. He did seem genuinely interested in getting me to the destination though and I was relieved. At this point, I was very tired and a bit impatient with my overall time in Ukraine, so I took the difficulties in stride as best I could, until he dropped me off at the corner of a “Pedestrian only” street and pointed in a direction for me to walk, unloaded my suitcase and drove off. The Street was cute and charming, with the shops just beginning to open on this warm Sunday morning and I felt rather pleased that I had chosen this unexpectedly beautiful place to end my vacation. Unfortunately, all I had was a piece of paper with an address and a suitcase, which was now getting very heavy to lug around, then, Just as if I hadn't had enough, I had difficulty finding my hotel, at first, because it is new and not clearly marked; furthermore, it is slightly off the main street and hidden by a construction barrier. Therefore, as I lugged my suitcase up and down the street, vainly looking for the address for nearly an hour, everyone I asked pointing in different directions, I was beginning to become incredulous, basically hopeless and tired, until a very nice shopkeeper helped me find the correct location. Already, I had received more help in one day than in 4 days in Kiev and I calmed down rather quickly once I dropped off my suitcase and stopped into the bookstore next door to purchase a guidebook and map. It was sweet that the shop lady blushed as she attempted to say, “Thank you very much” in her obviously, rarely used English. I smiled at her and gave her a hearty "thumbs up" as I left the shop, thinking to myself that I would like it here.
There are money exchange windows everywhere in this “tourist friendly” village, so I took myself directly to the first one I saw and changed only as much money as I could spend, since my mother warned me, that I may be stuck with unchangeable money at the end of my trip, however, I did see a guy changing his money back into Euros as I left the window.
My next stop was to get some much-needed food. I had passed a small restaurant advertising organic food on my hunt for my hotel and by now, I felt my body could use a break from the garbage I had been filling it with, so I bought and organic hamburger and had a cup of iced tea as I looked through my map and guide, studying the layout of this, green, park-filled, beachside city.
After a relaxing and healthy breakfast, I took myself for a small walk up the main street and down the first crossroad, enjoying the atmosphere while the booths of artists and shops were now beginning to come alive. I stumbled upon a wonderful pavilion full of books and then some “handmade craft” stands, again, feeling very good about my final stop on this month-long odyssey.
By now it was getting close to noon and I was anxious to view the “Black Sea” and as I was following my map, came across some very ornate buildings and lovely parks and fountains, while making my way down a twisted street to the harbor below. Upon my first sighting of the deep blue waters of the Black Sea, a single tear ran down my cheek when I realized that I had traversed the continent of Europe from north to south on a most beautiful journey of not only sight and sound, but of mind and spirit as well.
When I reached the harbor, I found it full of lively people, boats, gently bobbing up and down and several “tour boats” leading to the lovely beaches on the other side of the curve that makes up he coast of Odessa. I decided that the 2-hour, round trip ride to "Arcadia Beach" would be the perfect way to spend the rest of my morning before actually checking into my room. I was right and it was absolutely splendid!! We left the harbor and turned along the lovely green coastline. I sat mesmerized, looking both out to the open sea and then back toward the lively beaches along the coast, with their bars and luxury hotels shimmering with activity. When we reached our destination at “Arcadia Beach," several passengers got off the boat and new ones came on. I stayed on and went back on the return trip, making a mental note of the location of this beautiful beach.
Upon my return to my hotel, I made my way up the huge, historic "Potemkin Stairway" to the main village area above, then, back around to check into my hotel where I collapsed from exhaustion, relaxed and happy, for the afternoon, venturing out for a dinner and walk later in the evening and then an early bedtime.
