Odessa

Odessa, of all the cities I visited, was perhaps the most unique. Combining classical architectural styles, a fascinating history, and a beach, Odessa really has it all. I actually decided to spend an extra day here at the last minute (it cost a bunch of money) because it was such an amazing place. I could have gladly spent an entire week there given the variety of attractions and the overall lifestyle of the place. Live music is everywhere, with several premier concert venues along with countless smaller venues. I spent the first night at the True Man beach bar, which featured a live band playing classic US hits. The nightlife is extensive, with plenty of beachfront bars, a variety of clubs, and a downtown that was full of life late into the evening. Most of the nightlife is clustered into the Arkade (clubs) and downtown (clubs and bars), though the entire length of the beach is littered with beach bars. Within each of these areas, it is very easy to walk. To go between them, cabs are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. 

Opera House

Classic Odessa, Classic Tram

                 Odessa during the day has its own set of attractions. It is easy to wander around the center of the city admiring the architecture and stopping in at any of the myriad of restaurants. Alternatively, a day on the beach is always fun, even if the water is, well, disgustingly full of stringy green algae. Due to my short time, I was not able to fully explore what Odessa has to offer, but there are also several museums, boat excursions, and nearby destinations that make Odessa a fun place to visit. What makes Odessa really unique is the atmosphere of a cultural capital of old Europe combined with the warm, breezy climate of the Black Sea. It’s no trashy beach town, but then again, it isn’t some stodgy western European cultural center. It is a mix that is fascinating and fun--Odessa is the perfect blend of high culture and drinking a beer on the beach. If there is any place on this trip that I would go back to tomorrow, it would be here (and St. Petersburg). 

                I’m not going to cover Kyiv and Berlin, as I was only there briefly to meet with friends. Thus concludes this blog!