Greetings from Odessa, Ukraine.
Yours truly got an idea of what it was like living in today, I loved it. Before we continue, a whole new appreciation for teachers. They deserve their 3 month summer vacation and are in fact underpaid. I am glad I never wished to be a teacher and most likely, will never teach again after this week, it’s tough, kids are as unpredictable as street dogs in the witching hour.
On the way home, stopped by this massive market in the center of town. This place is tailored to me. I like to buy small “odd lots” as you will, I don’t want a full stick of butter, I want what I want. Anything you want here can be customized and the value is through the roof. I also enjoy buying milk on the street from a lady selling it fresh in an old 2L of Coca-Cola or a dozen free range eggs for less than a euro. To mention that this city has some of the most beautiful women I’ve seen on this planet would be amiss. It’s as though super markets have most things but for anything fresh, you hit the markets.
I’d love to go on but too much on my mind, ever have a day that validates everything? One that validates many of your beliefs and efforts? Besides “putting it all on the line” yesterday in the market, an extensive chat with my head coder and other news so ridonkulous(sic) that it won’t be mentioned until a later date, it was an amazing day. I’m literally moon walking on the sun without burning my soles.
I’d like to continue but a group of interesting and gregarious gentlemen are playing cards in front of me, to not partake would be against everything I stand for. Just finished a soup that was made by a friends grandmother. It was the type of soup that soothes your soul, it was delicious.
If you asked me where I’d recommend in this part of the world, Budapest & Prague would not even be involved in the conversation anymore. Both are great cities but I measure a place on what it would be like to live there, the point of this trip is to experience life around the world. I’m loving it here, Odessa is the place I’d return to above all else in the region, it has it all. It has affordable everything, classic architecture, friendly citizens, beautiful beaches AND MORE.
That said, this place would be drab if not depressing in the winter, then again, where isn’t? I’m eating like a king and living even better. It goes to show that you’ll never know unless you go. If someone told me that Odessa, Ukraine would be like this, would have b-lined it here immediately and just rented a pad for the summer. Below is the view from where I’m staying.
I’d go on but my attention is required.
Tips hat,
P.S: One of the quieter ladies in the class drew this, I think she has serious talent but don’t know why she added lipstick and eyeliner. Anyways, not everyday you have a future professional paint your portrait.
P.P.S: Living in Odessa Ukraine is good times.
Are you going back to teach your students? It sounds like they will miss you if you don’t.
Rest of week
Hey mate
Are you still in Odessa?
Left in 2011, good sir.
hi rob,
just read your blog on odessa, i agree with you totally it is a fantastic place,hopefully moving there shortly from england to be with my fiance, i know workwise it will be hard, but it will be worth the sacrifice,to meet people with genuine family values best wishes
steve
If you’re in a bit of a lull before finding what you’re looking for, English teaching can be quite lucrative and is in high demand if you’re a native English speaker.
Enjoy, it’s an awesome part of the world.
How do you, guys, stay there. Work visa? Business visa? Do you drive there?
Bus, fly, train… Whatever. Tourist visa
Rob,
well written, I your genuine character comes forth with the words & sharing…
Me a, “seasoned man” going to Odessa in Spring as volunteer after my tour will stay on & more than likely seek ESL teaching position! (TEFOL CERTIFIED & University Degrees).
My question, “Wish I knew this before I moved to Ukraine”..
Any advice as to setting up money transfer for U S Bank to Ukraine?
Thanks.
God Bless you for your sharing w/ the students & citizens of Odessa…
jack
haha.. love that drawing.. too funny.
How do you stay there? Staying more than 90 days requires special type of visa
or residency permit.
Unbelieveably wonderful town. I’ve lived in Odessa on five different occasions. The warmest people . . .funny people . . . they love a good joke . . . a dream town in such a poor country like Ukraine . . .I’ve been to other Ukrainian towns . . . lovely also. Ukraine is lovely. And oh my god . . . the women? I’ve never seen more beautiful ANYWHERE, and I have been almost everywhere.
I LOVE Odessa !
I’ve been there many times and added all together its about 3 months. Been in the spring, summer, and winter. Summer is surely better but winter isn’t so bad. I agree, the most beautiful women in the world live there. I’m going back soon long term. Getting a 6 month visa.
Good call, a great place. How do you feel about it now with all the turmoil occurring in the country?
I’m a little uneasy but it seems to be going Ukraine’s way right now. Its also pretty far removed from Odessa. I’m told (by my fiance)that the Odessa mayor is pro Russian, but most of the residents are for Ukraine. As long as I get to spend some quality time with her and our little girl, I’m ok. I just need to speed up my Russian lessons.
Good luck and please let me know how it goes – yes you do need to speed up on your Russian. I”m off to Budva again soon and I do as well.