Now that we have our court date for next Tuesday, here are some shots and impressions after our first week in this wild and wonderful city!
Odessa is still in the best-kept secret category in the West, but make no mistake, this is a beautiful city. On our first morning, I was stunned as I walked down the street, turned the corner, and saw this Opera House! Surprisingly, Odessa is only 200 years old, and I'm not kidding, Paris doesn't have much on this place. A German gentleman who is staying in our apartments says he thinks Odessa will soon rival the French Riviera as a tourist destination.
This exquisite park is right across the street from our apartments. If you're coming to Odessa for adoption, you're going to be here for several weeks and you might as well enjoy it. I highly recommend staying in the central tourist district. We are very happy with our apartment. See
here.
Odessa City Council meets in the Old Soviet Headquarters building.
Odessa is a great walking city, and has a truly international flavor, as this statue of its first governor demonstrates, France's Duke Richelieu.
Turn around to get this view of the Black Sea.
Fashions in Odessa, are, shall we say.....
Immodest! These shoes are typically accompanied by a very tight, very short skirt, short or pants. What is amazing is how much walking they do in this footwear. But you don't see any of the natives in Tevas or Birkenstocks. Think of Odessa as the anti-Portland!
Christian is having a blast! Odessa is very kid friendly with lots of fun parks and playgrounds
My little man ascending the famous Potemkin Steps.
Nastia, Dana and friend Tania strolling along the boulevard.
Ukrainian food has been one of the nicest suprises. They've always considered themselves to be more cultured than the Russians and I can vouch for that when it comes to cooking. It's excellent, and inexpensive.
It's also nice to be in a country where Americans are treated with respect!
One of the first things you notice are stray animals everywhere.
Dogs like this wild looking Dingo hybrid roam the streets and alleyways.
Ukrainians are some of the most naturally beautiful people in the world.
But sadly, this is how most of them live. You don't have to drive far before seeing the decay and depressed living conditions.
Most Americans would call this slum living, but I've noticed something interesting. Many of the people who live like this are hard working, well educated, cultured people who would thrive in America. Yet I don't get the feeling that they are clamoring to leave. They know their country is struggling, but they are proud of it and they carry themselves with dignity and a distinctive style.
We have fallen in love with Ukraine and its hearty people. Please pray for them.
Today my youngest two children and I walked (you walk everywhere here) to what has become one of my all-time favorite restaurants. The Odesskya Boulevard Restaurant overlooking the Black Sea epitomizes the laid-back style of this resort city with excellent Ukrainian dishes and outdoor seating that rivals Paris!
A big bowl of Borsch cost $3 and is quite filling along with a slice or two of bread. As we discovered in Moscow, there's nothing better than a hot bowl of Borsch in the winter, which is much tastier than it looks!
For a touristy joint, the service is very friendly, but don't expect to ever sit down to a quick meal. They just don't understand the concept of lunch "hour."
I am not kidding about the comparisons to Paris. Much of downtown Odessa is even more beautiful!
The city was built (only 200 years ago) by French and Italian architects.
This is where to come to see the locals - the funky Sobornaya Square Park. It's one of the most unusual places I've ever experienced and I never tire of coming to just hang out.
Unlike the more touristy places, true artisans display their work here.
This is the place to come for good quality, handmade Ukranian stuff. 
Everything happens in the shadows of the stunning Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration. 
I sat under this Icon of Christ for more than an hour just watching people pass by.
The faithful stop right in their tracks, turn toward Christ, and cross themselves. This woman prayed outloud for several minutes. It is a scene that is repeated dozens of times throughout the day.
While I was sitting all alone, I had a bizarre and hilarious experience that I'll probably never figure out. You are warned by everyone to never mess with the cops in Ukraine, and to never try to take their picture. So, I was a little worried when this officer approached, prompting me to fumble for my passport. But he started showing me that he wanted me to take his picture. He took a few steps away and turned, and I happily obliged. Then I showed it to him, and let him know I thought it was a lousy shot....
Since he was now my buddy, I demonstrated how he needed to walk and try to look more natural. I had him go back and forth a few times snapping off several frames, finally deciding this shot looked OK, as onlookers observed the whole thing in amazement. He looked at the picture, said "cool" and just walked away!
I was so happy I didn't get detained that I paid double for these fresh cut flowers!
