Today, we arrived at Internot #4 at 9:30, "checked-out" Yuri and headed for the Port of Odessa. Above, Nataliya and Renee approach the Internot. Not a very pleasant looking building is it?
Hotel Odessa dominates the skyline over the harbor.
At the port, we watched a cargo ship come into harbour. Odessa's port is expansive with docks and cranes as far as the eye can see.
Odessa sits on a high bluff above the harbor. The famous, "Potiomkin Stairs" (200 steps) lead from the port to the city center. Above, Nataliya, Renee and Yuri begin the ascent.
Nearing the top, city buildings come into view.
At the top of the stairs is a statue of Duke de Richelieu who was mayor of Odessa around 1860. The French Duke paved the streets of Odessa with cobble stones which were transported to the city as balast in the hulls of ships. The Duke also planted rows of trees flanking the boulevards and is credited with making Odessa the "most precious pearl of the Russian crown". This statue is considered a symbol of the city and the Duke is a popular cult figure with native citizens. Above, Renee and Yuri hang with the Duke.
Odessa has many beautiful examples of architechture including the Opera Theater (above). The opera, "Figero" is currently playing. In Odessa, you see glimpses of beauty, wealth and civic pride mixed against a backdrop of poverty, hopelessness and decades of neglect.
Detail of the Opera Theater.
1 comment:
Hi Renee and Paul,
We enjoyed all of your pictures this week. I am so glad you got a blog set up. It is great to follow you along on your adventure. Gee, those places you've been to look vaguely familiar. We're praying for you often. You all look great.
Larry and Cathy
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