Russia - Odessa?

Has anyone been to Odessa? Is it worth a trip, incorporating other parts of Central Asia and/or Russia?

never been there, but it's right at the top of my list of places I want to go. EVERYONE I know who has been there says it is unmissable

Greetings and a bump,

For what it is worth should this topic ever need further discussion I spent close to 2 weeks in Odesa traveling via Istanbul in Feb of 2001.

Just hollar if months or years from now a search results in this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by KGB:
Greetings and a bump,

For what it is worth should this topic ever need further discussion I spent close to 2 weeks in Odesa traveling via Istanbul in Feb of 2001.

Just hollar if months or years from now a search results in this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif</font>


Well, KGB, that doesn't really answer the question. Is it worth visiting Odessa or not?

Greetings Otto,

Yes it is.

My reasoning is that seeing any part of the former Soviet Union would be rewarding since for most of the cold war this was not a feasible travel destination.

Also there are many things to see in Odessa. The Opera House is modeled after the one in Vienna and is a sight to behold. I spent most of two days just sightseeing and looking over the architecture.

Most of the people are friendly. Yes there are the 'new russians' (or Ukrainians as appropriate) who drive BMW's and think they are somewhat special because they have money. I met a few on the THY flight and they were rude to the poor FA but other than that most of the people work hard and enjoy life.

My recommendations:

See the Opera House

See the Potemkin Stairs along with the Richeleau statue (I bought a small version as a souvinier) (**** I can't spell tonight)

Take a walk to the pier and see the Schwarzenegger baby http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Take a walk down Dereboskaya street (ulitza)

Eat at 'Mc Oneils', skip Micky D's.

The 'Vorontsov' was a good place to eat as well.

Enjoy the tramvai.

Just a few things I did and enjoyed. There is a nice area called Arcadia near the beach as well and you can go to a club there or enjoy the ocean breezes.

Done http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Hey, interesting post, KGB. Thanks.

Time for my monthly Otto Gram http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Anytime Otto! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif