I started posting about my time in Odessa and honestly intended to keep updating regularly. But then each day kind of slid into the next and the next. So that idea didn't pan out as I originally intended.

So here's a brief summation and my impressions from 3 months in Odessa.

First, I enjoyed being close to the sea, love the breeze that comes in off the sea. The architecture is amazing... when it isn't deplorable. I especially love the old buildings, they show such craftsmanship and attention to detail. The people are great; friendly, helpful and my neighbors looked after me (one told me if I ever need anything just ask -- I never needed to but it was very kind of him nonetheless).

All in all I achieved all my goals for this trip. 1) Lose weight, 2) Eat healthy, 3) Exercise more, and 4) Learn a bit more Russian. I lost a bunch of weight, felt great and enjoyed the food which looked like it came straight from a farmer's field (still had the dirt on it). I even learned a few new Russian words and phrases (hope I can remember them). So I rate the trip as a success.

Would I ever come back? I'd have to say absolutely.

As I posted earlier one of my goals was to "go native" as much as I could. I often had strangers come up to me on the street and start talking away in Russian. Wish I understood everything they were saying. I found that as the weeks went by the little bit of Russian I learned before was reinforced and I was able to pick out enough words to get the gist sometimes. I feel confident that if I spent a few years here I could become fluent. As it is I was often complimented on my pronunciation. Which is nice.

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