I have been in Odessa for almost two weeks now so I feel I can give an honest appraisal of my experiences so far.
Those who said I will get sick were absolutely right. I still have the sniffles from the flu I got my first few days here. So much for "I haven't had a cold or the flu for 15 years."
Odessa is a beautiful city that has a wealth of art and amazing architecture. At the same time it has been allowed to deteriorate and if things don't change I fear Odessa will crumble to the ground one day.
Coming to Odessa instead of one of the other cities was a decision driven only by my poor Russian language skills. In Odessa, I have been able to buy nearly everything I need, go out to restaurants by myself and find my way around thanks to my limited Russian vocabulary, being able to read the signs and the relatively large number of English speakers here. Even those who don't speak English have been very patient and helpful. And google translate has actually helped me on occasion too.
Now I find that during the months I will be here, Odessa is overrun with foreign men looking for a "good time" gal and rents are climbing above my limit of affordability due to the influx. Capitalism at its finest and its most corrupting at the same time.
As it stands today I am still unsure if I will stay the whole 90 days as I had planned. I may decide 30 days is enough for this trip. I just don't think hunting for a potential mate here at this time of year is a good idea.
One day my Russian will be at a level that will allow for extended stays in other cities but for now I had a choice of Kiev (that I figured I couldn't afford) and Odessa.
One thing I do not feel is unsafe. In fact, I felt more in danger leaving my apartment in Dallas than I do here. That is one thing I didn't expect.
Those who said I will get sick were absolutely right. I still have the sniffles from the flu I got my first few days here. So much for "I haven't had a cold or the flu for 15 years."
Odessa is a beautiful city that has a wealth of art and amazing architecture. At the same time it has been allowed to deteriorate and if things don't change I fear Odessa will crumble to the ground one day.
Coming to Odessa instead of one of the other cities was a decision driven only by my poor Russian language skills. In Odessa, I have been able to buy nearly everything I need, go out to restaurants by myself and find my way around thanks to my limited Russian vocabulary, being able to read the signs and the relatively large number of English speakers here. Even those who don't speak English have been very patient and helpful. And google translate has actually helped me on occasion too.
Now I find that during the months I will be here, Odessa is overrun with foreign men looking for a "good time" gal and rents are climbing above my limit of affordability due to the influx. Capitalism at its finest and its most corrupting at the same time.
As it stands today I am still unsure if I will stay the whole 90 days as I had planned. I may decide 30 days is enough for this trip. I just don't think hunting for a potential mate here at this time of year is a good idea.
One day my Russian will be at a level that will allow for extended stays in other cities but for now I had a choice of Kiev (that I figured I couldn't afford) and Odessa.
One thing I do not feel is unsafe. In fact, I felt more in danger leaving my apartment in Dallas than I do here. That is one thing I didn't expect.
