A Last Stroll in Odessa

We got up late today – our last day in Odessa.  After breakfast we took a stroll up the town staircase (all 192 of them) and into town.  We stopped for lunch at what we were told was “the best Ukrainian restaurant in town” for their famous varinikis (dumplins).  Sandy had to try the local beer and of course there was vodka (complements of the restaurant – whatever happened to bread?) to toast our leaving!  Then it was down the stairs and to a taxi for the airport.

 Speaking of airports – Odessa airport was something else.  When we got there there was a line stretching out the door and down the block.  We couldn’t find anyone who could tell us what the line was for – so after looking around awhile we got in it.  After an hour and thirty minutes we finally got to the front of the line.  The person there told us that we were ten minutes too early and would have to go to the back of the line!  There seemed to be a number of other people being told the same thing – so we stood at the door with them instead.  After ten minutes a sign went up with our flight number on it.  The people who had been told to wait started for the door.  Immediately an argument broke out – the folks in the line wanted us all to go back to the end of the line and start over.  While they were arguing Sandy and I slipped in!  Inside was not much better.  We again stood in lines and waited and waited.  Finally we made it to the plane – it had taken 2.5 hours to get to the gate!  Considering that there were only 2 gates at the airport and only a few hundred passengers it seemed a bit disorganized!  Anyway, about midnight we finally made it to our hotel in Madrid.

The pier at Odessa has a hotel on it.  UNESCO is insisting that they tear it down if they want to get added as a world heritage site!

Looking up at the staircase it looks like a lot more than 192 steps!  (Can you find Tom in there - he's standing there)

Here's Sandy on the stairs!

One last beer (and two vodkas!) for Sandy.