Yesterday was all about relaxing and picking up some souvenirs. Street vendors here are always the best place for picking up inexpensive trinkets. But apparently, they are all out of nesting dolls…which doesn’t quite seem possible. However, I did pick up a bunch of other cultural pieces, as you’ll see in the pictures below. I also got to watch some men in an epic chess battle in the park.
Once the souvenirs were done, it was time to hit the cafes. Cafes in Odessa are mostly outdoors on the side walk. Just a word of caution: In Ukraine, going out to a restaurant is an event, so be prepared to treat it like one. Unlike in the US, your hostess will not bring you your check for almost an hour after you’re done eating. People usually have their meal and then sit and relax for almost an hour before leaving. While taking in the ambiance of the street, I saw a little girl riding a pony. It reminded me of my first night here, when a woman with a pony walked by me and said “taxi?” And we both laughed. I think it’s little things like that which I will miss the most.
Today is my last full day here, and I plan to film a lot of video for upcoming film projects I have in mind. Other than that, I will find a great cafe and take it all in…one last time. It’s been so wonderful, but I can’t wait to be home again (a home which is apparently all gift wrapped courtesy of my friend Cynthia).
Jeff: Aug 28th, 2016
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