#73 Moldova & 73.5
Transnistria (or is this 74??)
So I’m off again, this time on trip 1 of 2 this month in Eastern Europe. I’ve 1 night flight, 2 night trains and 2 hotels and 2 hostels booked up and covering an uncertain amount of miles!!! It’s one of my most gruelling plans for scheduling as there’s limited information about transport as I believe most work of minibus concept that go as they are filled, a concept I was familiar with in Georgia!
So the back pack contains some food...... nuts and the like, mock tail wine gums, oatcakes with cheese as mums kept me going in Taiwan, and 12 items of clothing, 2 sets of footwear and the toiletry and electrical essentials it is my lightest pack yet!!!
The trio is starting with dinner with Brenda, off on a cruise this time as a non-crew!! Fought at 0020 so plenty of catch up time possible!
The trip is not filling me with excitement, I feel it’s only my image of ‘crimea’ and a hostile Russian concept that is I’m sure totally incorrect but I struggle to shrug the feeling. Mum and Dad sound worried, my brother, jealous and keen to know about the agriculture and such there so apologies if the pictures appear to contain lots of farm things!! I did explain that most of my journey through Ukraine is night but sunrise is early enough to allow me to see bits I hope!!
First dinner.....Greek style!! Which was lovely and perfectly filling. Couple of drinks after and it’s off to Luton!
The security is empty, which is a weird feeling, who do you follow?? The guy calls me forward. We are the only flight still to go so it’s not going to be busy. Clear through, the one time you have plenty of time, and into departures, it’s all closed except 1 snack place so o get a bottle of water and recharge my phone!! Strange feeling for this place so busy a week ago to be totally empty!!! I strongly think I’ll be the only English speaking on the flight!! Ah well I’m ready for my 3 hour snooze and 2 hour forward jump!! Glad o have the hotel tomorrow night to catch up then the 2 over nighters. I read earlier that I should have booked the other berths in my cabin to get it to myself.... always bad to check up plans after the time!!!! Ah well shall see!! Going to add to the adventure and story I’m sure. Chatted with meridith today, one of our medical staff and she had a similar picture of the train to me, smelly snoring and smoking Ukrainian men!! Haha. Had to laugh!!
Well we have our gate so I’m off...28 here I come!! Of course the furthest away!!!
It’s easy boarding but I’m in an isle seat, darn, it’s only a couple of hours, why would it be an issue!?! My neck pillow is inflating as the (Scottish) captain comes on to say we’re held on runway due to works at other end and need to arrive at 0530 and not before..... and that’s the last I recall...... until 1 Hour in and the window guy needs to go to the loo...... no worries, snooze off again, ignoring the announcements, then the middle guy wants to go..... 1 hour later..... then we land, almost my perfect flight!!!
Sun is up and it’s 0538 as I head into the terminal.......rather a lot head straight into the duty free straight ahead and full of alcohol!!!!!
Passport a breeze and they have a cute bear arch to highlight the family lane. I get a stamp!! Then almost going through the wrong lane of customs, (no one to follow yet) I’m out and the trip begins!!
Usual first stop..... the coffee, is delayed to second, as I need to get currency as it’s not possible to get out of the country. £1=22MDL. I’m only in the country 24 hours, not I’m guessing doing any justice to it, but it’s a start! I believe the bus starts at 6 am, and so I enjoy a sandwich I’d got previously (smuggled in!!) and a coffee, write this...... and wait!!
There’s a bird tweeting from the cage beside the coffee shop and wind pipe music introduces the announcements! Overall it’s a bright and modern airport..... must go get the photo of its name!!
Sadly despite reading about the name being changed to a wine airport, it appears to not have occurred yet! https://www.meininger.de/en/wine-business-international/moldova-creates-first-wine-airport shame!!
I find information and establish I need 2lei for bus number 38 to avoid the taxi touts... so on to change my 10lei I hope!! Now I have 15 x 1 lei!! Lots of little yellow notes!!
So the back pack contains some food...... nuts and the like, mock tail wine gums, oatcakes with cheese as mums kept me going in Taiwan, and 12 items of clothing, 2 sets of footwear and the toiletry and electrical essentials it is my lightest pack yet!!!
The trio is starting with dinner with Brenda, off on a cruise this time as a non-crew!! Fought at 0020 so plenty of catch up time possible!
The trip is not filling me with excitement, I feel it’s only my image of ‘crimea’ and a hostile Russian concept that is I’m sure totally incorrect but I struggle to shrug the feeling. Mum and Dad sound worried, my brother, jealous and keen to know about the agriculture and such there so apologies if the pictures appear to contain lots of farm things!! I did explain that most of my journey through Ukraine is night but sunrise is early enough to allow me to see bits I hope!!
First dinner.....Greek style!! Which was lovely and perfectly filling. Couple of drinks after and it’s off to Luton!
The security is empty, which is a weird feeling, who do you follow?? The guy calls me forward. We are the only flight still to go so it’s not going to be busy. Clear through, the one time you have plenty of time, and into departures, it’s all closed except 1 snack place so o get a bottle of water and recharge my phone!! Strange feeling for this place so busy a week ago to be totally empty!!! I strongly think I’ll be the only English speaking on the flight!! Ah well I’m ready for my 3 hour snooze and 2 hour forward jump!! Glad o have the hotel tomorrow night to catch up then the 2 over nighters. I read earlier that I should have booked the other berths in my cabin to get it to myself.... always bad to check up plans after the time!!!! Ah well shall see!! Going to add to the adventure and story I’m sure. Chatted with meridith today, one of our medical staff and she had a similar picture of the train to me, smelly snoring and smoking Ukrainian men!! Haha. Had to laugh!!
Well we have our gate so I’m off...28 here I come!! Of course the furthest away!!!
It’s easy boarding but I’m in an isle seat, darn, it’s only a couple of hours, why would it be an issue!?! My neck pillow is inflating as the (Scottish) captain comes on to say we’re held on runway due to works at other end and need to arrive at 0530 and not before..... and that’s the last I recall...... until 1 Hour in and the window guy needs to go to the loo...... no worries, snooze off again, ignoring the announcements, then the middle guy wants to go..... 1 hour later..... then we land, almost my perfect flight!!!
Sun is up and it’s 0538 as I head into the terminal.......rather a lot head straight into the duty free straight ahead and full of alcohol!!!!!
Passport a breeze and they have a cute bear arch to highlight the family lane. I get a stamp!! Then almost going through the wrong lane of customs, (no one to follow yet) I’m out and the trip begins!!
Usual first stop..... the coffee, is delayed to second, as I need to get currency as it’s not possible to get out of the country. £1=22MDL. I’m only in the country 24 hours, not I’m guessing doing any justice to it, but it’s a start! I believe the bus starts at 6 am, and so I enjoy a sandwich I’d got previously (smuggled in!!) and a coffee, write this...... and wait!!
There’s a bird tweeting from the cage beside the coffee shop and wind pipe music introduces the announcements! Overall it’s a bright and modern airport..... must go get the photo of its name!!
Sadly despite reading about the name being changed to a wine airport, it appears to not have occurred yet! https://www.meininger.de/en/wine-business-international/moldova-creates-first-wine-airport shame!!
I find information and establish I need 2lei for bus number 38 to avoid the taxi touts... so on to change my 10lei I hope!! Now I have 15 x 1 lei!! Lots of little yellow notes!!
The girl at reception sort of pointed out the front for my bus but I can’t see the stop although the bonus is less Taxi people annoying me!!! The sun is warm and it’s lovely feeling. I asked and was given a map..it’s a great one of the country although I’m not sure how much I’ll use it now. She seemed a bit co fused when I asked for one..... still old fashioned!!! So bus number 30 if it comes or I can get the minitaxi 165 for all of 1lei more!! Ah it’s not even 7am so I’m in no rush!! It arrives after a brief conversation in Italian (sort of) with a girl also waiting, however I’m not sure how to pay. I offer the 2 lei to the driver and he tells me to get on!!! Maybe he’ll come and get it in a while. It’s an electrical trolley bus! Everyone now has money in their hand so I’m confident I pay later. Time to get the legs out!! It’s going to be hot!!!! 😃
A lady comes around to get the money, I’m reminded of Bulgaria now and a similar system!
It’s 0710 and as we go it gets quite busy. I’m impressed she can tell who is getting on and off. We stop every 300m it seems and at least 5-10 people enter! I didn’t need change after all!
We pass fields, still just soil, I’m assuming just not germinated yet!?!? Definitely sown as I can see the lines. They’re huge expanses with no visible fence from the road, and large warehouses but no clear farm buildings. Industrial looking but it’s maybe typical of the central location.
Today I can read the lettering with ease, I have been practicing my Russian alphabet but that’s tomorrow fun!! There’s a definite similarity to the Italian words but I’m not sure if it’s my inability to speak much Italian that lets me think this or if it’s genuinely the case!!
My arrival in city centre is 35 mins after departure so not the fastest way in!!
A lady comes around to get the money, I’m reminded of Bulgaria now and a similar system!
It’s 0710 and as we go it gets quite busy. I’m impressed she can tell who is getting on and off. We stop every 300m it seems and at least 5-10 people enter! I didn’t need change after all!
We pass fields, still just soil, I’m assuming just not germinated yet!?!? Definitely sown as I can see the lines. They’re huge expanses with no visible fence from the road, and large warehouses but no clear farm buildings. Industrial looking but it’s maybe typical of the central location.
Today I can read the lettering with ease, I have been practicing my Russian alphabet but that’s tomorrow fun!! There’s a definite similarity to the Italian words but I’m not sure if it’s my inability to speak much Italian that lets me think this or if it’s genuinely the case!!
My arrival in city centre is 35 mins after departure so not the fastest way in!!
I get off and am having to the bus station to suss out that side first......passing the wee flower stalls / huts gives a lovely whiff! I find the station easily amongst the covered markets that sprawl onto the street. They’re all open and the place is bustling. Time to go ‘see the sights’........
I wander to the large straight wide Main Street. It’s very typical of unimpressive buildings and not much to offer. The opposite side (currently in the shade) has lots of cafes but as it’s not even 8am nothing is open so I continue to the park at the end of it all. The flowers are just getting planted so they too have late start. The sun is beaming down now and quite a heat. I’ve sorted out my cash and think I’ve enough without changing more (€40 changed for travel, food etc and accomodation!).
I wander to the large straight wide Main Street. It’s very typical of unimpressive buildings and not much to offer. The opposite side (currently in the shade) has lots of cafes but as it’s not even 8am nothing is open so I continue to the park at the end of it all. The flowers are just getting planted so they too have late start. The sun is beaming down now and quite a heat. I’ve sorted out my cash and think I’ve enough without changing more (€40 changed for travel, food etc and accomodation!).
Wander through the street and parks and there’s little more to find here that catches my eye or draws me to picture a return. I’m going to head I think to my next stop......but first the ‘coffee in Mac Donald’s for toilet’ stop!!!
It’s 0930 and busy!! Im wanting to compare prices with uk so take a photo of the menu and am immediately pounced on by the security guard to stop me taking a picture..... wow they obviously still don’t selfie in this country!!! Romford Mc Donald’s would never survive with that!!
At least it’s a clean loo..... so off to the supermarket next door to get water! I wander in and notice lockers on my right, the lady in front has a bag and promptly puts it in the locker..... I do the same..... need to blend in!!!! All sorted and wander back to the bus station...... no post cards at all to find but found 2 post offices!! Oh well onwards...... I eventually find the bus amongst the many at the station. It’s leaving at 1020 and as I get my ticket at 1005 it’s already almost full!! Or is however a minibus size!!! There’s a fight over the final spots!! It’s a bit heated from the female side but the driver remains calm and firm on whatever it’s about!!
I have a window seat, sadly same side as driver so not ideal but will be able to see the country better than if was in middle!!
It’s 25 outside and much more inside!!! Let’s go!!! Yeah we’re off!!
What’s useful is I can check in from 1030 so should be there by midday and I think it’s more hilly so cooler!?
Not far out and I’m having deja vue with the south of Georgia! The landscape is slightly greener but the rolling aspect of it is almost exact although I’m not seeing visually the same degree I perceived of poverty. I’m on the farming photography though..... still very few fences and clear farms, lots of garden plots on houses though. The distant hill looks like it’s terraced but I’m not sure it is for a purpose. I can’t make out vineyards but that’s maybe been a past thing?
We’re about 5km to the border with Transnistria, a region that is dealing independence from both Ukraine and Moldova and as such has set itself up as an unofficial country! http://transnistria-tour.com/en/rules-and-tipps Let’s see how simple this is. I’m not sure if there’s other foreigners on the bus!! Border #2 it is then! Oh vineyards!! Moldovan wine.... I feel lunch plan!!
So much for the Visa paperwork. First party through. Second contains a tank sunken into the landscape, third: it’s the one!! Passports are starting to appear. Yes off we get and into the little hut. There’s a couple of Czech and another Brit but all equally smoothly through. He asks 1 day and I say yes, then realise he may mean going back today...... so I say 1 night but not sure English works well and my Russian has totally never been that good!!!! Getting back on the bus and despite 6 standers To here being finished before me, my seat and the others is left empty for us to return. It’s not far to Tiraspol and there’s a much more open feeling to the place but maybe as it’s much smaller! There’s a heavy military presence, more than before with checks.
The guy beside me gg pointing out things to photograph but we’re going to fast. His parents live here but he’s in Russia. He gets off shortly after and athough we pass the road my hotel is on I’m going to the end to know where I may go tomorrow for the next stop!!
So train option sussed and my info was correct. It’ll be 42Liw either 0930 or 1440. As I wander back out the lovely bus driver offers me a lift back into the centre. As it’s about 30 and my backpack is still ok despite the extra water weight, I decline. 10 minutes he tells me. My notice on coming in was a lot of supermarkets and very little eating places! Shall try a back street to Hotel! I’ve certainly moved into Russian lettering. Brain ache!!
It’s 0930 and busy!! Im wanting to compare prices with uk so take a photo of the menu and am immediately pounced on by the security guard to stop me taking a picture..... wow they obviously still don’t selfie in this country!!! Romford Mc Donald’s would never survive with that!!
At least it’s a clean loo..... so off to the supermarket next door to get water! I wander in and notice lockers on my right, the lady in front has a bag and promptly puts it in the locker..... I do the same..... need to blend in!!!! All sorted and wander back to the bus station...... no post cards at all to find but found 2 post offices!! Oh well onwards...... I eventually find the bus amongst the many at the station. It’s leaving at 1020 and as I get my ticket at 1005 it’s already almost full!! Or is however a minibus size!!! There’s a fight over the final spots!! It’s a bit heated from the female side but the driver remains calm and firm on whatever it’s about!!
I have a window seat, sadly same side as driver so not ideal but will be able to see the country better than if was in middle!!
It’s 25 outside and much more inside!!! Let’s go!!! Yeah we’re off!!
What’s useful is I can check in from 1030 so should be there by midday and I think it’s more hilly so cooler!?
Not far out and I’m having deja vue with the south of Georgia! The landscape is slightly greener but the rolling aspect of it is almost exact although I’m not seeing visually the same degree I perceived of poverty. I’m on the farming photography though..... still very few fences and clear farms, lots of garden plots on houses though. The distant hill looks like it’s terraced but I’m not sure it is for a purpose. I can’t make out vineyards but that’s maybe been a past thing?
We’re about 5km to the border with Transnistria, a region that is dealing independence from both Ukraine and Moldova and as such has set itself up as an unofficial country! http://transnistria-tour.com/en/rules-and-tipps Let’s see how simple this is. I’m not sure if there’s other foreigners on the bus!! Border #2 it is then! Oh vineyards!! Moldovan wine.... I feel lunch plan!!
So much for the Visa paperwork. First party through. Second contains a tank sunken into the landscape, third: it’s the one!! Passports are starting to appear. Yes off we get and into the little hut. There’s a couple of Czech and another Brit but all equally smoothly through. He asks 1 day and I say yes, then realise he may mean going back today...... so I say 1 night but not sure English works well and my Russian has totally never been that good!!!! Getting back on the bus and despite 6 standers To here being finished before me, my seat and the others is left empty for us to return. It’s not far to Tiraspol and there’s a much more open feeling to the place but maybe as it’s much smaller! There’s a heavy military presence, more than before with checks.
The guy beside me gg pointing out things to photograph but we’re going to fast. His parents live here but he’s in Russia. He gets off shortly after and athough we pass the road my hotel is on I’m going to the end to know where I may go tomorrow for the next stop!!
So train option sussed and my info was correct. It’ll be 42Liw either 0930 or 1440. As I wander back out the lovely bus driver offers me a lift back into the centre. As it’s about 30 and my backpack is still ok despite the extra water weight, I decline. 10 minutes he tells me. My notice on coming in was a lot of supermarkets and very little eating places! Shall try a back street to Hotel! I’ve certainly moved into Russian lettering. Brain ache!!
The hotel is a little challenging to find especially as my phone is about to die. I thought I had a picture of the address and when I find it of course it’s in local cyrillic's but I suss it out compared to my map! It’s part of a flat complex which confuses me at first but I’m here!! Check in........ More brain ache, despite being told its charge in Moldovan lei, I need local money (ruble)...not read that. Ok. Off to the exchange place..... again, the lady kindly lets me leave my backpack. It’s 35 degrees on the signs!! It’s a short stroll to the exchange place. I have written amount I need, so I hand this to the very confused girl..... who then figures out I want to exchange Moldovan (English Russian barrier!) and hands me the amount I need.... it’s all of 5 less than I expected and exchange rate remains about 20:£1!! So I have the correct money, but I ask if “‘restauran’ lei” to a resounding niet! Ok I hand all my money over. Change please!!!i keep aside my train in Leo as I have that confirmed but I assumed that as I was going to Ukraine I was paying in their money, silly! So another set of wee notes to figure out!!
I decide to wander on towards the lake on the google map...... and straight into a huge farmers market! For the size of the town it’s huge, with a large indoor meat market right beside! It’s busy with lots of full bags. Considering the amount of supermarkets it’s so well supported however the supermarkets appear to sell all things, from hair colour to inflatables and garden fences!! There’s a continuous loudspeaker lady speaking. I am wondering if it’s a propaganda thing (watched too many weird old films I’m sure!).
I carry on the wander down pass the lake and there’s a couple of army dresses guys with a small line of telecommunication examples from old radios army style to dial telephones. I’m unsure of photos so wander past and take one of the statue to Suvorov reassured the the girl walking past with a big camera sees me and also takes one.... we can be locked up together!! Onwards and to the very wide 25th October strada, think it’s more than a street!! It’s getting setup for some sort of ceremony Which I later learn is the 9th May celebrations of military.
I carry on the wander down pass the lake and there’s a couple of army dresses guys with a small line of telecommunication examples from old radios army style to dial telephones. I’m unsure of photos so wander past and take one of the statue to Suvorov reassured the the girl walking past with a big camera sees me and also takes one.... we can be locked up together!! Onwards and to the very wide 25th October strada, think it’s more than a street!! It’s getting setup for some sort of ceremony Which I later learn is the 9th May celebrations of military.
I carry on and come across the river. There’s a beach there with lots of people playing there and in the river, by the look of the other side it’s been a concrete banking that’s had a layer of sand put on top but by the heat of today still not at a seasonal peak, I’m sure it’s a great addition! Oh look.... a bar that’s in the sun and open....... time for wine!!
I go in to ask about it and again get met with lost faces, even try my Russian but fail to figure out a glass!!! Eventually a guy comes out and helps and I get (with lots of finger pointing) a glass (and a half) of white local wine...... for 16Rup (about 70p!!). It’s not bad at all and perfect for the sun! I sit and watch them wash and clean the area. There’s another guy hiding from the sun!
Done and off...... not far along I find an ice cream stall.... lunch.....there’s a guy there who speaks English so when I arrive the lady immediately puts him in charge, although I knew what things were from their photos!! He’s a tour guide and showing around an American couple and their daughter and grandchild. I get to ask questions, why the celebrations and to clarify the increased feeling of Russian in the town (flags, tanks etc). He explains that during previous conflict in the region, Russia took their side, and they associate themselves much more as Russian than Moldovan or Ukrainian. Again not what I had expected. Russia fund much of their social care and enterprises and maintain a strong presence in the region...... bet Ukraine love that, clever Russia!!
The chat is brief and I wander on passing training in the marching by teenage looking kids.
I return to the market and find a small shop / cafe that does some local speciality pasta things so a few will do lunch second course!! They’re filled with onion and beef and have an onion base around them, not bad! Best go pay up my Hotel incase she thinks she’s won a backpack!!
All good on return and I decide to have a nap before facing the heat again!
I go in to ask about it and again get met with lost faces, even try my Russian but fail to figure out a glass!!! Eventually a guy comes out and helps and I get (with lots of finger pointing) a glass (and a half) of white local wine...... for 16Rup (about 70p!!). It’s not bad at all and perfect for the sun! I sit and watch them wash and clean the area. There’s another guy hiding from the sun!
Done and off...... not far along I find an ice cream stall.... lunch.....there’s a guy there who speaks English so when I arrive the lady immediately puts him in charge, although I knew what things were from their photos!! He’s a tour guide and showing around an American couple and their daughter and grandchild. I get to ask questions, why the celebrations and to clarify the increased feeling of Russian in the town (flags, tanks etc). He explains that during previous conflict in the region, Russia took their side, and they associate themselves much more as Russian than Moldovan or Ukrainian. Again not what I had expected. Russia fund much of their social care and enterprises and maintain a strong presence in the region...... bet Ukraine love that, clever Russia!!
The chat is brief and I wander on passing training in the marching by teenage looking kids.
I return to the market and find a small shop / cafe that does some local speciality pasta things so a few will do lunch second course!! They’re filled with onion and beef and have an onion base around them, not bad! Best go pay up my Hotel incase she thinks she’s won a backpack!!
All good on return and I decide to have a nap before facing the heat again!
A quick 40mins and I’m refreshed, a wash and off I go again! Post cards, water and food on the cards..... I have 98 local left so caution! It’s hot still but nice in and out of the tree shades. Taking a different route I see a couple of churches and few buildings being put up but still not much more. Like Chisinau it’s a new city. The supermarket for water.... Let’s see.... water 1.5l for 3.55, ok good! Not too hungry so a beer and a soup or something light would work... there a couple of options but not lots as although most say open there’s no one there to serve
Im left with ‘Andy’s pizza’ as my only obvious place which allows outside sitting in the shade!!
They do a soup traditional chicken noodle, and sour cream of course, can’t go wrong really and adds to my fluids!! Add a local beer and it’s a lovely early dinner!! I’ll finish with a final local wine in the table that’s moved into the sun!! Sadly my English speaking boys has disappeared so guessing it’s hand signals again?!? Oh he’s back!! Wine as a word causes confusion so vino does the trick and I move into the dwindling sun. It’s a Chardonnay but actually not too oaky and very pleasant for 13rubles! There’s a very little sunshine to catch but it is 1845 and I’m not offending myself to have an early night.
I head back through my market but it’s closed I think from the person who kept shouting something at me without hand signals!! Round the longer way then!!! I’m starting to wonder what it’ll be open on a Sunday in Odessa. I think I’ll look into that before abandoning my hotel 12pm check out!! Although it’s to be 26+ degrees and a beach is always open!!
Im left with ‘Andy’s pizza’ as my only obvious place which allows outside sitting in the shade!!
They do a soup traditional chicken noodle, and sour cream of course, can’t go wrong really and adds to my fluids!! Add a local beer and it’s a lovely early dinner!! I’ll finish with a final local wine in the table that’s moved into the sun!! Sadly my English speaking boys has disappeared so guessing it’s hand signals again?!? Oh he’s back!! Wine as a word causes confusion so vino does the trick and I move into the dwindling sun. It’s a Chardonnay but actually not too oaky and very pleasant for 13rubles! There’s a very little sunshine to catch but it is 1845 and I’m not offending myself to have an early night.
I head back through my market but it’s closed I think from the person who kept shouting something at me without hand signals!! Round the longer way then!!! I’m starting to wonder what it’ll be open on a Sunday in Odessa. I think I’ll look into that before abandoning my hotel 12pm check out!! Although it’s to be 26+ degrees and a beach is always open!!
So one forecast says dry and 28, another dry and 26and just to have 3 for decision I find another saying thunder storms, flash flooding but 32....... hmmmmm at least Ukraine and Moldovan women are larger so if all else fails I can buy clothes!!! Haha. Probably the earlier train and my remaining 30 rubles will sort my coffee and breakfast issue out!! Time to get this on line!!
Day 2.... not quite to plan!!
So I get woken by a loud knock on the door..... did I dream it, is there a fire, what have I done, do I open it?? Lots of sudden questions. Then there’s a knock along the corridor.... oh dear.....
I get up and check the time, it’s dark out so Ive not over slept!! It’s 2311, hmmmm unlock the door to find the owner lady there..... shes apologising and talks on. I think she was going to have a shower and wanted me to know. Or as I’d not seen her when I came in she wanted to know if I was still out. Certainly the word douche came into the info along with relevant type arm signals!!! I say no problem and head back to bed.
Woken by the alarm I slept well and look out window. It’s cloudy and windy but it is 0730! As I couldn’t get much info other than train times I’m getting the 0930 to Odessa. Shower etc and I say farewell to my host and wander to the station. By 8:15 it’s 22 degrees and sunny and I know I can wander through the parks to enjoy the sun and shade.
Train station is quiet, well it is Sunday, and I give my money to my sort of helpful lady from yesterday. She gives me the ticket and highlights a couple of things with a reasonable explaination with it....... few hand signals too. Oh no. I try to clarify simply: Odessa here? Da... and more info..... oh this is not a good sign. There’s no one else around with information so I’m concerned. What were the extra instruction? Well I may as well get coffee and chill and see what happens in 45mins.
I see many people going over the rail tracks but the ‘custom area’ sign at the entrance to the platform encourages me a little. Plus the stairs go further away.
Let’s get coffee!! I can’t see it on the menu. Most people (the 3 sitting at the cafe) have cola but there’s 4 huts to chose from so I look in all and see no espresso machine. I ask in the final one and she says yes, 1 or 2 (I can count in Russian!) 1 I respond and she puts some nasty cafe (Dad) into a cup and adds water. Oh dear...... I sip it and it’s got sugar in too. Well I’m sure the grass will enjoy that. It cost 20p!! Onto next one after going to see if anyone at a platform yet, and I get a more machine type coffee....... but oh dear still not good. Ok give up and go wait.
There’s still no one waiting so I’m starting to worry. I am reassured when a man arrives with a another and reads my ticket. No more said. We go to ask.
I bump into the woman from the ticket office..... I was to have taken a bus! And it left 3 minutes ago. Now another 5 hours!! Oh well may as well enjoy! Stupid me!! No trains at all today so I’m on t410 BUS!! Suddenly she speaks a reasonable amount of English!! I go change a €5 note and back to having lots of 1r (4p) Haha. I can only laugh at myself. So long as I don’t miss it I’m ok! I’m sure I can kill 4 hours! There’s a whole area I’ve not covered!!
I get up and check the time, it’s dark out so Ive not over slept!! It’s 2311, hmmmm unlock the door to find the owner lady there..... shes apologising and talks on. I think she was going to have a shower and wanted me to know. Or as I’d not seen her when I came in she wanted to know if I was still out. Certainly the word douche came into the info along with relevant type arm signals!!! I say no problem and head back to bed.
Woken by the alarm I slept well and look out window. It’s cloudy and windy but it is 0730! As I couldn’t get much info other than train times I’m getting the 0930 to Odessa. Shower etc and I say farewell to my host and wander to the station. By 8:15 it’s 22 degrees and sunny and I know I can wander through the parks to enjoy the sun and shade.
Train station is quiet, well it is Sunday, and I give my money to my sort of helpful lady from yesterday. She gives me the ticket and highlights a couple of things with a reasonable explaination with it....... few hand signals too. Oh no. I try to clarify simply: Odessa here? Da... and more info..... oh this is not a good sign. There’s no one else around with information so I’m concerned. What were the extra instruction? Well I may as well get coffee and chill and see what happens in 45mins.
I see many people going over the rail tracks but the ‘custom area’ sign at the entrance to the platform encourages me a little. Plus the stairs go further away.
Let’s get coffee!! I can’t see it on the menu. Most people (the 3 sitting at the cafe) have cola but there’s 4 huts to chose from so I look in all and see no espresso machine. I ask in the final one and she says yes, 1 or 2 (I can count in Russian!) 1 I respond and she puts some nasty cafe (Dad) into a cup and adds water. Oh dear...... I sip it and it’s got sugar in too. Well I’m sure the grass will enjoy that. It cost 20p!! Onto next one after going to see if anyone at a platform yet, and I get a more machine type coffee....... but oh dear still not good. Ok give up and go wait.
There’s still no one waiting so I’m starting to worry. I am reassured when a man arrives with a another and reads my ticket. No more said. We go to ask.
I bump into the woman from the ticket office..... I was to have taken a bus! And it left 3 minutes ago. Now another 5 hours!! Oh well may as well enjoy! Stupid me!! No trains at all today so I’m on t410 BUS!! Suddenly she speaks a reasonable amount of English!! I go change a €5 note and back to having lots of 1r (4p) Haha. I can only laugh at myself. So long as I don’t miss it I’m ok! I’m sure I can kill 4 hours! There’s a whole area I’ve not covered!!
I head towards the botanical gardens and the monument of aviation. It’s hot, slight breeze so pleasant. I admire the very bad road conditions and pit holes, wow people complain about ours!! Keeps the spies down!! I find a sports area starting to fill up with basket ball exercising and the outdoor gym. The next park beside it is full of pathways amongst the trees. I hit the centre and decide to chill for 5 in the sun. Some older guy approaches me to ask for the time. It’s obvious I’m not wearing a watch and this is the 3rd time I’ve been asked. Think it’s the local chat up line. I show him on my phone and he goes, only to return to I think try to beg about 3 mins later. Ok. Time to move!!! Aviation monument will get me further out then wander back through town to bus is possible. Its on the other side of the city, in the more modern part it feels, shopping centres, cafes and such with lots of flats. My decent coffee and a loo prayer is answered and I should have enough for the double espresso (28r and I have 39r left). Turns out that there’s a 40% reduction this morning so it’s only 16r..... can’t give this stuff away!!! So an apple for 4p and I’m off again to suss out the botanical gardens for mum and Dad!
It’s a 10minute walk and as I go I can hear gun fire and loud bangs...... the police are still random searching or stopping cars so I’m hoping it’s a nearby firing (target) range!! Oh those war films!!! Cars still heating on the direction so I’ll keep going!
The botanicals look like scrub land and not open so that’s done.... towards the banging then!! Oh wait. A place to get a drink. I’ve 2 hours left so it’s a good chance to grab a time out and sort pics! A beer (0.5l) Which is the second smallest on the menu, will use last of my money almost, and I can bring some little notes etc back for Alice to use!
So 1/2 litre is not that easy to get through, and filling..... I forgot!! I think I must be done and I’ve still1/2 left!! So while I do some bits for work and by 1245 I’m almost through it! 1.5 hours to bus and sun is still out there, I’m in the shade!
Pit stop and I’m off again another route back. I’ve 1 hour to train so shall wander back and chill in the park so no question of missing it! I have 4R left and 4lei so it’s onto new money. I fugurw changing €20 will do Ukraine as I’ve paid for all major bits already so only food and drink to sort for 2.5 days.
It’s a 10minute walk and as I go I can hear gun fire and loud bangs...... the police are still random searching or stopping cars so I’m hoping it’s a nearby firing (target) range!! Oh those war films!!! Cars still heating on the direction so I’ll keep going!
The botanicals look like scrub land and not open so that’s done.... towards the banging then!! Oh wait. A place to get a drink. I’ve 2 hours left so it’s a good chance to grab a time out and sort pics! A beer (0.5l) Which is the second smallest on the menu, will use last of my money almost, and I can bring some little notes etc back for Alice to use!
So 1/2 litre is not that easy to get through, and filling..... I forgot!! I think I must be done and I’ve still1/2 left!! So while I do some bits for work and by 1245 I’m almost through it! 1.5 hours to bus and sun is still out there, I’m in the shade!
Pit stop and I’m off again another route back. I’ve 1 hour to train so shall wander back and chill in the park so no question of missing it! I have 4R left and 4lei so it’s onto new money. I fugurw changing €20 will do Ukraine as I’ve paid for all major bits already so only food and drink to sort for 2.5 days.
As I wander back I come across the usual sign with distances on it and take a pic. A lovely girl offers (in English!!) to take one of me, I decline saying I am not big on those and she’s surprised I don’t take myself in pictures!!! She’s from here and again working in Russia, heading back today. It’s a nice wander on and as typical for my day, as I approach the station road from this angle I find the tourist info point!!! Missed it by 10m yesterday as turned right at corner! Ah well never mind!! I chose not to go in a little Pont!! I’m heading to get that bus and reassured my ticket seller I’m leaving this time!!!
A quick park chill and I pop in with 20 minutes to go, to see my ticket lady. She is very happy to see me and takes me out to the bus stop personally and asks the co-ordination (andrea) to ensure I get the bus!! Bless her. She wishes me a lovely day I think (well hope) and I thank her again int best spaseeba!! There’s a bus at the relevant bus stop with Odessa on but he says no, excellent doing his job!! This is larger and looks more hopeful. Not many getting off so maybe it’s from somewhere else. I’m waiting to be instructed as I need to get the correct bus!! There’s a group of guys in the waiting area and they’ve not come out and it’s 20 minutes to go so maybe not!!! Some people wander on but Andrea is not here to instruct so I wait, picturing the woman’s face if she found I got the wrong one!! The group of guys come out so I follow them onto the bus, no ticket check yet.......!! I’m confidently placing my bag under the bus, all vital stuff with me but still...... trust!!!
1410 and we’re off. No worries for seat for me, and I’m starting to wonder about my visa paperwork. Let’s see!! Hour or so til that!! I’m leaving with a nice feel of this area, holiday travel
Mode settled in, I’m not sure I’d return but think north will be far better option if I did! The border is here and as usual first step is the driver gets out to give some papers to someone then through customs and final third part this time is they collect all our passports.......!! This may take a while!!! It’s 1450 and I think we’re about 1/3rd of the trip........ the driver reappears and starts asking questions down the bus..... absolutely no idea!! He’s looking past me, so I can’t even get an idea from eye contact if they’re wanting to search bags or what. Another guard comes on, Sara briefly something with ‘baggage’ in it and people start to get off. I follow and ask for English. He has none! Into a room with backpack...... Oh bag scanning! Keep us busy! Some guy speaking English says this is a serious one as usually they look and carry on! No ones at the machine though so we all get to wait! It reminds me of my smelly cheese coming back from france incident when a similar thing happened and the girls (Bridget and petra) thought they would pull my bag as it contained smelly daddy goats cheese in honour of dad and French holidays! So through the scanner and back to the bus! Passports on the drivers seat. Someone offers to take hers I think and he says no then he hands them all back for us to sort. Let’s go..... Ukraine here I come!
Returnability 3/10
Impressions: very different places in the concept of 1 country
Really need the Russian
Very cheap!!!!
A quick park chill and I pop in with 20 minutes to go, to see my ticket lady. She is very happy to see me and takes me out to the bus stop personally and asks the co-ordination (andrea) to ensure I get the bus!! Bless her. She wishes me a lovely day I think (well hope) and I thank her again int best spaseeba!! There’s a bus at the relevant bus stop with Odessa on but he says no, excellent doing his job!! This is larger and looks more hopeful. Not many getting off so maybe it’s from somewhere else. I’m waiting to be instructed as I need to get the correct bus!! There’s a group of guys in the waiting area and they’ve not come out and it’s 20 minutes to go so maybe not!!! Some people wander on but Andrea is not here to instruct so I wait, picturing the woman’s face if she found I got the wrong one!! The group of guys come out so I follow them onto the bus, no ticket check yet.......!! I’m confidently placing my bag under the bus, all vital stuff with me but still...... trust!!!
1410 and we’re off. No worries for seat for me, and I’m starting to wonder about my visa paperwork. Let’s see!! Hour or so til that!! I’m leaving with a nice feel of this area, holiday travel
Mode settled in, I’m not sure I’d return but think north will be far better option if I did! The border is here and as usual first step is the driver gets out to give some papers to someone then through customs and final third part this time is they collect all our passports.......!! This may take a while!!! It’s 1450 and I think we’re about 1/3rd of the trip........ the driver reappears and starts asking questions down the bus..... absolutely no idea!! He’s looking past me, so I can’t even get an idea from eye contact if they’re wanting to search bags or what. Another guard comes on, Sara briefly something with ‘baggage’ in it and people start to get off. I follow and ask for English. He has none! Into a room with backpack...... Oh bag scanning! Keep us busy! Some guy speaking English says this is a serious one as usually they look and carry on! No ones at the machine though so we all get to wait! It reminds me of my smelly cheese coming back from france incident when a similar thing happened and the girls (Bridget and petra) thought they would pull my bag as it contained smelly daddy goats cheese in honour of dad and French holidays! So through the scanner and back to the bus! Passports on the drivers seat. Someone offers to take hers I think and he says no then he hands them all back for us to sort. Let’s go..... Ukraine here I come!
Returnability 3/10
Impressions: very different places in the concept of 1 country
Really need the Russian
Very cheap!!!!