Leaving for Odessa on Friday (9/23)

[JP5380]

Well, I just wanted to say I am leaving for Odessa this Friday, 9/28.  This will be my first trip to the FSU.  I am meeting a lady I met online and will be staying for a week.  I just wanted to see if anyone has words of advice since this is my first trip.  I would especially love to hear from someone who has been to Odessa.  I am naturally a bit nervous about stepping off a plane into a foreign country where I don't read or speak the language.  Anyway, thanks for the advice I have already received-- I found a nice little apartment in the center of town.  I will be sure to post a report in the "trip reports" section when I get back. 

This forum has been very valuable.  Thanks guys!   

[Darth_Budda]

Nice,,

[Anotherkiwi]

Well, I just wanted to say I am leaving for Odessa this Friday, 9/28.  This will be my first trip to the FSU.  I am meeting a lady I met online and will be staying for a week.  I just wanted to see if anyone has words of advice since this is my first trip.  I would especially love to hear from someone who has been to Odessa.  I am naturally a bit nervous about stepping off a plane into a foreign country where I don't read or speak the language.  Anyway, thanks for the advice I have already received-- I found a nice little apartment in the center of town.  I will be sure to post a report in the "trip reports" section when I get back. 

This forum has been very valuable.  Thanks guys!   

A week in Odessa sounds about right if you have someone to be with.  There are many on this forum with far more experience of the city than me, and they may disagree - I've only been there once (solo, apart from meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years), and I covered the sights I wanted to see in three days.  If you're really lucky you will do hardly any sightseeing because you will be so busy meeting your lady and learning about her and her life at first hand.  However, I'm sure that she will take you to the Opera House and the Potemkin Steps for starters.  If you're in the centre of town these are only a short walk from Deribasovskaya (the main street).
 
I'm slightly worried about your not knowing the language - if your lady is fluent in English, or fairly so, and is with you every minute of the day, you won't have a problem.  If not (to any of those points) you could be in trouble.  Even though you only have three days before you go, at least try to learn the alphabet so that you have a vague idea of where you are if you're looking at street signs and trying to find them on a map.  The five key phrases you will need are (roughly phonetically):
 
Hello - Preev yet (informal, more like "Hi," but the formal one is a tongue-twister for a novice) 
 
Good bye - darse vidarn yar   
 
Please - par zhal sta
 
Thank you - spa seba
 
Where's the toilet? - gdair tual yet? 
 
You could also try "ot chin pree art na" (pleased to meet you) at the appropriate time.
 
Whatever happens, whether she becomes the "special one" or you bomb out an hour after meeting, enjoy the trip.  Look on it as a holiday which may have a bonus, not the other way around.
 
Good luck!

[alex330]

Should be fun, Odessa is a cool city. Most of the night clubs on the beach will be closed at this time so you will miss that scene. There will be lounges and cafes. Bring crisp new bills so you can exchange them without issues and enjoy yourself.

[Donhollio]

 Hi JP,
 
  I have spent months in Odessa over a few years, it a nice city to spend some time. like Alex mentioned you will be too early for the nightclub scene down at Arkadia, but there is enough to do during the evenings with your girl in the city centre. I do hope you'll get away from the centre for some of your time and see Odessa.
 If you want to experience the worlds largest open market you must go to '7km' 6000 shops all in one area with everything for sale, it's a crazy place. if shopping isn't your thing you can take in the dolphin show, visit the catacombs (WW2),or just enjoy the velvet season near the sea.
 
  I wrote a trip report of my travels to Odessa and other places in the FSU. It gets good reviews from thousands who have read it, and have been told its a good primer for a newbie starting out.
 It would make for a good trans Atlantic flight reading. You can read it at RUA or just click the link. 
 
http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=1578.0
 
 Good luck and enjoy the trip!  I'll be waiting for that trip report.
 

[Hammer2722]

I have made 4 trips to Odessa totaling 2 months worth of time. This time of year you'll probably be limited to mostly restaurants in the city centre near Deribosovskaya Street. Some restaurants I can recommend that are well priced:
 
Kompot- good food at a decent price
Top sandwich- very cheap prices with decent food. good pizza and sandwiches
steakhouse- someof the best steaks I've ever had in my life anywhere at great prices for the quality but beware, the wine prices are crazy expensive. They also have great salads.
 
Make sure you let your bank know of your trip to Ukraine so they don't put a block on your credit cards and atm cards. as also mentioned here, make sure you take nothing but crisp new unblemished dollars as most money exchanges will not accept them even if badly wrinkled.
 
I'm curious to know how well you know your lady and where you met her. Odessa is famous for its high concentration of pro-daters. Stay on your toes and remember that you have the final say in where you go to eat and sight see. Ask for a price list before sitting down in any restaurants that look high end. If your lady is using an interpreter, ask her how much she is charging you before hand. You should not pay more than 10-15 dollars an hour and if you take a taxi anywhere, insist that you sit in the back with your lady. Pro-daters will tell you that its customary for the interpreter and her to sit in the back while your in the front. This is baloney and you should not stand for it since your paying. Good luck and always keep your street wits about you.
 
Last, hopefully, you did not meet your lady on any of the pay-per-letter sites like Anastasia-Date, HRB, etc.. cuase you will definitely need to be thinking with your big head!

[mendeleyev]

I'm curious to know how well you know your lady and where you met her. Odessa is famous for its high concentration of pro-daters. Stay on your toes and remember that you have the final say in where you go to eat and sight see.

So true!

Odessa is a typical seafaring city where local ladies have a long tradition of fleecing sailors (and the more recent influx of Western bride seekers who have landed in the wrong city for that endeavor) of their worldly possessions while whispering sweet nothings in their ears.

Were I to be in the position, God forbid, of being back in the bride hunting business Odessa would perhaps be the last city I'd visit. It is a great place to visit however and I wish you safety and success.

[JP5380]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.  I had not thought about contacting my bank-- this is very valuable advice.  I will make sure to do this to avoid any headaches.  As far as the lady goes that I am meeting, I feel pretty confident in her character.  I see absolutely no signs of a pro-dater or any other type of scam.  But I will definitely keep my guard up over there.  She even warned me about Odessa and that I should be cautious while over there...

Luckily, she speaks decent English, so no need for an interpreter.  Her and and a friend will be showing me the sights, and yes, the Opera house is on the list.  I think we are going to attend a ballet  or opera there next week.  They both appear to be very church oriented, so I feel confident that I am meeting good people.  But of course, the whole thing could be a hoax--  but I kind of doubt it at this point.

I do know a few simple phrases, the most important being "ahn-gliski."  I think this is how you say "English."  Anyway, I will be on my toes and think with my big head as everyone has said so many times on this forum.  Thanks again guys!   

[Hammer2722]

JP5380, good to know she speaks English and I happy you will be on your toes. Did you arrange your own apartment yourself? I hope so. Also watch out for those infamous shopping trips especially when there are 2 ladies "showing you around".
 
Another thing, a taxi from the Odessa airport to the center should only run you about 20-25 bucks total. and fares from the city center to the beaches anywhere from 40 to 80 grivnas depending on the time of day or night.
 
I always wanted to go to the Opera and never got the chance so enjoy. I hear that its a great experience. Remeber, if your paying, its your decision! Don't let them pressure you in doing anything your not comfortable with. Stay away from the high end shops and the Mall!!! :0
 
P.S.- I do hope you will share your trip results with us. !!! Good Luck!

[JP5380]

Thanks again.  Yes, I did arrange the apartment on my own-- thanks to the recommendation of a fellow forum member.  And yes, I will not be suckered into expensive shopping trips. 

I was doing some more thinking about my arrival.  I am concerned about navigating my way off the plane, through customs, baggage claims, etc.  Originally the lady was going to meet me at the airport, but she has classes that afternoon.  I could possibly have her friend meet me, but maybe that is asking a bit much.  I did arrange for my apartment (Paradis apartments) to meet me at the airport and take me to the apartment for $20.  I think VIP service is available, but I figured it is not necessary?

Dealing with customs officers in the FSU sounds intimidating, especially since I don't speak the language.  I assume someone in customs will speak English, but it still worries me.  Any advice?

Also, any suggestions as to how much cash I should carry when I enter the country? 

[Hammer2722]

I too rented all my apartments with Paradis and they are great. Its good that you are having them pick you up.You should also arrange to have them take you to the airport when you leave too. No worry's there. Going through customs is very easy now since you don't have to fill out the arrival forms anymore. They will ask you for the address of where you are staying so make sure you have it handy and if they ask you if you have any gifts, just say no. Try not to look so nervous. Always have your passport with you when you are out and about and keep it in your front pocket.
 
I try not to use atms as they will hit you with surcharges. I always took about at least $2000.00 in 100's, 50's and maybe a few 20's. This is in addition to cash for the apartment. Never take more than $4000.00 I think the max you can bring in is 10k
 
Your right about VIP. Its a waste of money! You can PM if you have anymore concerns or questions.

[Handycam72]

Hi there.
I wouldn't worry too much about customs. When you arrive you will see booths with "Foreign (Visa)" and "Ukraine Citizens". Go to the Foreign (visa) as its your first visit. Don't be worried about the stern, glum face, they are normally like that and they don't rush either, they might ask where your staying. You will then go to collect your bag if you got checked in baggage then its a (very) short walk to arrivals. Best advice here just walk confidently, and past the x-ray machine, Only stop if they ask you, which is unlikely.
Then you arrive in arrivals, which will be crowded with people the moment you walk in. You should see your people holding a sign with your name.
Its a couple of years since I was in Odessa, great city. The Opera House is stunning. You will have a great time.
Be sure you have a back up plan though, just in case things don't work out.
 
 

[alex330]

The airport in Odessa is VERY small.

What Handycam72 said is exactly the way it is. You will exit the plane and take a bus to the terminal. When you enter the terminal you will walk towards the back to the visitors line (although does not really matter). It is all very easy and painless.
 

[LAman]

I too rented all my apartments with Paradis and they are great. Its good that you are having them pick you up.You should also arrange to have them take you to the airport when you leave too. No worry's there. Going through customs is very easy now since you don't have to fill out the arrival forms anymore. They will ask you for the address of where you are staying so make sure you have it handy and if they ask you if you have any gifts, just say no. Try not to look so nervous. Always have your passport with you when you are out and about and keep it in your front pocket.
 
I try not to use atms as they will hit you with surcharges. I always took about at least $2000.00 in 100's, 50's and maybe a few 20's. This is in addition to cash for the apartment. Never take more than $4000.00 I think the max you can bring in is 10k
 
 

I beg to differ.....I didn't much like the apt I rented and worse I was picked up late to leave to airport by more than half hour, not good if you like to be on time.
 
Hammer, I do agree.........that I bring mostly cash and use my card at a minimum.

[LAman]

JP...only a week??? Not very much time!!! It takes me 2-3 days for my body to get used to that time zone...I fall asleep late and wake up late!!!
As for restaurants I like:
Buffalo 99,  7 Rishelievska ( close to Deribasovskya)
...simple and good value, eat outside and watch people walk by.
Japanese Restaurant (name?)about a block or two from Buffalo, same side
....lot of food good prices....tempura or sushi.....
Estrelita, 1 Ekaterinskaya
.....I go there for breakfast
Captain Morgan, 30 Zhukovskovo
...food is okay, goood for drinks and watching PYT's
Steakhouse ( COW) is okay for food..but I like the deserts!! There are a couple good ukrainian restaurants on Lanzheronovoskaya behind steakhouse one street over.
 
Nighttime...I enjoy Vechernaya on Pushkinskaya, not too big and few teenieboppers. Yo is great if you like a lot of action. I go bowling or shoot pool there quite often...but during the day.
Make sure you see the outdoor market and a trip to see Arcadia. If you like a romantic setting...the park overlooking the harbor( it ends by Potemkin Steps)many wedding walk through there. Inside Opera House is incredibly beautiful after the restoration. Enjoy yourself!!! I may be there a couple weeks after you!!!

[JP5380]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let you know I have survived my first few days in Odessa.  It is an amazing city. And the people I came to meet (the lady and her friend) are very good people.  They have taken great care of me and showed me how to make it through the grocery store, etc.

Things have been very challenging at times since I only speak the most basic Russian phrases.  I will have to  admit when I first got off the plane and took my taxi to the city center, it was TOTAL culture shock.  I have traveled to London once before, but that is nothing compared to this.  I think it is mainly the language barrier that got me.  Plus I picked up a stomach bug on the airplane ride over.  But I am feeling much better now.  This truly has turned out to be a trip of a lifetime.  I will be sure to write a good report when I get back to America.

Thanks again for all the advice.  Especially on the apartment (Paradis), it is excellent!   

[Hammer2722]

Hey JP, Glad to hear you are doing well and you are enjoying yourself. I'm looking forward to reading your TR. 

[ECOCKS]

Hope the OP made it back.....

Odessa was a happening place this last week.



http://un.ua/eng/article/352846.html

Contract killers, police shootouts, automatic weapons fire, sigh......

[Boethius]

Odessa is a port, and a major hub for drugs and human trafficking.
 
The criminals were all Russian nationals.

[JP5380]

Hi guys, yes, I made it back safely a few days ago.  Sorry I have not posted yet.  I am a bit behind in my work now and I'm playing catch-up.  I will write a trip report when I have a chance, but it will be a little while.  Odessa was great! Thanks again for all the advice!

[Hammer2722]

Welcome home JP!!!! Having survived Odessa with all your wits intact you are now much wiser in this endeavor.

[LAman]

Welcome home JP!!!! Having survived Odessa with all your wits intact you are now much wiser in this endeavor.

Golly....I hope I can keep my wits intact also.......considering ODS is not a recommended city on RWD!!