Why Odessa

Odessa is, contrary to stereotypes, is not clubs and discos, it is first of all climate, air and vitamin D. The Sun and sea air invigorate, here in the morning you will never get up on the wrong side of the bed. Having woken up even at seven in the morning, you are full of energy – you get on the bicycle and you go on you deals. Or to the beach. Or to the market to get some fresh fruit.

Summer season

The season in Odessa lasts from May to November. Last year in the first dates of November we with boys – the husband and sons were still swimmming in the sea.

How to begin the day

After a breakfast on a terrace by the sea. Early morning, a glass of prossecco, a view of the sea, shouts of seagulls – to begin day so it is possible only in Odessa. Or on the Azure coast. And Odessa reminds of Nice. Especially in the mornings: the city is still pure, smells somehow specially, there are few passersbys, traffic jams aren’t present, the sun is gentle, yachts in the yacht-club are polished, shine joyfully – there is a charm of a small resort in it.

Cannes vs Odessa

When Victoria Tigipko only started the Odessa film festival, she said that wants to make Kruazett Embankment of Primorsky Boulevard. I think, it is quite real. In Odessa too there are smart hotels and restaurants, embankments with palm trees, the difference is only in that Cannes are abroad, and Odessa is native which you treat slightly scornfully. It is obligatory to have a rest abroad, many people consider so, but these are all remnants of the past: where it is more expensive, there is better. Concerning bathing in the Black Sea there is one secret: places should be known. We with the family get onto the water bikes and we leave to bathe to the high sea.

Where to stay

If in the downtown, it should be «Bristol» – the hotel with history on crossing of Pushkin and Bunin Str, which since the opening in 1899 was considered as one of the most magnificent ones in Odessa. In 2010 it was opened after reconstruction – and now its neobaroque details in its exterior and interior became even more magnificent. Besides «Bristol» is loved by Konstantin Raikin and Dzhon Malkovich. If by the sea – it should be either the beach and hotel complex Portofino in Arkady, or in Maristella Club on Fontan. From rooms open pacifying views of the sea from both hotels.

Where to sunbathe

The beach complex Portofino in Arkady: the wooden deck, the spacious pool, launge-zone with pleasant quiet music, a platform for children. If yoe goet hungry, right there is a restaurant: European cuisine with the Odessa accents.

The most tasty fish

At Dacha restaurant in French Boulevard. «Dacha» is almost real country house: the restaurant is situated in the territory of the ancient estate in French Boulevard, there are arbors, fountains and even a summer shower. But the main thing is fish: here a wonderful red mullet, a flounder, bull-calves are served; and each sort is in its season. And the most tasty herring is certainly on Privoz. «Dunayechka», short-lived herring: yesterday salted, and today you’ve already bought it. I tryed neither in Finland, nor in Norway better.

Where to have supper

For a romantic dinner go to Jardin in the Gardens on Deribasovskaya: such a cozy Provence in the middle of cozy Odessa, that is a cosiness squared. I recommend 4 cheeses paste and cepes ravioli. And certainly, their summer platform overlooking the Gardens deserves a special attentio. Where in the evenings one can observe picturesque Odessa grandmothers in beautiful hats walking with their grandsonschildren. And if there is a wish to have a drink with girlfriends and to eat a low-calorie dessert, I recommend «Ministerium».

To dance

Odessa is famous for two places – glamourous Ibiza in Arkady and democratic club «Plyazhnik» on Fontan. Legendary Ibiza is a specific place: it seems to me, it is time for the most part of its public to concede this club to younger generation. But even despite all shortcomings, the majority of residents of Odessa and city visitors on Saturday go exactly here: firstly, it is the Odessa tradition, the secondly, it is quality, service and safety. And «Plyazhnik’s» charm –is in its easy atmosphere: it is possible to dance here barefoot, and it is worth it.

To ride a bike

They say, the real residents of Odessa don’t go on a beach, but walk along the health Route. It is the coastal road which spreads over the sea. It is ideally suited for foot walks, morning jogs and driving bicycles. The general extent is about 6 km, but always it is possible to stop in the middle. My route is from the beach «Lanzheron» to Arkady. Near the beach «Dolphin»there is the rock climbing wall – for adventurouses.

To do yoga

In the yogi club of «Maharajas» on Bunin Str: there is a wide choice of the directions, convenient time of trainings. And if there is a wish to practice yoga open air, it can be done in the area of sanatorium of «Arkady» on the Gagarinsky plateau, near the beach with the same name.

SPA

If you need to make toilet quickly, before opening of a film festival, it is worth using Maristella Club complex services: all body care procedures I get exactly there. If it is necessary to make a make-up and a hairdo, I advise masters in the updated Mozart salon on Lanzheronovskaya, opposite to Opera theater in which the opening and closings ceremonies of film festivals take place. However, in this question in Odessa it is worth being vigilant because in beauty shops masters have an iron argument: «It is loved in Odessa». They usually use it after they build something magnificent and festive on your head and will make a bright evening make-up. Masters who got used to bright taste of the southern women, need to be re-educated for yourself.

Shopping

Shopping center «Victory Gardens» on the square of 10 April near Arkady. In boutique «Ogonek», for example, I buy dresses by Lilia Pustovit and other Ukrainian designers.

The best walking route

The center of Odessa is cozy, one-storeyed: it can be walked around for an hour, but it will be a pleasant hour. When we only got acquainted with future husband, I often flied to him to Odessa from New York where I worked att that time. We began the route on Ekaterininskaya Square (which, by the way, is in the architectural sense it is considered to be one of the most harmonious in Europe), went to Vorontsovsky Lane to the house from one wall (you will be shown it by any inhabitant of Odessa), then through Sabaneev Bridge, by the House of scientists, went outside Gogol Str – one of the most picturesque in the city. The monumental pink house with Atlases – a stop number one on Gogol Str: the building recognized as one of four most beautiful in the city, it is possible to watch it for hours.

What to photograph

I’d advised to take photo not of Opera theater in Odessa, but old Odessa court yards about which Zhvanetsky writes so much. This is personal: in Odessa exactly thanks to these court yards – on Marazliyevskaya, Small Arnautskaya, Pasteur, Olgiyevskaya – I started photographing. Be attentive to details which live in these court yards: domestic sculpture, effective arches with a stucco molding, well and certainly, impudent red cats.