First Journey Day 48: Dance of the Dolphins
Date: October 11, 2023
Location: Odesa, Ukraine
Today unfolds in Odesa, Ukraine—a Black Sea port where maritime winds soften autumn’s rain. Under overcast skies, the city’s cobblestones shine, cafés steam their windows, and history leans gently into the present.
Grey Skies, Bright Facades
Odesa marries its rich history with a vibrant contemporary spirit. The overcast skies and sporadic rain showers add a certain charm to the city’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Quiet Moments at a Tea Stall
My feet lead me to Deribasivska Street, the lively heart of Odesa. The street bustles as locals and travelers tuck into cozy cafés and shops to escape the drizzle. I follow them in and cradle a warm cup of tea, letting the city slow me down.
Architecture in Conversation
Each building seems to tell a story—from the grandeur of the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater to the intricate details of the city’s many churches. Their façades feel like pages, rain-slicked and luminous.
Up the Potemkin Stairs
I’m drawn to the Potemkin Stairs, a symbol of Odesa. Climbing them rewards me with a panoramic view of the harbor, a sight to behold even beneath the gray veil of the day.
Choosing Stillness Over Sketching
As evening closes in, I find a quiet spot by the Black Sea. Waves press against the shore; a cool breeze carries a hush. Today reminds me that beauty often blooms from simplicity—taking time to truly be with a place and its people. Odesa, with its blend of history and modernity, leaves an indelible mark.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Overcast with light rain, 9–14 °C. Wet cobblestones, misty harbor air, and a gentle sea breeze that cools the cheeks.
- Scents: Black tea and pastry warmth from cafés; sea salt and rain on stone.
- Sounds: Umbrellas tapping shut, café chatter, the distant hum of trams, gulls circling the port, and the steady hush of waves.
- Reflection: Let the city paint itself; sometimes the best sketch is a quiet gaze held a little longer.
Continue the Journey
If this rainy pause spoke to you, you may also enjoy yesterday’s reflections in Kyiv — Day 47: Cherries of Chernihiv Street, or linger with another Ukrainian moment in Lviv — Day 46: Ukrainian Umbra.
