Having lived in Kyiv a couple of year's now, I viewed the journey down to Odessa (1 May-5 May) as something that would be enjoyable, but mostly because my wife was going and I was meeting up with some good people. What a pleasant surprise to find Odessa a notch or two more liveable than Kyiv!?!

Nice Vokzal! Nicer Opera House! Even nicer streets!!

Restaurants served noticeably better quality food. Slightly higher level of service orientation and the militsia are even looking a bit smarter (in both the British and the American senses of the word)than the ones we have in Kyiv. Easier walking on the sidewalks (only tripped a couple of times), shopping areas a bit more spread-out, parks much neater and better maintained, comfort-level in the restaurants was up (BIG SEATS!) and the variety of food was greater. What wasn't there to like?

Hmmm, wife brought along a guidebook and we wandered around looking at architecture, famous monuments and seaviews. I liked 7KM market (at least I liked having the sashlyk and coffee with Nick while the gals looked for bargain prices on shoes) and the city seems to be proceeding along a more orderly growth path than Kyiv.

OK, the young people were a bit edgier and projected a bit more "attitude" than up in Kyiv. I was surprised at that, almost seem like those HS brats I tended in Southern California for a few years. In fact, saw my first "do rag" in over two years and even a few gold chains over black T's. What a laugh!

I get questions about the difference in mushrooms here in the U.S.and in Eastern Europe. Here is a sample of some I found. Oh and by the way yes they are very delicious. Rob.

When: May 18 at 1400 hours (2 PM)
Where: Friends & Beer - downstairs on the corner of Derabosovskaya and Rishel'evskaya.

This post serves to announce the second Odessa Expat Meeting, to be held in the same location as the first. In the first meeting, twelve of us showed up - mostly members of the www.expatUA.com web site and forum.

Why meet? It's a good place to meet friends, learn more about Odessa, learn about opportunities and more. It's an opportunity to speak English with other people who can't speak Russian! It's an opportunity for good food! Eventually, the meetings should coalesce with some kind of formal expat representation in the City of Odessa.

Consideration of future meetings over the summer are turning toward outside cook-outs, for a change of pace, and even better food. So, this is another opportunity to meet and see what we can do. Hope to see you there!

Hi, my name is Raed from Jordan.

While this site focuses on long-term living in Odessa, most are interested in visiting Odessa for about two weeks. So, it would be more useful to many readers to assemble a collection of articles, information and resources that will make your visit here more enjoyable. So, let's start it out with the simple things first - short-term apartments, translators and transportation.

There is considerable interest regarding the cost of living in Ukraine. Regardless where you are or where you may go, it is mainly your willingness to spend money that will determine your overall cost of living. That is what it costs to get what you need and what you want. The "wants" are usually what will get you in trouble or will leave you somewhat less than satisfied.

Two years to the day (March 1, 2006) after meeting Lyuda, we are happy to announce that we will be getting married! We met through our mutual friend, Phil Coffman (retired Sergeant Major, US Army Rangers) - known by many expats in Odessa. We've been together from the first night we met which we spent celebrating Sveta's (Phil's girlfriend) birthday at Friends & Beer and then onto Night Club Praetoria. Lyuda typically spends 1-2 weeks at home with her mother and business in the town of Ladyzhin, and the rest of the time with me in Odessa.

I've never met a kinder, gentler person. We get along very well and in the times where we've had disagreements, have settled them quickly and rationally. Neither of us have children, something mutually agreeable to us. We both come from small families. Her mother is still living in Ladyzhin and she has one younger brother, and a 20 pound cat by the name of Marsik. As all I have remaining are two sisters living in Washington, I've decided to make my residence in Ukraine as permanent as possible.

As my mother passed away in January, I flew back to help take care of final arrangements and estate issues and didn't get back until late February. Being away for a month made me realize that I've come to regard Odessa as my "real home". One of her uncles passed away right before I got back, and just a few days ago, one of our close friends in Odessa passed away, too. So, things are moving slower while we help extended family and friends take care of their arrangements, too.

Asking her to marry me was something I've considered at length and wanted to find the right time - March 1 seemed most appropriate. I didn't think she'd say no, and thankfully she didn't. The announcement provides a much needed bright spot for what has otherwise not been a good year for many of our friends and family. We haven't determined details yet, suffice that as we move forward with the process, we'll define it step by step to make it easier for others, too.

Well the sports are not as nationilized here in Ukraine or for that matter the rest of Europe. Very low quality but the rugby is sometimes fun to watch. Basketball is played but very low key and well, boring !! The "futbol" or soccer as americans call it, is well, soccer. It can be exciting when the playoffs come though. If you like american sports get sattelite ! Very inexpensive and no monthly fee's. Just a one time pay to have it installed. I have about 350 channels and the bill was about $150 to get it put in. Then you can upgrade etc. Hey does anyone know where to get chili beans !!!!!!!!