Category: 2011 – Costa Atlantica, Eastern Med & Black Sea, 19 Sep – 1 Oct

This is the view from our balcony and the first of Yalta. We are on a private tour today which will take in most of the areas more famous landmarks so looking forward to that. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

We are just approaxhing Yalta and have just taken the Yalta Pilot on board. The coast line here looks amazing. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

This photo shows one of the many street traders selling ex USSR military hats. Prices range from €5 to €25. It really is a lovely city and not at all what I was expecting. We also exchanged some Euros into local currency which was like taking out a mortgage!!!! Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

At the bottom looking up. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Odessa Cruise Terminal looking down the steps Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

What a stunning city!!! Photo is of the Opera House & Ballet Theatre Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

We have arrived in Odessa and I have a signal but its not Vodafone so I will only make a couple of posts today as I am not sure how the pricing works. We are currently being treated to local band who are welcoming everyone ashore. The cruise terminal is right next to Odessa’s famous Potemkin steps which we have a fantastic view of from our balcony. What a contrast from yesterday. Photo is of the cruise terminal and Potemkin steps (on the left). Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

I don’t know if it will be visible from this photo but there are hundreds of jellyfish in the water all around these tugs. I have never seen so many in one place. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Along the water front is an ornate looking building which when we got nearer noticed that about 70% of it looked un kept and unused. It is listed on the map as being a Casino. It is a lovely looking building in a really fantastic location. This is just typical of a lot of the properties we experienced today. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

We have spent the morning exploring Constanta and as it is a Sunday not much is open. We did find the Archaeological Museum which has a lot of Roman artifacts. The second floor is dedicated to the history of Romania and there are lots of photos of the social uprising era. Sadly most if not all of this area is in the native tongue. The town is very run down and in need of a lot of reinvestment. There is evidence that this is beginning to happen but I think it will take some time. The photo is of the outside of the museum. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device