Anna comes by with a driver at 2:10. The move takes 25 minutes. Place was perfect right on "Deribasovskaya Street". Go for another stroll, firing away, and then pick-up some more vodka, mix, and juice (Yes, I did NOT mention that the two last night, tossed back a few).
Ate expensive (for Odessa) at "Yokogawa". A spicy maki roll, garlic rice, tempura with 3 lg. shrimp & veggies; and 6 goyza with a nice sour sauce. That, an lg. unfiltered cold sake & water cost 435 + 45 tip. P.S.: Cash only here!
Took a break, but then decided to head out again. Some English-speaking guy latches on to me "How he has become a born-again Morman and has rejected booze & cigarettes for the last 7 years. All he needs is 320 UAH for a bus ticket to get home tonight. Can I help him?
I go "What's in it for me". He replies "I have lived in Odessa for 20+ years - I can show you anything you need to know". "OK, where is the Red Light district?" He goes "Follow me". We walk, out past the Opera House, and down a large set of stairs, no, NOT the "Potemkin Steps". He points to a coupla bars & clubs and goes "Come here tonight, and you will not be disappointed".
OK, we head back. There at the fountain was a big photo shoot goin' on. It was the "Debutant's Ball". I couldn't believe it, so, like a dozen or so others, I just started firing away. These dolls were sure enjoying themselves - as was I. Approaching my place, I gave the man all the bills I had with me, maybe a hundred, and wished him the best - disappearing quietly in the crowd.
My new friend
Dr. J.