Tour History
Odessa May 26 — June 4, 2005
Anastasia,
Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to travel to Odessa and Kherson as your American Representative. It was a very enjoyable and educational and I look forward to going again sometime in the future.
First, there was high praise for the Moscow and Odessa staff: Sasha, Olga, Irina and Karina. They were always available and provided the utmost service in a courteous and professional manner. I can’t say enough about these people.
Steve Sias was also praised throughout the trip. I recall one individual who had come from Iraq. He told me more than once how Steve had “bent over backwards” to make the arrangements to get him to Odessa and how much he appreciated those efforts.
The interpreters were first rate. I made it a point at each social to introduce myself, let them know what my role was, and that I would be asking for their interpreting services throughout the socials on behalf of the men.
The Hotel Odessa received very high praise and I would add to that as well. Thank you for my accommodations as they were truly 5-star. The hotel staff was very courteous and helpful. The rooms were bright, always clean and all amenities were superb. Many of the men took their dates to one of the three restaurants in the hotel as these facilities and the food were great. The view from Panorama Lounge was terrific! The “bar” restaurant provided a great meeting place for the men during afternoons and evenings.
It was noticeable that the age of the women at the first Odessa social was very young: 19-25. Many of the middle aged men distanced themselves from such young ladies. Older women did attend the next two socials and the issue seemed to have resolved itself.
Thank again for such a wonderful opportunity. One of the gentlemen asked me if I was going to St. Petersburg as he wanted to go with me again. What a nice compliment!
Author: Roland Merkel
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