2012, SEPTEMBER 17: UKRAINE, YALTA

Thirty miles and a 1-1/2-hour drive away from Simferopol, Yalta is the most popular of the Crimean resorts, and the only subtropical climate zone in Ukraine. It is surrounded by hills on three sides, and by the Black Sea on the fourth. 

Popular among Russians for centuries, it drew world attention as location of the historic Yalta Conference, held in the area, February 4-11, 1945, at the end of WWII. At this conference, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Russian General Secretary Joseph Stalin, discussed the war-torn Europe's post-war reorganization.

 

 

Roosevelt Street, on which our hotel (Bristol) was located, was named after President Roosevelt. A wall-plaque, at the beginning of the street, is a silent testimonial to this fact. 

 

 

After check-in at the hotel, we went out to make arrangements for a city tour next day, and return trip on September 19 to Simferopol Airport. During our search around town center, we found several travel agents, but none who could arrange an English speaking guide. Frustrated we returned to our hotel, and talked to people at the reception desk. They found us a taxi driver, who knew “a little English” and could take us, next morning, to the sights of our choice. 

Relieved, we then set out to check out Lenin Promenade. Hugging the seafront, Lenin Promenade is one of the oldest streets in Yalta.

 
The Promenade starts form the popular McDonald's, which is located near the harbor. Facing the restaurant is the Lenin monument, a favorite meeting place for tourists as well as the locals.

 

Many palm trees, attractions, classy shops, bars, cafes and restaurants dot the Promenade. There is a popular beach, the Greek ship-like Hispaniola café, and a children’s amusement center, by the Promenade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening the Promenade turns into a carnival. It comes alive with people including  mimes, and musicians.