To Nikolayevshchina with love
It so happened that we managed to get to the most interesting place in Ukraine, the city of Nikolaev. As often happens, the trip happened spontaneously and unexpectedly. And it became the best gift and adventure.
Departure from Kyiv at 9 pm. The bus was soft and comfortable. So sleep well and calmly. Until the arrival at the bus station of the city of Nikolaev. Early in the morning the city met with wonderful weather. The mild maritime climate made itself felt. Still, this is the southern part of Ukraine.
The very name of the city comes from the great Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. He is the patron saint of these places. The age is rather big - not so long ago it turned 225 years old. This is a respected date. Therefore, with great pleasure I went to see the sights of this colorful corner of the earth.
A bit of history. Nikolaev itself is the regional center of the Nikolaev region, standing at the confluence of the Southern Bug and Ingul rivers. And only 65 kilometers from the Black Sea.
There are many green parks, museums, numerous historical sights and unique architectural monuments. Also drawbridges. Passing through the local streets, it is interesting to observe the locals. The people here are good and responsive. And most importantly, they love and appreciate their city.
The first adventure is a walk through the best Zoo in Ukraine. Turns out it's over 100 years old. Very pleased with the comfortable environment for the inhabitants. All animals are carefully groomed. And there are about 450 thousand species of them here. The most popular are lions, tigers, bears, hippos, funny monkeys, and my favorite beautiful flamingo birds. I would look at them for hours.
By the way, here is the largest collection of animals throughout Ukraine. I think that many children and adults spend their weekends with great pleasure walking around this amazing place.
Then I had a chance to visit one of the old museums of Ukraine "Old Navy Barracks". This is an architectural monument, which was built in 1804-1806. The collections of collected minerals, the herbarium of rare plants, stuffed birds and wild animals amazed. As well as a collection of ancient weapons and early printed books. After all, once upon a time, an office of rare things was created at the museum.
The total number of exhibits is about 200 thousand pieces. You won’t review it in just one day, but I got a lot of impressions. What I couldn't see, I photographed. I really didn't want to leave.
Next, the city of Ochakov awaited. From where the sea breeze blew so temptingly. The road passed wheat fields and vineyards, orchards, and forest protected places. I myself was surprised and rejoiced at how beautiful and rich our country is.
I stopped at a boarding house called "Borisfen", located on the very coast of the Black Sea. The window offers an incredibly beautiful view of the sea and the Kinburn Spit. The room itself is cozy and comfortable. There is everything you need to relax - a color TV, a refrigerator, a soft bed and even a shower room with all amenities. The kitchen is good homemade. In the morning you will definitely be offered a small cup of aromatic delicious coffee or tea.
Since the rest at sea did not work out due to the impending storm, the program had to be changed on the go. But I ended up in a beautiful deserted place called "Olvia". Which means "Happy" in Greek. Now there is a national archaeological reserve.
One could see the unique ancient places where the Greek settlers once settled. This settlement existed for almost a thousand years. An entire Greek city was dug up here. Until now, during excavations, ancient coins with the inscription "Olbia" are found. And also various antique amphorae, household utensils, women's and men's jewelry. That is, the city had a rich culture and lived its measured life.
It was also the largest and richest center of antiquity. There are many uncovered and not yet found underground burials. They served as tombs for rich people. The place itself is unique in that it is located on a hill and is washed by an estuary. Because of such a favorable location, the mini-state traded, grew and grew rich. But it also attracted enemies. And apparently withstood more than one battle.
Olvia is a very interesting place where you want to return. After all, it is not for nothing that she is called Happy. The secret of her island has not yet been fully disclosed and explored. And big surprises are still waiting for us. These are the places that the city of Ochakov hides from us, or maybe protects. For myself, I realized - there are still many interesting and unexplored places. You just need to travel more often.
And the city of Ochakov itself is a small, quiet and calm town. It is located between the Black Sea and the estuary, and is also famous for its history. I had a chance to visit the military historical museum named after A. V. Suvorov. Here is an unsurpassed collection of various memorable events. I got a lot of pleasure listening to the stories of the guide and leaving photos for myself.
And what is the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve Kinburskaya Kosa worth! Unfortunately due to bad weather we were not able to get there. But I think it's fixable and I'll definitely go there. Because you want to visit these places again and again. It has its own flora and fauna. All this can be studied and enjoyed for a long time.
And what beaches stretch along the Black Sea coast! The sea itself pleased me with the fact that it is surprisingly alive and clean, and I want to be near it always.
Now it's time to part. Home, I didn't want to leave. I returned to Kyiv on the same evening flight, taking with me the best mood, as well as the memory and warm memories of this charming trip.
