Yalta

For the first time in fifteen years, we made it to Crimea a very well-known resort area in Ukraine. Russians regularly enter the country to vacation here. Some are building houses in Crimea. We weren't in prime tourist area but were close, so took advantage of the opportunity to go to Yalta
This is what you see as you ride along the highway, glimpses of ocean, villages nestled on the mountain side, vineyard after vineyard.
One of my favorite things, a lighthouse in the port. I'm guessing there should be a second one around because a village had the name of "Old Lighthouse."

A person doesn't know how familiar, familiar things are until he sees them in an unusual place. This is the only place we've seen parking meters in Ukraine.
This is what caught Kent's eye. There was also a major display of other hot street bikes with costumes for individuals to get pictures on them. A picture cost around $8. He got a keychain for a souvenir instead.
For the same price as the keychain was another place where Lena donned a costume and we took pictures on our camera. It was MUCH cheaper than the $8.


An interesting boat at anchor.


Politics . . . this is the reason we were more apprehensive when Russia invaded Georgia. Crimea is officially its own little nation within the nation of Ukraine. The only restriction is that its laws cannot contradict Ukraine's laws. There are stories of Crimeans being given Russian passports. Here's a political sign recommending Crimea's union with Russia.


My family teased me about taking pictures of signs in such a place. But they do somewhat reflect the attitude of the country. This one says "with belief in the future."