YALTA

I was in yalta 20 years ago with Judy.  I almost can't recognize the place today.  It's still a lovely beach resort with a big boardwalk, but the boardwalk is now the width of a four lane road with a big amusement park near the water.  There are lots of big stores, many of them western and expensive, but not at the level of Fendi, Chanel, etc.  most of the visitors to Yalta are Russians or Ukrainians.  Our group went on a city tour this morning, but I didn't feel too well, so I didn't go.  Of course, a half hour after they left, I felt fine.  I walked down to the boardwalk, and tried to find the hotel Judy and I stayed at.  I'm usually pretty good at finding a place I've been before, but this time things had changed so much, I couldn't even find the street we used to walk up.  

We saw some interesting things on the boardwalk, including about four more ATMs that aren't interested in Zoe's card.  

Other things that are memorable: a rental that rents little electric powered cars to kids of about 5, who drive them around among the pedestrians, the roller bladers, the bicyclists, the old lady dancers, the statue people, the children lining up for a parade -- we'll, you get the idea.  Sort of a tamer version of Venice beach.  But there is a church on the boardwalk.  

Tomorrow we have a tour to another palace, and I hope to high heaven that they have souvenirs there, because yalta, being a haven for Russian tourists, doesn't have any of the Russian souvenirs I want. They have more beachy-type souvenirs like shells and sailor hats and striped ersatz sailor shirts.  One of the big draws here are these photo places that have a throne, or Cinderella's carriage, or some such and lots of exotic Louis XVI clothes you can dress yourself or your kid in for pictures.  Sort of like we have for western places.