Moldova 2003  Part 2: Transnistria and Odessa (Ukraine)
On the way from Moldova to Oddessa (a famous Black Sea port in southern Ukraine), we passed through Transnistria, the self-proclaimed, unrecognized, Transnistrian Republic (PMR) - in fact, politically a black hole in the middle of Europe.


Welcome to the PMR!.
Since it can't be a border, there is a boundary control. Grotesque as it may seem, it is feared by all those who have to cross this tiny, 30km broad, strip of land.
On the western side of the Dnjestr, a heavily guarded plot of land belongs to the PMR, the fortress Tighina (Bender), which is nowadays assumed to be a clandestine arms factory.
Soon afterwards, one crosses the mighty Dnjestr and arrives in the PMR proper.
...for lack of other attractions in Transnistria, I was photographed in front of the tank exhibited in the center of the "capital" Tiraspol.
Back in Odessa, on the broad stairway featured in the legendary movie "Panzerkreuzer Potemkin"..
.. and strolling through the pretty streets of Odessa, where more and more of the decaying buildings are now being renovated.
Here is also the famous opera house of Odessa, built by Hellmer and Fellner, two Austrian architects.
It is still an impressive building and is currently renovated, alongside many other attractions in Odessa. Go and see!

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done on 17.8.2003