21 August 2018

From Odessa to Batumi via Kaunas (Black Sea, 4033 km)

(Black Sea, 16.08.2018 - 18.08.2018) Don't allow yourself to be deceived by me! Kaunas was not my next destination but the name of the Ro-Ro/Passanger Ship "Kaunas", which took me and my motorcycle from Chornomorsk, south-west of Odessa, to Batumi in Georgia. 9 (in words: nine) hours Ukrainian check-in, immigration and customs clearance upon departure, another three at destination in Georgia, 48 hours net traveling time WITHOUT INTERNET, TELEPHONE, TV, RADIO, who the hell is so crazy to accept this?





Me and much more people than anyone could ask for! In addition to about 80 truck drivers, who mainly stuck with their own, there were about three dozens of adventurers, globetrotters, scouts from all over the world, using different means of transport such as offroaders, motorcycles (one beside mine), bikes, traveling by train or by foot. But the reward for these exertions and austerities was quite abundant: spectacular views upon departure and arrival, the Crimean Peninsula with a Russian cruise liner in the foreground, being offline, a brand new experience, time to relax, to read or - in my case - to give f. i. an interview to a Lithuanian documentary film team, all the journey being escorted by frisky dolphins. Travel acquaintances turned to budding friendships. What more could one want? But will Batumi be worth the visit...?

2 comments:

Berti said...

Chapeau, all my admiration and ofcourse envy for the things you dare and also have so much pleasure from.
4033 Km must mean from your home up to now if the earth has not extended lately.
Love your reports and descriptions.
Berti.

varske said...

A regular reader, although living in Lithuania! It seems odd to find a boat called Kaunas on the Black Sea, since Kaunas is inland. But having lived also in Georgia, I’m sure you will have a great time. In many ways I préfère Batumi to Tbilisi, but some of Saakashvili’s building “improvements” were not what the city really needed.