Kharkiv and Crimea, Ukraine - A special treat

Kharkiv is a must see discovery trip for history fans and those seeking the natural flair of an Eastern European city. Strolling the streets one can discover influences from centuries of occupation and independence, a bizarre blend, somewhat in a pitty state, somewhat with a fascinating “original” nostalgia taint.    

On my way to Crimea I visited a Tartars Fort, including a church and museum. Certainly a worthwhile stop and another lesson in Ukrainian history.

I was lucky to visit the Crimea peninsula just before the Russian annexation (February 2014). Given the mild climate and long sandy beaches of the Black Sea some areas became the preferred spot for castles and fortresses of blue blooded folks and wealthy tycoons. Holiday hotels and loads of facilities for conferences and entertainment dominated the tourism industry until recently.

Remember the Yalta Conference, also known as the Crimea Conference held from 4 to 11 February 1945? This conference was THE World War II meeting of the heads of government of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union for the purpose of discussing Germany and Europe's postwar reorganization. The three states were represented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Premier Joseph Stalin, respectively. The conference convened within the Livadia, Yusupov, and Vorontsov Palaces in Yalta.