Experience peace...

Peaceful times in the island nation of Crimea. Photo: Le Ngoc Anh

Sing along with the fireworks in Yalta

After nearly three hours of flying from Sheremetyevo, Moscow (Russia), we arrived at Simferopol airport. During our time in Crimea, we had to buy our own SIM cards, as we couldn't use the numbers from the Moscow area code.

About 100km from Sheremetyevo Airport, you'll reach Yalta – a charming city nestled on the Black Sea coast. The scenery along the way features the sea on one side and mountains on the other, with pretty little houses nestled against the backdrop.

While waiting at a red light, a little girl stopped her car, rolled down her window, and smiled brightly at us. That smile seemed just enough to provide a small glimmer of joy to begin our journey.

Yalta is a major city on the Crimean Peninsula, located on the Black Sea coast, and is known as a holiday paradise in Crimea.

The coastline in Yalta has no sand, only smooth, small pebbles. The seawater is clear and cool. Along the coast, restaurants and cafes are nestled against the cliffs. The beach is crowded, but it doesn't feel chaotic or congested.

We arrived in Yalta on the anniversary of the city's founding (August 11th). Therefore, amidst the dazzling fireworks displays in the night sky, people held hands, danced, and sang joyfully.

Around the city, small, tree-lined alleys are shaded by lush greenery, with grapevines laden with fruit and vibrant blossoms. Ripe apricots, seen from afar, resemble thousands of tiny orange flowers scattered among the green foliage.

The Swallow's Nest Castle - a symbol of Crimea.

The bus ride with Crimeans

One of Crimea's iconic landmarks is the Swallow's Nest Castle, also known as the Castle of Love. Built in the Gothic style, the castle perched precariously on the Aitodor promontory jutting out into the sea from the Aurora mountain range.

I absolutely loved walking up the wooden staircases, stopping at the windows overlooking the deep blue sea with clear skies and white clouds, and admiring the colorful paintings elegantly displayed throughout the castle.

We decided to visit Ai-Petri peak – the mountain's silhouette visible from the Swallow's Nest Castle. It took over three hours queuing for the cable car to the summit. But the view was enough to make the wait worthwhile.

From the mountaintop, the entire city of Yalta unfolds before our eyes like a picturesque landscape painting. In the distance, the sky and water meet, a vibrant blue. Below lies a lush green forest, its leaves changing color as autumn approaches. We chose to drive back to fully enjoy the vast grasslands, where herds of horses graze peacefully in the twilight.

Along with its stunning natural beauty, Crimea also captivates visitors with the friendliness, charm, and enthusiasm of its people. Throughout our days in Crimea, wherever we went, we received helpful assistance and guidance with a friendly and hospitable attitude.

On our way to Kanatnaya Doroga station – where the cable car goes up Mount Ai-Petri – we mistakenly took bus number 100 instead of 132. After the bus wound its way through mountain passes, we asked the driver again and learned that it wasn't going to Kanatnaya Doroga station.

Listening to our conversation with the driver, a Russian couple told us to follow them to the roadside bus stop and then walk back to catch bus 132. The woman was extremely enthusiastic, asking every bus that came along if it went to the Kanatnaya Doroga stop. Finally, bus 132 arrived.

The couple accompanied us on the bus for about 30 minutes, repeatedly reminding us that there were only two stops left. They even told the driver to remember to drop off the children at the Kanatnaya Doroga stop. The warmth and hospitality of the Crimean people made me feel right back in my homeland.

A sudden dawn

Due to personal matters, I had to return to Moscow earlier than my travel companions. On the day of my return, the taxi driver picked me up at 6 a.m. to take me to the airport. On the way, I marveled at how beautiful the sunrise in Crimea was! The driver asked me my flight time. Then, in silence, he drove me to one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in Crimea.

The driver told me to get out of the car and watch the sunrise, that he would wait, and assured me I would still make it to the airport on time. I was both surprised and incredibly grateful. Then, when I opened the car door and stepped out, I was stunned by the beautiful scenery that unfolded before my eyes.

I've traveled extensively and witnessed countless spectacular sunrises, but I've never seen one as beautiful and peaceful as the one in Crimea. The light spreads in all directions, and one's heart is suddenly filled with joy at this special moment.

Russians often say they can visit Crimea countless times without getting tired of it. And even now, I'm not surprised to learn that Russians still travel to Crimea, despite the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. Simferopol airport remains closed, and they have to travel by road across the Crimean Bridge.

Goodbye Crimea, and I don't know when I'll return, but the memories of my wanderings here will forever be among the most beautiful things I was fortunate enough to experience in the land of birch trees.

Source