OdessaMapSeptember 1–3, 2012 It was a beautiful summer day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, people on the street were being offered the 1980 Moscow Olympics bear mascot on a stick.  This is Odessa, a city so wonderful that nothing can spoil it or make it any better than it already is.  Apartment Directory. Taxi Alex A city incredibly full of local color and unlike any other.  A city in which horrific new buildings coexist peacefully with architectural monuments where the likes of Pushkin and other famous figures once caroused centuries ago.  As I’m walking down the street, I suddenly come across a poster for the Odessa Zoo which has the city’s new logo—a heart-shaped anchor—in the corner.  The Odessa Zoo Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary I keep walking—and there it is again.  I <3 Odessa And again.  And again.  People are walking around with it.  I <3 Odessa And having their photo taken against a backdrop of flowers laid out in the shape of the logo.  Something was clearly about to take place.  Indeed—eminent citizens, reporters, onlookers and the mayor of the city had gathered to unveil a bronze casting of the Odessa logo. The mayor declared, “In my opinion, the city’s new logo is a colossal success, it’s the epitome of good taste, the pinnacle of professionalism, it’s something that neither Hamburg, nor Liverpool, nor any other city has today.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.  As soon as the crowd dispersed, the sculpture embarked on a distinguished, glamorous life of its own. People came up one after another to pose for photos with it. Hugging it, sitting, leaning, on top, alongside, behind. It completely felt as though it had always stood there and everyone immediately knew what to do. The symbol worked from the very first second.  |
