Balaklava (it took me most the day to learn how to say this and not call it Baklava) is an area of Sevastopol that became famous for the Battle at Balaklava in the Crimean war and the suicidal Charge of the Light Brigade where the British, due to a misunderstanding were sent into a valley where the Russian held three sides of it. 

I knew very little of the Crimean war and what I learned on the way to Balaklava was fascinating.  It is clear that throughout history, Sevastopol is a strategic port to be held.  Russia who was trying to take control of the Ottoman empire used the port as a base for the Black Sea Fleet.  France and England sent troupes to make sure that the Russians did not secure a route from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. 

We stopped at the Panorama museum that contained a 360 view of the area what the Crimean war was like.  Although they boasted this as being the best in the world, I wasn't overly impressed.  I enjoyed seeing it but didn't think it lived up to the hype the tour guides were giving it. 

After our visit to the Panorama Museum, we headed out to our next stop.  I had no idea what was to come.  Balaklava was the home to a top secret subterranean submarine base.  The Russians took Balaklava off the map and to enter it, you needed clearance. 

The subterranean complex has miles of walkways, railways and canals designed to survive a nuclear attack. Doors were over 18 inches thick of pure metal designed to withstand any attack.  Submarines could enter through the canals completely hidden, protected.  They were serviced and armed with nuclear weapons and torpedos.  This was better than anything Hollywood could have come up with and put the Bat Cave to shame. walking around I almost felt like I was living an xbox game.

It remained operational until 1993 when Russia finally abandoned it.  During the tour, the guide pointed out a sign that read "You cannot tell what you don't remember but you must remember what you tell" 

Who knew this little town harbored a Russian Top Secret!

Tonight was "International Night"  and I was so looking forward to Babaganoush along with some Hommus. We were given ground chick peas and ground eggplant which couldn't be further from those to dishes.  The food for the most part has been excellent but when this chef misses the mark, he doesn't even come close.  I didn't find this with the other chef on the Danube cruise!

If the day had not been good enough already, the day finished with a Vodka tasting.  It started with the old folks tasting and six Ukrainian Vodkas later, people were singing Russian songs that I had no idea what they meant.  For the record, I wasn't singing.

Here are the contestants!

There is the Nemiroff Family - Nemrioff, Nemiroff with Red Pepper and Honey and Nemiroff with Black Current, then there is the Nemiroff Lex.

Then there is Hetman (pictured twice so you can see the face in the middle of the bottle) and Chortitsa

Here in the Ukraine, you have to have the right accoutrements.  Pickled Cucumber, Pickled Herring, tomatoes, onions, parsley and jerky.

And my favorite bartenders on the ship - Irina and Irina.  (The costumes are for Pirate Night)

Last Updated 09/01/2011

Created by

Jim Gaidula