Despite martial law, alarming news from the fronts and even air raids, thousands of Odessans went out today for a walk in the parks and to the sea to enjoy this year’s first truly spring day off.

In the spring, as you know, you can’t sit at home. Therefore, our correspondent decided to combine business with pleasure. Taking a camera with him, he went for a walk in Shevchenko Park to tell and show readers how the spring warmth came to our city.

After a long gray, dreary and cold winter, today it is simply a sin not to take a walk. Cloudless sky, bright sun, complete calm and air warmed up to +15 – we have already managed to miss these little joys that spring gives us completely free of charge.

Little is reminiscent of the war in Shevchenko Park. Except perhaps the sounds of an air raid siren, to which the inhabitants of Odessa react with amazing indifference and fatalism. However, some are either jokingly or seriously discussing whether it is possible to hide a missile strike behind a quarantine wall or in a fake fortress.

Another sign of martial law is the yellow ribbons that blocked some of the alleys above the slopes. These alleys are patrolled by armed fighters who politely ask to use another road. However, sometimes there are strange citizens who not only ignore these requests, but generally react strangely to others.

And here is another sign of the war, the ban on the sale of alcohol, clearly benefited. Everyone rests and enjoys the spring sedately and nobly. In general, today in the park may well compete for the title of a day of high culture of life.

Otherwise, today in the park is no different from thousands of the same days in past years. The eternal flame on the grave of the Unknown Sailor continues to burn. Near the monument, an accordion player in a white cap sings Odessa songs about the sea and the war. Mothers with prams sedately walk along the alleys, older children rush about with the correct children’s cries. The rollerdrome is full of outdoor enthusiasts. Under classic rock hits, cyclists spin their tricks, older children teach kids how to stand on scooters and skateboards, and skaters of different ages overcome various obstacles. The beaches are full of sunbathers.

Coffee houses, cafes, retail outlets in the park and on the coast are full of customers. The waiters and sellers have a lot of work – not all of them have opened yet, so just have time to serve all those who are thirsty.

And, of course, cats – March after all. They, too, rejoice in the spring and lively human communication, which they clearly have time to miss.

Yes, on the 31st day of large-scale Russian aggression in Odessa parks, there is little resemblance to the war. But if you listen to the conversations…

“I have an aunt in Mariupol. The day before yesterday we were able to break out in Zaporozhye. He says that many died in the next entrance, ”with tears in her eyes, she says, sitting on a bench, to her friend a young mother with a stroller.

“ … And now I’m dreaming that a blow was struck on us – either a nuclear one, or just a bomb was thrown,” an eighteen-year-old guy enthusiastically tells his friends. “So I lie down on the floor to hide under the bed.” I wake up – and it turns out I’m lying on the floor, and I can’t understand: it’s already the end of the alarm, or not yet!

“Yes, it is quite sad in Chernihiv. At least they don’t shoot here, thank God, ”a gray-haired man of about seventy tells his young companion.

Thank God. And thanks to our defenders, our Armed Forces, who guard our peace and enable the townspeople to enjoy the Odessa spring in peace.

Author — Sergey Dibrov
DEATH TO THE RUSSIAN OCCUPANTS!

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