The Monocle Daily Tales from Odesa and Portugal’s precarious politics
Jun 6, 2025
Discover insights from a recent trip to Odesa, exploring Ukraine’s innovative drone strategies and the resilience of its people amidst conflict. The discussion turns to Portugal's political challenges and cultural attitudes, like beach regulations impacting public enjoyment. Delve into society's perceptions of smoking, the state of pop music influenced by algorithms, and thought-provoking critiques on American reliance on foreign talent. Finally, engage with the controversial renaming of a US Navy tanker and its broader implications.
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Travel and Life in Odessa
- Andrew Muller experienced a smooth and well-organized border crossing from Moldova to Ukraine by road, with minimal delays.
- Despite being in a war zone, ordinary life in Odessa appeared remarkably normal until alerts like air raid sirens interrupted the calm.
Travel Bonds in Ukraine
- Juliet Lassica describes emotional returns to Ukraine and the communal bonding on overnight trains with fellow travelers.
- Ukrainians share deep human interactions as they endure the war together, creating an open, friendly atmosphere during travel.
Cognitive Dissonance of War
- Ordinary life continues in Odessa despite conflict, with beautiful streets and usual activities.
- Cognitive dissonance arises when air raid sirens suddenly remind residents that war is ongoing.