Splendor and destitution of Brighton Beach: life of the legendary 'Little Odesa'

Brighton Beach is probably the most well-known Russian-speaking community in the United States. It is nicknamed “Little Odesa.” Russian-speaking people currently live here.

This correspondent for ForumDaily spent the day on the beach.

Russian-Ukrainian symbiosis

New York City downtown and Brighton Beach stations. It speaks either Russian or Ukrainian. Here, the mixed English-Russian words can be heard often. The most popular now are 'otcharget, '' naslicet, 'and' chetyre ninety nine. '*

(* To charge, to slice, 4.99)

Similarly to every village, everyone. If you have been around for a few weeks Area stores often play Russian hits, including NYC areas, in English.

Any information can be found here in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov.

“The first Russian-speaking immigration wave of Jews here in 1970s. It’s possible that they’re immigrating to Israel and their families. ” The second wave came in 1972s. Many people from Odesa, Ukraine, arrived here. During that time, almost half a million Ukrainians came to Brighton Beach. This is confirmed by archive documents still kept in the Central Library of Brooklyn. Odesa residents love the sea and the waterfront to walk along.

In any situation

Yakov Lyubarov is one of the brightest representatives of the first immigration wave. He came to Brighton Beach from Moscow in 1978. Lyubarov has been a fan of good clothes since childhood, so he became a Brighton star straight away. The outfits of the Moscow good liver include numerous stylish pieces: suits by Gaultier and Versace, shoes by Dolce & Gabbana.

Yakov Lyubarov is always dressed to the nines. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Lyubarov fled his daughter and little daughter. They received their green cards right at the airport.

“When we came, there were almost no Russians here. Maybe just a few families from Israel and Russia. “I’ve been able to help with the air conditioning repair company,” Lyubarov says.

The life started getting better. Later, Yakov worked as a taxi driver, then got into the jewelry business. He could have moved to Manhattan, but Brighton is now his home. He has received his passport. Sure enough, they were drinking Russian vodka.

“It was blooming in 1980-1990s. That's when the intelligence from Leningrad and Moscow came here. Of course, there were migrants from Odesa. However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, different people started arriving. Let me put it this way, ”he says.

It's been long since Yakov got his American citizenship and retired. He says he's happy with his life.

“My pension payment is not that high: $ 700. But I also rent out my taxi driver's license. We have our own condo apartment. I never thought of returning to my homeland. I've lived here in Brighton Beach. Yakov says smiling.

Several years ago Yakov Lyubarov bought an apartment in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Yakov loves traveling with his wife. Usually they sail on cruises in Europe. France and Italy are a paradise for fashion lover Lyubarov. He never returns from vacations without some new clothing. And the Brighton Beach resident loves telling funny jokes.

“A guy asks a girl: 'Did you sleep with Pet'ka for love or for money?' - 'Of course, for love! Three rubles is not money! '”He says laughing.

He was invited to visit his beloved sightseeing place, Brighton Beach, as well.

Life, love, and tears

Here in Brighton, everything is Russian: drugstores, restaurants, and stores. Ukraine Maria Maria Chernenko. She has been selling it for five years now, whatever the weather. I told you how she ended up in Brighton Beach.

Maria Chernenko has been selling for five years. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Maria Chernenko won the card in the lottery and arrived in New York in 2011. In her hometown of Ternopil, Ukraine she left behind her children and grandchildren. Tears in her eyes.

“I miss them so much. I earn money and send it to them. This helps them a lot. I had a choice. I’m not sure whether to live here, ”Maria says.

Used to local mentality. Maria has gotten immune to the grumble by Russian-speaking retirees.

“I’m looking at some kinds of shoppers, some are really demanding. Everyone wants to show off. I got used to it. At first, I thought I would go deaf. Here comes a train again. But one adapts to anything, ”Chernenko says of her working conditions.

It is more than $ 10 / hour.

“Our store owner is OK. In the winter, she keeps me warm. You know how cold it might get here. Terrible. But it's OK, we'll get through it, ”she says.

At this moment during our conversation, a man approached Maria. She has been talking about. Briskly and go away.

However, the man’s statement was persisted and made.

“Now, go away, leave. This is my woman. My love What do you want? ”He asked the ForumDaily correspondent with a menacing look.

That's how our chat with Maria ended. A moment after, she shortly waved us goodbye and dived into selling chocolate bars.

Brighton Beach residents are Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Boris is also a salesman. He doesn’t sell sweets, The man says.

“Don't ask me 'How is it going?' It's bad. No business. No money. At least I have a roof above! ”

Boris has been selling books for 20 years now. The man says. But he was not ready to elaborate.

“This is it. Enough. Enough about me. We'll get through with whatever means. I will not tell you my last name. OK, guys, let me work now, "Boris said and dived into his book.

Brighton Beach residents are Photo by Pavel Terekhov

One can always hear Russian songs in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Local residents say that they are a very versatile community. Luxury SUVs and posh sportcars here. Italian fashion brands and high heels.

A female resident of Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Brighton Beach Photo by Pavel Terekhov

A business lady in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

By the way, there are some ladies who are not in their hair.

Inna Sokolnikova She is a beautician. Inga moved back to the US with her family 13 years ago.

“I’m so my clients are mostly Russian-speaking. I have received a license. But I love our people more, they are closer to me. “Inga,” says Inga.

Beautician Inga loves Brighton Beach. Photo courtesy of Inga Sokolnikova.

Starting from scratch for the Kyiv native. Now Inga owns a beauty shop. Sokolnikova says her clientele is very versatile.

“Demanding and mean clients fall off by themselves. I love my job, and try to act with understanding. However, there was this unpleasant case recently. I had a woman served in my salon; she bought all procedures and a credit card. The fee was about $ 700. I didn’t receive an e-mail from the bank after two weeks, ”Inga says.

He turned out to be a credit card. Inga is currently searching for her lawyer. Despite this unpleasing situation, Inga still loves living in Brighton Beach.

“My husband works here in Brighton, too. I would like to I love Brighton. And the people! I love looking at them. And the beach is right here. It's beautiful, ”Inga speaks with a delight of her community.

Many of Inga's compatriots love brighton as much. However, it’s not like willing to talk to reporters. As soon as the sun rises above the Atlantic Ocean, it’s up to the street.

“What should we say? Here we are, making jokes, playing, enjoying the life. Everything is fine here. Everything's like in Odesa, ”one of the players says laughingly.

Board games fans at the Brighton Beach waterfront. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Real Estate Property in Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is not a place for retirees. There are young people living in “Little Odesa,” too. New York City. Brighton The lease will cost $ 1,000- $ 1,200 on average.

In Brighton, Russian-speaking girls can be found. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

At Brighton Beach subway station. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Brighton Beach, but it also buy it. In most cases, they are motivated by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Sonia Ostrovskaya real estate agent says that it is one of the best condominium apartments.

“This is a kind of real estate property. It can be used, sold, or rented, ”the agent says.

Her clients include people from Russia and Ukraine. Sonia says. Brighton is currently a real estate and affordable housing.

“The prices on average range from $ 550,000 to $ 800,000. Luxury real estate might cost $ 2 million. For instance, we are currently selling a three-bedroom condo apartment for $ 1 million. The price includes a parking spot as well. This one is in the well-known Oceana Condominium & Club, ”Sonia Ostrovskaya told Forum Daily.

The real estate offers are abundant. Sonia says there are lots of people living here.

Residents of the elite Oceana Condominium & Club. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

In summer, Brighton Beach turns into a real resort. Get a little closer look at Russian culture and traditions. They can buy souvenirs like an ear-flapped 'ushanka' hat or a Cheburashka, and try some Ukrainian borsch for lunch. The Tatiana, “Volna,” “Primorsky.” The website of the Tatiana restaurant will be served here. popular places in the area, like “Chinar,” “Cupola Samarkanda,” “Kavkaz,” and many others.

Former correspondent for the Washington Post.

“Of course, I love Russians. You have the most beautiful women in Russia. Brighton is this small Russia. I even learn some Russian here. And your cuisine is a culinary masterpiece, ”Kaiser told the correspondent for ForumDaily.

Russian restaurants awaiting their clients. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

A beach in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

One can always meet some locals at the Brighton Beach waterfront. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Brighton Beach waterfront. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Residents of the Russian community of Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Beach Holidays Photo by Pavel Terekhov

If you miss your chance, you can always buy some Olivier or “dressed herring” salads in local food stores. They are sold there the year round.

Russian store in Brighton Beach. Photo by Pavel Terekhov

Beyond the Glory

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.