The sunshine on the Crimean Peninsula, only 26,945 sq m, so winsome for low- and middle-income Russians, seems to be waning in warmth. Its sea and dry climate, wine and fruit have always been refreshing for winter-trodden people from the north.
      
      
       Tourists used to come here for their first mountaineering efforts, artists loved the scenic seaside, but lately someone felt it possible to sell the paradise in installments or set up a toll gate. It is an ever-ending treasure: three months of damage will be compensated by another nine months when the nature loses its charm.
      
      
       It is also painful for the Russians to think of it that Khrushchev, one of the Soviet leaders, allowed Ukraine to take over the Promised Land in the sixties. Today, incessant worries and concerns about passwords, another currency, rising fees, volatile legislation and hostile Ukrainian population mar the pleasure. It is still not that bad on the peninsula, though, where the Tatars, of which 200,000 were forcibly deported by Stalin in 1944, multiply and work hard on their plots totaling 12% of the population. Ethnic clashes are not that frequent here, although the Tatars tend to mark their 40 years of roving in Central Asia demanding more rights and land and other forms of assistance from the authorities.
      
      
       Ethnic tensions are not that evident for those holiday-makers who prefer Crimea to Turkey, although the price may be the same, unlike the quality – in Crimea you always feel you rough it. Today, some analysts come to think the Crimean market might lose some of its clientele and suffer meagre gains. Ukrainian holiday providers, happy with their proceeds last year, rub hands anticipating equal interest this year. The April travel exhibitions upset the loyal customers. On top of all, new political leaders rushed to introduce new tax rates on export of tourist services before the new season, which boosted the price by 9%. In total, for a piece of peace and rest you’ll have to put 25-50% more out of your pocket.
      
      
       Some experts say there are no grounds for fears since those who love the region will come here at any cost. True, but true is also the fact that tourism is growing more and more expensive. Real estate proposals (e.g. at www.krym.ru), like buying a villa worth, say, ?500,000, are not rare. Rumours are that some high-ranking officials tend to buy out property here, in the land of green valleys and high mountains.