2 VERY NICE WOMEN TO CHOOSE FROM, NOW WHAT DO I DO? - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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2 VERY NICE WOMEN TO CHOOSE FROM, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
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Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes the calling card is the way to go. My cell phone costs 53 cents to call Moldova but a calling card is 14.2 cents a minutes. This is cheaper then Skype. There are some bogus calling cards out there so beware and keep track of your minutes.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

I think the insecurity runs both ways RP.

But I dont understand why contacting her is such a problem. You keep saying that, if you are not home with Skype, it will cost over $3 a minute. So, you cannot contact her. That's rubbish

Like I said earlier. Get a calling card. I was in Highpoint a few months ago and I got a really cheap calling card from a run down clothes shop! I was able to call my fianc? at ANY time for 10¢ a minute from a call box using a 1-800 prefix number. Calling Ukraine will be a little more, but still cheap in comparison.

Other RMP members, in the US can give you better info on this.

I agree with you vic2012 that I can contact her with a calling card when I am not home. It is $3.25 a minute if I call from my cell while I am driving.

But I really dont have time to sit on a pay phone and talk using a calling card. If I am not home I am on the go for business.

If I am not home it is because I am on my way to a job or a function that demands 100% focus of my time. And I usually talk with her for at least 1 hour every time we speak.

So in my opinion if I dont want to ring up a large cell phone bill I will send a text saying that I will call you tomorrow because I am very busy. Sure I can get a calling card and go to a pay phone and say hello for a minute or two. It is only in the last week that I called her every other day.

I really dont feel that I must call every single day even though I try to.

I have spoken to this women everyday for the last 4 months, so I think there needs to be an understanding that there sometimes comes a day or two where I am unable to call. There is nothing wrong with a day of not talking to her. It actually sometimes makes the next time we talk more interesting because there is more to tell about the other day we did not speak.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

You can use calling cards with cell phones also. I'll be doing it in about 20 minutes!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

You can use calling cards with cell phones also. I'll be doing it in about 20 minutes!

I never tried that, but it sounds like a good idea. I will buy a calling card in the next few days and use it when I am on the go or in the car calling Odessa.

What company has the best calling card rate to the Ukraine. Do you have a link I can go to.

And GTR , arent you close to taking your trip also. I'm sorry I havent been keeping up to date on what your schedule is. If I am correct you are going any day now>

Posted by: EasyTarget

enjoyprepaid.com has an option. You register your cell phone and any other phone you want with the card. Get the emerald card. You can call Odessa for $0.11 a minute. I have always had good experiences with their cards.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

ET has the right web site. This is the only card I can find that gives you the minutes they promise.

Yes my trip is less then 3 weeks away. I leave April 20th and return May 7th. No expectations with this one, just a good feeling.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Good Luck to you also GTR . I have gotten myself into no expectation mode also. I leave in 6 days and I'm a little nervous.

Last time I was in Odessa 6 months ago I had a waiter in a Lebonese restaurant tell me he spent 1 year in my hometown because he worked on a cruiseship there as a waiter. We would talk a little as he served me and my guest our meal. So we exchanged numbers 6 months ago. He said he was on a waiting list to come back to my town again for a job on the cruiseline.

So I gave him a call yesterday and told him I'm coming to Odessa in a week. He was so excited to hear that. He also asked me how my girlfriend was. But he meant the women from 6 months ago.

so I told him what happened and how she seemed to want a vacation and money. His exact words to me were: MANY WOMEN IN MY COUNTRY ARE LIKE THAT BUT YOU MUST BE READY FOR THIS, GOOD LUCK THIS TIME.

Anyway, at least there is someone I know there from my last trip there and he speaks perfect English also. I am sure if I get in any kind of bind he could be helpfull to me.

The restaurant he works at is only a 3 or 4 minute walk from my apartment where I am staying.

I am pretty sure that in the 9 days I am staying in Odessa my lady will have to still go to her job and work. she told me she would do her best to see if there are some days she can take off, but she will have to go to work on some days that I am there.

So do any of you guys have any ideas of things I can do there by myself in case she is working some days and I am alone during the day there.

At least I know I can get up , take a shower and head over to the Lebonese restaurant for a nice salad with grilled chicken & talk to my waiter friend and then maybe walk arouind a little and hopefully not get lost.

Have you guys ever read a street sign there. I remember they have about 12 letters in the name and I have no idea what it says. So I guess I will have to rely on my internal compass while walking the streets there alone.

I will tell you that I am excited and nervous at the same time. The good thing is , I have all ready been to Odessa and I am a little familiar with some places I went to all ready.

I am staying on a street called DERABOSOVSKAYA STREET. This is the heart of Odessa. All you have to do is just walk in any direction and there is plenty to see. Many cafe's & restaurants and some nice shopping malls.

I am hoping to see the museum and catacombs with my women. She said she has many things that we can do. We are even going to play badmitton one day. I think I spelled it wrong. she said she usually tries to play this with her friends on Sundays.

I told her I like doing active things so we can try this together. I never did this so it's another thing I can do with her.

We talked yesterday and it was a good talk and we spoke about being a little nervous about our 1st meeting. After a few minutes of talking about it we were laughing again and it was again very nice conversation.

A week from today is Easter Sunday in Odessa and I will be walking with her as it will be my 2nd day there.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

If you are staying at a hotel, I'm sure they have tours you can buy. If not, walk into a hotel and check on any tours they might have available. Maybe you can set something "romantic" up with your girl too. I'm setting up a boat ride down the river in Kiev with my girl and a candlelight dinner in Chisinau.

Don't be nervous, think of it as a vacation. The first meeting is just that, you don't know what will happen, you don't have any control over it, so why worry? Think of it as an adventure few people taken. I know when I tell people I've been to Russia twice and I'm going to Moldova and the Ukraine, people look at me like I'm an alien and have a bunch of questions.

"Don't worry ... be happy" and enjoy!!!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

If you are staying at a hotel, I'm sure they have tours you can buy. If not, walk into a hotel and check on any tours they might have available. Maybe you can set something "romantic" up with your girl too. I'm setting up a boat ride down the river in Kiev with my girl and a candlelight dinner in Chisinau.

Don't be nervous, think of it as a vacation. The first meeting is just that, you don't know what will happen, you don't have any control over it, so why worry? Think of it as an adventure few people taken. I know when I tell people I've been to Russia twice and I'm going to Moldova and the Ukraine, people look at me like I'm an alien and have a bunch of questions.

"Don't worry ... be happy" and enjoy!!!

GTR, thanks. I am renting a 1 bedroom loft apartment. But I do remember walking by some popular hotels there. There was one called LONDONSKAYA HOTEL. I guess I can walk into the lobby there and see what they have as far as excursions.

Also, my Odessa women used to be a travel agent. She can possibly call some friends from her last job to set me up on a tour or two.

Posted by: chippie

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

Good Luck to you also GTR . I have gotten myself into no expectation mode also. I leave in 6 days and I'm a little nervous.

Have you guys ever read a street sign there. I remember they have about 12 letters in the name and I have no idea what it says. So I guess I will have to rely on my internal compass while walking the streets there alone.

I will tell you that I am excited and nervous at the same time. The good thing is , I have all ready been to Odessa and I am a little familiar with some places I went to all ready.

A week from today is Easter Sunday in Odessa and I will be walking with her as it will be my 2nd day there.

Hey RP,

As for the street signs, have you taken time to learn the cryllic alphabet?? I think that the sooner you learn it the better off you will be.
I learned the alphabet before my first trip to Belarus, and was able to read and recognize lot of words. I felt much more comfortable with it on my second trip.
Good luck with your trip and I'll be looking forward to your trip report.

chippie

Posted by: GoingToRussia

The chip-ster is right. Her is a website that will teach you, http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/...5/alphabet.html.

You will be surprised how many Russian words sound like English words like telephone, toilet, sex, .... oops sorry that got out by mistake. Must of been a Froidian slip!

Posted by: vic2012

GTR is right and it is those same words as English that, will give you the opportunity to learn cyrillic in less than an hour. I kid you not!!

I did it before I went to Kiev and I was able to read all the Metro station signs, shop signs and place names.

Here's the page:
http://www.alphadictionary.com/rusgrammar/alphabet.html

Posted by: nocomfortzone

Yes, good luck not getting lost there. I got very lost at times and two of the streets confused me as they were in cryliic naturally but i was just learning it.
Two streets parallel to each nother started with "R" and "P" respectively.
I got one street mixed up with the other for quite a while before the penny dropped. Thankfully you sound like you have about 3 different sources that can help you out in that city so you won't get as lost a i did. I managed to get my bearings a few times when i saw a red telpehone box and the other landmark that helped me know whereabouts i was. McDonalds.
You've been to Odessa before though so i'm sure you'll be better off than i was.
I wush i'd know about this website before i went over there. Would have helped me heaps in so many ways.
Still, i think i did remarkably well navigating my first trip overseas and get good accomadation with good people and meet no dodgy characters in all my time there. Hope Anton and Kyle are going great guns with their apartment business over there.

all the best royalpalace

Posted by: Raspberry

In Belarus, many of the signs are in Polish, too. But, you know what, I had a much easier time with the Cyrillic than with the Polish, even though the alphabet is the same as our English. Some of the Polish is not pronouced the way you think it is, due to the fact of odd variations of letters, plus not knowing if something is silent or actually sounded.

Posted by: vic2012

You mean like those two cities that Ryanair fly to....Bydgoszcz and Łŏdz. (Bidgoshch and Woodge).

Strangly once you sorted out a few simple rules, Reading Polish is not that difficult. But learning it is something else!!! Three possible genders and seven possible declensions per noun, makes it one of the hardest European languages to learn.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Well , I leave in 4 days to Odessa. Today I went and bought some things for her mom & dad.

I got her dad a nice size book about aircrafts that were made to be special in the armed forces. These are those aircrafts that you never see at an airport .

There are some very cool aircrafts built that I have never seen until I opened this book. So I hope he likes it. There are hundreds of great photos of these machines.They had aircrafts that can just lift like a helicopter.

I got her mom a very large book about America. It had hundreds of pictures also pertaining to different cities and states. I know she does not speak any english so I made sure that the book had great photos to look at.

This book has 321 pages with great photos of life in America in every way you could think of. From Latins in Miami to Texas rodeos and Elvis in Memphis. I think it is something she will enjoy.

I got my Odessa women her favorite perfume.

I will be there in 5 days . We spoke today and had a wonderfull talk. She said that the driver who is picking me up called her today and he is coming to get her to bring her to the airport to meet me.

We laughed alot today and it was nice. Lookin good so far.

So the countdown has begun.

Posted by: nocomfortzone

Sounds like you have calmed down in recent week and got your mind in a better place for your visit. Good stuff

Posted by: Chrismc

Have a great time RP.....go with the attitude that it is going to be an adventure firts and foremost and anything else is just a bonus and you will have a great time and may come back pleasantly surprised.

Chris

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Have a great time RP.....go with the attitude that it is going to be an adventure firts and foremost and anything else is just a bonus and you will have a great time and may come back pleasantly surprised.

Chris

You are absolutely right. 4 days & I will be in Odessa. I have the attitude "WHAT WILL BE WILL BE". I always try and make the best of any situation I'm in , so whatever happens will be O K .

As far as wondering & driving myself nuts about how old she is, I will know when I get there. I was gonna do the flower delivery thing and take the photo but I thought to myself that I'll just see what happens when I'm there.

So at this point I'm relaxed and thinking positive & whatever happens, happens.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

So at this point I'm relaxed and thinking positive & whatever happens, happens.

You are right ke sara sara!

Posted by: Lady

Hey RP! I'm so excited for you! I hope everything goes as you want it to! And even if it doesn't, I'm sure SOMETHING good will come out of it anyway!
Good luck!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady

Hey RP! I'm so excited for you! I hope everything goes as you want it to! And even if it doesn't, I'm sure SOMETHING good will come out of it anyway!
Good luck!

Thanks Lady,
I leave in 2 days to Odessa. I get there on Saturday about 1:45 in the afternoon. The plan is that she is coming to meet me at the airport with a driver from my apartment that I rented.

The good thing about the apt. I rented is they pick you up and take you back for free because you are renting one of their apartments. I also got the VIP service. When you land they have your name on a card and they put you in a mini van & take you to a different terminal where they fill your papers out for you while you relax. Then they carry your bags to the car and the driver takes you to the apartment.

Last time I did not get this VIP service and I got on a line that took about 45 minutes to get through everything. This way is way quicker and efficient.

The driver will bring us back to my apartment. I will then just put my suitcase in the apt and Then I'm sure I will pay for the apt and then I will take her to have some dinner.

It's a long trip. But the last time I went to Odessa 6 months ago I got lucky and had 5 seats to myself and I was able to lie down the whole time and relax and sleep. So when I arrived in Odessa 6 months ago I wasn't tired at all and I went straight to a Japanese restaurant to eat .

So hopefully I will get lucky on this trip with a row of empty seats and get some sleep. The one thing that is impossible for me is I can not sleep sitting up. I just can't ever get any sleep sitting up. So I am really praying that I get lucky and get a bunch of seats to myself.

I got my Odessa women and her mom & dad a few things and whatever happens, happens. I always think positive even when things dont look good.

But I still love talking with her. Now the only difference will be I will be in front of her doing it. So we will see.

She told me today that it will probably rain when I get there. She said she read the forecast and it has rain for saturday. So it's getting closer!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Leaving in 2 days and everything is still O K . I spoke to my Odessa women yesterday & had another great conversation.

I have been making little mini-movies with my digital camera for her. She asked me to try & make some little movies of my daily life. So I have one of me going to Starbucks getting a Frappachino. One getting lunch in a Latin restaurant with my friend. One of me putting new grass in my front yard. And even one of me going to buy under arm deoderant in a store. And about 10 more doing different things. lol

And she made her 1st request. She asked me to find her a movie called SWEET NOVEMBER. She said she want it in English and she loves this movie.

So after we spoke I got in the car and I found the last copy at Best Buy.

Getting Closer! WE WILL SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS!

Posted by: swindoom

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

So after we spoke I got in the car and I found the last copy at Best Buy.

RP,

Remember, if it is a VHS video, Ukraine/Russia has a different TV format, SECAM unlike the US which uses NTSC, she would need a player which accepts US format. If it is a DVD then she will need a region free DVD player, FSU is region 5, US is region 1.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by swindoom

Good point Swindoom...I have a DVD that plays all formats and types, but I doubt most people in Ukraine who have their own DVD player would have one that would do that?

Posted by: vic2012

Now these's a strange thing. I bought back a few DVD's from Russia and have watched them. Reading what you said about them being region 5, I checked and you are quite right.

Now my DVD player is ancient and it wont play dodgy DVDs and only plays region 2, So, I cant understand why it's playing these!

Also, I bought a hand held DVD player, which I took with me to Russia. I connected it to the TV in the apartment. It played region 2 and 5 fine, and we were able to watch them on the big TV. Perhaps thats the way to go. You can pick them up for under £40 on ebay.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

Now these's a strange thing. I bought back a few DVD's from Russia and have watched them. Reading what you said about them being region 5, I checked and you are quite right.

Now my DVD player is ancient and it wont play dodgy DVDs and only plays region 2, So, I cant understand why it's playing these!

Also, I bought a hand held DVD player, which I took with me to Russia. I connected it to the TV in the apartment. It played region 2 and 5 fine, and we were able to watch them on the big TV. Perhaps thats the way to go. You can pick them up for under £40 on ebay.

I asked my Odessa women if she will be able to play the DVD I got her and she said she has a player that plays many different formats and she is pretty sure it will be fine.

I have a question for you guys on the forum. I will have my cell phone with me in Odessa and my Odessa women suggested I buy a sim card in Odessa and install it in my phone so I can call when I am there and not ring up a astronomical bill.

She said it costs $10 for a sim card and I will probably get 100 or 200 minutes on the cell.

You guys have any suggestions about the sim card. I seem to think it's a good deal. The only thing that I see being a problem is that a new sim card will give me a Ukraine number and if any one from the U S wants to contact me they won't be able to get to me. They won't my temporary Odessa phone number.

I know I have free local calls in the apartment I'm renting.

What do you guys think of the SIM card for the cell idea?

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

RP the sim card is a good idea, I have not done it but always used my standard mobile, but the costs are horrendous, one short 10 minute call I made from Moscow cost me over £26 ($52) in just over a week it costs me a fortune in calls and sms's so the sim is a cheap way to call internally in Ukraine, but of course if you are expecting calls from back home while you are there you will have to time them or give them your new Ukraine number, just make sure you don't pay for incoming calls from abroad though? some companies charge you.

As far as I can remember there are three main providers of mobile services in Ukraine, Kievstar and two others when I was there, but they may not all work in Odessa.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Never had a problem with playing DVDs. You will need an International Cell Phone before your sim card will work. The difference is the operation frequency of the cell phone. I don't think the sim card changes your number. You will be charged the overseas rate no matter what sim card you use. The person calling will also be charged overseas rates. The best thing to do is turn your phone off and use the Ukraine sim card for calling within the Ukraine. Your phone also has to have the "international roaming" enabled, some call it unlocking the phone, before it will work with a foreign sim card. Contact your cell phone provider to enable the international roaming. They can also tell you if the the phone is for international use. I don't use sim cards from foreign countries, I only use SMS. Good luck.

Posted by: cedarwind

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

I have had no problem playing DVD from russia on my handheld or my computer.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Never had a problem with playing DVDs. You will need an International Cell Phone before your sim card will work. The difference is the operation frequency of the cell phone. I don't think the sim card changes your number. You will be charged the overseas rate no matter what sim card you use. The person calling will also be charged overseas rates. The best thing to do is turn your phone off and use the Ukraine sim card for calling within the Ukraine. Your phone also has to have the "international roaming" enabled, some call it unlocking the phone, before it will work with a foreign sim card. Contact your cell phone provider to enable the international roaming. They can also tell you if the the phone is for international use. I don't use sim cards from foreign countries, I only use SMS. Good luck.

I have an international phone. And the last time I was in Odessa 6 months ago I was able to receive & send text messages & make & receive phone calls. I know I have international roaming. My Odessa women thinks that the rate for the sim card will be about twenty cents per minute. She also said there are a few plans and one that for a flat fee lets you have 1 or 2 thousand minutes of Ukraine minutes.

I dont want to have an enormous cell phone bill calling her while I am there. That is just crazy if I had to pay my T-MOBILE roaming charges that are about $4.00 per minute. My phone bill alone could get out of control.

I have free local calling in my apartment and if by some chance my phone wont accept the Ukraine SIM card at least I can still send text messages on my phone .

Any way, she said she will take me to a place to get a sim card to make calls on my cell at 2o cents per minute. If it does not work when I buy it I will just tell the salesman that It doesn't work and I'm not buying it.

I will try it out right there when he puts the sim card in.

I'm gonna tell any one that calls me from my hometown to email me if they want to contact me.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Get the SIM card that way your friend can call you without any extra charges. If there is someone that might need to get in contact with you, send them an SMS and they will have your new phone number. Tell them, if they need to contact you, send you an SMS or EMail. They can send you an SMS via the web or EMail.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

If everything was on the up and up, you shouldn't be able to play region 5 DVD's on a region 2 player. Most likely the DVD's are not really region 5. There are plenty of software programs that will rip out the key and you can then play the DVD on any player. OR the player is sort of grayish, where they didn't pay the DVD consortium their money and didn't region lock the player.

Posted by: vic2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalce774

my Odessa women suggested I buy a sim card in Odessa and install it in my phone so I can call when I am there and not ring up a astronomical bill.

When I arrived, Viktorija took me to a phone shop where, for 300 rubles they unlocked it (I was locked into my UK service provider). You will lose anything you have stored in your phone, unless you save it to your normal sim card.

I then bought a Beeline sim card. The weird thing was that everthing in my phone started working in Russian! It cost just over 20 rubles a minute to 'phone home'. A bit better than the £1.80 (90 rubles) a minute, for calling abroad using my normal sim card. Worse than that, my normal service provider charges £1.80 a minute to call locally in Russia. What a rip-off!!!

So, if you have an unlocked cell phone, no problem. If it's locked, they'll unlock it. Again no problem.

ps It needs to be a GM phone (anything newer than two years).

Easy, I reckon the DVD's I bought (which were about $5 each), weren't genuine. Although they look it. And though the box says region 5, they probably have had the code taken out, so that they play anywhere.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

So, if you have an unlocked cell phone, no problem. If it's locked, they'll unlock it. Again no problem.

That is a good idea Vic, I hooked up to BEELINE while in Russia but didn;t have a local sim card, cost me a fortune calling back to UK, I spent nearly £200 ($400) on calls while I was there making and receiving calls from the UK.

RP if you phone is a TriBand phone it will be fine for Int roaming.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Yes , my phone is TRI Band and international. I will get the SIM card there in Odessa.

I leave tomorrow morning. I'll be there Saturday 1 45 PM

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

I leave tomorrow morning. I'll be there Saturday 1 45 PM

Goodluck Royal Palace!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Goodluck Royal Palace!

Thanks Chrismc,

Yep, I leave tomorrow. I talked to my Odessa women today and we had a great talk again. She said she knows tomorrow is flying day and we probably will not speak. I told her I will at least send her a text before boarding the plane to Warsaw.

I'm just hopin to luck out and find a row of empty seats like I did last time. I cant tell you how wonderfull it was to have 5 seats in a row to myself and lie down anytime I wanted to. That was heaven.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Hey Guys,
I got a question before I leave tomorrow.
Do you think it is better to use my Visa card for restaurant eating or exchange cash at an Exchange place.

In other words , will I get more for my money with my VISA credit card at the restaurant or will I do better exchanging U S dollars into Ukraine Dollars?

Posted by: EasyTarget

Depends -- sucky answer right.
It depends on how much your visa card charges you for foreign currency transactions. Luckily my cc from my credit union doesn't add a surcharge for foreign currency transactions and therefore I get the best exchange rate possible.

Also the money changers are trying to turn a profit, look around two of them right next to each other might be charging dramatically different rates. I remember seeing as much as a 5-6% difference depending on who is doing the exchange.

Best way to get the best exchange rate is most likely doing ATM withdrawals. Just be careful with which ATM you use.

Posted by: vic2012

I think the best bet is travellers cheques, or cash, if you can keep it safe.

I had a nasty ATM surprise on my return. I was charged £1.50 ($3) for each withdrawal, plus an exchange fee which averaged around 4%. And the rate I got was vitually the same as you get in the bank! To make matters worse, I was withdrawing money every day.

I wont do that again. You know, I was using my Maestro card (a debit card). I was being charged top dollar (about £75 in all), to get hold of my own money!!!

Posted by: royalpalace774

Hi Guys,
I'm leaving to the airport after this posting. Everything is good so far. And only time will tell what the future holds. I'm hoping for the best as always.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I wish you good luck RP. I'll be leaving 2 weeks and 30 minutes from now.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Vic: You got screwed by the British banking system. You need a credit union.

Posted by: vic2012

Dont I know it!

Banks here are making billions every year. There was an undercover programme on TV about Barclays (who made 4 billion profit last year). Its all sell, sell, sell, services.

Some old boy came into his branch and asked for a £500 loan as he was a bit hard up. Having turned him down, the assistant, without a note of irony in his voice, proceeded to try and get him to buy insurance! It was awful to watch.

However, things may now change. A young lawyer here (who paid over £2000 in charges, as a student), is taking on National Westminster Bank, in court, claiming they overcharged him. Believe it or not, this has NEVER been tested in a British Court. The bank has tried to settle the case and offered him money, but he's not having it.

Up to now, banks have always given in and paid up. Because, they know that, if they go to court and lose, the bill from from all the customers they've skanked over the years would be astronomical.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic2012

Dont I know it!

Banks here are making billions every year. There was an undercover programme on TV about Barclays (who made 4 billion profit last year). Its all sell, sell, sell, services.

Some old boy came into his branch and asked for a £500 loan as he was a bit hard up. Having turned him down, the assistant, without a note of irony in his voice, proceeded to try and get him to buy insurance! It was awful to watch.

However, things may now change. A young lawyer here (who paid over £2000 in charges, as a student), is taking on National Westminster Bank, in court, claiming they overcharged him. Believe it or not, this has NEVER been tested in a British Court. The bank has tried to settle the case and offered him money, but he's not having it.

Up to now, banks have always given in and paid up. Because, they know that, if they go to court and lose, the bill from from all the customers they've skanked over the years would be astronomical.

Not only that Vic, but it is because they will have to disclose to the court and therefore everyone else how they make up their charges, and prove what they are charing is fair and reasonable, again they cannot do this at the moment, they would be shown up for what they are 'an unfair penalty' and obviously disclosure is something they have never yet wanted to do, therefore they have been settling most claims.

Once someone has the balls to turn down their offers and decides to go to court instead, all this will come out, then the flood gates wll open once more. The OFT are already looking in to the Bank Charges issue just like they did with the credit card companies charges last year.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Hi Guys,
YES, I am in ODESSA. I'll 1st tell you the bad news. I got off the plane & was greeted by a women to take me to the VIP terminal. That was great. As soon as I got off the plane I was treated like royalty and taken in a mini van to a brand new terminal and a young women helped me fiil out my papers in a brand new building.

Now is where it gets bad. They go to get my luggage of which is one suitcase. It had all my clothes , toilet stuff, gifts, shoes ,shirts, pants, toothpaste, suit jacket from my Canali suit which is a very nice jacket.

IT WAS NOT THERE! YES, MY SUITCASE IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN WARSAW & ODESSA. OR WHO KNOWS WHERE"
I stayed calm because they told me they will find it and it should pop up tomorrow. Well , that's what they said. It's possible I will never see that sutcase and my things in it ever again. But I'm waiting to see what happens in the next 2 days.

My Odessa women I can say is a doll. It went like this.

She was in the car waiting for me and I walked to the car when I left the terminal and she got out and gave me a hug.

She doesnt look like a 50 year old. And she doesnt look like the photo that freaked me out for 2 weeks. She looks like a 34-36 year old .

Any way, we went back to my apartment and put my computer bag away that has 1 pair of cargo pants in it. Then we went to eat at a nice restaurant. And I must say that we were very relaxed for our 1st meeting.

After lunch we walked all over for about 2 hours just talking and taking pictures.

This women is day and night better than the last time I was in Odessa. She was listening to everything I said and very responsive . She acted like she cared that I was there and she had a beautiful warm quality about her.She told me not to worry about the bags and that they will turn up. She even offered to pay for her taxi home. I couldn't let her do that.

After all the walking we stoped in another place and had tea. Then we went back to my apt and I showed her 12 movies made about my daily life. Even my friends saying hello to her. Even a bird in a cage repeating her name and I am tell the bird to say Hi to her. And the bird pronounced her name perfect.

Anyway, she loved these movies because I also was the narrator and talking while I was filming \

So I am going to sleep now. I have been up over 24 hours and Im pooped.

She will call me in the morning and tell me when she is coming over. And I will spend Easter with her in the same clothes as today hoping my suitcase arrives.

So , there is some good and some bad. But This women I feel is a nice girl and my instinct tells me she really likes me. She stayed with me until 11 pm and then we called a taxi for her.

I called her to see if she was O K and got home all right. I then asked her if she had a good time today and her response was "I LOVED TODAY , IT WAS GREAT".

SO I NOW HAVE 8 MORE DAYS.

One thing I want you guys to know. I feel that because I have been on RMP since December of 06, that I am so relaxed and at ease on this trip. I feel like it is much easier now being here than the last time when I did not know of RMP.

So with you guys making comments all the time this trip feels really relaxed for me.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Glad to hear everything is working out for you RP. If you switch airlines, you have to get your luggage yourself or at least check to see if it will follow you to your destination by going to the airline ticket counter.

Enjoy your trip, your FSU woman, and yes this place is great!

I guess you don't need any good wishes except for the flight home so ... good luck with your return flight.

Happy Landings!

Posted by: ira156

Good news RP. All that worry for nothing. In one way i suppose it would have helped you relax a lot quicker...sort of a relief. Have a great trip Mate

Posted by: nocomfortzone

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

She was in the car waiting for me and I walked to the car when I left the terminal and she got out and gave me a hug.

She doesnt look like a 50 year old. And she doesnt look like the photo that freaked me out for 2 weeks. She looks like a 34-36 year old .

Well this is the main thing, You got there safe and the photo that freaked you out was a poor image as suspected. The women you been speaking to is the same person and the age she said she is. That is the important things going right. The suitcase scenario is unfortunate but you can replace that stuff.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Well its 5 am here and I keep waking up so why not come on RMP.

DO you guys think they will find my luggage and send it over here. It was tagged properly with all of my destinations and I had my name address tag in 3 places on this suitcase.

The next plane from Warsaw arrives today at 1 45 so I should hear something by 4 or 5 pm.

Oh I forgot. I sat next to an american on the plane from Warsaw to Odessa. We started chatting and he told me he married a girl from Odessa 1 year ago and she was visiting her parents in Odessa now. He came to be with them for 1 week. He met her on Anastacia web site.

He said he was happy and she is wonderfull and it was the best thing he ever did. he is from Santa Monica California.

We exchanged numbers . He said he made 3 trips to FSU before he was sure he found the right one.
He said that he believes its better to meet as many women as possible and weed them out. This is what he did and he found the one. he said his 1st trip here he met 12 women in 4 weeks and it was obvious which women were playing him and were not sincere.

It was his 2nd trip where he met 6 women and his wife was one of them.

He wished me luck and said to call him if need any help or assistance.

Very nice guy.

That was very nice of him. O K back to try and get my sleep clock in order. I need some rest.

Posted by: Chrismc

Good news RP....see you did worry over nothing in the end, I was one of a few who said don't put too much credence in the photos, you cannot always believe everything you see! Glad to hear things are working out, don't worry about the luggage, mine took 5 days to turn up, if it is not with you today go out and buy a few cheap clothes to put you on, that is what I did. I am sure your lady will be happy to help you and goodluck, I hope it all works out for you.

Chris

Posted by: Turboguy

Yes, don't worry about your luggage. I had mine lost on a trip to Nikolev and another to Nizney Novgorod and it always shows up in time for your return trip so they can loose it again. Both times mine was lost it took 5 days.

Posted by: cedarwind

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Glad to hear everything is working out for you RP. If you switch airlines, you have to get your luggage yourself or at least check to see if it will follow you to your destination by going to the airline ticket counter.

Enjoy your trip, your FSU woman, and yes this place is great!

I guess you don't need any good wishes except for the flight home so ... good luck with your return flight.

Happy Landings!

Ok do I have this correct. I have never flown internationally

When I fly to Belarus this fall (hopefully)…………..I plan on Flying from Seattle to Portland and then from Portland to Germany all on the same airlines but different planes……

Then from Germany to Minsk on a different airline…..

so when I am in Germany I have to go to the baggage claim and recheck my bags to the new airlines?

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

That is what I had to do. I went from Areoflot to United Airlines and had to get my bag from Aeroflot and check it with United. Like I said, check with the airline when you arrive at the airport or make a trip to the baggage carousel if you have time.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

If you swap airlines you will have to re-claim your baggage then check it in again with the new airline for the last leg of your trip.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Hi Guys,
Had a great day today with my Odessa women. When she arrived at my apartment at 12 in the afternoon she had a bag with her to give me. It had a little cake that her mom made for me, a shirt and 1 pair of socks.

That was very nice. We then went to lunch at an Italian restaurant and the food was great. After lunch we walked to a museum and a place that had a large amount of tropical fish.

We then walked to a park and I think without exageration we had to of walked a total of 10-12 miles today or maybe more.

Today I really felt like we have known each other much longer than 4 months of phone conversations. The comfort level between us was wonderfull. It had that feeling like we were all ready a couple and we were just relaxed with each other. But there was no smooching. I'm not coming off like a hungry sex starved single guy. It's actually the last thing on my mind right now.

Today was day 2 and I must say , today was even better and more comfortable than yesterday. After all the walking we went to my apt. and relaxed for an hour while we watched some more movies I made for her from my daily life.

She loves watching these because I'm talking and explaining what and where I'm going as I was filming. I even put the camera on the dash of my car so it feels like she is in the car next to me while I'm driving.

We took alot of pictures and I forgot to say that when she arrived to my apt. today she looked incredible. Black leather pants with a white sweater and a beautiful winter jacket. Such class I have to say. I for one felt like a hobo having to wear the same pants, but they were black jeans so it wasn't to bad.

I'm a jeans & tee shirt guy most of the time anyway. But for her I brought some nice shirts. But they are lost now. so I wore the shirt she brought for me and I wore the new socks she brought. Kinda felt like a homeless person but then I figured I might as well joke about it or I will ruin my time with her.

So when we are together I cast the luggage thing out of my mind. so far it seems like the best solution.

Wanna hear something funny/ right now as I'm typing this post I am washing 2 pairs of socks in the washer. This big washer rolling my 4 socks around. It's allready like a comedy. LOL! Like a 3 stooges movie!

I found out today that Lot Air did not fly to Odessa today because of Easter.
So I should hear something tomorrow about the luggage.

I also am going to buy a weeks worth of underwear and a weeks worth of socks and a few in expensive shirts just in case the luggage nightmare continues.

I also learned today that when in THE UKRAINE dont point your finger at something. For instance, I was walking and I pointed to a restaurant and she put my arm back down and said please dont do that. I said why.

She said it's very bad manners to point at something. WOW! I do that everyday in the U S. So I stopped that. Then a few hours later as I was taking pictures, we walked by these 2 little boys who were twins and they were so cute and with their mother.

So what do I do? I take a picture of the kids and she said that that is not a proper thing to do here because I did not ask the mothers permission.

So no more of that for now. Then we ate Chinese food for dinnr and then walked 1 block back to the apt. and then watched some more home movies and more photos of my hometown.

She stayed until 11 45 pm and then we called a taxi and I walked her down to the taxi when it arrived. I give her money for all the taxi rides home and during the day she is always offering to pay for things and I have to tell her NO,

She took off work tomorrow to be with me all day and I thought that was very nice. But she did say that she will have to work sometime this week for a few days. But right now , I don't know what days they are.

So she got home safe and called me and she asked me how I felt about our time together . I told her I honestly feel like I've known her for a long time and the comfort I feel with her is very relaxed. She then said she feels the same way exactly . She then said she was going to bed and she will call me when she wakes up and then come over.

So tomorrow is day 3 and SO FAR SO GOOD. SHE'S A DOLL.

Just praying my luggage shows up tomorrow.

I forgot 1 VERY IMPORTANT THING. As we were walking back to the apt and were quite a ways away, I noticed 2 guys walking towards us and they were a ways away . But as they got closer I started to worry. They were skinheads heading our way . 2 of them.

I was getting very nervous but acted like it was nothing and I never looked directly at them. The scary thing was , they were carrying swords that looked like they could cut your neck off your body in a second. They walked 1 foot away from us as they passed us by . I could smell the hatred in them as they passed me by.

These guys will kill and laugh and forget about it like it never happened. So I have decided to really not go out and walk to far from Derabosovskay Street at night especially if I am alone.

I have to say , that was a scary moment . Just realizing what they have done in the past and what they will do in the future. And they were dressed in black like they were on their way to an execution.

Do you carry a sword and dress in black in broad daylight and walk in the street if you are on your way to dinner ? I THINK NOT!

Posted by: stevo

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

When I fly to Belarus this fall (hopefully)…………..I plan on Flying from Seattle to Portland and then from Portland to Germany all on the same airlines but different planes……
Then from Germany to Minsk on a different airline…..
so when I am in Germany I have to go to the baggage claim and recheck my bags to the new airlines?

If the airlines are all members of Star Alliance (e.g. United, Lufthansa), they should be able to check you straight through.

Posted by: sidney

We are glad that all is going so well for you.
Yes the walking gets to be much some days. I usually try to prepare before a trip since I do little walking normally.
Interesting how she has kept you informed about unacceptable behavior or superstitions.
I never saw anything remotely like your skinhead encounter. Not sure I want to either.
Sid

Posted by: nocomfortzone

sounds like she is nice thoughtful woman in general.

Can't say i ever felt in danger once in my whole time in Ukraine in Odessa or Nikoaev whether walking by myself or with Natasha.
Maybe Americans are a bit more paranoid overseas.
Might even have been costumes you saw for some show they were going to:-)

Anyway if your "Odessa lady" as you refer to her walked past them with no real concern it sounds like it may have been a bigger deal to you than her.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocomfortzone

sounds like she is nice thoughtful woman in general.

Can't say i ever felt in danger once in my whole time in Ukraine in Odessa or Nikoaev whether walking by myself or with Natasha.
Maybe Americans are a bit more paranoid overseas.
Might even have been costumes you saw for some show they were going to:-)

Anyway if your "Odessa lady" as you refer to her walked past them with no real concern it sounds like it may have been a bigger deal to you than her.

I must say that when these 2 skinheads were getting closer to us she said to me to make sure I don't look them in the eyes.

She was a little afraid. She said if it was night time she would have worried much more and had us cross the street long before they passed us by. But there were other people around so she didn't think anything was going to happen. She said they were the real thing. SKINHEADS THAT BREED HATRED.

We spoke about it after it happened and she said that there are skinheads in Odessa , but you don't see them everyday. She then said she knows they have no mercy for anyone and they would cut your throat in a second.

So she was concerned. She was just a little calmer because it was daylight on a street with a few people around.

I also stopped in today to see my waiter friend in a Lebonese restaurant and I asked him about it. He said there are skinheads in Odessa. And he then said please dont walk so far away from Derabosovskaya St. at night.

Please remember that we saw the skinheads at least 1-2 miles from Derabosovskaya St. We were far away from my apt.

I'm also sure that over 2000 people in the world trade center weren't worried that morning either. And look what happened.

I grew up in New York when I was a kid. So I'm used to being very aware of my surroundings.

But other than that everything is still going well.

Tomorrow she is going to work and she will come over to my apt. after work & we will go get something to eat.

The good news about my baggage is that LOT AIRLINES has my bag in Warsaw and are sending it to Odessa tomorrow and they said it will be delivered to me by a LOT AIR representitive.

That made me happy today I must say.

Today was the coldest day since I have been here so we spent time in a restaurant eating and drinking tea and then some great cookies for desert.

Then we walked a short way and she was too cold to continue walking so we went back and just watched some T V for 2 hours and then we went for dinner and we came back and called a taxi to take her home.

So day 3 was nice !

I want to share something with you that was interesting.

I went to the restaurant where I met a waiter on my last trip 6 months ago. He had been to my home town and worked on Cruiseships in my hometown and speaks perfect English.

After I finished eating , he sees me going to the bathroom and he meets me down by the steps and says to me: Listen my friend , just be carefull of the women here, they are the best actresses in the world.

He said the women you are with seems very nice and pretty. But just remember that this is the Ukraine and no one can be trusted. I then told him I felt that she was a good girl. He said of course she seems a a nice girl now but just watch out and know that anything can happen here that you don't expect when it comes to women.

So I told him thanks for your insight. Then I said that whatever happens good or bad I will be just fine as long as I have a roof over my head some food and a little music.

He said O K I just want you to be aware that even if you think it's great now it can turn sour the next day with a women from the Ukraine. So I told him I trust her right now. She has not done anything to bring up a red flag. She even offers to pay for some things until I tell her no.

he then said "TIME WILL TELL" GOOD LUCK

I feel good about everything so far. But I also know things could change in a second. But I'm prepared for anything this trip. so whatever will be will be.

Posted by: royalpalace774

I called today to see if my luggage arrived and guess what. It didn't. Yesterday when my girl called the LOT AIR baggage, they told her it was in warsaw and it was coming today. Well they were wrong.

We found out today that America Airlines which was my 1st flight had my luggage in New York and were sending it today and I will get it tomorrow for sure. They even said to go spend $100.00 U S on things such as clothes and any thing I need and they will reimburse me at a LOT AIR COUNTER when I present the receipt.

So I went out today by myself and went in the mall and got a pair of jeans, 6 pairs of socks and 5 pairs of underwear and 2 shirts. A little over 125.00 but thats O K >

Any way I have to say that I am very happy that me & Elena went to dinner tonight and she arrived at my apt around 6 39 PM and she looked incredible.

She is such a nice women. She is an absolute doll and as of tonight she started walking in the street holding my arm. That made my day. I really hope everything works out with her. I have noticed in myself that everyday that goes by I get more attached to her and I really feel in my gut that she is a true gem.

Dinner tonight was quite romantic with holding hands at the dinner table to looking in each other's eyes. I really felt such a true warmth from her being. I can tell she is truly a person that cares about people and has a sensitivity to mankind.

Yes, everyday I am getting closer to her and the comfort level is just like we have been together for years.

Tonight I was looking at her and thinking that I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE HER in 6 days. I have a feeling I am not gonna like leaving her.

And at he same time my mind plays with me and says Dont get so hooked and beware that anything could change when you leave. Maybe she will say that she enjoyed our time together but she doesn't think it will work out between us.

I know I think of those things because of my last trip here and remembering that anything can change in a second.

But I'm really giving the real me to her . I'm so relaxed with her that I am being the real me. We laugh as much in person as we did when we spoke on the phone for 4 months. She also said she was very comfortable with me being with her and she likes it .

What a great mother she would be also. It's so obvious.

I sometimes think , is this really happening that this women is this wonderfull. Everytime I pay a bill at a restaurant she starts opening up her wallet to give me money. Kind of unheard of here in the Ukraine, isn't it.

She has to work tomorrow so she left a little earlier tonight. Actually around 9 30 pm. she called me when she got home and we said good night
and talked for a minute.

So just finished day #4. Tomorrow is day 5. SO FAR SO GOOD!

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

I called today to see if my luggage arrived and guess what. It didn't. Yesterday when my girl called the LOT AIR baggage, they told her it was in warsaw and it was coming today. Well they were wrong.

We found out today that America Airlines which was my 1st flight had my luggage in New York and were sending it today and I will get it tomorrow for sure. They even said to go spend $100.00 U S on things such as clothes and any thing I need and they will reimburse me at a LOT AIR COUNTER when I present the receipt.

So I went out today by myself and went in the mall and got a pair of jeans, 6 pairs of socks and 5 pairs of underwear and 2 shirts. A little over 125.00 but thats O K >

Any way I have to say that I am very happy that me & Elena went to dinner tonight and she arrived at my apt around 6 39 PM and she looked incredible.

She is such a nice women. She is an absolute doll and as of tonight she started walking in the street holding my arm. That made my day. I really hope everything works out with her. I have noticed in myself that everyday that goes by I get more attached to her and I really feel in my gut that she is a true gem.

Dinner tonight was quite romantic with holding hands at the dinner table to looking in each other's eyes. I really felt such a true warmth from her being. I can tell she is truly a person that cares about people and has a sensitivity to mankind.

Yes, everyday I am getting closer to her and the comfort level is just like we have been together for years.

Tonight I was looking at her and thinking that I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE HER in 6 days. I have a feeling I am not gonna like leaving her.

And at he same time my mind plays with me and says Dont get so hooked and beware that anything could change when you leave. Maybe she will say that she enjoyed our time together but she doesn't think it will work out between us.

I know I think of those things because of my last trip here and remembering that anything can change in a second.

But I'm really giving the real me to her . I'm so relaxed with her that I am being the real me. We laugh as much in person as we did when we spoke on the phone for 4 months. She also said she was very comfortable with me being with her and she likes it .

What a great mother she would be also. It's so obvious.

I sometimes think , is this really happening that this women is this wonderfull. Everytime I pay a bill at a restaurant she starts opening up her wallet to give me money. Kind of unheard of here in the Ukraine, isn't it.

She has to work tomorrow so she left a little earlier tonight. Actually around 9 30 pm. she called me when she got home and we said good night
and talked for a minute.

So just finished day #4. Tomorrow is day 5. SO FAR SO GOOD!

Sounds like things are goimng just fantastic for you RP....I am glad all those pre-trip jitters have now been well and truly put to rest

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocomfortzone

Here is an article from a couple years back about skinheads in Odessa.

I found it on the Internet.

April 20, Adolf Hitler's birthday and an occasion for increased racist and antisemitic violence in Russia, did not pass unmarked. In addition to a skinhead attack on a dormitory for Chinese and Korean students in Vladivostok and the bombing of another dorm for Vietnamese in Moscow which this newsletter detailed last week, two more incidents have been reported. A third took place in Odessa, Ukraine which suggests that violence marking HitlerÕs birthday is spreading and that UkraineÕs skinheads, not as numerous as their Russian comrades, are becoming more dangerous.

Posted by: Lady

I'm so happy that things are going well for you and your woman!!! I hope it all works out! By the way, if you happen to meet a handsome single Ukrainian or Russian guy there (aged 27-32) let me know...hehehe! Just kidding (maybe)

Posted by: nocomfortzone

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalpalace774

Mate, i'm sure if you went many parts of the world there are anti-social people, most are scared people and rarely do a thing. Romper Stomper is an Aussie move from last decade with Russell Crowe playing the type you are concerned about.
Take notice of all the good spirited people in the world, like your Elena. There are many more people that do small kind things everyday going unnoticed.

Posted by: Raspberry

It's always the LAST airline that you travel on, despite the fact that they probably had nothing to do with losing your luggage(especially in this case).
IATA(the international organization governing airlines)has this rule, which is consistent, in order to not have airline squabble amonst each other.

How were the sizes on the clothing? Many of the stuff that I had to buy in Dnepropetrovsk(due to lost luggage)imported from some Asian country, and the sizes were out of synch with the US and Europe. I wear medium, and sometimes large. But something is way out of whack when XL barely fits.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Well finally my luggage was delivered around 4:00 pm to my apartment office. And everything was in place .

Today Elena worked and I went out with my waiter friend Alex. I told him I wanted to see things away from Derabosovskaya St. So we got in a cab and went to Arcadia Beach.

We got there and there were hardly any people there. He said this is the most hopping place from May-Aug. Many dance clubs and he also said more beautiful women in one place than you will ever see. so we just went in a rstaurant and had a couple Heinekins and some nuts and talked.

We then went back to my apt and I showed him photos from my hometown. Then my luggage came.

Elena came to my apt after her work and had a bag with her and said take this please . I said what do you have here and it was a gift in a box.

I said , let's go upstairs for a few minutes and I have some thing for you also. So we got up to the apt. And I gave her some perfume and a video she wanted in English. I then told her that I know she likes women's shoes. So I said to her we are going to the mall 1st and I am getting her some shoes.

She then told me to open the present that she got me. So I did and it was a
beautiful rust colered clock that had GRAND CENTRAL STATION TERMINAL, NEW YORK on this clock. Wow! this women is getting to me more & more every day. The clock was set on Odessa time and it was such a surprise. I didn't expect her to go and get me such a nice thing to hang in my home.

We went to about 6 shoe stores and there was nothing she liked. I said to her all these stores and there is nothing you like. so we will try again tomorrow and find her a pair of shoes.

We then went to dinner to a restaurant that we haven't been to yet and it was great food. We held hands and talked and everything was great until she told me all of a sudden she felt a bad feeling in her head and she did not feel well. It was the end of our meal so I payed the check and we left.

We were a long walk away from my apt so she said that we could take a bus to an area near my apt. So we take this bus and there were a few people on it and I had a blast feeling like a local on a bus in Odessa.

She cslled a taxi on her cell to come to the front of the apt and he got there quickly. She left and called me 15 minutes later from her home and said she still did not feel well. I told her it could be the fish she just ate and maybe there was alot of mercury in it and it was affecting her.

So she said please dont be offended that I went home early. I told her how can I be offended after she has seen me everyday whether she works or doesn't work. It was allready 10pm . So tonight we had 3 1/2 hours together and she is a doll.

We leave the restaurant and she immediately takes my arm as we are walking. And even with her not feeling well she tells me that she will see me tomorrow same time. I told her to try and go to work late or even take the day off. But she sad she cant do either but she might try to go in late.

I do have to tell you guys something that happened during dinner tonight and yesterday .

As we were eating yesterday her cell phone rang and she picked it up and said hello and then looked at me and said there was nobody there. This happened 4 more times yesterday at dinner. And at tonights dinner the same thing. Phone rings she answers it with hello and says there is nobody there. This again happened 5 times.

A little strange if you ask me. I said to her what does the phone number say on the called I D . She said it said UNKNOWN CALL.

And of course in my detective mind I wonder is it a call from someone else from abroad that maybe she has communicated with and she is just acting like nobody is there because there is no way she is gonna talk to another man in front of me at dinner.

I guess it could be that I am making more out of it than it is. But I have to say it was strange 2 days in a row at the same time at night. I'm not acusing anyone of anything. I am only saying it is strange that someone calls her 10 times in front of me and she says that there is nobody there.
And she doesnt feel good and goes home early.

But I'm not gonna drive myself crazy with this. Maybe there was no one answering when she said hello and maybe here was someone on the line and she made it like there was nobody there because she was with me and that would be disrespectfull to me if she talked to this person.

Hey I said it before. I CAN ONLY HOPE FOR THE BEST AND WHAT WILL BE WILL BE.

Also I want to say that because I have been on RMP since December 06, this trip feels easy and I am very comfortable because of you guys who have commented and answered everything I threw at you.

I just know that I want this to work with her and I can only hope that it will. If something unexpected happens, than it was meant to happen that way.

But I am thinking positive and I hope it turns out positive.

Posted by: Lady

Geez RP...It IS strange about the phonecalls! And such a coincidence that she had to go home early. Maybe you should ask her if you are the only guy that she's been talking to. I don't think it's wrong to ask something like that at this point. You did after all go there to meet her...etc. And it's something that you need to know in order to be able to continue (or not) with this relationship. Everything needs to be out in the open now, no more guessing games. I hope my advice helps! Good luck!!!

Posted by: chippie

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

Hey Cedarwind,

I flew from LAX to Portland, To Frankfurt, to Minsk in January 2007. I flew Lufthansa (part of the Star Alliance). LAX-Portland-Frankfurt were on UNited (Star Alliance), and Frankfurt-Minsk on Lufthansa. I did not need to do anything. Since they are together on the Star Alliance my bags were checked through to Minsk. Just to be sure, I asked in Frankfurt and they were checked through. No problems!

Good luck, chippie

Flying to Minsk June 29th!!!

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Mmmm ... something tells me you like the women from Belarus. I can't blame you, I wrote a few and they seem to be a lot of fun! The women I am writing to and soon will meet is from Moldova and she sounds like a lot of fun too!

Good luck and happy landings Chippie!

Posted by: chippie

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Mmmm ... something tells me you like the women from Belarus. I can't blame you, I wrote a few and they seem to be a lot of fun! The women I am writing to and soon will meet is from Moldova and she sounds like a lot of fun too!

Good luck and happy landings Chippie!

Hey GTR,

HOw many days before you leave?? Sorry I lost track, but is everything with Lana finally finished??

Keep me posted!!

CHIPPIE

Posted by: royalpalace774

I do have to tell you guys something that happened during dinner tonight and yesterday .

As we were eating yesterday her cell phone rang and she picked it up and said hello and then looked at me and said there was nobody there. This happened 4 more times yesterday at dinner. And at tonights dinner the same thing. Phone rings she answers it with hello and says there is nobody there. This again happened 5 more times.

A little strange if you ask me. I said to her what does the phone number say on the called I D . She said it said UNKNOWN CALL.

And of course in my detective mind I wonder is it a call from someone else from abroad that maybe she has communicated with and she is just acting like nobody is there because there is no way she is gonna talk to another man in front of me at dinner.

I guess it could be that I am making more out of it than it is. But I have to say it was strange 2 days in a row at the same time at night. I'm not acusing anyone of anything. I am only saying it is strange that someone calls her 10 times in front of me and she says that there is nobody there.
And she doesnt feel good and goes home early.

But I'm not gonna drive myself crazy with this. Maybe there was no one answering when she said hello and maybe here was someone on the line and she made it like there was nobody there because she was with me and that would be disrespectfull to me if she talked to this person.

Hey I said it before. I CAN ONLY HOPE FOR THE BEST AND WHAT WILL BE WILL BE.

Do you guys have any opinions about the phone calls in the last 2 days at about the same time on both days ?

Hey guys also what would you do or say if you were me right now?

Today was day 5. I got to tell you guys, my mind is playin with me on this one. Also I wrote a post before this one. Read it if you can and you will know where things are at for me at this point. Go to post #269

Please let me know your thoughts about the phone calls when we have dinner 2 nights in a row ?

Posted by: Lady

I'm assuming you didn't see my last post to you...well here it is again!

Geez RP...It IS strange about the phonecalls! And such a coincidence that she had to go home early. Maybe you should ask her if you are the only guy that she's been talking to. I don't think it's wrong to ask something like that at this point. You did after all go there to meet her...etc. And it's something that you need to know in order to be able to continue (or not) with this relationship. Everything needs to be out in the open now, no more guessing games. I hope my advice helps! Good luck!!!

Posted by: ira156

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady

I'm assuming you didn't see my last post to you...well here it is again!

Geez RP...It IS strange about the phonecalls! And such a coincidence that she had to go home early. Maybe you should ask her if you are the only guy that she's been talking to. I don't think it's wrong to ask something like that at this point. You did after all go there to meet her...etc. And it's something that you need to know in order to be able to continue (or not) with this relationship. Everything needs to be out in the open now, no more guessing games. I hope my advice helps! Good luck!!!

Spot on Lady. I just dont understand why people drive themselves crazy assuming things. Just politely ASK HER. The Russian phone system is not the greatest...i have rang via a card system and on occation got different numbers. It could be someone that she was talking too ages ago and stopped it...and the guy still has the number. It could be a thousand different things. Just ASK.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:

Originally Posted by ira156

I asked her before I came to Odessa some very direct questions.

I asked her how many men have visited her in the last 3 years ? She said only one man came to visit her and it was not someone who was serious about having a future together.

She said she was more like his tour guide and friend and she knew immediately that man was not for her. He called her once every 2 weeks before he came to Odessa.

I did ask her at the table while we were eating who she thought could call her this much and maybe not answer. She said it probably was her ex husband from 3 years ago.

She had told me 4 months ago she married a man from Philadelphia U S and she spent 1 year in the U S. she also said that this man was not the same person in Odessa as he was in his home.
He was very jealous and extremely possesive and would not let her talk to anyone.

She said her parents did not like him and he also told her he did not even want to meet any of her friends.

They were married for 1 year then she told him she wanted out and was going back to Odessa.

She got plane tickets back to Odessa and he found them and ripped them up. She snuck out of the house to get new plane tickets and when it was time for the day she would leave she went to a neighbors home and then to the airport and left him.

I asked her if this man ever hit her and her answer was he was so nice to me in Odessa when he came to visit but when I come to U S he changed completely after I was there for about 4 months.

And she said I don't want to be reminded of this crazy guy. She then said it was worse than I could imagine. So I said to her why did you stay . She said she is a person who tries to make everything work and she never gives up. But this time she had to for her life was not safe.

Then she said when she came back to Odessa she got a divorce in Odessa and the man showed up un expectidly at her home and said to her I miss you and I want you back. She told him you are crazy I dont like how you are in the U S . I fear for my life when I am with you. She told him to go away snd she made her decision.

Then 6 months later he comes again to her home from the U S not invited
and again she says to him go away I don't want to be with you. So he leaves .

Another 6 months later he comes from the U S and knocks on her door and she says again, I told you I will never be with you again.

So guys when I did say at the table who do you think it could possibly be hangin up on you. She said it is probably you know who. The ex-husband.

It does make sense. Heres a guy that married her and was with her for 1 year. He comes back to Odessa after they are divorced and shows up not invited 3 different times . Kind of like a stalker. So maybe it is this ex husband from 3 years ago.

I asked her the last time he called her and spoke to him. She said he called her in the last 2 weeks but her mother answered and said to him she is not here. So it looks like it is him. But today is day 6 and I leave here in 4 days.

Tonight I am going to ask her if she is talking with any other men from abroad. Also remember 4 weeks before I came here to Odessa she removed herself from the Elena's Models website and it sais she was out of town. Some of you said that was a good sign for her intentions about being seious with me.

But I will ask her some questions tonight.

Do you guys have any comments on this . What you think is O K to ask and what is not O K to ask.

I still feel that is is going good. Mother makes me cake, Elena gets me present for my home, her dad gives me a shirt, socks & underwear because my luggage is lost. . She holds my arm while we walk in the street. We hold hands at the dinner table. She sees me every day even if she works until 6 pm.

So all of the signs are positive. My waiter friend says to me that he is certain that this women is serious about me because of all the things her parents have done for me allready. He said a Russian women's parents would not do this for anyone unless their daughter was serious about a man.

Any comments guys or am I just getting nervous about something small ?

Posted by: Chrismc

Maybe best RP to speak to her properly today, tell her you have been with her for nearly a week now and you feel things are going very well but you would like to be honest with her about your relationship and you would like to ask her a few questions and she could ask any of you.

Try and make it relaxed and not an interview type discussion, but just an informal talk between two people who have a lot in common and who are looking for the same things from a relationship.

I don't see any major problems with the mysterious phone calls, but I think there are few things I would be asking her by now.

Just my two Kopecks
Chris

Posted by: nocomfortzone

first off,
in asking for our opinions take into account none of us know anything about the body language of both of you and we only have your account of how things are going so anything we say is vwith a very limited understanding of pciture of both of you and the relationship

Having made the qualifier i will say overall it sounds very good.
Before you went you were freaked out over a photo for a few days, undertandbly so briefy but she turns out to be honest with her age and no dramas and all signs of what you have told us would indicate she sounds honest and serious about you.

the past history with a man in USA is interesting but i know my own sister got married once to a guy who seemed nice and they had a really nice house but soon after getting married he did not want her socializing with other people too much or her playing music as she can sing and play guitar. He was some kind of born again christian so some of those guys got some weird ideas about marriage and role of a wife so she left him but he'd tried to visit our house and tried a few times to get in contact with her when it was over.

So it happens whether international or in same country. Maybe this is why my sister lives on other side of country now.

She is looking after you in her country. The only thing is i think it would be nice of her to turn of her cell phone when she is having a meal with you. You've come from overseas so she should value her time with you but that's just probably a minor oversight on her part. Everything else sounds very thoughtful from her.

Maybe it's just me, but i find it weird you wondering whether she is talking to other guys. I guess i just got good instinct and trust and can tell when a girl is only interested in me. Other people are less certain in this area.
From what you describe i really could not imagine she is talking to other guys and i'd say trust you gut instinct. You say you feel good about her so if you trust your own feelings then you know the truth yourself. None of us can know exactly what is in the heart of both of you from words on a forum.

All the best and enjoy your trip and trust what feels good

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocomfortzone

The only thing is i think it would be nice of her to turn of her cell phone when she is having a meal with you.

I find this a bit odd too, in fact I would have probably asked her to turn it off, if it was just prank calls she would have had no hesitation in doing so?? one or two calls you can take but 5 or 6 two nights running is a bit much!

Also as NCZ says if she has already spent some time married to a guy from the US who in the short time they were together in Odessa was very nice, but after a few months married turned into a monster, you are going to have to prove to her that not all US guys are the same, it is understandable if she does want to take her time to get to know you and if she is a bit more wary.

As I said earlier, I think you really need to have a good informal and relaxed chat with her and see what she has to say.

Posted by: ira156

Im sorry RP but i might sound a bit harsh here. We have no idea what questions you should be asking or not.....we dont know her and we dont know you. You have stated that she has previously answered your questions regarding corresponding with other men...she explained the phone call...which wouldnt have been a surprise for me seeing she had already explained about the Ex husband.

I would just tell her your feelings for her at the moment. Russian women like a man that is strong...decisive. Tell her that you want to help her regarding the Ex and will buy her a new sim card with a different number. Tell her how you feel about her and ask the questions you need to ask.

The biggest reason for failure in any marriage western or russian....is communication or lack thereof. I might be wrong but it seems to me you have a little uncertainty in this area. If you have questions ASK. As chris says dont make it an interrogation and ask her if she has any concerns...after her past experience i would say she would. Good luck and dont let uncertainty and suspition ruin something that could be wonderful.

Posted by: Dave_N_Elvira

Glad to see that my take on the photo was right RP. Hope you learnt a lesson from this to never take a photo at face value. Some people are photogenic, some arent and sometimes photos are taken that are not altogether flattering.

Glad to see you have a great connection with this lady. The phone calls could be anything but use your gut instinct here. Let the body language and chemistry between you dictate things. Good luck with the rest of your trip

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by ira156

Russian women like a man that is strong...decisive. Tell her that you want to help her regarding the Ex and will buy her a new sim card with a different number. Tell her how you feel about her and ask the questions you need to ask.

RP I hope you read that first sentence over and over again. That is a dose of truth you really need to hear right now. Get your game face on!!!!!

It seems a little bit like Steve Martin in the movie "Roxanne". You don't need us hiding in the bushes telling you what to do every step of the way. Get your gonads up and ask her to turn off her cell phone next time it happens.

Posted by: royalpalace774

Hi Guys,
Just got back from dinner with Elena and I'm happy to say that we had a serious talk that covered everything possible that her and I could think of pertaining to us as a couple together.

I'm glad to say that even though her cell phone was on all night tonight, she did not get 1 call our whole time together tonight.

I'm not going to go into every detail about what we talked about but I will tell you a few things. One thing is that she did remove herself from the Elena's model web site because she felt an emotional connection to me and she did not want to talk with any other men at all while she knew I was coming to see her.

She also felt that I was the only man that she felt a real legitimate connection with . She felt like the few other men that she did talk with were just playing games with her and had no serious intentions.

She said that she totally trusts me and my intentions toward her and she knows I want the best for her as far as her future happiness.

She said she loves being with me and she feels like she has known me for ten years and that has never happened to her before.

She said that it is incredibly easy to talk with me and she also loves the fact that my life is totally in order. She meant that she knows I love my work and where I live and I have great friends and I am always positive about everything.

There are at least 20 more topics concerning relationships that we covered completely as far as both of our feelings toward these subjects, and us as a couple.

I told her if she feels uncomfortable answering anything I might ask her or talk about to please let me know. And there was not anything that came up that either of us had a problem with.

Like I said before. Going by body language and face to face and eye to eye contact it is evident that as of now we are a couple on the way to the next level.

After our talk I could tell she was very happy and it showed. She glowed with happiness in her face and her talking to me while we were walking after dinner.

This is our plan that we came up with together. I will come back within the next 4 months and meet her either in Odessa again or we will meet in Prague. At the same time we will file for a fiance visa for her to come to be with me.

She feels that Prague is a new place for us to be together but we also both felt that there is more reality in knowing what it is like to live under the same roof and be in my territory . I told her I was happy that she would come to be with me to experience the real me in my suroundings and to know and experience my life as it really is and to see how it will be together.

I told her I was happy about our decisions to meet again within the next 4 months and also get the Fiance visa rolling.

She said it would probably take 9 -12 months to get the visa becuse of where I live. I live in South Florida.

i asked her if in the last six days there was anything that she felt was not right between us and her answer was that she likes everything when we are together. And she would like to experience what it's like under the same roof in my territory.

So guys, yes I took the bull by the horns and I took tonight to where it needed to be. There are no unanswered questions right now between us . And if anything comes up we have the understanding between each other to bring it up without any worries towards each other.

So today was day 6 and today was when we hit the next level of understanding totally where each one of us are at in this relationship.

I have to say that she is such a doll . The only thing she said she would change in me is my choice of shoes that are ankle height. lol And then she said she was just joking.

I have a couple pairs of Doc Martin boots, one in black and one in brown and she feels that they are for hiking in the woods. She said how do you wear these in the climate you live in.

I told her they are really comfortable beyond what you would think and I love them. She said she was kidding with me and we started laughing about it. She then said she can tell an american by his shoes. They are out of place with the rest of his clothes. I told her maybe in odessa and the Ukraine but not in the U S. Anything goes and if you live in L A the dress in Hollywood could be an expensive sport jacket with a ripped up tee shirt and a pair of jeans with 3 holes in them and any pair of shoes or sneakers.

She looked at me an