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Going to Russia!
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Posted by: subcom117

Hello, All,
I want to thank everyone who has posted in this forum. I am a newbie and I have spent a lot of time here reading of everyone's experiences, both of relationships with russian women and of traveling to russia.
On the first of August, I will travel to visit my Olga in Ulyanovsk. We first met in March, and our emails progressed to regular, twice a week, phone calls.
I sent her flowers, but the company did not take delivery photos. I asked her to take a photo of her with the flowers. She did, sent it to me, and later told me she had to read the manual of her camera to learn how to set the timer so she could take the photo by herself.
She has always answered my specific questions and is making plans to take time off to spend with me, so I have no reason to think she is anything but genuine.
Yet, this is my first trip to the Russian Federation, so it is a bit intimidating. The domestic flight to Ulyanovsk leaves from Domodedovo, so I have planned my International flight to arrive directly there. So, all seems well.
I would appreciate any other traveling advise experienced travelers may have. Delay of flights, packing light... etc.
I have corresponded with many women, but Olga seems a good match for me. Yet, I am trying to travel with no other expectation than this will be a fun adventure and I am trying to create a backup plan if things to not work out.
Any further advise is appreciated.
Tim

Posted by: EasyTarget

Tim: You did the smart thing by doing some home work before going. From your description I don't think you should be worried that she is a scammer, if you are calling her on a regular basis, you would figure it quickly.

My only thought is about gifts. For Her, children if she has any, her parents, etc...
If you have no idea what to get someone a nice picture calendar of the area you live in. Inexpensive, everyone can use a calendar, can not offend anyone and they pack easily also.

Is she meeting you in Ulyanovsk?

My only suggestion is, go with both eyes wide open, open minded, and things will work out for the best.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Here are 2 threads for you to read. One is about how you might feel about your trip and the other is what to pack.

The only advice I can give you is be aware of your surroundings and stay where people are. You might feel scared, overwelmed, or have culture shock but don't worry. I always felt very safe in Russia.

Good luck with your adventure and keep us informed of your progress. If you have any questions please ask.

http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...ead.php?t=12543

http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...66&page=1&pp=15

Posted by: Firestorm

Its an adventure of a Lifetime.. And you will Love it.
I Did.
The Best advice i can give. Is to take care of your belongings.
There was no weight limit except what airlines stipulate.
I Took gifts. Mobile. Camera. And Camcorder.
And came back with them all.
Dont believe all you hear and read.
The russian people are warm friendly and very helpful.

Just keep an eye on your stuff.
Dont travel alone on the streets at night. ( No matter how brave you feel )
And only carry the money you need. At the time.
There are plenty of cash machines if you run low.

I Allways carried my Passport. and Papers. ( It got a moneybelt)
And put them in it.

Other than that..
Have an Awesome time..

)
Goodluck

Posted by: subcom117

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firestorm

Its an adventure of a Lifetime.. And you will Love it.
I Did. Other than that..
Have an Awesome time..

)
Goodluck

Thanks Firestorm. My trip was actually from Aug 1 to Aug 15, so I have been there and returned safely home.

It was truly an adventure. This was my first time to a non-English speaking country. I made all the airline plans and ticket/hotel reservations myself, so I did feel like I was living "on the edge" for all these plans to pan out. Especially at Domodedovo. I was not familiar with the airport, the woman at the ticket counter didn't speak English and the check in is quite different from American airports. But I was prepared, having written out phrases I needed to say to get my ticket and ask for a return ticket.

Olga met me at the airport in Ulyanovsk and made sure everything was right for me, from check in at the hotel to my immigrant registration I needed when I left. She took time off from work to spend with me the entire time I was there.

Ulyanovsk is definitely not a tourist spot, so I had the opportunity to see how real working Russians live. With the failing infrastructure it was interesting to see how tolerant Russians are. They took the potholes in the worn out roads and lack of hot water as just the way things are. Perhaps from their diet and exercise from walking so much, they seem much more fit than Americans. Although I can understand why the average life expectancy of a Russian man is only 59. I saw so many men (and women) smoking and drinking in public.

Last night I was at a Farmer's market in my town. Taking time to observe I would have to say that Russian's dress in public much more stylishly than Americans. Americans seem much more over weight and "frumpy" in their dress.

As it was the middle of summer, there were many temporary outdoor cafes, so many people were out every night and the area well lit and active. However, there was one night when things were noticeably quiet and dark. Olga said we should not walk down that way, after all, "this is Russia." I think in every town, the locals know where it is not safe to go.

I'm pretty good at keeping an eye on my surroundings and I was only out at night with Olga, so I felt pretty safe. I spent three days at the beach (I'm from California so that was a surprise), as Ulyanovsk in on the river Volga. I found, due to their short warm months, Russians there love the beach. I also spent three nights at Olga's flat teaching her West Coast Swing. We both love to dance so we truly had a great time!

I traveled with the expectation that it would be a great adventure, and it was. But more than that, I spent my time with Olga and she is truly a gem. Since my return we speak on the phone or SMS almost daily, and I am planning a second trip to meet with her again. Today she again went to the beach and I went to my company picnic. I so wish she could have been here with me!! Maybe some time in the future.

But hey, my luggage made it all the way there and back with no problem... that's got to be worth something!

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by subcom117

But hey, my luggage made it all the way there and back with no problem... that's got to be worth something!

God! that's all I'm really hoping for. Everything else is gravy!

what was your transit path?

Posted by: subcom117

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

what was your transit path?

I knew the domestic flight only traveled from Domodedovo to Ulyanovsk, so I arranged my travel from LAX to DME. Unfortunately, there were no direct flights, so I went from LAX to JFK in New York, to Heathrow in London to DME.
There I had only a reservation, so I had to go to the ticket counter and buy my ticket. There the "adventure" began.

But my luggage arrived in DME, despite all the airport changes. I checked it with the domestic airline (Polet) and all arrived with me in Ulyanovsk.

Posted by: Longfellow

I am feeling better now.

I have Aeroflot from LAX to SVO and SVO to Sinferopol.
Was (and still am a little) worried that Aeroflot won't manage to get my luggage to follow me.

thanks for the reassurance that airlines can still manage, most of the time.

And I'm really glad you had a good adventure. What more can a man ask for?

Posted by: subcom117

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

I have Aeroflot from LAX to SVO and SVO to Sinferopol.

You have only one change!! If my checked baggage followed me through three airports half way around the World, you should be fine. I look forward to hearing of your experience in Crimea, as I am thinking of meeting my Olga for our second visit there.

Posted by: Longfellow

I'll definitely post follow-ups and reviews on my return.

I have told Tanya I want to make active day travels to see the area (she is no fan of Simferopol, prefers to get away to coast) so I expect I'll have much to share.
Meanwhile, look at Freebirds reviews of Crimea restaraunts, sites, etc.
Really good info there from a reliable (albeit Canadian) source. :-)
How they allowed him to spend that Monopoly money in Ukraine baffles me!!! LOL
He is a good guy with solid insight and experience. I think his suggestions are worth noting.