Meeting Natasha - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Meeting Natasha
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Posted by: truckerguy

Hello everyone! Some time ago, I posted that I would be traveling to Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine to meet a woman I had met online. I know that it has been several weeks but now I would like to tell my story. A little back round info first.

I first started emailing Natasha in December of 06. For the first couple of months the emails were slow and short, mainly because I was emailing several women at the same time. I guess it was around March that I decided to email only her. Since then, we started emailing almost every day and had numerous online chat sessions. One of the main things that attracted me to her is her faith in God. She had talked of reading the bible and going to church often. Since this is an important factor for me, it leant a lot of weight with me.

So, I decided that I would go and visit her and find out what she is like in person. We did not talk on the phone before I left, I think, mostly because her English ability is very limited. I think she is a little self conscious about it.

Sometime before I left, she make it clear to me that I was the only one that she was corresponding with also. So, I started planning my trip. Maybe a month before I left, she told me that she wanted to spend a week in Yalta with me. I was totally ok with this idea as I would still get to spend some time with her in her hometown.

Posted by: truckerguy

Thursday, June 21, was the big day for me. Passport in hand and full of jitters, I boarded a plane in St. Louis, bound for Chicago. From Chicago, it was on to Vienna with Austrian Airlines. Just a side note, I was extremely impressed by Austrian Airlines. I am not a worldwide jetsetter, so I have little to compare to, but they were awesome and I would highly recommend them. From Vienna, it was off to Dnepro.

As I arrived in Dnepro, I was more concerned about getting through customs than anything else. I had already arranged to be picked up at the airport and taken to my apartment. Customs ended up being a breeze, I did not declare anything and they did not ask about it. So, I got my first stamp in my passport from the country of Ukraine.

Once through customs, my interpreter, the driver and the manager for the agency in Dnepro met me. The meeting with Natasha was scheduled for later on. They took me to my apartment and showed me around and let me know that I had time to shower and change. Olia, my interpreter would be back in a few hours to pick me up.

Our meeting was scheduled to be at a restaurant for dinner. Olia came by and picked me up and off we went to meet Natasha. We arrived at Bartolemews Resteraunt and made reservations and got our table and waited for Natasha to arrive.

Posted by: truckerguy

Bartolemews Restaurant sits on quite a bit of property right next to the Dnepro river. Olia and I decided to wait outside for Natasha to arrive. After about ten minutes or so, here comes this vision of beauty walking up the drive. I left Olia behind and started walking up to her, flowers in hand. At the very first instant, we hugged each other very tightly, I had forgotten all about the flowers I was holding. I am sure many of you have been there before, but pictures on some website never really do anyone justice. There is no substitute for a real, living, breathing woman of beauty.

I finally presented her the roses as we walked back to the table. I gave her a few gifts at the table and then we decided to take a walk around the grounds. Ukranian women eat chocolate like it is its own food group. The gifts I brought her that first night: a bag of Hersheys Kisses and a bag of Hersheys Huggs and a flag of the US with a Statue of Liberty airbrushed on it. She had asked for a Statue of Liberty, but being from St. Louis, that was all I could find on such short notice. She told me later that she loved the Hersheys and pinned the flag above her bed.

I have read somewhere else on this forum about how a woman may look at you after first meeting, just stare at you. Believe me, those eyes could have bore holes into me. We walked hand in hand around the grounds of the restaurant grounds, then went in to eat and watch the show. All the while we were chatting through Olia, our interpreter.

We spent a few hours with each other at the restaurant, then it was time to head back to the apartment. Although excited, I was totally exhausted at that point. I did not sleep hardly at all on the plane and I was ready for some sleep. They would be by in the morning to pick me up.

Posted by: j_c

Truckerguy

Looking forward to your next post !!

How was her english and did you really need the translator??

JC

Posted by: truckerguy

Thanks JC. She knew hardly any english, so the tranlator was neccessary. The good thing was that they were good friends and hung out all the time anyway so it was not like Olia was someone who we had to build trust in. They are actually very good friends.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Thanks for the information on Austrian Airways. I'll be flying with them in less then 3 weeks. I used Moldovian Airlines last April/May and I was a bit nervious because my travel agent couldn't buy tickets, I had to buy them on-line. I think the reason was because Moldova is not part of the European Union. Anyway, I was very impressed by them.

Yes those eyes can hynotise you ... that's when the "hooks" go in ... then she can real you in anytime she wants!

But don't struggle or fight ... she sounds like a "keeper"!

Take care and I hope for a happy ending.

Posted by: truckerguy

Several months ago, I had purchased the whole Pimsleur Russian course. Out of 90 lessons, I managed to become quite good at the first 45 lessons or so. For anyone not familiar with this course, it is 100% audio. You listen to the lessons, then repeat what they say. Overall, I think it is quite good. I was actually proud of myself with what Russian I did know. That is, before I visited. You find out very quickly how much you really don’t know when you’re there. I can tell that even when I can master the whole 90 lessons, I will still have a long way to go to become proficient.

Saturday morning, I am ready and waiting for Natasha and Olia’s arrival. This was a typical day where we walked for miles and they showed me the city. We visited Shevchenko park and Monestary Island. We walked along the riverfront and visited Globa park. We bought ice cream at McDonalds and walked all throughout the city center. I must say that Dnepropetrovsk really is a beautiful city.

We really needed Olia, our interpreter, there with us. While Natasha and I both spoke a little of each others language, it was not nearly enough to hold a meaningful conversation. I will value her service to us probably forever.

We had dinner at a restaurant known for serving real Ukrainian food. I cant remember the name, but it is right next to the train station. Anyone from there will know of it. This food was just spectacular! I was really surprised at how much I actually enjoyed every bit of it. We had everything from soups and salads to meatballs and potatoes and also dessert there. After dinner we had decided to call it a day. They walked me back to the apartment and we hugged each other goodnight. Tomorrow would be another big day. We would be visiting her church and I would find out just how deep her faith is.

Posted by: Chrismc

Sounds like you got off to a good start TruckerG !

Posted by: truckerguy

GTR, thanks for the response. I am glad i can be of help to someone who has much more experience at this than I do. Of every airline that I have been on, I just have to say that Austrian was the best. As I was waiting for boarding in Chicago, here came about a dozen people dressed in bright red suits. This was our staff. Every one of them looked like models, even the men. They were the friendliest staff of any flight I have been on.

I have read about the "hooks" from others on this site. They sank in deep and hard that first weekend. She reeled me in like a helpless little minnow. I had no objections, even with the language barrier, we had a lot in common and shared many of the same beliefs. We both have much of the same desires for the future. I will talk more of this in upcomming posts.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

No one knows everything and anyone can learn something new ... even an old dog like me!

I'm flying Austrian out of Chicago too.

Go to go, my girl is calling!

Posted by: j_c

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckerguy

GTR, thanks for the response. I am glad i can be of help to someone who has much more experience at this than I do. Of every airline that I have been on, I just have to say that Austrian was the best. As I was waiting for boarding in Chicago, here came about a dozen people dressed in bright red suits. This was our staff. Every one of them looked like models, even the men. They were the friendliest staff of any flight I have been on.

My wife uses Austrian Airlines whenever she travels to Krasnodar , flies London-Vienna- Krasnodar, much easier route than via Moscow.
They are a bit more expensive than Aeroflot, but she says they are worth it.

JC

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_c

I would agree with your wife. For long distance, Aeroflot is pretty bad. The national flights aren't so bad and I've had worse take offs and landings by american airflights.

Posted by: truckerguy

Being a non denominational Christian, it is important to me that anyone I may date or marry have roughly the same type of beliefs that I do. I think this goes a long way in a relationship, when two people share the same beliefs. I know that it has caused problems for me in the past, when someone I was dating did not share the same beliefs. So, I was still a little unsure of exactly what type of beliefs Natasha actually had. She had talked about going to church and reading the bible and said she was a Christian, but you never really know until you meet someone.

Natasha and Olia came by to pick me up on Sunday morning to go to church. At this point I was still wondering what type of church it was going to be. As soon as we walked through the doors of her church, I realized that I had been there before. No, not her church in Dnepro, but to a hundred other churches just like it. I was raised in exactly this type of church! It was a non denominational charismatic Christian church. This was right up my alley!

After the service, I let her know about what I felt about going to her church. I am positive that at that point, our relationship just jumped up a few notches. I could go on and on about this particular topic, but I will get back to the trip and things we did.

After church, we did more walking and ate lunch, then it was time for them to leave me at the apartment and go home. We would be boarding a train for Yalta in the evening and they had to go home and pack.

Posted by: truckerguy

I have never been on a train before, let alone one with sleeper cabins. I was really looking forward to this trip to Yalta on the train. As we came up to the train station, it was teeming with thousands of people. This place was really busy. Since I was taking everything with me, I was lugging around a huge suitcase and my backpack. It seemed that we had to walk a mile to get to our train. I am not a really athletic type, you could say that I am not in very good shape. I drive a truck for a living, so I sit most of the time, behind the wheel. I am not a huge guy, just not in very good shape. By the time we got to our cabin, I am completely exhausted from lugging around my things. I am drenched in my own sweat.

What made things even worse was that we were split up for this train ride. Olia was in a different cabin, while me and Natasha shared with two total strangers. I figured, ok, once this thing gets rolling, I will cool down a bit. This cabin had no air flow at all. The other two people wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. I spent the first couple hours of this train ride out in the hall, next to an open window, trying to cool down a bit. Me and Natasha just stood there watching the countryside go by as it grew dark.

Soon it was time to go to bed. As we opened the darkened cabin, it was like hitting a brick wall. The heat and stuffiness of that cabin nearly knocked me over. Nata had already made the beds, but I knew this would be a long sleepless night. I just cant sleep when I am hot. I dozed off once or twice, but no real sleep for me. I was up early, again standing by the open window in the hall. Soon we would be rolling into Simferopol.

I had found out sometime just before we left Dnepro on the train that we would be going to Simferopol on the train, then taking a bus from there to Yalta. Ok, no problem. You learn quickly to expect the unexpected when in Ukraine. The bus ride was nice…plenty of air flow. We arrived at the bus station in Yalta, and waited for the manager of the agency there to take us to the apartment.

Posted by: sidney

We are glad to see everything working out for you.
It does pay off to do a little walking and get in shape for these trips because you do much walking there. I've had family and friends want to go along and knowing the poor health some were in made me reluctant to drag them along. There are benefits to packing lite.
Sid

Posted by: Texas Proud

Trucker guy....

I hope you like Yalta.... when I was there I was in a hotel right along the water.... it was very nice.. part of the 'game' is to walk!!! She will dress up and you walk up and down the waterfront showing off... you will more than likely stand out as a 'tourist'...

Take the boat trip to the castle... if you are out of shape, it will take you a bit to get up the stairs, but it is a beautiful castle (fake or course, but who cares)... then go on to the museum where they had the Yalta conference... it is a nice day trip...

Hmm.. what else... I kind of forget what else we did when I was there... but it was a nice few days for me...

Good luck!!

Posted by: pulsar1

enjoying you story Trucker guy,looking forward to you next post.

Posted by: truckerguy

At this point, let me tell you how I was feeling about the whole experience thus far. Never once during our emails or chat sessions did I ever get any red flags from Nata. I am pleased to say that I still haven’t. By the time we reached Yalta, Nata had exhibited to me her undivided attention. She made me feel as if I were the most important person on earth. I was never nervous about meeting her face to face. So, at this point, I was really starting to feel a lot for this woman. During six months of correspondence, she never told me that she loved me. I never told her either. We both agreed that we had to meet first. Also, up to this point, she was never demanding about anything. She has an outgoing attitude, but at the same time, has a quietness about her. She is very soft spoken, but does get animated with what she is saying after the first few sentences.

We waited at the bus station for a little while to be picked up by the manager of the agency in Yalta. She took us to the apartment where we would be “living” for the next five days. For those who have not been there yet, when Ukrainians stay somewhere away form home, they live there. Whether a hotel or apartment. Not merely just “stay,” like we Americans would say. It was actually a very nice two bedroom place. I would occupy one bedroom, while Nata and Olia would be in the other. It had a nice kitchen with a dining area, a big living room and a sunroom off the kitchen.

After we checked things out and settled in, it was off to the beach. I don’t remember the name of the street we stayed on, but I guess we were about one third of a mile away from the water. We had to navigate through dozens of fresh produce vendors and clothing and souvenir vendors to get down to the main lakefront area. One of the first things I noticed when we got down to the water was the big McDonalds in the circular building. What a beautiful place this was! For maybe a mile along the water there is an area where there are restaurants and stores, nice landscaping and nice wide walkways. It is pure vacation at this point, total fun in the sun! Next, the beach!

Posted by: truckerguy

We finally made our way to the beach. Before this time, I had envisioned nice fine sanded beaches. Something like you would find in Florida or California. Nope. Rocks. We made our way to the beach that sits next to the pier that all the excursion boats leave out of. It was not a very big beach, and like I said, it was a rocky beach. Not big sharp rocks, but the little smooth pebble type rocks. No big deal, I did not come here to make sandcastles.

Guys, I am from St. Louis. By and large, much of St. Louis is pretty conservative, I think. So when we get to the beach, I am a little surprised to see almost nothing but string bikinis on everyone. Not that I am complaining, mind you. Nata, lays out her towel, then takes off whatever she was wearing to reveal….just about everything! Talk about a string bikini! This thing would probably be outlawed in Missouri. Nata is about 5’6” or 5’7”, and 110 pounds. To say she looked good in that bikini, is an understatement. Into the water we go. The cold water. It is June, but that water was freezing. It didn’t take long to get used to it, though. The first day we are there, the water is very calm.

We pretty much took it easy that first day there. Just relaxed and walked around, laid out in the sun, and swam. Since we had a kitchen, we shopped for food and ate in. After that, we were all pretty much wiped and went to bed. Tomorrow, the excursions begin with the stairway from hell.

Posted by: truckerguy

Thanks everyone for the responses. Sidney, will definately pack lighter next time and get in better shape. Felt like we walked a hundred miles during this trip.

TP, this is all past tense now, but stay tuned for what we did! Did not get to see the Yalta Conference castle, wish we did though. Something for next time.

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud

I hope you like Yalta.... when I was there I was in a hotel right along the water.... it was very nice.. part of the 'game' is to walk!!! She will dress up and you walk up and down the waterfront showing off... you will more than likely stand out as a 'tourist'...

I also plan on spending a bit of time in Yalta on my upcoming trip, so your advice is very much appreciated.

What would you say are appropriate clothes to minimize standing out like a tourist?

Posted by: joelunchbox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

I also plan on spending a bit of time in Yalta on my upcoming trip, so your advice is very much appreciated.

What would you say are appropriate clothes to minimize standing out like a tourist?

Think "ugly american", dress the opposite.

Just dress conservatively, no expensive sneakers, stay away from logo anything. I fit right in when I went to Kiev, Moscow and Tashkent. I guess boring is okay everywhere. haha
"Expensive" grabs people's attention and says "TOURISTA!!!!". Nice is okay, stay away from garish, though. Minimum amount of bling also.

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelunchbox

Think "ugly american", dress the opposite.

So don't wear the little shorts that say "juicy" across the a$$... got it!

Posted by: EasyTarget

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

So don't wear the little shorts that say "juicy" across the a$$... got it!

LF: for the sake of all of humanity's eyesight, please, please don't wear those shorts. :-)

Posted by: truckerguy

OK, maybe the stairway from hell is a little too harsh. Lets just call it a grueling staircase for anyone who is not in very good shape. I am getting a little ahead of myself, lets back up a bit. Right next to the beach is a long pier where there are docked excursion boats. When you are on the beach, every couple of minutes, there is this loudspeaker with the most monotone voice coming out of it announcing times for the excursions. Anyone who has been there will know what I am talking about. It actually gets a little annoying because it is so loud that it is hard to hold a conversation over it.

So the second day we are there we decide to go on one of these excursions to the castle. It is called the “Swallows Nest.” This is the castle you see in every picture describing Yalta. The one that sits on the side of the mountain. So, we get the tickets and everyone crams onto this big excursion boat for the ride over there. It really is a beautiful ride. You see Yalta from out at sea, the mountains and all the other private beaches and other castles on the way out there. We get moored to the dock and everyone gets off the boat to begin the trek up to the castle. When I say “trek” I really mean it. This is a loooooong staircase. About halfway up, there is an area where there are vendors that sell souvenirs and such, then it is more stairs up to the castle.

We finally make it to the top and I am totally exhausted. Of course, Nata and Olia aren’t even breathing hard. So we walk around this castle for a little while and take pictures and video. This thing really does sit right on the edge of the cliff. You look over the big concrete railing and you are looking straight down at the water. We did not go inside. There is a restaurant inside that I am told is the most expensive restaurant in the whole Crimea. I don’t know this for sure, its just what I was told. Time to go, so we head back down the stairs, into the boat and back to the pier. From then on, it is more swimming, laying out and walking around.

For me, doing the small things were the best. I loved just holding hands with Nata as we walked to and from everywhere. Again, we went to the market for food and ate at the apartment. We did this just about every night. This really was not even at my suggestion. Nata and Olia just assumed we would do this. I am very grateful for that, because had we eaten out everywhere, I am sure the expense would have been much greater. Next, we climb to the top of the mountain!

Posted by: truckerguy

One thing you have to remember is that Yalta is a tourist area anyway. Most people you see walking around are dressed casual. As for me, I was a little concerned about this also. For the most part, I just wore my swimming trunks or cargo shorts and a pullover collared shirt everywhere. For footwear, my sandals. I don't think what I was wearing made me stick out at all. What made me stick out the most was the attitude I had the whole time I was there....Positive!!

Hope this helps a little. I also guess it depends on the time of year you plan on being there.

Posted by: truckerguy

Periodically, as you are walking around on the waterfront area, you will see these little circular buildings with all kinds of posters all over it. These are places where you can buy tickets for excursions. Sometime before we headed back to the apartment the previous day, we bought tickets to head up to the top of the mountain.

As with everyday we are there, we get up and eat some breakfast. This usually included leftovers from the night before and fresh fruit and juice. Then it is off for a morning swim. It has been windy, so when we get to the beach, the waves are huge! Really choppy water today. This was actually really fun to swim in. My favorite part was staying in the water just a little off the shore and watching unsuspecting people get pummeled by these waves. Next, its off on our excursion.

We meet at the designated place and get on a little bus to go to the base of the mountain with our tour guide. There are perhaps 15 people in our little group. We get to where we will be going up the mountain and get off the bus to this area that is filled with people and vendors of all sorts. This is where we get on the cable car that goes to the station up the mountain.

I don’t get annoyed very easily, but there is one thing I must bring up that started getting on my nerves. This is just a little heads up for anyone planning to go there. There are no lines where you wait to get on the whatever, the bus, the boat, the train, the cable car. It is just a mad dash to get on. You actually have to learn to be a little rude when getting in one of these things. I am usually a Mr. Nice Guy, but you must push yourself to get in there. So, this started getting to me, but, I brushed it off and decided to just go with it.

This cable car is one of those kinds you see in the movies on the Swiss Alps or something. It holds probably 100 people and goes up the side of the mountain on cables. There is another station halfway up the mountain where we switch cars and another steeeeep climb to the top. By the time you get off, you are way up there. You can see the Black Sea in all its glory and the whole city of Yalta. Tons of vendors at the top, lots of photo opps, restaurants and even exotic animals you can get your picture taken with.

So, after a little bit, Nata says its time to go. I say “where?” She says, “to the top.” I am thinking to myself, aren’t we already at the top? Time for a little hike. The tour guide takes us through the little village there and into the woods. She stops along the way explaining things, but I can’t understand any of it. Olia translates a little of it for me, but I am busy with the video camera. Into these woods and up and up, then more up. “Surely when we get out of these woods we will be at the top,” I muse at one point into the camera. Nope. A rocky slope that looks like it goes straight up. We stop about halfway up this rockfield to catch our breaths. The tour guide is still yapping away about whatever, not even a drop of sweat on her, or Nata, or Olia. I am sweating profusely and would be soaked if it weren’t for the wind up there. We finally make it to the top, and the view is…well…words really can’t describe it. You will just have to go and find out for yourself. Next, the biggest waterfall in Crimea!

Posted by: Chrismc

Great report Trucker....Yalta is a place I have always wanted to visit, was meant to go last year but it all fell through, sounds really nice.

Quote:

=Truckerguy]There are no lines where you wait to get on the whatever, the bus, the boat, the train, the cable car. It is just a mad dash to get on. You actually have to learn to be a little rude when getting in one of these things.

Its Russia/Ukraine, its normal

Posted by: joelunchbox

On the lack of lines...I just follow my girl's lead. If she pushes, I push! I always hold her hand so we don't get separated. I think we in america are losing the ability to form lines, so maybe we are reverting to the european approach to entries--everyone for themselves!! haha

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Great report Trucker....Yalta is a place I have always wanted to visit, was meant to go last year but it all fell through, sounds really nice.

Its Russia/Ukraine, its normal

HE HE HE you are right Chrismc. It reminds me of catching a plane in Sochi. People are hearded into 1 gate area. It is a constant flow of people and the line moves slow because there is only one person checking your passport and ticket. Then you have to remove your shoes and go though the detetor.

It looks like someone is hearding cattle!

Yes TruckerGuy, my biggest memory is a boat ride I took on the Black Sea in Sochi. I hope to do the same thing in Varna Bulgaria in a little more then 2 weeks.

Posted by: Pin Boy

hello truckerguy, great trip report. you're following in the steps of our old member stoichman.

i'm currently in kiev for the past 8 weeks taeching business english to adults. leave in one week. really wish i could stay!!

know what you and the others are saying about the fitness factor. my pants are definitely looser after walking two hours a day and often more. and i've had some great meals along with ice cream and beer on a regular basis. if we could put that in a pill we'd all be billionaires!!!

look forward to more

pin boy

Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

I also plan on spending a bit of time in Yalta on my upcoming trip, so your advice is very much appreciated.

What would you say are appropriate clothes to minimize standing out like a tourist?

Most of the men are dressed up also... You will stand out no matter what...

They have these shoes that I don't think are sold over here.... dress shoes ... sneakers are not worn by anyone but tourist it seems... And no shorts (well, I lie, there were a bunch of people with shorts, it just didn't seem that way)..

Hey, how does it look around that McDonalds??? They were constructing that whole area when I was there???

Also, keep walking down the seashore past the shops etc and you will come to a much bigger beach... and rent a couple of the beach chairs... they can save you from the rocks...

BTW, how was the drive to Yalta??? When I went, we shared a cab with a young woman that lived there.... my lady and her were talking the whole way... and I was praying for my life.... the taxi driver made a third lane out of the middle stripe.... but that lane was also used by people coming the other way!!! Even around CURVES!!!!

Glad to here things working out so far...

OH... guys.... not all women are 'model' looking... I saw a good number of fat ones on the beach... and they wore string bikinis also... ARRRRGGGHHHH my eyes!!! Fortunately there was enough eye candy to make up for it...

Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelunchbox

On the lack of lines...I just follow my girl's lead. If she pushes, I push! I always hold her hand so we don't get separated. I think we in america are losing the ability to form lines, so maybe we are reverting to the european approach to entries--everyone for themselves!! haha

It is not Europe, but FSU.... I have been to many European countries and almost all form lines... this mad dash seems to be a Russian thing... I think it is from the old Soviet days... if you didn't get there first, you didn't get....

Hey Trucker... I forgot about that cable car... when we got up there I got attacked by the vendors... they will NOT leave you alone... telling them to leave you alone doesn't help one bit... I got very annoyed with these guys all the time... kind of ruined a number of the sites you go to..

When I was up at the top of the mountain, we took a trip inland a bit to go see a cave... but, when we got there the door was closed, so I dont' know how big or how impressive it is.... anybody???

I DID see all the people trecking up that mountain Truck talked about... glad I didn't do it

Posted by: truckerguy

TP, first, the area around the McD's, it looked awsome! Now that i think about it, most of that area did look like it was just built. It was nice and clean, no trash on the ground. The place looked great.

As far as the ride to Yalta, we were in one of those mini buses. I had Nata in my arms and really wasn't paying attention to that particular ride. I do know what you are talking about as far as the way the road is used there....ouch!

What I noticed at the beach, yes, even the BIG women wear the string bikinis. There is plenty of eye candy to make up for it, though. Nata was all the eye candy I needed. It seemed like the only women not in those bikinis were the 50 plus croud.

You are right about the vendors, I just didn't make eye contact and acted like they weren't there. They pretty much just left me alone. But some of them will keep pestering you. Did not get to the cave, we went to the waterfall. I will get to that in another post later today or tomorrow. See you then.

Posted by: truckerguy

We come down off the top of the mountain and into one of the little restaurants there. We had ordered food before we climbed up to the top. It was a nice little place with really good barbeque’d chicken. We did a little wine tasting there too. Then we go out and Nata and Olia want their pictures taken with a little tiger cub and the want to get on the camels. Plenty of photo opps for me. By the time we are done with this, it is time to go. I am thinking we are going to head down the same way we came up…in the cable car. Nope. We get into the bus we took to get to the base of the mountain and head down. This is the scariest road I have ever seen. There are fourteen switchbacks on this tiny road.

We get about halfway down and the tour guide asks everyone if we want to just go back or see the waterfall. Everyone is for the waterfall. We are told this is the highest waterfall in the Crimea. If you look up pictures of Yalta, you will probably find it. So, we get to this trailhead that is, of course, full of more vendors. We start walking on this trail to head for the waterfall and the tour guide is explaining everything. After about maybe a third of a mile on this trail, we come to where the waterfall is. At least, where the waterfall is supposed to be. There is just a little tiny trickle of water coming down the mountain. Wow, I’m impressed. Now I am told that it is much more active after the rain or during the winter.

We get back to the bus and finally head back. By this time we were all pretty tired. I think we just went to the market and got food, then back to the apartment. We ate and then just hung out there for the rest of the night. All in all, a pretty good day. Next…the waterpark.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud

I thought Russians were the worst mad dashers but when I was in Moldova, you coundn't get to the ticket counter because people were all lined up a half hour before loading! I needed a boarding pass and I had to go to the very end of the counter and wave my ticket! There are always plenty of chairs to sit in to wait for the plane!

Posted by: truckerguy

Hey GTR! I thought of one or two things that might be of some help to you when you go. If you're flying Austrian out of O'Hare, I left out of terminal 5. This is where all the international flights depart. After going through, or right before, the TSA checkpoint, get something to eat. I had a 3 or 4 hour layover, so i wanted to find the gate first, but it is at the very end of terminal 5. This is a very long walk. So, if your hungry, i would advise getting something to eat before you walk all the way down there. Hope this helps.

Posted by: Lanny

Hi, Truckerguy --

I'm heading off to Belarus with only 11 Pimsleur lessons under my belt. I find that I have to listen to each one about 8 times to be comfortable with it. My fiance is also very religious. She was nervous about telling me that she is a Baptist -- then discovered that I'm a lifelong Baptist who actually attended a Baptist seminary after college.

We both came up with the same idea, which is exactly the opposite of what you did: She is meeting me at the airport alone, and we're going to spend the first two days making fools of ourselves and getting the initial awkwardness out of the way before we try to deal with her family and friends. I can definitely see the plus side of having an interpreter along, but we decided to dive in and face the reality of what life is going to be like until I learn a lot more Russian and she learns a lot more English. If it turns out to be a fiasco, we'll rely on her English-speaking daughter, who has been translating all of my e-mails anyway.

It sounds like your approach worked out great for you. I should add that we have already had a lot of deep discussions by e-mail, which is one of the reasons that I'm not as concerned about communication while I'm there. I assume that everyone does what I do -- I run her Russian e-mails through three different online services (Google, PROMT and Lingvistica), which only takes a few minutes and gives me a pretty good idea of what she is saying.

What are your ages? I'm 57 (widowed after 34 years) and she is 53. I'm wondering if this would have any bearing on why you and I decided on different approaches. I've enjoyed your posts and will look forward to the rest of them.

Lanny

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckerguy

Hey GTR! I thought of one or two things that might be of some help to you when you go. If you're flying Austrian out of O'Hare, I left out of terminal 5. This is where all the international flights depart. After going through, or right before, the TSA checkpoint, get something to eat. I had a 3 or 4 hour layover, so i wanted to find the gate first, but it is at the very end of terminal 5. This is a very long walk. So, if your hungry, i would advise getting something to eat before you walk all the way down there. Hope this helps.

Thanks for tip TruckerGuy. I will eat just before I leave for the airport so I shouldn't be hungary. The American flight I take overseas always gave me enough to eat. What about Austrian Airlines? Good food and enough for you? Did the attendents come around often enough to offer water?

Thanks again, I will be with her for day 1 in 2 weeks!

Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

You can always ask for water if they do not.... I have even gone back there (on my 'walk') and saw where they had a number of glasses of water laid out for anybody looking... once there was a ice chest of ICE CREAM!!! What a deal... I was there eating myself to death... Can't remember if it was Air France or BA..

Posted by: truckerguy

Hi Lanny! I know what you are talking about listening to the Pimsleur program. I also have to listen to them many times. As far as our ages, i am 35 and she is 27. Niether of us has been married. I think i would of done things a little differently in retrospect, but so far, i have no regrets. Meaning, less help from the agency and more work on my own. The next time i go back, I plan on doing things a little different. We'll see how that works out. Right now, she is taking english lessons, so hopefully, we will be able to communicate a little better on our own next time.

Posted by: truckerguy

Hi GTR! When i flew Austrian, i was right up close to the middle attendant station. Right behind first class. So, i saw the attendants often, but i dont know about further back. They seemed to be around quite a bit, though. As far as the food, i thought it was great. Had some sort of chicken pasta for the main course and some sides, then there was a breakfast later on with meats and cheese. That European type of food doesn't look like much, but it has a way of filling you up. Overall, I was really satisfied. The Delta flight on the way back wasn't bad as far as food, either, but Austrian was the best.

Posted by: truckerguy

It is the morning of the fourth day in Yalta, and we do the usual. Eat something, then head for the beach for a swim. By this time, I have popped the blisters and more are forming on my feet. Getting into the water is not a problem, but getting out onto those rocks is murder for me. But, I deal with it and have a good time anyway. After a while we head to where we are supposed to meet for the trip over to the waterpark. Again, we had bought tickets the evening before.

There were two options for the tickets, all day or just 4 hours. We chose the four hour passes. We finally get on the bus and head over to the waterpark where we have to wait because our tickets aren’t good until one o’clock. Not a big deal, just going with the flow at this point. What I was really looking forward to was just hanging out in a pool. I did not particularly care to go on all the slides and things. In we go where Nata and I are trying to keep up with Olia. Olia is 18 years old, so she is like a kid in a candy store here. They have maybe six or seven pretty good slides and we hit all of them. Finally, I told them that I was just going to hang out in a pool and they can do whatever they want. My feet were just killing me. So, Nata and Olia go one another slide and Nata comes back to me while Olia goes to have more fun.

While I am in this pool by myself, it starts to rain. And then lightning and thunder. I am wondering when they are going to pull the plug and get everyone out. Never happened. I know from being to places like this in the US, at the first hint of lightning, they are telling everyone to get out. Oh well, I just hang out in the pool and hope not to be electrocuted.

After a while, we are all done swimming and head over to a little café in the park. We eat then wait for the bus to leave. We did some souvenir hunting and just relaxed for the rest of the evening after returning to the waterfront. Next, the dolphin show.

Posted by: truckerguy

The last day we are in Yalta, we decide to go see the dolphin show. Nata really is looking forward to this. I am too, I have never been to one of these. Never been to Seaworld or anything. So, morning as usual, then walk around a bit. Time to head for the show. Again, we had already purchased tickets in one of those kiosks you see in the waterfront area.

Onto the bus and to the dolphin show! We get there and there are numerous vendors all over the place outside of the auditorium area. The doors are closed so we walk around some then head in. We get our seats and there are these no camera signs all over the place. I put my camera away only to look around and see that everyone else has there cameras out and ready to go. Fine, I decided to video the whole thing. It was a pretty cool show, good music and watching the dolphins perform was interesting. They also had a seal and a walrus in the show.

The show ends and now you can pay to have your picture taken with the dolphins. Up go Nata and Olia right away. I tell them, I am going to hang back and video them. So, I got stills and the whole thing on video. I would recommend it, it was pretty neat. Onto the bus and back to the waterfront. More souvenir buying, then back to the apartment to pack up for the trip back to Dnepro tonight.

There were many other excursions and things to do in Yalta. Honestly, you would probably have to spend two weeks there to do them all. I would have liked to see the Yalta Conference castle, but it gives me something to look forward to if I ever go back. All in all, the trip to Yalta is awesome. Next, the train ride back to Dnepro.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yalta is one place I wanted to visit since I started this whole process about 21 months ago. I never found a women that lived in the area or said they wanted to go. I've been to the Black Sea area and will go again in less then 2 weeks. The city I'm going to, Varna Bulgaria, has a performing dolphin show so I will probably see this.

TruckerGuy, did the dolphins splash the crowd like they do in the USA?

Posted by: truckerguy

I really apologize for the three month delay in the story. Basically, I just got caught up in life. Natasha and I are still communicating, usually on a daily basis and things are going well. I will get to more of that later on, as the story of us has recently taken an interesting twist. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the rest of the story…..hey doesn’t someone already say that?

Posted by: truckerguy

There is one thing I want to mention that we did before we left. After the dolphin show and after we bought some souvenirs, there was this little gazebo behind one of the souvenir markets. Nata and I spent about 15 minutes together in there. It was overlooking one of the beaches and we just stood there looking at the sea. This was one of those quiet times with a special person that you just wish would last forever.

Back to the apartment where we are already mostly packed up. Then we leave, turn in the key and head to the bus station. Basically it was the same ride to Simferopol to the train station. We are there early and Olia has called one of her friends to meet us at the station. She gets there and Olia and her are chattering away and Nata and I are just sitting there. Nata is very thin and she is starting to get cold as the last light of the day is fading. We do our best to talk to each other and there is still much excitement between us for having met each other.

Time to board the train and everything goes well. This time it is just the three of us in a compartment. I have to tell you that this train ride was much better for me that the other one. We get to sleep and I for one slept pretty good. The morning comes and we are supposed to be heading into the station and the train stops…..in the middle of nowhere. The attendants have no idea what is going on. Eventually we find out that there is a problem somewhere up ahead, I think with the tracks. We sit there for a couple of hours and the train starts moving……the other way. Expect the unexpected. We have people waiting for us at the station, but Olia is on the phone getting things squared away. We finally make it back to the station. The people waiting for us had to leave, but Natasha’s brother comes through for us. He picks us up in a truck belonging to the company he works for. He is a very pleasant guy. A couple of years younger that Nata, tall and just as thin. You can tell they are siblings.

What an adventure! Surely and unforgettable trip so far.

Posted by: truckerguy

Nata’s brother takes us to the apartment I will be staying at. Olia already has the keys. So, just me and Olia get dropped off there while Sasha (Nata’s brother) takes Nata back home. It is a Saturday and the plan for the day is to meet up later in the day at the agency we have worked through. I drop off my things and Olia and I head for the market to get some food for me. On the way back, I become a complete idiot. This is actually pretty funny, but my common sense just completely left me. There is this big iron gate to get into where the apartments are. I ask Olia if she has the key to this gate and of course she does not. So being the stud I am, I just decide to climb it. Of course the thing is filthy and I get dirty as all get out. But hey, I made it over and I am the real man right? Nope, just a dork. I open the gate for Olia and we walk up to the apartment and here come a couple of other gals….who just happen to have the brains to stick their arm thought the gate and switch the lever. Yeah….I’m dumb.

Olia leaves and now it is just me for a few hours. I watch some tv and eat and then get ready to go. Olia comes back at the prescribed time and we get on the bus and head for the left bank. I did not read through all of my earlier posts so if I described this before, sorry. Dnepropetrovsk is split in the middle by the Dnepro River. The east side is the right bank where downtown is and the left bank is the western side where there is a lot of industry and apartment blocks. We get to the place where we are meeting Nata and wait for her. Meanwhile there is a market right there so Olia and I go in to buy a cake. By then Nata is waiting for us outside.

The agency is located in one of the apartment blocks on the bottom floor. Of course, I am a celebrity here, not that I want to be. Unbeknownst to me, they are having a interpreters conference here today. Interpreters from all the agencies of this particular chain of agencies are here. Maybe a dozen or 15 of them and they all want to talk to me. It was a little awkward being interviewed in front of everyone, but I was ok with it. After this we just had cake and hung out there for a while. Nata told me later that I did a really good job. They were asking me some tough questions and about me and Nata’s future. What were our plans and so forth. I had to stay a little vague for a couple of reasons. One, Nata and I had not really discussed our future in depth and two, I really did not want to discuss this with them. But I tried to accommodate them anyway.

After that, we all went back to the apartment. Tomorrow we go to Olia’s church and then it is just me and Nata for the rest of the day.

Posted by: truckerguy

Olia’s church was having a special service for today. They were all meeting in Monastary Island next to the beach. This was to be a baptismal service with baptisms after in the river. I already knew that the pastor of this church was from Canada. While talking to him, I was surprised to find out he is originally from Visalia, California. I was just there a few weeks before making a delivery in the truck. He was really surprised that I knew of it. Anyway the service goes well, there are even passersby attending, which was pretty neat.

We all walk down to the beach and they do the baptisms and then we just hang out around there for a while. The three of us end up leaving and going to get something to eat, then Olia leaves. She has some things to do today and will meet up with us later that night at the apartment and accompany us to the airport the next day. So now its just the two of us and we do a little shopping. I buy her a gold bracelet that she picks out. At this point, I am ok with it. I know that we are well together and that there is serious potential for us. She absolutely beamed about this bracelet. We walked down to the riverfront again to the fountain. Call me crazy, but something pretty magical happened here.

Maybe it was careful observation of each other on both of our parts or just feeling really comfortable with each other, but we were talking with each other as if there were no language barrier. She was speaking in Russian and a few words in English and vice versa for me. It was as if we understood each other completely. We talked about our future and when I would be back and kids and so forth.

I have to tell you, that this time that we had on Sunday night was the best part of my whole trip. We talked and talked. Then we went back to the apartment and just sat at the table and ate, then we talked some more. It really felt as if we had really clicked and we were a family at that point. Olia would return soon and we would all head to bed. My flight out was an early one so we would have to be up very early.

Posted by: sidney

Nice report that was well written. Sounds like you both had some special moments. I wish you the best.
Sid

Posted by: JamesB

very interesting, i hope things work out for you !

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I think we all experience the "moment of truth" when you know "she's the one".

Sounds like a happy ending!!! Good luck!

Posted by: truckerguy

We are up on Monday morning and outside waiting for the cab before the sun comes up. The cab shows up and we are off to the airport. I am full of mixed emotions at this time. On the one hand, I am looking forward to getting back to the states and celebrating the fourth with the family and on the other, I do not want to leave this beautiful woman.

Well, what can I say, I am sure many of you have been there. Saying goodbye is never easy when there is a special connection. There were tears and promises of a return, hugs and kisses.

It was off to Kiev for me, then to NY and finally back to St. Louis. The whole flight was rather uneventful, except for a delay at JFK of about an hour or two. The whole time, I can think of nothing but returning to see Nata. Wild Hogs is actually a pretty good movie, but I didn’t really enjoy it, I was heartbroken for having to leave. That was one of the inflight movies.

Of course, my family grilled me when I got back. They wanted to know everything. I gave them the souvenirs I bought them and told them what a wonderful woman Natasha was. They are all very excited for me and are looking forward to the day when they, too, can meet her.

A few more thoughts in the next post.

Posted by: truckerguy

Some final thoughts on my trip to Ukraine to meet Natasha. There are very few things I would do differently. I went with one of the expensive agencies to meet her. In retrospect, if I had it all to do over again, I would not have used them, but then again, I would have never met Nata. She is on no other website, like many other women are. So, yes, I spent way more than I had to. Chalk it up to inexperience and an expensive learning curve.

Also, throughout the story, sometimes I make it sound as if Olia was our chaperone. She wasn’t. She was there for much of the time, but Nata and I had plenty of time to ourselves. Her service to us has been invaluable. I spent thirty dollars a day for her and she was worth every penny. She is even more valuable to us now, which I will tell you about later.

I really think booking an apartment is the way to go. I have read that many hotels either do not let girlfriends in or they really frown upon it. Either way, having an apartment takes care of that problem.

I did not find out until I got there that Nata’s parents do not live in Dnepro. They live in a small town called Zholte Vodi. I guess it is roughly 100 miles away. I would have liked to meet them, but it was not in the cards for this trip. This is also where Nata grew up and we will be going there next time.

I know that many of you will be curious about which agency I used. Many of you know that the big online meeting places represent many, many individual local agencies. Well the website I used had the initials of HRB or RLM. You can figure it out from there. I will not name the local agency, due to some recent fallout regarding Nata, Olia and them.

Nata and Olia really became quite good friends when Nata joined the agency. Well the director has always shown disdain for this for some reason and things came to a head last week. I know Nata has left the agency, I am not sure about Olia. We already call each other and email each other, so the only thing we will really miss is the video chat. Olia has already let us both know that she will continue to translate letters for us. She really is a sweetheart. Anyone going to Dnepro need an interpreter, let me know and I can ask her if she is willing to do some freelance work.

Next post, where are we now and what does the future hold for us.

Posted by: truckerguy

Initially when I left Dnepro, I told Nata that I would return in the fall. What I really wanted to do was return in October for a short stay, then come back over the holidays. Well, my budget is not that rich. We both decided that it would be better for me to come back for the holidays. So, I have not been back yet. I am scheduled to leave on December 27th through Jan 6th.

One thing about love that I did not mention in the last post. It was not until the Sunday before I left that we started professing our love for each other. I only say this because, I think we are both cautious people. I have not asked Nata to marry me yet, nor has she pressed me on this. I have told her that I would when I return and she was very positive about it.

So, when I return, I will pop the question. Then we will get in a minivan and head to her parents place in Zholte Vodi. Also, we will sit down and do the visa paperwork. She has just received her passport so that is taken care of.

I have to tell you that I am madly in love with this gal. Her English is getting better and we are talking more and more on the phone. When she had the fallout with the agency last week, she called me crying. She honestly thought I would think less of her for not being with the agency. She did me a favor in reality, now I don’t have to buy credits to chat with her. I’d rather just talk on the phone with her anyway.

I believe in providence. That things happen for a reason. Call it God’s will. Well, my mom teaches kindergarten for a small Christian school. Many of these types of schools do not pay much, so the teachers and administration often have other jobs. Not one month after I returned from Dnepro that they hired a new principal. Guess what his other profession is. An immigration attorney. If I were to look for signs that tell me that I am to be with this woman, this would be a biggy. But alas! My heart tells me so!

That is the whole story up to now. I would be happy to answer questions if I can and I love the comments and will try to keep you posted of further developments.

Posted by: truckerguy

I just put up some photos of Nata, Olia and myself. They are in the member gallery section under truckerguy. Check them out.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Rob: Great Story and things are going well for you. Nata is gorgeous. Best of luck over the holidays, and that you have found what you are looking for.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Glad to hear things are going well for you and Nata. You might want to print out the forms and take a look at them (G-325A and I-129F). You might have questions that we can answer before you leave.

The Russina Christmas is January 7th so you might want to stay a little longer.

Good luck with your relationship and visa application!

Posted by: truckerguy

Sidney, James, GTR and Easy, thanks for the comments. Yes, she is a beauty both inside and out. I will be talking with the immigration attorney my mom knows very soon and getting some advice from him. At the same time, i will not hesitate to ask questions here, especially sinse i know some of you guys have gone through this already. It is always nice to know there is a group of people who i can turn to and this forum is just that. It is much appreciated!

Posted by: GoingToRussia

The forms are very easy to fill out. The hardest parts are her answers and getting her documnetation. All her documnetation must be translated into English. These are things a lawyer can't do. The lawyer's job SHOULD only take 2-3 hours but I'm sure will charge you much more.

Posted by: bushman

Always great tp read a post with a happy ending, best of luck to you both

Posted by: truckerguy

Thanks Bushman, i appreciate it. GTR, you would think i would know how long i will be there. I checked the itinerary, i am due to leave on the 8th. After reading your post i rechecked because i could have sworn that i would be there for Christmas. Her B-day is on the 29th also. I have something really sparkly in mind to give her that (hopefully) will last a lifetime.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I'm sure your sparkly present will be a real "gem"!

Take care and good luck!

Posted by: GoingToRussia

So TruckerGuy, what is the lastest? Maybe you liked it so much you decided to stay and not come back!!!

Posted by: stuckmojo

truckerguy, that was the nicest thing I have read in a long time....I actually had a really really sh*t day today, and decided to while some time away on the net...

although for some reason even though its 11.pm now..ny hayfever seems to be acting up and making my eyes water a little...obviously thats what it is....former rolyal marine for gods sake...

I hope this continues to go really well for you, I've not looked at the pictures you posted as for some reason that would make me feel quite disrespectful, chekin out another mans lady and all that....but hey, thats just me.

all the best fella, it was great to read, so must be amazing to live....

E

Posted by: JamesB

Congrats mate, im pleased to see another success story.

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

So TruckerGuy, what is the lastest? Maybe you liked it so much you decided to stay and not come back!!!

Don't you just hate when people do that? Its like the season finale of your favorite sitcom. Tell ya something good might happen then don't tell you the relults...

Posted by: truckerguy

Ok guys, really sorry about not giving an update for a while. I’ve been so busy lately, what with getting back to work and everything. I appreciate all the interest in my story and those that are curious to know what has happened with me.

Well, I did go back to Dnepro to see Natasha. We spent nine days with each other. I can honestly say that I got to know her a lot better than I had before. Sure we would talk on the phone and email each other, but there really is no substitute for actually spending time together. This was not an adventure filled trip like the last one. We stayed in her hometown mostly the whole time, except for a trip for me to meet her parents. They loved me, by the way. Everything went well the whole time I was there and I can happily report to you that I am now engaged.

I am still trying to figure out this visa process. I have researched it, but I think I am just going to let a lawyer handle it. I know that many of you have done it yourself, but I am not that confident in my ability to prepare all the documents. I am a truck driver and administrative type of work just isn’t my cup of tea. Besides, they probably wont make a mistake like I am liable to do.

I will try not to be as scarce here in the forums. I really enjoy reading other posts and learning new things from everyone.

Posted by: AkMike

Congratulations on your engagement!

Don't let being a gear jammin throttle jockey slow you down.. I managed.. The actual forms are easy. Digging up the docs is something the lawyer will make you do anyway..
We can help walk you thru the online forms.. if needed.. $ave your $$$ for fuel!

Posted by: truckerguy

Thanks AK. I really have not decided yet which route I will take, but I will keep the help you offer in mind. Also, thank God in heaven that I am not an owner/operater, I dont have to pay for fuel.

Posted by: AkMike

ROTFLMAO!!!

See! You're smarter than me and I managed to do the paperwork!

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Great News TG!!!

Between the form and this website, http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...isplay.php?f=17, you shouldn't have any problems filling out the documentation.

Are you getting ,arried in the USA or in the FSU?

Good luck and CONGRATS!!!

Posted by: Pin Boy

congrats trucker guy! whatever you decide paperwork wise, patience and attention to detail are key! keep us posted.

pin boy

Posted by: truckerguy

GTR, she has always dreamed of getting married by the ocean, so it looks like a trip to Florida is going to be on the books for the future. It will be a very small wedding in FL, as she wants it, but I told her also that when we get back to St. Louis, there will be a reception with family and friends. I really dont think she likes that idea, but for the sake of the rest of the family, its going to happen. Neither one of us cares too much for the spotlight, but if I didn't have the reception, I would never hear the ind of it. I have an absolutely huge family, and I owe it to them to be a part of it. Anyway, it looks like we will have some issues to work on regarding this, but I am confident we will work it out.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

We are also having a small wedding but in Las Vegas. My family wanted to throw a big party and I said no because she would feel too uncomfortable. I'm just going to have them meet on a 1 to 1 basis then we can can all get together when she is comfortable with everyone.

Posted by: redhawk

hey gtr,thats what im planning as well. its a little bit intimidating for them to stand up in front of everybody and have to answer a million questions from friends and family,and elena is not exactly public speaking material

and truckerguy,if you decide to get married in florida,please let me know,my wife to be should be here in april or so,(i JUST got a receipt number for our 129f petition on jan 3rd,i sent it in nov 3rd),and we would be glad to have you over for dinner,or even to spend the night at my doma. it would be cool for our wives to meet i think.i have learned from my experience with some mutual friends of elena and myself in atlanta even by phone, that russian woman are"thick as thieves" once they get together!!!.you will see what i mean! my trip was awesome by the way. SHE gave ME a ring as well

total suprise.