Valentine's Day - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Valentine's Day
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Posted by: Pin Boy

Is Valentine's Day important in the FSU? Should I be sending a card and flowers to my fiancee? I know March 8, Women's Day is very important, but will I be in deep doo doo if I don't get something in the mail pronto for Valentine's Day? Thanks!

Posted by: Charles

Hey Pin Boy,
My girlfriend gave me the heads up right after New Year's. She said American Valentine's Day came to Russia about 4 or 5 years ago. I am sure it is a marketing campaign. She asked me today on the phone what we are supposed to do for the traditions on this day. I explained the romantic nature of the holiday. Russian women know about the holiday, but my girlfriend only knew it was important in America, and gifts are often exchanged.
So expect your girlfriend to be aware of Valentine's Day. You might have to explain your traditions for the holiday, but romance is an easy sell.
My girlfriend does not want flowers. She wants cosmetics and skin care items. I asked her for a locke of her hair.
Hope this sheds some light on things.
Charles

Posted by: Pin Boy

Hey Charles,

Of course it would only be a matter of time before Madison Ave would infiltrate these emerging democracies. Think my fiancee would believe it if I told her the tradtion is for the woman to buy the man a case of his favorite beer?

I have a card so I guess I'll get it in the mail right away.

BTW...where is your GF and if you don't mind me asking, how did you meet, how is it going do you have future plans, etc?

I met my fiancee in Odessa on a tour and have been back twice since June. We're in the process of geeting the K-1 and have received first notice of approval. If all goes well, she can have the visa in early spring and come here in June when her daughter gets out of school. I am very optimistic about our relationship and it has been an amazing adventure so far!

PB

Posted by: Charles

Hey Pin Boy,
I met my girlfriend on a mass internet personals website. I contacted only 2 Russian women and 1 Ukrainian woman. I was very (very,very,very,very)lucky. My girlfriend and I hit it off very quickly (one lady I wrote was just not right for me and the other later appeared on the Blacklist). She did some work for a British corporation in Volgograd (her city), so her spoken English is pretty good. Her written English is not as developed. Our phone conversations are very good.

I am flying to Volgograd in July. We will decide when we meet whether or not to be engaged. I am very optimistic. She is not mysterious at all. She is very open and has a beautiful soul.

I told her I was worried about a 6 hour layover in Moscow on my upcoming flight. I do not speak Russian. She emailed a scan of a train ticket to Moscow, and a plane ticket from Moscow to Volgograd. She is meeting me at SVO and flying into Volgograd with me. I have to admit, I almost cried. She is very wonderful. I will not let her get away.

Charles
PS I think your girlfriend would not think it too strange to buy you a case of your favorite beer for Valentine's Day. She might think it strange if you only ask for one, though!

Posted by: Pin Boy

Hahahahaha...good line about one case not being enough...reminds me of a hilarious line from THe Simpsons...Barney, the boozehound and some other guys are playing cards and drinking at Homer's house, and Barney says, "Hey Homer, I worried about the beer! After this case, that other case, and the case in the garage, there's only one more case!"

Glad to hear you had luck right off the bat, I know it's not that way for many people. I am interested to hear how peope are meeting each other, especially across such long distances. Imagine 7-10 years ago before the 'net was so pr4evalent, maybe it wouldn't have been so easy for you to meet your lady. It's good that her English is good. I teach English as a Second Language and the writing skill is usually the hardest and the last that is mastered.

My GF and I have had a few misunderstanding because of her limited English, but now she is going to be taking English lessons 2-3 days a week for 2 hours a day, so when she arrives hopefully in the summer she will have a better command of the language and not feel so out of place.

Thanks for the insight and I wish you luck on your journey to Russia. My GF is in Ukraine and I absolutely loved my three trips there so far.

PB

Posted by: Charles

The funny thing is, when I contacted my girlfriend, I had no idea of the risks. The site I used is on the blacklist as a haven for scammers. Imagine my paranoia when I read that a week after meeting this girl. I had gone to the site to meet American women, but I found out the vast majority of women with profiles are from CIS countries. The site emailed pictures and profiles of women who met my criteria of age and interests and stuff. And there she was one morning when I checked my emails. I immediately paid the monthly fee to email women I liked and the rest is history. I found a Russian girlfriend completely by accident. I had a crash course in Russian culture and tradition, and I am leaving or my first trip at the end of June. I will stay for three weeks. We will take a train to Moscow for a few days and spend a week in a cottage by the river Volga, and the rest of the time in her parents' flat. She says her father has many repairs and projects ready for me to help him with. She is her father's usual assistant. He is anxious to have some muscle backing him up. They are both engineers (she has a doctorate). I imagine watching them install a hot water heater is pretty funny.
Have to go.
Time to call the Motherland.
Pin Boy, you should probably do the romantic thing and go buy a case of that beer so she doesn't have to. Have you tried to explain the Super Bowl to your girlfriend? Mine doesn't listen about sports. She is too excited about the romance channel. She says it will be her favorite tv channel. She and my mother will get along just fine.

Posted by: Pin Boy

Better bring a few tapes of Home Improvement, Trading Spaces, and This Old House along with you. I think the sports thing will be an interest not shared. That's okay because as I get older I get a little more cynical about sports and I don't have the fervor I once had. Probably a good thing because my last American GF flipped out one night when I was watching the Yankees on TV and then we were getting ready for bed and she came out of the bathroom and I had the game on the radio in the bedroom. Glad she's gone!

Today I tried to explain to Angela that today is a big party day in the US because of the game but I could sense the glazed over, disinterested eyes through the telephone line. That's okay because as I get older I'd rather be out doing something than wasting time infront of the tv watching millionaires act like jerks.

Yeah, the romance channel will be a big hit I'm sure. It's overtaking Lifetime as the most nauseating channel on tv

Posted by: spamer

I just talk to Olya and I asked her what she would like for valentine day. Her reply was " I want nothing". Which I'm sure translate to "send me flowers".

Posted by: Charles

Spamer, My girlfriend is more excited about the package with American cosmetics I have sent than any flowers I have seen anyone receive. Don't be afraid to be innovative. But flowers have never been a mistake, either.

PB, the Tool Man has nothing on me. I am following advice from a gift thread in the forum and taking a Craftsman tool set for my girlfriend's father, or one of those 200-in-1 multi tools. We can do some serious damage with that. My girlfriend's father does home improvement every weekend. I am packing one set of work clothes.
One question. How do you guys wash your clothes in the FSU. My girlfriend tells me she has a washing machine and will take care of my clothes. How common is that?

Posted by: ConnerVT

The tool suggestion may have come from me. Just be sure to buy tools Made in the USA (Craftsman, Snap-On, Leatherman, etc.) as Russians perceive anything made in Asia as cheap. (IMHO, they're right.)

My fiancee's family also enjoys cognac and American wines. I've brought a few bottles of California and NY wines with me that have been greatly enjoyed. I also brought a small bottle (375 ml) bottle of Courvoisier VS cognac for my future bro-in-law. He was so excited about it, he refuses to open it! We finally came to a compromise, and we will drink from it when I return next time. I didn't realize it at the time, but a 750 ml bottle here in VT costs $23.80 USD. I saw the same bottle in a supermarket near my fiancee's home selling for about $180 USD!

I know this is a thread on V-Day, but another interesting thing -- On my first trip to Russia, I brought a $5 mini smoke detector with me for my flat. I left it at Natalya's home when I left. Both her Papa and her Bro-in-law thought it something that they wanted for their home, and asked me if I would bring them one. That they would even ask shows how cool they thought it was.

Back on track: Laundry. I can't speak for all RW, but my lady always does my laundry when I'm with her. I actually need to stop her from ironing my t-shirts and socks.

She takes great pride on how she takes care of her man. I think it's important that people allow others to be able to show their affection by doing things for one another.

Posted by: Charles

ConnerVT,
The advice on Made in the USA tools is well taken. I would not buy cheaper tools myself, much less give them as presents. I think a lot of us have had Chinese wrenches bend in our hands.
The info about the smoke detector is fascinating. It is hard to predict what will be treasure to someone else. I think I might pack a couple of those. Conner, you have inspired me to start a new thread in the travel forum about packing gifts in suitcases.

Posted by: spamer

ConnerVT = wise man on the mountain

Posted by: RomanticTX

Wasssup with Feb 14th?

Is it important in Russia? I know it is a faily new custom, but some of those are adopted quickly. Is this the case?
Is women's day the equivalent?

Thanks

Posted by: spamer

Yes woman day is Russia version. Valentine Day is American and women look at it as a lovers holiday.
Russian enjoy celebrating Valentine Day, I think they enjoy celebrating any holiday to be honest.

Personally, I would prefer to spend the money on flowers in Russia on Feb. 14th, than in the US. Since V - day isn't that popular yet (but catching on), the florist haven't change there prices yet.

Posted by: ConnerVT

I disagree. Don't be caught missing a holiday that your loved one was expecting you to remember. It puts you in the doghouse in the US, and it will do so in the FSU as well.

Although an American creation by the greeting card companies, V-Day is gaining popularity (at least by the women!

) in the FSU. Holidays are a big deal in the FSU. It is always better to be thought of as loving and thoughtful for giving a small gift for a holiday you need to explain, than to not send anything and hope she wasn't expecting anything. Remember, we are talking about women here! (Sorry, Ladies!)

Capitalism is making inroads into the FSU. Although florists don't gouge you as badly on V-Day there as the do in the US, many do raise their prices on both Russian and American flower giving holidays. I spoke with a friend who runs her own florist business in St. Petersburg. During V-Day and International Woman's Day, the flower wholesalers raise their prices, and she needs to pass along the difference. In addition, it is really a bad time of year to obtain nice roses (expensive to grow, and very hard to transport). This forces the local prices to go up.

Most Internet sites have such an inflated price, they typically don't change their pricing, as they already are gouging enough to cover expenses and their profit.

Posted by: supernatural

Alrightie.......but what about men? What do you expect on that day (besides the beer of course?).
I am going to spend the Valentine´s Day with my honey (he arrives a day before), not sure what to do. My fridge is already loaded with beer

))

I admire the man who knows how to buy cosmetic products for his gf

My man wouldn´t know, and can´t blame him. I like to do that shopping myself. Maybe in Russia they have different products. Here, in Estonia, our selection is pretty much the same as in the states.

When it come to ironing, then .....hehehe i guess we are all taught to do that. We mostly don´t have dryers in our homes so we need to iron. My mom taught me to iron even socks and sheets (quit doing that long time ago

) But yeah, i guess it´s true that i also love to put things nice for my loved one, even though he says the ironing isn´t all that necessary. I´ve now learned to do it less.

Do men like to receive cards?

Posted by: Arnold

... but not, no more! Conner, you are right about V-Day. It will not pay to be a cheap ass. Sooner or later it will come back to bite you in the (sorry for being redundant) behind!

As for tools, I am shocked to read that foreign tools are even mentioned in the same sentence with US tools! I own only US brand tools, and I have tested them on various jobs to the extreme -- they are the best!

Conner, how about power tools though? Or for that matter anything that requires power, like kitchen aid, laptop, R/C toys?
Do you have any info for me on these items, and can you bring them in, and do you declare them upon entry? What is the maximum amount in US$ you can bring as presents to the FSU?
Are there restrictions about how much alcohol you can transport?

Let's suppose you were bringing an "used" laptop, could you leave it behind, or would this create problems upon leaving the Russia?

Sorry, about all the questions, but I don't like surprises.

Best wishes, Arnold

Posted by: RomanticTX

For me, there are few things that a GF can get me that I don't have already (Oh, no ties for me as I am very picky).
A romantic LIGHT dinner (don't feed him too much). With a romantic desert! If you know what I mean

Posted by: Arnold

I would not be able to eat anything, I'd be to busy thinking about the desert!

Posted by: supernatural

Oh, this one thing is for sure-he´ll get plenty of dessert

Forgot to mention that i already have beer and dessert

Do really men like romantic dinners too? Thought they do it mostly for the girls, but do you guys really like it too?

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Supernatural,

really men do crave displays of affection by their loved one as much as women do.

A card would be a nice start, maybe you could put a picture of yourself inside. You know, where you wear something nice!

Best wishes, Arnold

Posted by: supernatural

Oh well....as we are already discussing those things.....I´m more interested in what men like us, women, to do on special occasions (i know the dessert part already

) than what they like to get as a gift. I know my man pretty well, so I have lots of ideas what to do and what to give

But would still like to hear your opinions. Maybe I´ll get another wonderful idea from you.

Posted by: Arnold

Quote:

Original geschrieben von supernatural
Oh, this one thing is for sure-he´ll get plenty of dessert
Forgot to mention that i already have beer and dessert
Do really men like romantic dinners too? Thought they do it mostly for the girls, but do you guys really like it too?

Hello Supernatural,

Let me "put my foot in my mouth" again (this means to be very blunt)...

RomanticTX was referring to what happens after the dinner, you know the cuddling and kissing, etc.

So don't knock yourself out in the kitchen!

I hope, this is not too personal, but you asked...

Best wishes, Arnold

Posted by: supernatural

he he he, you guys are funny.
well, that´s exactly what i meant

After all beer and the `dessert`-men´s best friends????

Posted by: Arnold

Hello Supernatural,

what about the ladies? What do they prefer? Or is it the whole experience that is important for a woman?

-- Arnold

Posted by: supernatural

I personally like the idea and the love behind the gift so much more than the gift itself. I don´t know, there are certanly women who love getting things.

I´d like to go somewhere, to do something. Romantic dinner would do, but with a twist. Can´t be that boring, or predictable. I mean, there could be more than just the dinner, maybe the place where it´s going to be could be different. Am I making any sense?

I love surprises!!

Women like: flowers, sweet notes, surprises, chocolate, music (fav cd?), movies (going to the movies), concerts (why not?), flowers, cards, perfume, jewlery, and again flowers........oh there are so many things......sexy lingerie???

Posted by: Arnold

Do you think boxershorts are sexy?

Posted by: supernatural

for a woman?
boxers are the only thing i want to see my man wearing

) and the only thing i see him wear too

)

Posted by: Arnold

Well, in any case, this was pretty good info though on what women like. you know, the part about being creative, taking her out to different places, etc.

The thing just is I do this all on a regular basis already. So on a "holiday" it would be more special to stay in and snuggle.

Or is this not a good idea, because a holiday has to be celebrated the way everyone else does it?

Posted by: RomanticTX

Guys love to be taken care of!!

One night, during a special occasion I was trying to find a good restaurant (every good restaurant was booked) . She told me not to worry; she had something else in mind.
She had a candle light dinner. Good not-too elaborated food, great wine, great music. After dinner we danced and had dessert all night!
That is the most amazing and romantic dinner of my life!
We didn't have to fight the crowds of holidays, we didn't have to suffer bad service! It was peaceful and inexpensive!
It showed that my GF wasn�t interested on what I could give her!

Supernatural:
Not all the guys like beer! I am a Wine guy, and beer is in the very last of my desires! Desert is on the top!

I hate regular boxers! They are very uncomfortable. I use Boxers briefs! I happen to have good legs (gym time has paid out), and they accentuate it!

Posted by: Arnold

Hello RomanticTX,

I was just asking, because in Europe they wear speedos!

And since Supernatural mentioned she likes lingiere, I could not resist asking about the boxershorts.

-- Arnold

Posted by: supernatural

Oh, I know my man- trust me, he likes beer!!! Among other liquids

) But mostly still beer!

I don´t think you nessecarily need to go out on a special occasion. But it could be something other than just sitting at home in front of TV, which I´m sure, you guys don´t really do

When it comes to boxers----i find them sexy. Sometimes I take his and wear them around the house

I´ve got another question. Do women bring you flowers when you meet at the airport? When they come to pick you up. I like when a man brings me, but do men like it too??? For some reason, i doubt it. Still would like to hear your opinion.

SUPER-NATURAL

Posted by: Arnold

Hi Supernatural,

Yes, always. I insist they throw them on the ground in front of me so my saintly feet will not touch the ground!

Well, jokes aside, I am not quite sure? It never happened yet. What's the guy supposed to do with them if he stays in a hotel?

If you offer to take them, he might think you just bought them for yourself in the first place. You know, like when a man buys you a tool set, and then constantly borrows it. Guys do that you know!

Actually this is a pretty good idea, if you like a girl and you are still dating. You give her some tools, and then you have an excuse to visit her all the time. I know, it's pathetic, but that's how guys are. We drink beer and love "desert", we are very predictable.

You know, I thought of another present you could give to your boyfriend. If you have a camcorder (or know someone who has one) you could make a nice video of yourself for him.

Best wishes, Arnold

Posted by: RomanticTX

I disagree, stay away from the video cameras. You never know who can end up with the video. Can you imagine if someone stilll them on the airport? It will be all over the Internet!

I had a GF once that gave me flowers, it was a cute gesture, but it doesn't have the same meaning for us as guys. I appreciated it, but for me flowers are not where I would want my GF to spend money on. A homemade greeting card with your picture, that is a romantic and meaningful gift for me!
Ah, don't forget about desert!
Just kidding!

Posted by: supernatural

Thank you guys!!!!
You´ve been a great help

I´ve gotten some new ideas from you.
About the video-I´ve got something safer in mind.
Guess I´m not going to take flowers (though I could, even if just for myself

) we are coming to the apartment right away, but naahhh. ....
just 8 days til i get to see him!!!!!Yippiiii.
Aren´t you all happy for me

Posted by: Jutman

Super..

Best wishes for you. Hope it all work out great 4 U and your Tex-man.

About that ironing, my GF is the same. She don't understand we can but shirt who don't need ironing.

I am not an American, but most of men I know like small private things, like kep-pads, pens our loved one has choosen.

Posted by: Thunderdome

Conner, never mind inflated prices, I'd pay more even to get anything delivered.

So far none of the services tried or contacted is prepared to deliver to Petukhovo, near Kurgan.

Anybody knows of a service which does, or has some details/contacts of a florist in Petukhovo?
Would be really appreciated....

Posted by: Arnold

Have you tried, www.sendflowers.ru already?

Gruss, Arnold

Posted by: Laters

My fiancee gave me flowers on our first meeting. I didn't expect it and I thought it was very nice of her.

Posted by: spamer

I sent flowers to my GF/Fiancee and she should get them on Friday at work. (as a surprise of course)

She just e-mail me and told me she bought her valentine present from me (a coat that she needed and I thought she already bought it) (she has a c. card from me with a few hundred dollars in it for her needs) and please don't send flowers.

(of course you know I still must send flowers to save face)

I hope she enjoy both presents. LOL