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Revised Ukraine Trip Plans
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Posted by: Raspberry

Looks like I'm over another hurdle in trip plans, and getting ready for the next one.

The Mariupol girl finally wrote back, and the timing fits in absolutely perfect. So I can accomodate visiting everyone, without much of a problem.

However, there is still the issue of her transportation. There is next to nothing as far as air service into Mariupol, and taking a flight out of Donetsk would be a bit counter-productive. However, I do not want to get soaked for her to take a cab from wherever.

She of course, wants to meet in a place other than Mariupol. But I don't want any unpleasant surprises----for her safety, and for us not to be
separated from each other. Still have not gotten her phone number yet, but I will ask......then call my translator friend and try to convince her to meet just for the five seconds at the train station or harbor. I would much rather have us ride together on the train or boat or taxi or whatever.

The game plan is changed to this: Fly into Kharkov, spend a couple nights in Sumy, spend one night in Mariupol, then about three days at an unspecified spot in Crimea and four days in Zaporozhye.

Ironically, I was able to get a deal from my friend's friend on some apartments in Kiev....but I would have to get a block of four days or more.

At least there's a "Plan B"......go someplace on the Black Sea to get some sun first(which is in short supply in Seattle), then meet the Sumy and Mariupol girls in Kiev.

Next step is to make a bunch of phone calls. Then Thursday is payday, which will also figure into this. So nothing is in stone yet, except for Zaporozhye.

More updates to come....

Posted by: Chrismc

Raspberry

Don't take this as criticism, its just an observation, I have followed your previous trips over to Ukraine and one thing keeps jumping out at me, why do you move around so much when you are over there.

You don't seem to spend very long in any one place, which I would think is counter productive to finding a good women and spending extended time with her, getting to know her etc etc..

Just my thoughts
Chris

Posted by: Chillidog

Raspberry,
as we have discussed in other threads the women we are writing to are from the same towns except for Zaporozhye. I will be very interested in your travel arrangements as far as planes, trains or whatever that you find for Mariupol and Sumy. Talked to Mariupol the other day and she did say there are daily flights from Kiev to Mariupol but did not find any yet when I breifly searched for flights on http://www.cheaptickets.com , also she mentioned about me staying in an aprtment in Mariupol (I told her I had only found a couple of hotels) and have yet to find a web-site for apartments located in Mariupol.
Hope the trip is a success in not only having your plans come together but also success in finding what you are searching for

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Raspberry Don't take this as criticism, its just an observation, I have followed your previous trips over to Ukraine and one thing keeps jumping out at me, why do you move around so much when you are over there.

You don't seem to spend very long in any one place, which I would think is counter productive to finding a good women and spending extended time with her, getting to know her etc etc.. Just my thoughts Chris

You may be right, Chris. Quality time is the way to go. And yes, I am more concerned with plans B, C, and D, than plan A. The last time I did decide to spend quality time with one lady(11 days in Mariupol!), was last May. Unfortunately, she had a "self-inflicted illness"(anorexia)which spoiled everything.....talking to her friends and neighbors, while she is on the couch with headaches and stomachaches, wasn't what I had in mind.

Ultimately, she gets engaged to a guy that only visited her once. Between the frustrating time of , and the engagement, I am, of course, a bit paranoid, and waiting for the bottom to fall out. Not to mention the frustration of not being able to go in January. Can you blame me?

But I must keep things in perspective--I need to relax, enjoy, and realize that I'm better off doing this than dealing with American women. And it is appreciated that you guys are putting some imput, and seeing any potential problems that may occur. Thank you for your input and moral support!

And actually, it was the first two trips that I did all the stops......I did not know what to expect, and of course, wanted to see everything, too! Trip #3 was Mariupol only and exited via Kiev, and trip #4 was effectively split between Mariupol and Zaporozhye, and got stuck in Donetsk one night enroute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilidog

Raspberry,
as we have discussed in other threads the women we are writing to are from the same towns except for Zaporozhye. I will be very interested in your travel arrangements as far as planes, trains or whatever that you find for Mariupol and Sumy. Talked to Mariupol the other day and she did say there are daily flights from Kiev to Mariupol but did not find any yet when I breifly searched for flights on http://www.cheaptickets.com , also she mentioned about me staying in an aprtment in Mariupol (I told her I had only found a couple of hotels) and have yet to find a web-site for apartments located in Mariupol.
Hope the trip is a success in not only having your plans come together but also success in finding what you are searching for

The flights from Kiev to Mariupol, as far as I know, are only from the domestic airport, Zhulhany. Which means you have to cut across town--so allow three hours minimum to do so. I usually take Lufthansa from Munich to Donetsk, then take the bus from there to Mariupol.

Incidentally, Donbassaero has a "flight" from Kiev that connects via Donetsk....but the Donetsk-Mariupol portion, though having a Donbassaero flight number, is really a bus.

The only hotel I've stayed at was the "Spartak" which runs about $60 USD. Well, actually, I did stay at another place. There is a small hotel in the bus station in Mariupol, upstairs. I was not comfortable there----community toilet there, at the end of the hall. And no bath or shower, whatsoever. It runs $20 USD......but you get what you pay for....just a place to sleep, and little else.

The other times I stayed with Tanya.

Posted by: Chillidog

Raspberry,
I also found a hotel (3 star) called 'Meridian' in Mariupol (Spartak was also on this site) on http://www.besthotelsukraine.com but have not run across any aprtments yet. Also looked into flights going into Dontesk and like you said taking a bus to Mariupol from there, so this is a possibilty, but if I go to Mariupol and Sumy I may just want to fly into Kiev and take trains to each town, do not know at this time, to early to overly worry about it yet.
Only thing is both my prevoius trips were to just one city without worry about traveling to various cities while I was in Russia (those trips), my Russian is poor, working on it but it will not be good enough to feel comfortable in making travel arrangements while in Ukraine, and how do you ask one woman to help you make arrangements to see a different women?????

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Raspberry,
I also found a hotel (3 star) called 'Meridian' in Mariupol (Spartak was also on this site) on http://www.besthotelsukraine.com but have not run across any aprtments yet. Also looked into flights going into Dontesk and like you said taking a bus to Mariupol from there, so this is a possibilty, but if I go to Mariupol and Sumy I may just want to fly into Kiev and take trains to each town, do not know at this time, to early to overly worry about it yet.
Only thing is both my prevoius trips were to just one city without worry about traveling to various cities while I was in Russia (those trips), my Russian is poor, working on it but it will not be good enough to feel comfortable in making travel arrangements while in Ukraine, and how do you ask one woman to help you make arrangements to see a different women?????

Childog, I have heard of the Meridian, but I don't know where it is......as for apartments, the only ones I know of are through the marriage agencies. But I will check to see what else is out there.

As for Kiev being the "base" city, there are pros and cons. There is a lot to do in Kiev. Plus they also have more flights than the other cities.

The negatives are---Kiev is expensive(and that has been mentioned before). But you have at least have stuff to do, if all things fail---so a bit of a trade-off. Also, the train takes 13 hours from Kiev to Mariupol.

As for having a lady make arrangements so you could meet another lady....
that is sticky......

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

how do you ask one woman to help you make arrangements to see a different women?????

Chilli, you find out that secret, you will let us know won't you?

Posted by: Raspberry

Tomorrow is payday, and that is a big help.(But having my tax refund--which is due anyday now----would make things even better).

Will have to make some phone calls the next two or three days. I'm still trying to kick around the ideas........I am being less sure of the Mariupol girl. She of course wants to meet elsewhere but her home city. And of course, she needs some way to get to Crimea or Kiev.

In fact, I have not talked to her on the phone yet. But I know a Ukrainian girl locally that is a translator, so I may hire her.

I wouldn't mind spending the money for air tickets, etc. if I had met her before, or if she was the only one.

It would be much easier to meet in Mariupol---even if it was for an hour or two---then ride together to wherever. The thing I DON'T want blow money(plane tickets)or waste time waiting for her(ground transportation)......only to be disappointed.........that is nagging in the back of my mind. And I would kick myself for wasting time/money that could have been better used.

Bottom line is I want to make the best out of my stay in Ukraine. And the phone calls this weekend will set the tone.

Posted by: BluesTraveler

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

and how do you ask one woman to help you make arrangements to see a different women?????

You don't!!!!

Why not ask Igor to help you out, he lives in Ukraine.

Posted by: eddie465

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

I also found a hotel (3 star) called 'Meridian' in Mariupol (Spartak was also on this site) on http://www.besthotelsukraine.com but have not run across any aprtments yet.

I know http://www.welcome-to-russia.com has apartments listed in Mariupol. Depending on when exactly you are going they might all be rented but I did a check on the current default dates (May 1-8) and they have 7 apartments listed in Mariupol.

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

However, there is still the issue of her transportation. There is next to nothing as far as air service into Mariupol, and taking a flight out of Donetsk would be a bit counter-productive. However, I do not want to get soaked for her to take a cab from wherever.

What�s wrong with the cabs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

The game plan is changed to this: Fly into Kharkov, spend a couple nights in Sumy, spend one night in Mariupol, then about three days at an unspecified spot in Crimea and four days in Zaporozhye.

Why not go Kiev-Sumy-Harkov-Zaporoje-Mariupol (to pick her up)-Crimea? This would be more or less smooth.

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

actually if these cities (women) end up being my itinerary I was not going to use Kiev as a base of operations, my thought was to fly into Kiev and then take a train to Mariupol and spend a week with this lady, then travel by train from Mariupol up to Sumy to spend a week in Sumy with this lady, then at the end travel by train back to Kiev and fly home from there. Of course if this ends up being the plan I hope that the arrangements for the train travel can be done ahead of time.

Raspberry--- do you know anything about a hotel in Sumy called the 'Pan'?

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Chilli, you find out that secret, you will let us know won't you?

Blucatz, I have never been comfortable even in highschool in 'dating more than one' so I do not know how the 'visit many' pull it off???

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluesTraveler

You don't!!!!

Why not ask Igor to help you out, he lives in Ukraine.

BT, thanks, I did know this already

and the thought of contacting Igor has run through my mind many times, just nothing is 'set in stone' yet, and until that time I did not want to take up Igor's time unnecessarily, but do appreciate the help

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie465

Eddie,
thanks for the link, will deffinitly check this site out, thanks

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Tomorrow is payday, and that is a big help.(But having my tax refund--which is due anyday now----would make things even better).

Will have to make some phone calls the next two or three days. I'm still trying to kick around the ideas........I am being less sure of the Mariupol girl. She of course wants to meet elsewhere but her home city. And of course, she needs some way to get to Crimea or Kiev.

In fact, I have not talked to her on the phone yet. But I know a Ukrainian girl locally that is a translator, so I may hire her.

I wouldn't mind spending the money for air tickets, etc. if I had met her before, or if she was the only one.

It would be much easier to meet in Mariupol---even if it was for an hour or two---then ride together to wherever. The thing I DON'T want blow money(plane tickets)or waste time waiting for her(ground transportation)......only to be disappointed.........that is nagging in the back of my mind. And I would kick myself for wasting time/money that could have been better used.

Bottom line is I want to make the best out of my stay in Ukraine. And the phone calls this weekend will set the tone.

I would deffinitly talk with her on the phone first if at all possible! I know time is short now, but even a phone call or two will help the decision making process in whether you see the Mariupol lady or not. I am with you on the spending of money on someone you have never met, not a smart way to start a relationship (at least from the man's side, you just will not know if she is there to be with you or just to have a vacation). My advice is what you stated if possible meet her in Mariupol and then if things go well travel together to the Crimea.
I do not know how you handle making all these plans so close to the time you travel, I need things planned and organized well in advance, my brain would be like a noodle right now

but your more well travelled then I am.
It will be great to read how everything turned out, wishing you good luck, especially with the women you meet!!!!

Posted by: Stirlitz

Chillidog,

Come on man, only five posts running, is that all?!

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

What�s wrong with the cabs?Why not go Kiev-Sumy-Harkov-Zaporoje-Mariupol (to pick her up)-Crimea? This would be more or less smooth.

I've heard a lot of horror stories about foreigners being stuck with $350 cab rides in Ukraine. Plus my own experience about missing one day, being stuck in Donetsk......spent too much time arguing with the cabbie who stalled around a bit---and missed the last bus to Zaporozhye. I had offered him more than market rate to get me to the bus station, and got a bit greedy, and hoped I'd be suckered into having him drive me to Zap.

But I would consider a taxi at some point, for some legs of the trip, if I can find a driver I can trust. The trains are cheap to ride, but they are also slow. So, I've got to figure the time vs. money factor, to see what is more worthwhile.

Posted by: Stirlitz

Please check your PMs.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

I do not know how you handle making all these plans so close to the time you travel, I need things planned and organized well in advance, my brain would be like a noodle right now

but your more well travelled then I am.

Chilidog, part of the deal is that I happen to be in the travel industry, and travel on free and reduced rate tickets. All is well and good with that, except you have to account for the fact you are among the last people to board the plane. Of course, you have to consider any contingencies, if things don't go your way. Yes, the price is right, but sometimes things just don't go right, and you have to account for that.

I think you get the drift on that.......but trying to schedule meetings with the ladeis can be a logistics nightmare. And of course, there is the dilemma of choosing who to meet......one? some? all? stay put? or go all over?

And throwing in a lady who has specific requests(demands?)does not help, either, when it comes to this....

Yeah, my brain has been taxed seriously, as of late.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

What�s wrong with the cabs?Why not go Kiev-Sumy-Harkov-Zaporoje-Mariupol (to pick her up)-Crimea? This would be more or less smooth.

Stirlitz, so far, what I will do is fly into Kharkov, and spend three days in Sumy. The next step is, to talk to the one lady on the phone. But still haven't heard back, and don't have her number yet.

But I may need your services for Mariupol-Crimea, if it does indeed happen. I did read your PM's....thank you!

I will keep you posted, as soon as I find out anything.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Also looked into flights going into Dontesk and like you said taking a bus to Mariupol from there, so this is a possibilty, but if I go to Mariupol and Sumy I may just want to fly into Kiev and take trains to each town, do not know at this time, to early to overly worry about it yet.

Here is the domestic flight schedule for Mariupol.
http://www.ukrainefare.com/flights/Mariupol-MPW.php

Fares are in USD. You will notice the carrier code is "YY". This is the airline designator meaning "all carriers". Apparently, Ukraine has a law, much like certain US regions, requiring that Mariupol have "essential air service". So, it's not just one carrier that flies the route....it is actually shared by more than one airline.....sometimes it will be Aerosvit, and other times Donbassaero, and it could be even other carriers.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

what I will do is fly into Kharkov,

There are lots of lovely women in Kharkov too Raspberry

and it is a nice city

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

There are lots of lovely women in Kharkov too Raspberry

and it is a nice city

Thanks Chris, and that would be expected, especially considering the number of people there. Isn't Kharkov the second- or third-largest city in the country?

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Thanks Chris, and that would be expected, especially considering the number of people there. Isn't Kharkov the second- or third-largest city in the country?

Its the second and I loved my time there and as it is a big University city it is swarming with hot women not all young ones, some more mature students too for us older guys.

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Raspberry,
thanks for the web link, I would assume that a person in the states can book and pay for a flight thru this site? would you know about this?
Also, I do understand your situation in making of plans close to the time you leave with your profession, in time I guess it is something you can get used to, but a little hecktic (sp?) without having done it this way before, I give you credit

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Its the second and I loved my time there and as it is a big University city it is swarming with hot women not all young ones, some more mature students too for us older guys.

Chris, how is the transportation situation between the Kharkov airport and the city? And I presume there is train and/or bus service between Kharkov and Sumy.

Posted by: Chrismc

Kharkov to the city is 15 - 20 minutes by taxi, cost negligable, I think they have a bus too, but I used taxis. Kharkov to Sumy I have no idea I have not be to Sumy.

Posted by: Raspberry

Still have not heard back from the Mariupol girl yet. So meeting at the Crimea is a bit more unlikely, as it seems.

Likewise, the girl in Seattle who is a translator, hasn't answered back in a couple of days. She used to work at one of the bigger agencies, and knows most of the girls in Mariupol. It would be interesting to see if she knows this particular one.(And maybe, just for fun, I should have asked if she knew Tanya....

)

Most likely, like most Ukrainians, she is probably getting ready for Easter dinner.

I did call the one in Sumy early this morning, but we had some problems with the line. The first call, when I got up, I wasn't able to get through. I did manage to get through, a couple of hours later, only to be cut off in the second sentence. And subsequently, not able to get through.

Of course, I'm thinking the worst. But then again, the phone companies in Ukraine are not all that swift. I will send an e-mail as a backup. The main thing is to enjoy my time off, and have a fun time in Sumy. I had already prepaid three days of apartments, so I am "stuck" there....but it may turn out to be decent.

Posted by: Raspberry

Oh, yes, one of my friends dropped his wife off at the airport today. She is going to Thailand, and he suggested it may be a good idea to meet up with her, so she can introduce her friends to me. But he also knows that I won't drop a FSU trip to go to Thailand. Maybe for my October vacation, but not this time......

Posted by: freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Raspberry,
I also found a hotel (3 star) called 'Meridian' in Mariupol (Spartak was also on this site)

I stayed at Spartak, it was good, no problems. Close to the center of the city

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird

I stayed at Spartak, it was good, no problems. Close to the center of the city

Thanks Freebird,
it is good to know someone has stayed at these hotels before, because the websites/pictures sometimes are limited and or deceiving. If I do go to Mariupol when the time draws near I am sure I will be trying to pick everyone's brain a little more

Posted by: Raspberry

Did call the girls in Sumy and Zaporozhye. Not exactly a positive connection, though. Had problems getting through to the Sumy girl the first few attempts, and then finally broke through. Only to have it disconnect on me. And then not get through the next few times.

I am not sure if this is a mobile, or a land line. But it is in a small town outside of Sumy, so any kind of connection problem may be possible. I did send a mail forwarding message, just out of general principle and backup.

The Zaporozhye girl had the answering machine on, and I left a message(in Russian) mentioning my arrival date. Her phone is definitely a mobile, as I knew from the last time.

Now Miss Mariupol....there is a bit of a twist.....got an e-mail. She had checked into getting a taxi to take her to Crimea, along with a translator. Plus she had mentioned she would have to pay someone to take over her work duties while she was gone.

All comes to a total of $600 USD, and the prices certainly sound in line with what cabs cost,(this is round-trip) and having the translator spend three days away from home.

She says "there is no need to pay for her lodgings as she will be staying with me"-----this gives the impression she is paying for hotel in Crimea.(Does it sound like that?)

And of course, Labor Day is coming up, and the offices will be closed for some facilities(agencies, etc.)during the holiday. So a short time frame to decide or not.

Initially, I was expecting just to meet the lady in her home city, and now it seems that the situation will be more expensive, not to mention complex. I had not planned on anything like this......and I am thinking really hard if it's really worth my while to do this meeting.......

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

She says "there is no need to pay for her lodgings as she will be staying with me"-----this gives the impression she is paying for hotel in Crimea.(Does it sound like that?)

And of course, Labor Day is coming up, and the offices will be closed for some facilities(agencies, etc.)during the holiday. So a short time frame to decide or not.

I don't get that impression at all. To me is sounds like you are paying for the hotel and that her lodgings will not be part of the extra $600 she is wanting you to pay. Sounds like she figures that you already paid for the hotel so its not an added expense for her to come to you.

When you mention Labor Day, is that an actual holiday in Ukraine or do you mean our Memorial day? Sometimes I get the 2 holidays mixed up myself.

Posted by: BluesTraveler

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

She says "there is no need to pay for her lodgings as she will be staying with me"-----this gives the impression she is paying for hotel in Crimea.(Does it sound like that?).

Sounds like she wants to stay in your hotel room. I think she is implying no need to get 2 rooms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

I had not planned on anything like this......and I am thinking really hard if it's really worth my while to do this meeting.......

We have all had this thought run through our head...

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Yikes! I will be spending more than her than the other two girls combined, just solely for the fact that she doesn't want to meet in her own home town!

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

When you mention Labor Day, is that an actual holiday in Ukraine or do you mean our Memorial day? Sometimes I get the 2 holidays mixed up myself.

Labor Day is May 1st, as it is in most FSU countries....and even some European countries also celebrate that day.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluesTraveler

Sounds like she wants to stay in your hotel room. I think she is implying no need to get 2 rooms.

Is the translator staying with us??

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Labor Day is May 1st, as it is in most FSU countries....and even some European countries also celebrate that day.

Thanks for clearing that up, I had no idea about May 1st. Is there any type of celebration that goes on or do they just get the day off like we do here to do what they want to?

12 Days to Moscow

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Is the translator staying with us??

Can't you get your own translator in the Crimea locally? I would think it would be cheaper than bringing one with her from her home town.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Thanks for clearing that up, I had no idea about May 1st. Is there any type of celebration that goes on or do they just get the day off like we do here to do what they want to? 12 Days to Moscow

No, it's a "real" holiday, with parades and all. Moscow is especially famous for its Labor Day parade.......perhaps the most famous one of them all!!

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

No, it's a "real" holiday, with parades and all. Moscow is especially famous for its Labor Day parade.......perhaps the most famous one of them all!!

Dang, if I had known all that I would have pushed up the trip a couple of weeks so I could enjoy that famous holiday.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Dang, if I had known all that I would have pushed up the trip a couple of weeks so I could enjoy that famous holiday.

I'm surprised(and sorry) that you didn't know.

Posted by: Raspberry

Seems like the updates are coming every other hour. Some of my counterparts in other cities are planning to go to Ukraine at a later date.

Also heard from the Sumy girl. She is only available to meet until 5/2.....which actually is fine. I figure I would be really wiped out on my arrival.

Been looking at the finances.....I am not a cheapskate, but even if I wanted to do the Crimea thing than the Mariupol girl did, it looks like I will have to pull the plug on it. It does not really allow any room for comfort. I can't stand scraping when I am abroad.

It would be stupid to risk the rest of the trip on this. Granted, I will get paid again next Thursday, on direct deposit. And my first three nights(Sumy)is already paid for. So I have enough, and then a little extra cushion. But going to Crimea---at least under those circumstances----would certainly make the rest of the trip suffer.

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Now Miss Mariupol....there is a bit of a twist.....got an e-mail. She had checked into getting a taxi to take her to Crimea, along with a translator. Plus she had mentioned she would have to pay someone to take over her work duties while she was gone.

All comes to a total of $600 USD, and the prices certainly sound in line with what cabs cost,(this is round-trip) and having the translator spend three days away from home.

She says "there is no need to pay for her lodgings as she will be staying with me"-----this gives the impression she is paying for hotel in Crimea.(Does it sound like that?)

And of course, Labor Day is coming up, and the offices will be closed for some facilities(agencies, etc.)during the holiday. So a short time frame to decide or not.

Initially, I was expecting just to meet the lady in her home city, and now it seems that the situation will be more expensive, not to mention complex. I had not planned on anything like this......and I am thinking really hard if it's really worth my while to do this meeting.......

Raspberry,
last year when I traveled to see a woman who lived in Moscow, I was also corresponding with a woman from Mariupol (who I actually liked better and thought we were a better match than the one in Moscow) but the Mariupol woman wanted to meet in Kiev and bring her translator with her, with of course me footing the bill, travel expense for the two of them, she did say we could all share a 3 bedroom apartment. I told her no-way, I was not going to do that, so she then backed down and stated OK then we will meet in my home town, but for me the damage was done and I went to see the Moscow woman instead. Your story sounds very close to what I experienced last year, I wonder if it could possibly be the same woman?

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Was her name Valeria, by any chance?

But I will consider meeting in the home town.....after all, that's what I originally wanted......maybe she will back down........

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Was her name Valeria, by any chance?

But I will consider meeting in the home town.....after all, that's what I originally wanted......maybe she will back down........

No, different name, so I am sure it is a different woman. good luck however it turns out. I do prefer the meet in hometown first method

Posted by: Raspberry

Its about 630am or so in Frankfurt.........just getting ready to be with all the other "Hot Dogs" here...........as many of you, people here are Frankfurters and the next stop�s people are Wieners!!

Posted by: blucatz

Raspberry, when do you plan on leaving for your trip?

11 days to

then I get my

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Raspberry, when do you plan on leaving for your trip?

11 days to

then I get my

I think he is in route as we speak, at least that is what his last post leads me to believe. also up thread somewhere I believe he wrote he would be traveling the very beginning of May

Posted by: Raspberry

It's now about 10:25am in Sumy. Trip, for the most part, has been a bit of a fiasco, to say the least.

Made the connections smooth Seattle-Frankfurt-Vienna-Kharkov. But when no luggage arrived, it proved to be a bad sign of things to come. (I usually do carry-on, but with a two-week trip, carry-on isn't enough)

I would have got into Sumy, earlier, due to a bunch of misinformation. Not to mentioned being interrogated by the police in Kharkov.(I'll explain later on).

So, already behind schedule due to the bag thing. It would have gone quicker, but then a charter flight on RoseAir(?), and a full one, at that, just came in from Tel Aviv. Normally would it be slam-dunk during customs(as with all non-Borispol airports).......but I kind of got sucked into the line with the inbound.....most were transit passengers---Russian passport holders...and presumably taking a bus or train over the border.

As usual, the cabbies were trying to get me to take them all the way to Sumy.....but of course I only went to the train station.

The cabbie insisted he could get me faster, because the train will take two hours. (Presumably this guy will drive like a maniac for the sixty miles on the highway.)

Got to the train station and checked the schedule. It was about 3pm, and asked when the next train to Sumy was. The agent says "525pm, and it takes six hours". No thanks, I'll look for a bus.

I was directed to the bus station, by taking the metro to Gagarin. Yes, there were buses there, and an official stop, but nothing to Sumy. One of the drivers pointed at building. So I walked to it, which was about two blocks.

Got in there, and the agent said go take the Metro and get off at Tsentralniy
Rinok station.......which I had passed, and was two stops from Gagarin, and one away from the train station.

Posted by: Raspberry

Got off at Tsentralniy Rinok, and found another bus station, just like the first one at Gagarin---outdoors and no actual station. Asked people about getting to Sumy, and there was no Sumy bus there.

So, headed back to the station, to "lick my wounds" or "bite the bullet" and sit on the train for six hours. When getting ready to get back on the train, I went to a window to get a token, but the lady pointed to the other window.
Just when I was getting up to the, this policeman comes up to me and says in English "you need to come back here".

He checks all my ID's, rifles through my wallet, and goes through my hand carry. Of course, asks all kinds of questions---"where am I from, what I am doing here, etc."

Finally he gets done, and says, can I have these? I wasn't going to argue with him......he saw all kinds of pennies and other US change, and took all of my US coin---amounting to less than $5.00! I even offered him a dollar bill, and says "I collect coins only". Kind of ironic, since I had some Euro bills, a few ones, and about $80.00 worth of UAH.....which he could have taken.

Oh, yes, speaking of hryvnia, I bought mine at the main train station(not the metro), which is something I normally would not do---deal on the black market. I had some twenties, which I wanted to change into UAH, and was heading to the bank at the station. I cringed a bit, seeing that they were only giving 4.7 to the dollar.

A guy saw me, and asked if I wanted any hryvnia. He gets his calculator, and punches 4.92......sounds like a deal...at least to get me through. On previous trips, 5.2 was the going rate.

Missed the train, but then there was another leaving an hour later.

So, I get to Sumy in the late evening. Actually got misinformation by both the cabbie and the station agent---the trip actually took around 3:40 or so.

Andrei from the agency picked me up, and get the apartment set up for me.
Was ready to get something to eat, but several of the restaurants were closed(or closing up early) due to Labor Day. He suggested McDonalds, which was open, but I passed on that.....instead, stopped at the supermarket and got some groceries.

Posted by: Raspberry

So, now I am in Sumy, and out of the land of misinformation. Yes, Kharkov had a couple of things I saw in passing that were nice----some churches(of course)....but I really liked the stained glass windows inside the train station.

You also get a mistaken impression of the Kharkov metro. Actually the trains are from the 1930s, but restored really nice. Really cool to ride on. You would automatically assume that they, being the second-largest city, would have subway trains like Kiev, but no. Still, a fun system to ride.

But not enough for me to have any desire to go back for a stay. Many people have sour dispositions, aside from the fact of getting the run-around. At least Minsk people start off initially cold, but they warm up to you once they know who you are, and knowing you came especially to visit their city. Kharkov people are generally indifferent and sour. I don't want anyone to trash-talk Cleveland anymore, after being in Kharkov. Euclid is a much better place to be, than on Gagarin.

Posted by: Raspberry

In case you're wondering, I'm doing this story in pieces.....too many times I have got a long stretch, only to be timed out.

I had hoped to meet with Elena last night(Friday), but she was working the day and wouldn't be able to meet. Did call her last night, talked a bit about meeting today(Saturday).....then got cut off in the middle of the conversation. Tried to call her again, but her number was out of service.
Hmm....sounds like wanting to spend time with her friends, especially on the start of Labor Day weekend.

Speaking of which, the holiday was a bit frustrating. Since I needed some clothes, I did go to the flea market(good selection).....but had forgotten socks. Well, everthing seemed to close at 3:45. So, I was not able to get any. The one pair of white ones I have will do, even though it's a bit tacky.

Also, there was a problem getting internet access. One place went out of business. And the Ukratelecom office was open for phone service, but not for
the internet(closed through sunday on Labor Day). This leaves only one place open----Galactica.

Problem is, with kids out of school due to holiday, all of the "gamers" were out in force. They have, as I find out, 20 stations that are games-only, and only 10 with internet access. Due to the overflow, there were a lot of kids using the good machines.......and some had left, but leaving the game-only machines open. It took me a while to figure out why there were open positions, yet I was told I could not get internet access.

So, finally, I am here. Then there was another communications problem. Some(but not all)land lines cannot call cell phones....and vice versa. Which is really frustrating. I did get a Ukratelikom pay phone card in the beginning, but it ran out.

Even more frustrating was the availaibilty of the card in Sumy. We have a bunch of groceries and kiosks on my street, plus three pay phones. NONE of the stores carried the card for the pay phones.....only KyivStar, Ace of Base, Life, and other cards that work on cell----but not at a pay phone booth.
Eventually, I had to go downtown and get one.

I would imagine it is not a Sumy-only problem. So, there are two options, either get a cell phone OR buy a Ukratelikom card at the first point of contact. Take it from me, the last thing you want to do is get stuck with no communication. It's one thing getting the right card in the middle of the city, but the stores in the outlying areas often only carry the cell phone cards---
and not the ones used in phone booths.

Called Elena again today.She would like to postpone her meeting until tomorrow, and would like me to stay one more day. Essentially, I have wasted three days in Sumy for no good reason.

Talked to guy at the agency, after trying to set up a ride to go to Glukhov. I told him that she probably doesn't have any interest in me, and is wasting my time....she will probably say "try again tomorrow" once again.

I had Andrei call her, and explain to her in Russian, to be truthful and that I am not going to be angry if you changed your mind about meeting me.

Well, he calls back and says she was actually working out of town when I called her(and not at home). Also, he said that she was sick today, and would rather meet me when she's feeling better. Right. Sounds like a B.S. story like some American girl would give.

Sicking out is typical what girls do to me in the US........I came to Ukraine to get away from this B.S.......

Needless to say, I will call her tomorrow morning, but I am not optimistic.

Although the city and the people of Sumy are pleasant, I just can't wait to get the hell out of here!!

But I am also thinking.....the weather is better than Seattle, and I am glad not at work. So, I will drink my Hortytsia and just shut up for now...

Posted by: Raspberry

Oh, yes, the Mariupol girl did e-mail back......however, there is a compatibility problem between Hotmail and their server......I can into the site, but when I go to another page, it kind of freezes up.

I can see there's a message there, but I can't open it up. Just wondering, one way or another. With my luck, she is going to back out, too.

Speaking of luck......I sat down for 10 minutes at the "Nevada" casino, and played some of that automated roulette. Played only 10 UAH and ended up with 255 UAH in those 10 minutes......and cashed in properly.

Posted by: Raspberry

Finally, I was able to get to my e-mail. And now, there is one less thing to worry about......the Mariupol girl does not think I am serious, and am just in Ukraine to play games.

I think, from day one, she was high maintenance, to begin with. At least I was able to make some kind of compromise with the any of other girls(past and present), as far as setting up some kind of meeting, at some point.

So, it's all working out for all parties concerned. Actually a bit of a sigh of relief, and not worry as much.

Now I can move on and can tighten up the plans a bit. Next is to call Elena, and hopefully have a quality day with her(for once).

Posted by: Raspberry

Strike two. Elena is still sick. So, I'm outtta here in about an hour or so.
Needless to say, regardless if she is telling the truth, or is lying, it has been virtually a waste of time being in Sumy.

The guy from the agency said to see if I'd like to meet any other women. Would have been fine three days ago.....but kind of pointless now. No real reason to stay in Sumy. And I'm certainly not going to extend my stay any longer, for something unknown. Besides, what kind of quality woman is going to be available at the last minute on a holiday weekend?

So, it's down south and headed for the coast.

Somehow, I need to find a way to salvage this trip. I am on a "roll", and I do mean in a negative sense......with this being a total fiasco, I now have less hopes for Zaprozhye now. Yes, I've met the girl in Zap before, and we get along great.....but with nothing making sense here.....I am not about to hold my breath....

Posted by: Chrismc

Sorry to hear it has all gone South for you Raspberry, but as I said up thread, you just seem to be always running around to much on these trips, settle down, make contacts in one city and set up base there and see what you can find would be my advice.

I really do not see how all this travel between cities can help at all. Lets face it you go over there to spend time with women, so you get all that set up before you go, you do that legwork from home, then when you get out there you need to spend as much quality time with them as possible, I just think IMHO chasing around between various cities and regions is counter productive to what you are there for.

I hope the rest of the trip picks up, good luck

Chris

Posted by: Spakoyna

I think Chris is right here. Meet for a day or 2 and on to the next, if I were a lady and I knew this is what you were doing I wouldn't waste my time with you unless I was a GTG!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Sorry to hear it has all gone South for you Raspberry, but as I said up thread, you just seem to be always running around to much on these trips, settle down, make contacts in one city and set up base there and see what you can find would be my advice.

I really do not see how all this travel between cities can help at all. Lets face it you go over there to spend time with women, so you get all that set up before you go, you do that legwork from home, then when you get out there you need to spend as much quality time with them as possible, I just think IMHO chasing around between various cities and regions is counter productive to what you are there for.

I hope the rest of the trip picks up, good luck

Chris

Posted by: sidney

I know being there it's a tough call. Unfortunately this happens far too often with their no show. I'm sure you're a bit wiser thru it all and probably won't let it go for 3 days next time. It is near impossible to gage the level of sincerity unless there is a face to face meeting and even then it can go south. I hope your back-up plan/s work out for you. Do enjoy your time there and if you meet someone else then just look at it as a bonus. We do wish you the best in this search.
Sid

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidney

I know being there it's a tough call. Unfortunately this happens far too often with their no show. I'm sure you're a bit wiser thru it all and probably won't let it go for 3 days next time. It is near impossible to gage the level of sincerity unless there is a face to face meeting and even then it can go south. I hope your back-up plan/s work out for you. Do enjoy your time there and if you meet someone else then just look at it as a bonus. We do wish you the best in this search.
Sid

I agree Sid, it is hard to judge their sincerity, but in my view if you have not already done and ascertained that as much as you can before you set off, by using the phone and any other tool at your disposal, you are setting yourself up for a wasted trip.

I just feel a lot of the leg work should and can be done from home, well before you start booking tickets.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidney

Problem is I already had the three days at the apartment pre-paid before I left. So much for a rigid plan. I could have left the first day, then I would have been paying for accomodations for two different places. Then I didn't have my luggage, either.

And one thing I found about Sumy......although it is closer to Kharkov, keep in mind there is less frequency for the ground transportation than one would think. If I ever go to Sumy again, I'd fly into Kiev. Besides KBP is cheaper to fly into than HRK.

What is unfortunate is that you may not click on the first or second day. I think it would be a drag to spend a week where there is no chemistry. Can you imagine me being in Sumy, and no lady? All I would do is eat and drink, and shop, and little else.

Yes, I have been burned by (mostly American)girls with no-shows and last-minute cancellations. So, even when you bend over backwards to have a solid plan, sometimes things can go wrong. You don't want to commit to something that is a "Catch-22". I would much rather be miserable for two days than for the whole trip.

Personally, I would like quality time, of course. But you can't count on happening.

It's kind of ironic that some people suggest that I should like up more girls than just three.......I think three is reasonable and manageable.

Anyway, still have 10 days left. Anything could happen. And the last thing I would want to do is leave for the states now, and conceed failure. It would be so embarrassing to me. I would never hear the end of "you really should have gone to Thailand instead" or "being with the ex-girlfriend in Texas".

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Finally, I was able to get to my e-mail. And now, there is one less thing to worry about......the Mariupol girl does not think I am serious, and am just in Ukraine to play games.

Raspberry,
The Mariupol girl maybe high maintance I do not know you would know better than me.
But what I think might contribute to your problem, is she may actually feel a lack of interest on your part towards her, because she is aware of all the different palces your going but more important than that she is not the "only" girl you will be meeting, and this leads her to feel a lack of interest on your part, and for her why should she commit to meeting you. Writing in correspondence to you maybe much different, and her goal maybe was for you to see or feel a connection with her and have all your plans revolve around her, to see more of a commitment from you on this trip and then she would make a big commitment in time to be with you as well.
I am a VO, but I am struggeling (in my mind) because there are two women I want to visit and wonder if on this trip if they know I am seeing another woman other then them, would they feel comfortable with this and put there heart and emotions on line with me to see if we have a future, or will they either at last minute decide not to see me because it is not worth it (in there eyes) or be with me but stay distant because of the knowledge of me seeing another also???? I do not know???? have a bunch of questions myself, but do not know if there are truly any answers to them.
But I agree with what everyone up thread has said. If to travel and see different places is your main goal and meeting an occasional friend along the way to see if more can develope then keep doing what you are doing but, if the travel has turned to more of looking for a future partner I would stay in one city and search for woman in this general region, with doing as much work as possible on the relationship end before travelling.

Posted by: Raspberry

Chilidog, I did not mention anything about any other women.....but I did mention meeting friends from the states during the trip, who may be over in Ukraine.

Actually, the more I think about it, I have less in common with the Mariupol girl than the other two.

But having two girls in the same city can be risky, too, as one could see the other.......

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Chilidog, I did not mention anything about any other women.....but I did mention meeting friends from the states during the trip, who may be over in Ukraine.

Actually, the more I think about it, I have less in common with the Mariupol girl than the other two.

But having two girls in the same city can be risky, too, as one could see the other.......

Raspberry,
not saying you are doing or have done anything wrong, just trying to see from the womans point of view, or give possible reasons that some of the plans did not come off as hoped.
The Mariupol woman could be feeling like you feel, not a strong common interst thing, or she could again be thinking even if he did not come out and state to me that you were going to see other woman, part of your trip was designed to meet her so why would the rest of the trip not also be designed to meet other women? again we may never know the answer, but these are the same questions and worries I am thinking about my possible trip to meet 2 woman on the same trip, and would be very interested in your thoughts on this subject, especially when I have not met more than 1 woman on either of my trips. I will also if you don not mind when you get back and have time, I would like to pick your brain about travel issues because of the cities you are visiting.
Just trying to 'think out loud' as far as why the Mariupol and Sumy woman did not pan out on this trip for you

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

I would like to pick your brain about travel issues because of the cities you are visiting.Just trying to 'think out loud' as far as why the Mariupol and Sumy woman did not pan out on this trip for you

I think the Mariupol girl is one of the high-strung professionals(she is a banker by trade)......she probably wants everything NOW! Plus less things in common.

With the Sumy girl, she is not actually from Sumy, but from a small village. Plus she is considerably younger than me. And although she claims to have "good" English, it is actually less than good. The irony is that she prefers me to call, as opposed to e-mail.

Posted by: Raspberry

Well, second try doing this update......

Was headed out to the train station, at about noon. I had planned to stop in Kharkov, pick up the bags, and get on the all-nighter to Mariupol. Well, the next train was at 5:20 and not enough time to go station to airport and back to station.

We went to the busy station, and Andrei called Austrian. They were only open until 5pm, and this 1:15p bus would not allow enough time. So the choices were stay in Sumy and go the first thing in the morning, or overnight in Kharkov. Sumy was the lesser of the two evils.

Went out that night, and had a heck of a time trying to find some good food at 7:15pm on a Sunday.Many of the restaurants said they were open until 10 or Midnight, but in reality the restaurant part is closed---just the bar is open.

Didn't want fast food either. FInally found a great place, called the Greenwich. Had some excelleng pork cutlets, and something called "French Salad"---lettuce with hot salmon and scallops on it. Yum!

Saw some really good musicians play that night too. So, left Sumy on somewhat of a high note.

Posted by: Raspberry

Got up the next moring, took the first train of the day. Went to the ATM machine to get cash, but the machine was busted. As I turned around, guess who was there? The Kharkov militsia!

Once again a hand search of my stuff. They had asked me if I had marijuana. Now I put 2+2 together.......apparently foreigners have been smuggling pot into Kharkov, and the local militsia is hand-searching anyone that looks foreign, or doesn't speak local languages.

Got to the airport. Picked up the bags. Noticed there was an absence of taxis. Usually, at any Ukrainian airport or bus/train station, they are in your face right when you come out the door.

I had been there over 10 minutes, and no cabs. But you must consider that they have no business being there if there is no flight activity. Eventually, an Austrian employee saw me, and gave me a lift to the train station. What a lucky break!!

However, I may have dropped my camera after getting out of the car, and into the station. I was retracing my steps, and seeing where it could be. And at the very least, if some car ran over it, I would at least be able to find the memory chip, from the remains. But no luck. The irony was the photos were the only good thing from the trip----had some excellent shots of Sumy---and now they are gone!

Posted by: AkMike

Tanya has a friend here that is mid 40's if that's in your age range.. Good woman that I'll vouch for. Her pic and add was posted down in the personals by Tanya if you're interested...

She's low mainatance and everything..!!!

Posted by: Raspberry

Mike, this is something to consider. I'm just sorry about Sumy/Kharkov....the time was all but wasted, and it frustrates me. I wish I would, in hindsight, been in Kiev instead. That would have been more productive, and less stressful.

Are the personals still up, by the way?

Posted by: stevo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Well, second try doing this update......

If you're having trouble with timeouts, you could copy everything before you press submit, then at worst you would just have to paste it back. Or maybe a shift-refresh would work.

Posted by: AkMike

I was refering to the personals at the bottom of the index page.. Not the photo personals at the top.
We're headed out of Ukraine on the early morning hours of the 11th so I guess we won't get to meet in Kiev. Bummer.
I'll let you know if we run down to SeaTac sometime. We are planning on being back here next winter to fix and sell the Kiev apts. Maybe then???

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

I was refering to the personals at the bottom of the index page.. Not the photo personals at the top.
We're headed out of Ukraine on the early morning hours of the 11th so I guess we won't get to meet in Kiev. Bummer.
I'll let you know if we run down to SeaTac sometime. We are planning on being back here next winter to fix and sell the Kiev apts. Maybe then???

Sounds good to me Mike.....and it's frustrating that I am not only not going to be meeting you in Kiev, but also, I could bypassed going to Sumy, during those frustrating days, and met you then.

Plus, I could have saved a few extra bucks. Not only on apartments, but even with the employee discount on tickets, it costs almost me almost three times as much to fly Frankfurt-Kharkov, than it would have been on Frankfurt-Kiev.(Part of it has to do with the extra stop in Vienna, and applicable taxes).
Paid for "convenience"---only to get no meeting, lost bags, and hassled by Kharkov Militsia TWICE.

Posted by: Raspberry

Took the all-night train to Mariupol. Got this cabin with two Russian businessmen and a woman in her mid-30s with her three-old-daughter. The two guys and myself looked at each other, and we expected it to be a noisy trip during the all-nighter. But actually, it wasn't. The three-year-old was really well behaved the whole trip. I really wanted to thank the lady in the worst possible way, but just couldn't say it.

Some bizarre turn of events happened in Mariupol. Checked into the Spartak, then was going to make a quick social call at the Angelika office, then head off to Sartana.

The lady at Angelika was of course surprised, and happy to see me. We did talk a bit about "miss High Maintenance", too, and thinks it may be a misunderstanding.

Now, for the real bombshell.......she was saying that Tanya(who blindsided me back in October)cancelled her engagement to that guy from Dallas. The fiance visa was not cleared due to the fact he currently has no job.

"Do you want to talk to her?" she asks. I said "no, because she probably is not interested". "Would you mind me calling her, and telling her you're in town?" I had no problem with that. Tanya tells her she'll be at the agency at 5pm.

She was not angry at all, and in fact, glad to see me. And we forgave each other, and we got back to square one again. So, what was going to be a one-day social call to people I knew there turned out to be a two-day reunion of sorts.

Had dinner at the same restaurant we had our first date in. Met with her friends and neighbors, who were more then ecstatic to see me.

Posted by: AkMike

Best of luck with her.

We arrived in Kiev this morning. Not too bad on the cab ride either. 250 hyrivna for a 2 1/2 hour ride from Cherkassy to the SIL's apt in NW Kiev.

Posted by: Raspberry

This puts me in a really weird position......I was trying to move on with my life and was searching for a lifetime partner......now this is happening......

But, like the case of the ex-girlfriend in Texas, I just can't give her "a free pass to the front of the line". We will have to see what happens.

Tanya said that she was not allowed to use the mail forwarding contact at Angelika for a "first" contact. She did have my personal e-mail and tried to contact me a few months ago, using a friends computer and e-mail address, but apparenly did not go through(or more likely, looked like "junk" mail). Although I have her phone, I never gave her mine. She was considerning regular mail, if all else failed....but now, she doesn't have to do this.

For the record, the ex-fiance lost his job, and also had a drug problem, which he never told Tanya about. Apparently lost his job due to drug-related issues.

It originally appeared that I would be coming up empty on this trip, and now a 180-degree turn......

Tanya is at least understanding. This was unexpected, and she realizes this.
I have a meeting with a lady in Zaporozhye, and she insisted on helping me with travel and accomodations arrangements for this part of the trip. We took a cab ride together, and she was able to get this cabbie to do the round-trip for $100(she was going back to Mariupol).

She booked a night for me at the Intourist, as I still had no accomodations. Tried to get a hold of the Zap girl(who was supposed to set up an apartment)
several times, but unable to get through. So, just as well get a hotel for the first night, at least.

Tanya took the cab back. Tried calling "I" again, but it would continually cut off after three rings.

Since she lives about five blocks from the hotel, I decided to tape a note on the door, telling here I was trying to get a hold of her, and that I was staying at the Intourist.

As I was taping the note on the door, it opens. Some big burly guy was there, and it was scary seeing him there. I asked if "I" lives here, and he said yes. Just dawns on me that this is the son, who is in his late 20s. I called him by his first name, and he invites me in.

Posted by: Raspberry

It was a bit scary at first, seeing this big guy here. No surprise, his main sport is weightlifting, and is occupation is security guard. If I owned a nightclub, THIS is a guy I would hire as a bouncer, without even an interview, if you get my drift..........real buff and strong.

So, I came in and had some tea with the guy. He lives in Donetsk, but happened to be staying at his mom's place, as I found out. He had no idea that his mom had been corresponding with this American.

We made conversation the best we can with whatever language skills we had. He was a native Ukrainian speaker, unlike his mom, whose langauge is Russian.

Although we had difficulties communicating, there was a definite "vibe" or connection......and he was comfortable for his mom seeing this man.

I told him about the telephone difficulties, and he decided to try it himself. Sure enough, got the same results---three rings, and then it hangs up. Not even an option to save a message. He did mention that not only she was teaching aerobics and dance class, she was coaching some girls dancing at a nightclub as night as well---but didn't know which one.

Chatted with him until it got close to 9pm, and went back to the hotel.

Called her about noon, but same results as yesterday. Most likely she is sleeping in and has the phone turned off.......and who can blame here.

There were some people milling around here since when I got up(about 7), but no real holiday celebration happening---yet....but I suspect something coming up.

It's a little windy, but not all that bad....now just to enjoy the sunshine!!

Posted by: Raspberry

It's about 8am on Saturday. I finally got a hold of "I" last night. It is surprising that she did not call first, especially since I gave the son the message---not to mention the flowers sitting in the vase on the table(I forgot to mention to you guys that I had a bunch that I had planned to leave them on her doorstep). In fact, no mention of the meeting between me and the son---which is really strange.

Supposedly we will meet "tomorrow"---which is now today. But I have heard that song and dance before in Sumy. I thought I'd might go to the beach today, but it's a little too windy for that. And it appears that nothing has happened for the holiday--save from a few individuals with an occasional bottle rocket.

There really is no reason for me to stay in Zaporozhye at this point. No girl, no events, and weather only so-so. Barring any last-minute miracles, next thing to do is to get a snack, do some last-minute shopping, and then pack and go to Kiev two days early. At least there's always something happening in Kiev.

Posted by: blucatz

It almost sounds like a pretty wasted trip, as far as meeting women is concerned.

Posted by: AkMike

Zip on up north this evening. Want us to set up a reservation at the "Spartak" Hotel?
Drop a dime and we'll call them. They were the cheapest and deecent we found and used in Kiev. Approx 380-280rph.depending on what night of the week. 1 bus ride to Independance Square. It's north of the downtown area and kind of close to thwe river.
The nunber is 8-044-468-6977

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

It almost sounds like a pretty wasted trip, as far as meeting women is concerned.

You're damn right, Bluecatz......did not meet ANY of the women that I had planned to meet.....though by a fluke timing in Mariupol, meeting someone from the recent past......and who knows what may come of that..........

And having bags missing, harrassed by cops, and losing my camera didn't help, either.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

Zip on up north this evening. Want us to set up a reservation at the "Spartak" Hotel?
Drop a dime and we'll call them. They were the cheapest and deecent we found and used in Kiev. Approx 380-280rph.depending on what night of the week. 1 bus ride to Independance Square. It's north of the downtown area and kind of close to thwe river.
The nunber is 8-044-468-6977

Thanks Mike.......the wind became calm for a couple of hours, so I cancelled the idea of leaving ZAP......but halfway there, it started acting up. I really wanted to get some sun(I live in Seattle, you know). At least I got my presents pretty much all bought today.

But I am definitely coming up tomorrow morning. The rates sound really good, by Kiev standards!

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Raspberry--- do you know anything about a hotel in Sumy called the 'Pan'?

That might be that hotel this Canadian backpacker I was talking to in Sumy was telling me about.....supposedly $25/night.

Posted by: Raspberry

I'm in Kiev right now, and Spartak is out of space. So, mulling my options.

Posted by: Raspberry

Anyway, to catch up........during the last few hours in Zap, I stopped at this cafe, which is pretty close to where "I" lives........sat at this table, and at the next table sat this really attractive lady with dark hair and light eyes. Got to start talking to her. Understood some English but not much.

She was asking me what I was doing in Zaporozhye, and I told her I had come to meet this lady, who never showed up.......well she asked if I was married, and I told her no. Then she starts smiling. The waitress comes up and says, in English "she is a professional, she is good".

Then she starts explaining the rates for her services, as a one-shot deal, or spend the whole night. Damn! Nice pleasant(and gorgeous) girl turns out to be a prostitute.Especially in you-know-who's back yard.

Well, I was a bit embarassed to have to turn her offer down, but was a good sport, kind of joking around, and did so politely.

I was supposed to have a cabbie(who drove me earlier) pick me up to take to the train station. Got back to the hotel at 3:30pm, for a 4pm pickup. Well, it was 4:55, and no sign of the cabbie---who, ironically, said "we needed to get there early so you can get a ticket".

At that point, walked a couple of blocks, and got another cab driver, who was excellent.

Posted by: Raspberry

Got on the train, slept really well, then bounced around Kiev.

Was going to stop at Kiev Connections, but found out it moved recently. It is now only about two blocks away from the old location.

Met with the staff, and they wanted to set up some dates for tonight, even though I was on my way home. Surprisingly, the first one wanted to meet on the first try.

I had low expectations, but the meeting went off reasonably well. Considering the awkward situation, slow(and messed up) waiter service, plus a couple of phone calls on the lady's cell.

Surprising that this lady wants to continue to correspond with me. Go figure.
But it's good.

Posted by: AkMike

Too bad we didn't manage to meet for a piva or two while there Rasberry. Maybe next time.
Hopefully your trip improves..

Posted by: Raspberry

Oh yes, the new Kiev Connections office is right across from the AFA office, which is interesting.

Also, there is a second O'brien's......across the street and about 50 feet over from the original one.

Posted by: AkMike

I saw some 'Irish bar' very near the British Embassy, across the street from the old log fort. Was that it? It did seem busy for a Sat am.

Posted by: Raspberry

Mike, I happened to see that when I was in the cab, driving around. So O'Brien's is no longer the only Irish place in Kiev.....

I did find out why "I" wasn't there. Yes, I sent a message that I would be there by the 8th, if not earlier........she expected me to send another letter to follow up. So what does she do? Decides to go to work instead!

Kind of defies logic here.......suppose it is the other way around.....some FSU girl was planning to come visit me....calls the week before.....she sends me an e-mail from Phoenix, for example(you know she is in the US), and only a few days away......Would I decide to sign up for overtime, knowing she is here and capable of meeting me in the near future ? No. I would at least, if not ALL, at least some days off.

And incidentally, I at least tried to call her by phone a few times, but had problems getting through.

Posted by: AkMike

So where is O'Briens at then? Somewhere in that area? I was keeping my eyes open while I was in that area of town.

Posted by: Chrismc

Here Mike http://www.obriens.kiev.ua/eng/howtofind.phtml 2 minutes from Independence Square

Posted by: Raspberry

The second location is in one of those "tent-like" structures, which is common for restaurants/bars in Ukraine. The original location is in an actual building.

Posted by: Pin Boy

yes, i think that location across the street may be a summer only spot. but i like the idea of being outside in the nice weather much better. i'm sure i'll be dropping some money there a few times this summer when i'm in kiev for 9 glorious weeks!

Posted by: AkMike

Shoot! I've been by that place several times and not noticed it. The #18 bus that we took from the Spartak hotel to Ind. Square ended at Mickey D's...
Next time I'm going in for a few.

Posted by: Raspberry

The Sumy girl wrote me right about the time I was in Zaporozhye. She apologized for being sick and away, and would like to meet me again soon.

I did not reply immediately, as I figured I would probably say something I would regret. But I did finally write her back today.

Today, she is no longer exclusive to her small agency(Hearts Desire). AFA has uploaded a profile for her......so I would imagine I will be getting some competition soon........

Got the letter in the nick of time. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

The Sumy girl wrote me right about the time I was in Zaporozhye. She apologized for being sick and away, and would like to meet me again soon.

I did not reply immediately, as I figured I would probably say something I would regret. But I did finally write her back today.

Today, she is no longer exclusive to her small agency(Hearts Desire). AFA has uploaded a profile for her......so I would imagine I will be getting some competition soon........

Got the letter in the nick of time. It will be interesting to see what happens.

back in 2006 with a woman I had met and then when we started discussing K-1 and our second meeting things went south. We would email every day and talk on the weekends and when I get a disturbing email I would shoot off a quick reply to her and sometimes the wording I used was all wrong and just made matters worse, and I was given some advice by an Immigration Attorny I had retained who is married to a Russian women, he advised me that in his eyes was to just sleep on the email for a night and the next day I might have a different perspective on things. so I have adopted that approach now, back then it did not work so well because the woman was used to getting emails every day and when she did not receive one on a day would write me the following day and wonder if I did not like her any more or things to this nature.

But I agree with your actions on this sleep on it a little, take stock of what you really feel and then send a response. Hope for the best

My Sumy woman who is on 'hearts desire' is also on Aweb (maybe others) and her letters to me thru Hearts Desire are now taking more time, so we will see for me how this plays out as well.

Posted by: Raspberry

The Sumy lady actually lives in a smaller town that is about 60 miles away. With more competition, it will probably take longer......but I will still stick with Hearts Desire for two reasons.

One, it's the home base, and I presume that AFA, etc. will transfer it to the local agency anyway. Second, AFA is twice as expensive for the mails.(I think I'd better send flowers soon, before anyone gets the same idea!)

But I've just got to go with the flow and hope for the best....

I will check Anastasia, AFA, Elenas, etc., to see if her profile has been loaded there too....

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

The Sumy lady actually lives in a smaller town that is about 60 miles away. With more competition, it will probably take longer......but I will still stick with Hearts Desire for two reasons.

One, it's the home base, and I presume that AFA, etc. will transfer it to the local agency anyway. Second, AFA is twice as expensive for the mails.(I think I'd better send flowers soon, before anyone gets the same idea!)

But I've just got to go with the flow and hope for the best....

I will check Anastasia, AFA, Elenas, etc., to see if her profile has been loaded there too....

On Hearts Desire did you do their monthly plan or just individual letters?
has any other woman that are on Hearts Desire's website written you thru Hearts Desire?

Yea, I am also going to stick with Hearts Desire and see where communication goes from here, she is my #2 choice even though I think she is physicaly more attractive then my #1 choice in Mariupol (disclaimer-I do find Mariupol attractive also) yet for this reason she is my #2 because like I said letters are taking longer, she is very very good looking, so she may have ALOT of guys writting her now and may not be as serious yet in finding a mate and may want to see how things play out on her end as well

Posted by: Raspberry

In all honesty, I did not know there was a monthly plan at Heart's Desire. Perhaps I should check into it.

I did write another girl about two years ago at this agency.....but she did not write back, and Andrei at the agency gave me a refund for the lack of reply.

I am going to try to see what's up with this girl. The more I think of it the "sickness/business trip" appears to be more legitimate than I initially thought. The girl is also younger than what I'd normally go for.....but who knows, it may work.....

Posted by: AkMike

So what else happened during your trip Rasberry? Did you find any interesting prospects?

Posted by: Raspberry

Mike, I did meet--by a fluke---the girl I used to see(but decided she liked someone better last year)....she called off the engagement with the other guy, and was glad to see me.

And I did have one last-minute date, thanks to just dropping over at Kiev Connections.

We'll see what happens next....