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Going to Ukraine in November
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Posted by: matt235

Hey everyone,

It looks like I am finally making the leap of faith in my search. I am making plans to go to Ukraine in November (yeah about 5 months from now). I have a pretty detailed plan on how I am going to go about this, however, I need some input from you all. I am not exactly sure which city I should visit. I have narrowed down my search to the following cities: Kiev, Odessa-Kherson, Kharkov, Sumy and Donetsk-Mariupol.

I have decided on these cities due to my research of the various agency presence(s) in the cities. Currently Kiev and Odessa seem to be the obvious choice, but sometimes you just want to have someone else tell you the same thing. I realize that many of you have been to these places and I am sure that there are some great (and not so great) memories from each one. I would be happy to hear any and all advice on any of the cities that I mentioned above.

I have not begun corresponding with any ladies as of yet, because I do not really want to end up spreading my trip throughout Ukraine to see one in Kiev, then another in Odessa, and another in Sumy, then another...well you get the picture. Once I decide the city, I will begin corresponding. If I have to shift my travel dates, then I will.

I also know there are a number of threads regarding marriage agencies which I am trying to read and digest right now. Because of these threads and the review area, I will not ask any of you for any of that information, at least not yet.

I realize that this may be an unorthodoxed method of approaching this process, but this is the way I am wired...in other words this will probably work the best for me.

Thanks in advance for any input.

matt235

Posted by: Stirlitz

As you are traveling from Odessa to Herson why not stop by in Nikolayev… and then go on to the Crimea. The most beautiful girls in Ukraine live there: Simferopol and Sevastopol.

As for Kiev and Harkov, I do not believe it is a good idea. It is all about ‘girls from big cities vs village girls’. While I do not believe that village girls are a good idea, I think the truth is somewhere in-between. Thus, smaller towns like Simferopol, Sevastopol, Herson, Nikolayev rule. Not villages but not large cities. Apart from that, Harkov is not interesting and even a bit dangerous as some posters here may tell you (or search the board). But the Crimea has a lot to offer in terms of history, sights, culture, activities. I suggest that you concentrate on it rather than Kiev, Donetsk, Harkov.

Posted by: I/O

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

I have a pretty detailed plan

Matt, this is probably going to sound like a cynical smart arse, but you haven't decided on which city/s, or which agent/s, or which girl/s or.............you sure you are going? Why?

Odessa would have more hookers per square mile than I have seen almost anywhere in the world and Kiev would have more good time girls per square mile, BUT, both cities have some lovely women also, so what does it all mean? You can never be sure and you need to be flexible in your approach.

Kherson has at least one well respected agency. Odessa has our own Stirlitz, whom I enjoy to debate, often disagree with, think he knows half as much as he thinks but also knows a 100 times more of the local scene than I ever will and I think you would do well to at very least have a long chat with him. Kiev has lots of taxi drivers whom ALL have a brother or cousin who owns a trustworthy agency and they can take you right to his door for $50 more than the real Taxi fare is worth.

I've always thought a man is his own best agent. Search around, find someone you like, search further around her location and work from there. I would always (If doing this again) search out an agent in the area I was targeting, tuck their details in my pocket and use them if or when necessary. I really think that some guys tend to over think this whole thing. At the end of the day, we are/were all looking for the same thing, that is, the boy meets girl thing.

I went travelling for travels sake, saw people I liked, got myself mixed up in this international introduction thing, travelled some more, met some and eventually got sick and tired of the BS. It was sometime after I decided the local scene at home was more my interest that I received a letter from someone I had brushed shoulders with 2 or more years before. 3 years later I am married and still wondering how the hell it happened LOL.

My point is, don't try to get the science too exact or you might just miss the wood whilst gazing at the trees.

I/O

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Hey everyone,

It looks like I am finally making the leap of faith in my search. I am making plans to go to Ukraine in November (yeah about 5 months from now). I have a pretty detailed plan on how I am going to go about this, however, I need some input from you all. I am not exactly sure which city I should visit. I have narrowed down my search to the following cities: Kiev, Odessa-Kherson, Kharkov, Sumy and Donetsk-Mariupol.

I have decided on these cities due to my research of the various agency presence(s) in the cities. Currently Kiev and Odessa seem to be the obvious choice, but sometimes you just want to have someone else tell you the same thing. I realize that many of you have been to these places and I am sure that there are some great (and not so great) memories from each one. I would be happy to hear any and all advice on any of the cities that I mentioned above.

I have not begun corresponding with any ladies as of yet, because I do not really want to end up spreading my trip throughout Ukraine to see one in Kiev, then another in Odessa, and another in Sumy, then another...well you get the picture. Once I decide the city, I will begin corresponding. If I have to shift my travel dates, then I will.

I also know there are a number of threads regarding marriage agencies which I am trying to read and digest right now. Because of these threads and the review area, I will not ask any of you for any of that information, at least not yet.

I realize that this may be an unorthodoxed method of approaching this process, but this is the way I am wired...in other words this will probably work the best for me.

Thanks in advance for any input.

matt235

I am glad you narrowed your search area down Matt

but you are still looking in a very wide area,

however, let me give you one piece of advice to start with:

Do not Search for a lady based on Geographical location!

I love Ukraine, I love the people, had some fantastic tims there and met my wife there, but why limit your search to Ukraine and even a much narrower base of a few cities within Ukraine, whats wrong with Russia, Moldova, Estonia, Belarus, Latvia all the Khans, need I go on!

Posted by: freebird

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

As you are traveling from Odessa to Herson why not stop by in Nikolayev… and then go on to the Crimea. The most beautiful girls in Ukraine live there: Simferopol and Sevastopol.

Good advice Igor, I would also suggest to try to travel in late Sept/early Oct instead of Nov. The weather in Crimea is still quite nice at this time of year, while it will already be cold in XAPKOB. In Novermber the weather is probably poor everywhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

I am glad you narrowed your search area down Matt

but you are still looking in a very wide area,

Chris I would disagree. I think it is best to search your chosen agencies, then pick 3 - 8 girls from cities that are in the same region, like Zaphrozhe/Mariupol/Dnepropetrovsk, or Odessa/Kherson/Crimea. It is just too difficult to be making several 8 or 10 hour jouneys by bus or train during your stay, especially for a first timer. just IMO

Posted by: matt235

OK, you guys have made a pretty good point about not limiting myself based on a geographical region, however, here is my problem/logic. I'm trying to find a decent agency to work with and I would like to be able to work with just one or two at the very most. Cooresponding with ladies in 13 different city, 3 different countries, possibly 2 similar but different languages creates problems. Likewise, the cost of spreading out the search can become astronimical...memberships alone can run a guy $300 a month or more. I have already spent quite a bit on some failed communications over the past few years. Therefore, I am trying to focus my efforts and my initial thought was to isolate where I should focus.

Since I am working on determining an agency to deal with and my hopes were to get some information regarding the geographical areas as some of the agencies are rather localized (i.e. Kiev Connections, Kherson Girls, etc). However, there are others, (AFA, Elena's, etc) that are a little more dispersed. Because of my focus on finding an agency (and in turn a locale), I have suspended my attempts to communicate with ladies until I get this figured out. (My last communications came to a screaching halt about 4 months ago...and I have been re-evaluating my situation since then).

Just because I initially asked about a location, it doesn't mean that I am not open to listening to the collective experience of this forum (and changing my mind). There is a lot of information to deal with and due to my nature (I'm an engineer), I tend to look at details versus emotions sometimes. I really appreciate everyone's input and please, please keep firing away at me.

matt235

Posted by: matt235

[QUOTE=freebird]Good advice Igor, I would also suggest to try to travel in late Sept/early Oct instead of Nov. The weather in Crimea is still quite nice at this time of year, while it will already be cold in XAPKOB. In Novermber the weather is probably poor everywhere.

Unfortunately any earlier than November doesn't work for me. My alternative is to wait until Spring 2009, but I am trying to avoid that right now. Depending on how things go on the November trip, I wiould like to return in Spring '09. We'll see.

Also, I am a person that loves the cold. Yes I know it is odd to hear from a guy that lives in Texas, but I was born here and have some responsibilities that I must deal with here (mainly my parents). I have traveled extensively and to be perfectly honest with you, some of my favorite times have been in North Dakota and Manitoba (Canada) during the winter. Yes I know, everyone else tells me I'm not normal either!!!! LOL!!! I do realize that the bad aspect of going in November is that the sites will be "different"!!

matt235

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebird

FB I didn't mean pick a location, for a few days then move to another one and then another, I meant, don't limit your initial search to one particular city/region or country, find a few you like in a certain place then whittle it down, but Matt stated he is going to Ukraine, I was just saying, there are also other places to consider.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Chris,

My initial reason for picking Ukraine was the Visa issue for US Citizens (i.e. none required), however, I do agree with you logic about not isolating myself to a specific country. I am going to have to look at my search with a little different perspective.

matt235

Posted by: Chrismc

Matt

Visas are a doddle, for US/UK etc don't let that put you off.

Chris

Posted by: matt235

Chris,

Yeah, I know visas are basically irrelevant. My visa to China took less than 48 hours and was nothing more than me signing a piece of paper.

matt235

Posted by: Justjohn

did you know its Odessa's birthday 2 sept not to be missed if you are going to Ukraine it is a site to see

John

Posted by: clark

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Russian visas are really just another pain in the ass travel requirement. They are an additional cost (although not overly) and take a few more days to acquire but don't let this stop you from visiting Russia or excluding it from your search. At most it is a mild inconvenience.

Matt you haven't stated but because you are prospecting agencies I am assuming you are looking to WMVM? If your plans are in November you have plenty of time. I would suggest for the next couple of months you start out with introductions and contacts. Get familiar with some women without considering location. The "shotgun" approach if you will. After finding one or several you would like to meet in person, then start fine tuning your target area with the "rifle" approach.

It is my personal opinion that most men do not need agencies but are sold a bill of goods that they do. IMHO, agencies are usually just another obstacle in this pursuit that eventually will have to be paid and overcome. I would suggest a reputable internet introduction agency such as Elena's Models. EM is reasonably priced and from my experience well worth it. You can contact the lady(s) directly and quickly progress to phone conversations. Phone calls to FSU is relatively cheap with phone cards. Other posters here prefer other websites, intro agencies and free sites. Actually, most all of them work if they have a shred of reputation. Some of them are more geared to squeezing every buck from you than others.

Most cities in FSU have numerous marriage agencies. You can always contact them prior to traveling their cites without ever using them before. When I started this search, I formulated a list of potential mates and qualified them without ever setting foot in FSU. It came down to one lady in one city and this was in the course of about 5 months. The WOVO was my preference but I also had several agencies contact info incase that meeting went south. As it turns out, I never needed them. I only mention this to you as an alternative from your current path. The agencies can be a grind mill for many who chose this path, sometimes even an addiction.

Good luck in what ever you do.

Posted by: matt235

Clark,

Thanks for the reply. Looks like you might be of the same thinking as some of the others. From reading what you have written as well as the others, I think I might end up with a bit of a shotgun approach afterall. I didn't have much luck in the past, but maybe with a really focused effort, I can makes something happen here.

Regarding the WMVM versus WOVO concepts, I would have to blow both of them apart and use my own style. That is write many, qualify half, build chemistry with about 5, visit one with plan B, C and D in the wing. Not sure how to abbreviate that thought...maybe, WMQHBC5VO-BCD. No, I don't that is going to fly, looks like some kind of password code for some software!

Anyway, thank you for you input.

matt235

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

I'm trying to find a decent agency to work with

Key is to be able to talk to women directly. Avoid agencies that control your correspondence such as Anastasiaweb. Basically, be in control of the things all the time. Not the agency, not your woman, not even your interpreter guide — you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Do not Search for a lady based on Geographical location!

I love Ukraine, I love the people, had some fantastic tims there and met my wife there, but why limit your search to Ukraine and even a much narrower base of a few cities within Ukraine, whats wrong with Russia, Moldova, Estonia, Belarus, Latvia all the Khans, need I go on!

Wrong is that you need visas and expensive flights between countries, plus Ukraine is a bit safer than other countries. It is best to stay in one country; what’s more, it is not a good idea to try to cover the entire country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by I/O

Stirlitz, whom I enjoy to debate, often disagree with, think he knows half as much as he thinks but also knows a 100 times more of the local scene than I ever will and I think you would do well to at very least have a long chat with him.

Nice one. Took me a while to figure out, still thinking about it. Not sure anyway I understand fully who thinks what and who knows more

I guess I know 50 times as much as you do about chatting with someone who thinks about disagreeing with the one he debates? LOL

Posted by: matt235

Stirlitz,

I know about Anastasia through reading and unfortunately my own personal experieces. I also realize that most of them are rip offs, but there can be some good that can be milked out of them. (Still trying to figure out exactly what that is though!) Anyway, I'm pretty bullheaded when I decide on something. Right now I am open to everyone's input and really appreciating it right now. The more input I get and the more that I think about it, it seems that using the agencies for what I can, but rely on my own travel and local interaction as much as possible.

I guess I can say that I am looking for a "friendly face" where ever it is I end up. The agencies were my first thought, however, this community seems to be bigger than I initially imagined. I know what it was like the first time I was in China. I didn't speak any Chinese, couldn't read Kanji and was 100% dependent upon my guide/coworker. Fortunately for me I can read Cyrllic and can translate from there. Seems that Ukraine (or Russia) is becoming more accessible every minute.

matt235

P.S. I like your idea about the Crimea too.

Posted by: I/O

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

Nice one. Took me a while to figure out, still thinking about it. Not sure anyway I understand fully who thinks what and who knows more

I guess I know 50 times as much as you do about chatting with someone who thinks about disagreeing with the one he debates? LOL

Igor, it's good to see you maintain your sense of humour, something everyone needs in this caper.

I/O

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by I/O

Igor, it's good to see you maintain your sense of humour, something everyone needs in this caper.

I/O

I agree, you have to have a sense of humor or you will go crazy doing this.

Posted by: Raspberry

Actually, my search started by location. Originally, I had wanted to visit Odessa, Crimea, and Mariupol for reasons other than women. Then the thought of starting to look crossed my mind, so I started looking in the cities that were on my list first......and worked that into my plans.

Posted by: Stirlitz

You need to have a sense of humor because you can die otherwise. People who die do so because they take life seriously.

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

You need to have a sense of humor because you can die otherwise. People who die do so because they take life seriously.

Yeah, why take life too seriously, there is too much funny crap going on around you, you just have to laugh sometimes....LOL

Posted by: Stirlitz

That is exactly my point… If you take all this crap easily… better to laugh at it and anything else.

Posted by: matt235

I agree...laugh, make jokes and laugh some more. And if you can't keep your jokes clean, at least make sure they are real dirty. Remember none of us are getting out of life alive anyway!

OK, so I'm still coming to Ukraine it looks like...at least 90% sure now (as opposed to my 50% yesterday afternoon!). I'll have to figure out where I'm going, but I think I can rule out Kharkov. No one had any input on Sumy though...that's still up in the air. Kiev is the easiest, Odessa makes the most sense, Crimea has the most beautiful ladies (per Stirlitz)...this means I'll probably end up in Mariupol

Posted by: clark

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

What in your opinion makes Ukraine safer than any other FSU country? One might understand Belarus but from my experience and other information ascertained Ukraine, isn't any safer than Russia or any other country. The US is probably riskier than a lot of countries. The difference for AM is they know the language, system, ect.. In my travels to FSU I have had no problems whatsoever many associate with traveling there. No border or custom problems, no militia no thugs. I haven't been ripped off or gouged where money was concerned. I have visited some countries that downright scared me at times but not in the FSU.

Posted by: clark

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

I agree...laugh, make jokes and laugh some more. And if you can't keep your jokes clean, at least make sure they are real dirty. Remember none of us are getting out of life alive anyway!

OK, so I'm still coming to Ukraine it looks like...at least 90% sure now (as opposed to my 50% yesterday afternoon!). I'll have to figure out where I'm going, but I think I can rule out Kharkov. No one had any input on Sumy though...that's still up in the air. Kiev is the easiest, Odessa makes the most sense, Crimea has the most beautiful ladies (per Stirlitz)...this means I'll probably end up in Mariupol

Matt,

You might still be limiting yourself needlessly too early. Find the ladies and develop the communication and let that lead you where you may further want to look. Also, there is nothing wrong with adding your program to the VM/VO idea essentially that is what most do. If scouring Ukraine is part of your plan then go for it. A snag in that is, visiting many or several cities on one trip can be as pointless as visiting several countries. You could spend more time traveling and less time shopping the ladies. Honestly, it is a great part of the world, enjoy as much of it as possible while you are there. Personally I abhor the travel part of traveling. But I love being where I go (usually)

Posted by: matt235

Clark,

I'm not trying to go to many different cities while I am there, I want to just go to one city. The problem is I haven't been there, so I asking for input from you guys that have as to what would be a good city to focus on. Everyone keeps telling me to use the "shotgun" approach and I have started working in that direction, but I am trying to keep it to just one country (for now at least). The way my luck runs with women, using the shotgun methodology for all fo the FSU would have me talking to a lady in Minsk, Dnep, Moscow, Ekinteriburg, and Vladivostok. Then I would really be in a pickle. By limiting to just one country, I am able to minimize the distances between ladies if this happens.

So how about this, I you had to go to just one city in the FSU, where would you chose to go (for whatever reasons, but meeting a lady would be the ideal one)?

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by clark

What in your opinion makes Ukraine safer than any other FSU country?

It’s a lot of things. For example, in Moscow even the police can harrass and rob you. There are skinheads there. Ukraine is a little more civil and less politicized. Basically, we have all that is in Russia but on a lesser scale. This is my opinion drawn from personal experience (I travel around Ukraine and was in Russia more than once), observations on the boards, talking to friends who live here and there. I may be wrong but most people of experience agree with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Crimea has the most beautiful ladies (per Stirlitz)...this means I'll probably end up in Mariupol

And Ukraine has great girls per Paul McCartney

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

The way my luck runs with women, using the shotgun methodology for all fo the FSU would have me talking to a lady in Minsk, Dnep, Moscow, Ekinteriburg, and Vladivostok. Then I would really be in a pickle. By limiting to just one country, I am able to minimize the distances between ladies if this happens.

So on that basis you may aswell just search The Crimea, its easy to get from one place to another

Why not just go over there, pick a city you want to visit or have gotten to know someone in, set up camp for a couple of weeks and if the one you go to visit doesn't work out, make sure you have a Plan B, in other words a few good agencies in that city you can make use of.

Its far easier than you think if you set everything up before hand.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

OK, so I'm still coming to Ukraine it looks like...at least 90% sure now (as opposed to my 50% yesterday afternoon!). I'll have to figure out where I'm going, but I think I can rule out Kharkov. No one had any input on Sumy though...that's still up in the air. Kiev is the easiest, Odessa makes the most sense, Crimea has the most beautiful ladies (per Stirlitz)...this means I'll probably end up in Mariupol

As for Sumy, no problem. It is on the "mellow" side, though.....a lot more quiet. Actually pleasant. But be aware, when it comes to shopping or eating.
The outdoor markets close at 3pm, which is earlier than most Ukrainian cities.
And getting a meal at a restaurant on a Sunday night---even early in the evening---can be a problem. Although the signs say that they are open until 10pm or Midnight on Sundays, in reality, the bar may be open, and no food.

I flew into Kharkov, figuring it would be easier to get to Sumy, since it is closer. There is really no advantage, as the frequency of ground transportation isn't really any beter than Kiev. OK, had a bad experience in Kharkov....but still, flying into that airport is also more expensive than Kiev, as well.

Sumy also does not have that much business activity, considering its size. There are a certain amount of people that work in other cities, such as Kiev and Kharkov---because that's where the work is. They will be away from home most of the week. So keep in mind, some of the ladies are "commuters".

Posted by: matt235

Raspberry,

Wow, that is the kind of information that I have been looking for. From my searching, I have always thought Sumy has a higher than normal number of beautiful ladies and had been on my radar for some time. The mellowness of Sumy as you stated does make me evaluate it a little bit differently. I might make Sumy a day or two trip considering the transportation possibilities though.

I really appreciate your input on this one.

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

So on that basis you may aswell just search The Crimea, its easy to get from one place to another

Actually, a good idea. The Crimea has quite a few cities to choose from and explore: Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yevpatoriya, Yalta, Feodosia, Kerch plus lots of smaller towns: Bachisaray, Alushta, Alupka, Saki, Belogorsk, Sudak, Koktebel, Jankoy and others. All of them are within an hour or two from the capital, Simferopol (50-150 km). So if you go to Simferopol and have a base there you will have good choice.

Posted by: matt235

Crimea is actually starting to look like a very good idea. Might cost a little more to get there, but then again...

More research for me tonight!

Posted by: Stirlitz

You can fly directly to Odessa and it is closer to the Crimea than from Kiev.

Posted by: matt235

Stirlitz,

I am hot and heavy in the searching phase tonight (7pm in Houston, Texas) and I am beginning to really see what you are saying about the Crimea. Someone also mentioned Poltava which is shining right now in my searches.

I'm beginning to think this whole Forum thing is really working!!! Good info and good people.

Later...

Posted by: clark

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Clark,

So how about this, I you had to go to just one city in the FSU, where would you chose to go (for whatever reasons, but meeting a lady would be the ideal one)?

St Petersburg. So much to do and see, so many beautiful women and the prices aren't what you might associate with a larger city. Also, it really is a beautiful city although the air pollution was a bit stiffling

Posted by: Raspberry

It had been mentioned before that the train ride between Crimea and Odessa is longer than most people think. This is due to the curves, and the route isn't exactly a straight line. But it is still shorter than going from Kiev.

Odessa is the only airport in Ukraine, besides Kiev, that has an early morning flight to Europe---which can connect to North America. All other airports in Ukraine have afternoon flights only, forcing an overnight in Munich, Vienna, etc.

Also, Turkish Airlines has Istanbul-Simferopol service. You can fly from New York or Chicago and connect in Istanbul.

Posted by: matt235

OK, this may seem a little crazy, but I'll throw it out there and see if I get any bites.

Has anyone ever flown to a differnt country (i.e. Czech Rep or Austria) and taken a train into Russia or Ukraine?

Thanks,

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

It had been mentioned before that the train ride between Crimea and Odessa is longer than most people think. This is due to the curves, and the route isn't exactly a straight line.

And it stops at every junction, to add insult to injury, and what takes 6 hours by car, stretches to agonizing 13 hours in a small stuffy compartment.

Posted by: Buckeye5704

When I found out that the train from Moscow to Yoshkar Ola took 12+ hours (600-800 km?) I asked if we needed to buy a few more horses to pull it faster.

Posted by: cedarwind

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Crimea is actually starting to look like a very good idea. Might cost a little more to get there, but then again...

More research for me tonight!

I know a girl in Dzhankoi who needs a date she has a older sister also......

I am thinking about going to Zaporozhye in December and taking the train from Kiev, is the train a good idea or should I fly....I think they have a over night train and it is liken a 12 hour ride.

Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:

I am thinking about going to Zaporozhye in December and taking the train from Kiev, is the train a good idea or should I fly....I think they have a over night train and it is liken a 12 hour ride.

It leaves Kyiv airport at 7 pm and yes, takes about 12+ hours. Get a compartment and bring yer jammies and slippers. No seriously. We've been buying clothes for me to go to Russia and among the required purchases was lounge pants with matching Tee shirts and stylish flip-flops. I insisted on a pair that did NOT have the toe splitter. I'll be lookin good going to the Lav.

Posted by: AkMike

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

It should be about 10 hrs from Kiev IIRC. If you do it get a 1st class compartment.. More $$$ but nicer and private with 2 berths. The 2nd class has 4 berths.

Posted by: AkMike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckeye5704

You'd be absolutely styling with a set of pink bunny slippers..

Yes the fuzzy ones!

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

It should be about 10 hrs from Kiev IIRC. If you do it get a 1st class compartment.. More $$$ but nicer and private with 2 berths. The 2nd class has 4 berths.

So if your riding solo, do you get to spend some quality sleep time with whomever they stick in the cabin with you?

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

You'd be absolutely styling with a set of pink bunny slippers..

Are those the ones with the rabbit ears too? Oh, I love those things!!! You will definately be stylish in the lav!!!

Posted by: AkMike

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

So if your riding solo, do you get to spend some quality sleep time with whomever they stick in the cabin with you?

Yep, unless you buy both berths or have a sweet young thing keep you company.

You'll pay for privacy . Approx 550 hyrivna IIRC for a 1st class ticket.

You're not in Kansas anymore Dorthy..

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Has anyone ever flown to a differnt country (i.e. Czech Rep or Austria) and taken a train into Russia or Ukraine? Thanks,

I have not, but beware of certain trains that go to Ukraine from Poland. These will cross into Belarusian territory....which means you need a visa. If you don't have a Belarusian visa, and are in Belarus, this could mean a lot of trouble for you.

Also, the trains from Europe have different gauge of track than FSU. Often at border crossings, some adjustments have to be made.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

Yep, unless you buy both berths or have a sweet young thing keep you company.

You'll pay for privacy . Approx 550 hyrivna IIRC for a 1st class ticket.

You're not in Kansas anymore Dorthy..

Yeah, my luck is always where I don't get the sweet young thing, but rather the sexually confused, big, burly lumberjack. I guess as long as I have some fuzzy pink rabbit slippers, I might be ok.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Also, the trains from Europe have different gauge of track than FSU. Often at border crossings, some adjustments have to be made.

I have heard that the "adjustments" can be quite an interesting bit of entertainment...supposedly the entire car gets lifted off the track with everyone still inside. Cool!

Posted by: AkMike

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

as long as I have some fuzzy pink rabbit slippers, I might be ok.

I'm sure that you'll be very popular!

But not too many lumberjack types. But "Hairy Ivan" might take a shine to you!

Posted by: matt235

Well, I am a likable kind of guy, but a Hairy Ivan? I would hope I could do better than that, especially with those slippers!

Posted by: cedarwind

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

It should be about 10 hrs from Kiev IIRC. If you do it get a 1st class compartment.. More $$$ but nicer and private with 2 berths. The 2nd class has 4 berths.

With my luck I would get stuck with kids from the Orphange or 3 Babushka’s

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

I know a girl in Dzhankoi who needs a date she has a older sister also......

PM Matt235 her number

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarwind

I am thinking about going to Zaporozhye in December and taking the train from Kiev, is the train a good idea or should I fly....I think they have a over night train and it is liken a 12 hour ride.

Fly! Because the ticket costs roughly the same but flying is much better!

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

So if your riding solo, do you get to spend some quality sleep time with whomever they stick in the cabin with you?

Even if the entire cabin is yours, you cannot get good sleep because the car jams, rattles, shakes and sometimes you think is about to overturn, plus there is a lot of other noise: people talking loudly & slamming doors, music playing, loudspeakers shouting, horns blowing…

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

I have heard that the "adjustments" can be quite an interesting bit of entertainment...supposedly the entire car gets lifted off the track with everyone still inside. Cool!

Cool once maybe. But when you ride back it is boring. The car is lifted two meters above the ground with stationary hydraulic hijacks, the wide gage bogies are rolled away and narrow-gage one are rolled in. It takes a few hours. I experienced it when I took a train to Vienna.

Posted by: stevo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

Exactly, it's cool precisely once. Even though you wouldn't really notice you were being lifted up unless you were looking out of the window, the amount of noise from all the shunting is impossible to sleep through, and the whole process takes an absolute age. Warsaw to Minsk could be a fairly quick journey (even taking into account the less-than-speedy nature of the trains) but all the shenanigans at the border add about three hours.

Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

You'd be absolutely styling with a set of pink bunny slippers..

Yes the fuzzy ones!

She refuses to let me bring them Mike! In fact I can't seem to find them anywhere... I just don't understand her sense of fashion sometimes, they're gorgous!

Posted by: matt235

I have heard that they now have a few trains that have the wheels that adjust automatically. Not sure how that happens, but it is supposed to be quite a bit better. Still the train is probably not the best idea in the world due to time, scheduling, and overall pain in the butt.

later,

Posted by: Buckeye5704

Now why won't she let me bring these?

Posted by: AkMike

It's probably not the slippers.... It's your knobby knees I'd guess.. It takes a hefty set to compliment those slippers properly.

Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

It's probably not the slippers.... It's your knobby knees I'd guess.. It takes a hefty set to compliment those slippers properly.

Oh no you don't! I am NOT showing you my knees. I don't think we know each other well enough for something that racey.

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckeye5704

Define "Lounge pants", is that like sweats or something?

Posted by: matt235

Maybe they are those funky pajamas that are part pajamas, part cargo pants. I have yet to figure these out just yet...just sort of stare at them in the store trying to figure out their true purpose.