Time schedule while on a trip to the FSU - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Time schedule while on a trip to the FSU
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Posted by: matt235

OK, this is for those guys that have acutally made a trip or two to meet the ladies. As for us newbies, we will have to live through your experiences (I was going to say "live vicariously through you guys", but I couldn't spell "vicariously"). Anyway, when you guys are there for a couple of weeks, living day to day in an apartment or hotel, and meeting/dating ladies; what is your schedule like? I have read some trip reports that seem to make me think the mornings can be hell waiting around for the ladies to get home from work, before you meet, etc. I suspect this is more so during the weekdays and that the weekends are a little bit more involved (ladies probably not working as much). I am kind of the atypical American that does everything at 90 miles per hour. Sitting around in an apartment for 4 to 6 hours waiting on a date will drive me crazy.

I have a reason for this question (other than the obvious), but I want to get some input before I ask the next question.

As always, I really appreciate everyone's input.

Posted by: blucatz

As far as waiting for the Lady to get off work, I can't help much there. I met my Lady in Moscow then went to Egypt for 12 days. In the morning she was slow getting up but was usually ready to go before I was. We spent the entire time together up till we each got onto our planes to go our separate ways.

Posted by: Stirlitz

I am not sure about all people who have done that but when I remember some of my clients who chose to tour Ukraine meeting women in different cities, it has not been boring for a minute. Actually meeting women was only part of the fun. The key is you are not there to meet women. You are there to enjoy yourself including dating some occasionally but there are also sights, history, culture, architecture, museums, restaraunts, discos, stores, malls, exhibitions, yachts, castles, caves, beaches, saunas… and a zillion more things to do and places to attend… and, if you happen to be dating someone, it is a nice addition to the fun process (and, according to some psychologists and dating specialists, it helps a lot to impress a woman if you are dating her while doing all the stuff; she will fall for you and will remember you as a fun guy nice to be with even if she does not realize it).

For some reason though most of the people are determined to find the one and only life partner, which is so solemn but kills fun and joy and makes you stiff, bored and uncomfortable. Don’t make this mistake — put adventures first. You are not going to get bored. Take it all easy and it will go along easy. Be relaxed and it will be all smooth and pleasant.

Posted by: matt235

As I said, I'm not one to sit still and do nothing, which is why I started this thread. I thought that if this is the case, I am going to make some plans on doing some cool things along the way. I like cultural things (museums, etc) and I like to get out and do things. I initially wanted to bring my road bike and go riding in the mornings (I am an avid road biker and ride about 150 miles a week). But I thought about some of the issues. There is the navigation problems, I'm an American in Ukraine riding an expensive bike, and I'm not sure of everyone's thoughts about a 6'4" American flying through Odessa or Kiev at 25 mph on a bicycle with an IPod plugged into my head. These could be issues that might not do me well. Maybe I'll focus on some coffee shops and walking the streets and checking out the sites!

BTW, how is the snow skiing in Ukriane? I have absolutely zero information on that, but it would be fun.

Posted by: clark

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

As I said, I'm not one to sit still and do nothing, which is why I started this thread. I thought that if this is the case, I am going to make some plans on doing some cool things along the way. I like cultural things (museums, etc) and I like to get out and do things. I initially wanted to bring my road bike and go riding in the mornings (I am an avid road biker and ride about 150 miles a week). But I thought about some of the issues. There is the navigation problems, I'm an American in Ukraine riding an expensive bike, and I'm not sure of everyone's thoughts about a 6'4" American flying through Odessa or Kiev at 25 mph on a bicycle with an IPod plugged into my head. These could be issues that might not do me well. Maybe I'll focus on some coffee shops and walking the streets and checking out the sites!

BTW, how is the snow skiing in Ukriane? I have absolutely zero information on that, but it would be fun.

Trust me on this, if you are adventurous enough, the problem won't be boredom. It will be that you don't have enough time to do everything you want to do. Each time my last day is full of dread because the reality of leaving sets in, with so much more I want to do.

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by clark

However, if the girls cancel, get sick, or just don't show up.......there is a brief period of frustration.....and deciding what to do next......and in the back of your mind, you are hoping you are doing the right thing by doing other things---such as shopping and sightseeing.......and the possibility of she making a 180-degree turn nags in the back of your head.

Boredom-no. But restlessness and frustration-yes.

Posted by: Spakoyna

I would never travel 1/2 way around the world to meet a woman who could spare only a few hours a day with me. I believe any woman who is serious will arrange to be free when you come to meet. I never understood the guys here who go and meet a woman and sit around all day waiting on her to get off work!

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spakoyna

I would never travel 1/2 way around the world to meet a woman who could spare only a few hours a day with me. I believe any woman who is serious will arrange to be free when you come to meet. I never understood the guys here who go and meet a woman and sit around all day waiting on her to get off work!

Due to the nature of this method of meeting someone, you have to cram a lot of stuff into a very short period of time and rely on email and phone for the long distance portion of it. Part of cramming stuff is to see how this lady is in real life and that includes how she handles her day. So I would want her to work for a couple of days while I am there just to see this reaction. I'll also be able to tell by her attitude as to having to work while I am there if she is really into me or just another guy. Trust me this is by no means a fool-proof theory, but it is easy for my mind to buy into. If she does take off from work for the entire time just to be with me, well, I'm ok with that as well, but would prefer to see her in as much as a "natural" state as possible.

I am also looking at the possibility of meeting with 2 or possibly 3 ladies, so if one takes off for the entire time that would definately change my approach to this.

Posted by: matt235

Clark--I hear you on this one. I will not be sitting in an apartment alone and bored. I will find something to do that is fun and interesting.

Raspberry--I understand all about frustration, my ex-girlfriend ensured I was well schooled on the subject. You are right about distraction...it does help remove frustration, even if only temporarily.

Posted by: Chillidog

matt235,

If you are speaking of waiting during the day for the lady to get off of work so you can do the "Dating" thing for that day.

For me personaly in my trips this never happened. I inquired ahead of time when she could get time off of work and arranged my schedule for us to spend this time together, I tried to plan as much as possible as far as sites to see and places to go myself (with of course input from her on what she wanted to see and her interests) prior to the actual meeting.

So for me there was never sitting around in the morning/early afternoon waiting on the lady to begin my day.

I am a VO (with back-up plans) and never travelled to see plan A without already knowing she had the week off and was also making a commitment to me by doing this.

Posted by: matt235

Yeah, I think you (and the others) might be right on this. If I travel 8000 miles to get there, I would hope she could see it to spend some time with me.

Posted by: Stirlitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

I initially wanted to bring my road bike and go riding in the mornings (I am an avid road biker and ride about 150 miles a week). But I thought about some of the issues. There is the navigation problems, I'm an American in Ukraine riding an expensive bike, and I'm not sure of everyone's thoughts about a 6'4" American flying through Odessa or Kiev at 25 mph on a bicycle with an IPod plugged into my head.

Are you talking about a bicycle or a motorcycle? If first, nothing to worry about… except for drivers who do not respect those who ride bicycles… There are no special lanes and traffic can be hard to deal with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

BTW, how is the snow skiing in Ukriane? I have absolutely zero information on that, but it would be fun.

Very good, in the Carpathian mountains in the west of the country. Popular here.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stirlitz

Well, I was talking about a bicycle. I like getting my exercise in that way. But if I do everything right, I shouldn't have time for it!

As for skiing, I am going to have to do some research on that tonight. Might be a way for me to have what they call a win-win situation.

Thanks again and more to come...

Posted by: Chrismc

[quote=Stirlitz]Very good, in the Carpathian mountains in the west of the country. Popular here.[quote/]

Yes the Carpathians is the place to ski, but not this time of year. I was there last Christmas though and it dropped to -25C too cold and too much snow also

Posted by: matt235

OK, I'm getting more excited by the minute. I just looked up Bukovel and it seems to be quite accessible. I'm not sure if November will be the best time, it might be a little early, but I see some good possibilities for a return trip in Feb or Mar '09.

I guess right now I should remain focused!!! LOL.

Posted by: Raspberry

For the record, bicycles can be shipped free of charge on most airlines on international flights INSTEAD of a second piece of luggage. But it's a big hassle......if you are doing so, you need to bring tools so that the handlebars are turned sideways, and the pedals are not sticking out---so it can fit inside the case, or in a cardboard box.

Also, airlines are NOT liable for any concealed damage of any sporting goods, musical instruments, etc. However, they are liable if there is negligence---i.e., case looks like a truck ran over it. They are also liable for loss. But keep reciepts with you.

On domestic flights the liability for loss/damage is a maximum of $2400. But on international flights--for some unknown reason----it is really skimpy. They pay by weight of bag. I think it's like $9.50 per pound or something like that.
And, it's true of all airlines worldwide.

But there may be an alternative.....I remember seeing a place in Dnepropetrovsk where bicycles can be rented. It might be worth considering.
Or buy one, and leave it to some poor local kid, if it is reasonable.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

For the record, bicycles can be shipped free of charge on most airlines on international flights INSTEAD of a second piece of luggage. But it's a big hassle......if you are doing so, you need to bring tools so that the handlebars are turned sideways, and the pedals are not sticking out---so it can fit inside the case, or in a cardboard box.

Actually, I have a case specifically for my bike, I take it with me quite often on flights, etc. I usually have to pay a little extra because the case is pretty fair sized, but it is not more than $50 or $75.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

But there may be an alternative.....I remember seeing a place in Dnepropetrovsk where bicycles can be rented. It might be worth considering.
Or buy one, and leave it to some poor local kid, if it is reasonable.

I am still debating whether or not to take it or even ride for that matter. I get a little focused on my bike and have a tendency to miss a lot of what is around me. I am thinking that it might be better to focus on where I am at and why I am there vice trying to get 50 miles in one day. If I do, I would consider renting one and just putzing around the local area to see what is there. Call me crazy and all , but I'm still not sure if Ukrainians are ready for a 6'4" tanned American wearing spandex through their cities just yet!

I'm not ruling it out though and I will remember this information when the time comes if I decide on taking one of the bikes.

Thanks,

Posted by: dagpop

My wife had gotten an apartment and she had take the time off from work to be with me. The mornings would be quiet, but would plan things for the afternoon. We would return in the evenings. We stayed with each other, when I was there. Staying in an apartment is the best way of doing it.

Posted by: matt235

Yeah, when I first started my search (years ago), I heard about getting an apartment and I just couldn't figure out for the life of my why someone would do that. After research, talking and thinking, that is the only way to go.

Posted by: Stirlitz

Matt, I suggest that you leave your bike at home. The traffic here is really bad. And drivers cannot care less if they run you over. They just think you have no right to ride there. But as there are no bike lanes, you have little choice where to ride.

Posted by: Justjohn

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

OK, I'm getting more excited by the minute. I just looked up Bukovel and it seems to be quite accessible. I'm not sure if November will be the best time, it might be a little early, but I see some good possibilities for a return trip in Feb or Mar '09.

I guess right now I should remain focused!!! LOL.

return in March the 8th is another sight you should not miss no matter what city or town you choose.
as for going through life at 90 miles an hour, then you will have to slow down it just does not happen there at all

and if you do choose to go to Odessa you won't be bored either its a fabulous city with a thousand and one things to do and see, lots of nice bars, buildings and culture to die for, a nice clean beach, and good night life to, with lots of the best looking women i have ever seen to share it with. Trust me you won't get bored

John

Posted by: Raspberry

Also, there is the issue of storage, when you go out with the lady. I'm sure the apartment owner or hotel staff is going to frown upon bringing the bike into the room, when checking in.

Posted by: matt235

OK, the bike is not going. It just doesn't make sense. If I really want I'll rent one. I will rely on Ukraine to keep me from getting bored!!! Also, I am leaning toward the Odessa area more and more every day (just got an email this morning that kind of ruled out Kiev).

March 8...that is Woman's Day right? What really is the significance of that day? We don't have anything like that in the states that I know of. An inquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks,

Posted by: Stirlitz

March 8 is very important for women and that’s all. You have to tell them happy 8 March at all costs. Of course, flowers, gifts, nice romantic activities are very much expected and welcome and if you fail to heed this day it may score you down quite a lot. If you are not here yourself it is not an excuse

I mean you have to send messages and flowers to women who are important to you even from abroad, if you want to stay important to them.

Why… don’t ask me. It’s a custom.

Posted by: matt235

I understand customs, don't necessarily care for most of them, but I understand their importance in society. With this being the case and 8 March being such an important date, I have another question (of course!). When I started this thread, I stated that I was planning to be in Ukraine in November. I hope during that time, I will find someone that I "click" with and we begin developing a meaningful relationship. If this holds true, I plan on returning early 2009 to see her again, work on getting her to the states with me (hopefully) and well, see her again. Knowing my dates are wide open right now, would it be good or bad to tenatively (in my head) plan on returning so that I would be there on 8 March or would it be better to plan away from that date?

Actually, I think you already answered that question. It is a big deal to the ladies and if I were really involved in a relationship, it would probably mean the world to the lady if I were there for her on that day! OK, logic prevails on this one.

Thanks again!

Posted by: Chrismc

Matt

If you are with a lady from FSU and you forget 8th March you are doooomed

it is their main day, International Womens Day, not celebrated much in the West, but if you are ever there on that day, you will see how important it is to them. The men also get heavily involved and it is flowers, flowers and more flowers for the women in their lives, mums, lovers, sisters etc doesn't matter.

If you get a chance to be over there on that day, take it, it would mean a lot to a lady.

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Matt

If you are with a lady from FSU and you forget 8th March you are doooomed

So you're saying I should budget $300-$400 for the flowers!!!! I think it would be a great thing for me to be there at that time. Things are starting to take shape in my mind how I will approach this adventure.

Thanks alot.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt235

Not necessarily, it depends on how many you need to buy for, just for the one lady then $50 is more than enough if you buy them over there, if you are sending them from home then yes you will need more.

Posted by: matt235

Yeah, I'm sure it will depend upon the number of ladies (mother, daughters, sisters, etc) that are involved. What about chocolates and other gifts, or is it basically the flowers? I had better learn now vice trying to scramble at the last minute!

Thanks,

Posted by: Chrismc

Well my lady loves flowers, my MIL on the other hand loves chocolates more, you can eat chocolates, but you can't eat flowers

so she told me

Posted by: matt235

As always, they have their preferences! Looks like you'll be buying some flowers in about 3 or 4 days!! Most excellent.

Thanks,

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Well my lady loves flowers, my MIL on the other hand loves chocolates more, you can eat chocolates, but you can't eat flowers

so she told me

Chris, next time you see your MIL, give her a bouquet of brocolli, the part you eat is considered the flower part of the plant, she can eat that....LOL. But I would back it up with a box of chocolate in case she doesn't find the humor in it.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

I would do that Blue but I have a feeling some of this

would follow

Posted by: matt235

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Hey don't forget brocolli's cousin cauliflower!! You could have a nice green and white bouquet! LOL.

Don't forget the chocolate though...