The Russian Meeting Place: A place to meet people and talk about all things Russian...

International Discussions about Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Travel, Music, Russian News, Ukrainian culture, Belarusian Dating, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kiev and other intelligent topics about life in the former Soviet Union.

     


                                

              

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The Introduction Thread (Introduce yourself, here, to other RMP members)

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Firestorm

Mike..

Manchester (England) Born and rasied.
Been to New york twice. ( Well you gotta )
Russia Once. ( So far )

I Felt more welcomed in Russia. )
Hmmm

Anyways. Hi ))


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to the board Firestorm. Don't hesitate to post or ask questions. Maybe you would like to elaborate on your travels and start your own thread.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Firestorm
Mike..

Manchester (England) Born and rasied.
Been to New york twice. ( Well you gotta )
Russia Once. ( So far )

I Felt more welcomed in Russia. )
Hmmm

Anyways. Hi ))


Welcome Firestorm,

Just up the M61 and M6 and M55 from you in Blackpool,

Chris


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP Firestorm.


Posted by: infanta!

Hi Everyone!


Posted by: infanta!

Hi Everyone! I hope its ok for women to post here too?


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello Infanta. Yes it is always great to get a woman's point of view, especilly if she is from the Former Soviet Union (FSU).

Welcome to this website and feel free to post and ask questions.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by infanta!
Hi Everyone! I hope its ok for women to post here too?


Yes of course it is Infacta,

Welcome to RMP

Chris


Posted by: AkMike

My wife is a UW and she posts here some. You'll be awelcome addition to our forum.
Where are you at?


Posted by: infanta!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
My wife is a UW and she posts here some. You'll be awelcome addition to our forum.
Where are you at?

I live in KRYM! (Crimea)


Posted by: AkMike

Wonderful! That is a very nice region! I loved our visit to Balakalava. Of course the other places were nice to. Stevastopole had some very nice sights and it had great restraunts.


Posted by: AkMike

My wife is from Cherkassy and her son lives in Kiev.


Posted by: DKatz

Hi. I'm new here. I found this forum while looking for anything on Russia I can find on the 'Net. I was "introduced" to a Russian woman by an American friend who has been happily married to a Russian woman for several years.

I have been e-mailing and calling her for a few months and have just about everything I need for a trip to Moscow next month. I'm expecting the visa and passport back from the Russian Embassy in the next couple of days and think all I have to do is just pack for the trip and show up at the airport.

We will meet and be in Moscow for about four days (she is from another city in Russia) and other than places like Red Square, Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theater, I'm not sure what else would be interesting places to go and things to do while we are there.

I would appreciate any advice from people who know the city. If things work out well, I would be grateful if you could point me to some of the more romantic places to go.

This is an unusual thing for me to do and I never pictured myself going to Russia for a first date, but I'm excited at the same time. Thanks in advance for the warm welcome and the advice.

I'll let you know how it goes when I return in late October. Who knows, maybe if things go really well, I'll post from Moscow.


Posted by: Longfellow

Welcome to RMP, DKatz.
No doubt, you are in for an adventure.
As I said in another post, my only regret in going to Ukraine was to waste time on sightseeing when I could have spent such time in quiet, peacefulness with my girl. The pace of big cities and tourism is very demanding and leaves one exhausted. A quiet corner of a park will be paradise to you after a day or two.
Good luck on your journey!


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP Dkatz.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello Dkatz and welcome to the RMP.

I was only in Moscow for a layover so I can't advise you on things to see or where to go. It was my first trip to Russia so I had culture shock. The architecture alone is amazing.

My girl and I went to a cafe for lunch, it was very nice. Then to th national Airport for a flight to her home city of Sochi Russia.

Too bad you are only there for 4 days.

Good luck and enjoy!


Posted by: EasyTarget

DKatz My one suggestion is to practice walking. Really! Moscow is huge. Think Las Vegas times 3. Even though Moscow has an amazing metro and bus system, you will be walking 4 or 5 miles a day easily. If you are not used to walking 4 to 5 miles on a daily basis, you will be very sore after 2 days.

Luckily I run marathons, and had just completed one two weeks before visiting Moscow otherwise I would have been in bad shape.

Two good places on the net to see what there is to do in Moscow
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelgui..._things_to_do-i
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...ral_Russia.html


Posted by: GoingToRussia

HE HE HE - Good one ET. Actually, no matter where you go in the Former Soviet Union (FSU), you should get in shape and do some walking. I've been 4 times and always came back lighter in weight ... of course I gained it back when I returned to the states!


Posted by: ira156

Welcome Dkats. Moscow is great....but not cheap. First thing i would suggest is to learn the Cyrillic alphabet. The metro system is awsome and you can get maps in latin letters....but all the signs are in Cryillic. The Bolshoi is closed for renovations,,,bummer. The war memorial is awsome.....the peoples main exhibition park is great.....the grot ( sheremetrovs palace). If you have a choice the state historical museum is not as good as the armoury museum in the kremlin. There is star city cosmonautical city...but you can only do it on a group tour. If you like art the Tetrakov gallery is amazing.

As GTR says get your walking shoes on.....Russian women love the theatre so a dinner in a nice restraunt...( doesnt have to be the RITZ) and a night at the theatre will go over really well.

Magic city i hope you enjoy. Cheers


Posted by: redhawk

welcome dkats, welcome to the wonderful sickness/obsession that has thankfully engulfed us one and all on this forum! and i dont know if you listen to the band "disturbed" or not, but listen to their song titled "down with the sickness"on your mp3 while in the taxi from the moscow airport (svo2)its fitting, you will see why! and for a country boy like me,moscow was AMAZING to behold. i used to race cars and motorcycles,but those taxi drivers are truly breathtaking,i wished i would have eaten coal before i left tampa,id been rich by the time i got to the hotel!! you will also notice,almost everyone is a taxi in moscow for a price,negotiate accordingly if you can.
bathrooms are very small,and pack extra toilet paper,baby wipes,and kleenex.also dont forget the unmentionable personal items,ours are MUCH better.(trojan man!!)just in case,you never know.
i have been to a few large american cities,but as far as my experience goes,moscow is not just in another league, its a whole different game!

be sure to drive through the city center at night,and around olympic park,see the scary high ski jump. see the two HUGE buildings lit up,like a giant TV,all the lights are in synch with each other to create an image. its truly amazing.
check all around here like i did for any info u need,i found it all very accurate on my april2007 trip. and dont forget this-your main sight to see is -YOUR WOMAN. make sure you tell her that. also,taxi drivers and hotel management can refer you to hotels,or anything else you may want ,as i found out,in case your visit with your new girl doesnt go as planned.
hope this helps and dont worry, you will be fine, i am going back in late december,i am excited for you and dont think for one moment this will be your last trip
one more thing i forgot that nobody on here heas seemed to mention- i do NOT like heights,and the first time i got on the escalator that goes 300 feet down into the metro,i got dizzy and nearly fell down! if you fear heights,stand to the right,people will run by you!! and close your eyes until its over!! hope u can use this info.


Posted by: DKatz

Thank you all for the welcome and the advice! It is appreciated.

I've got the plane tickets, hotel reservations and the visa - so I'm all set. She did tell me that there will be a lot of walking. I'm no marathoner like ET, but do run 3-4 miles daily. I understand that the main theater at the Bolshoi is closed, but there is a smaller one where they are still performing?? If not there, I think I could find something she might like.

I have the Cyrillic alphabet down. Learning as much of the language as I can and plan on bringing a Russian-English dictionary with me.

I will read the rest of the forum and see if I can pick up more help there.

Thanks again! I'm glad I found this board.
D


Posted by: freebird

Hi Dkatz, welcome. Try using the "search" function for any questions you might have, there are lots of tricks and tips that are useful.

For example, ask know where you want to go and ask the taxi driver the price BEFORE you get in the cab, the fare can be like FIVE+ times more expensive if you ask at the end of the ride. Also realize that meal portions are often the price per 100 grams. I made this mistake once, I thought the meat was like a small steak for $3, so I ordered (what I thought would be) 3 pieces. It was actually per/100gr, and each steak was like 400 gr. I ended up with 3 huge steaks (+ my lady's meal) and a bill for about $50. (I couldn't eat the whole thing of course! But her cat had a great feast that night!)


Posted by: EasyTarget

DKatz: Another really helpful suggestion...write down (better yet print out) key phrases in Russian and carry them with you.

I had a list of emergency phrases printed out, just in case something happened during the trip.
Things like.....
I need a hospital.
I need to buy an airplane ticket to Samara
Where is the gate for flight number 123
Where is the bus for transfer to SVO 1
I am lost.
Can I use your mobile phone?
There is a party in my pants and you are the guest of honor. :-)
things like that....


Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:
Originally Posted by EasyTarget
DKatz: Another really helpful suggestion...write down (better yet print out) key phrases in Russian and carry them with you.

There is a party in my pants and you are the guest of honor. :-)
things like that....
ROFLMAO!


Posted by: AkMike

Quote:
Originally Posted by DKatz
Thank you all for the welcome and the advice! It is appreciated.

I've got the plane tickets, hotel reservations and the visa - so I'm all set. She did tell me that there will be a lot of walking. I'm no marathoner like ET, but do run 3-4 miles daily. I understand that the main theater at the Bolshoi is closed, but there is a smaller one where they are still performing?? If not there, I think I could find something she might like.

I have the Cyrillic alphabet down. Learning as much of the language as I can and plan on bringing a Russian-English dictionary with me.

I will read the rest of the forum and see if I can pick up more help there.

Thanks again! I'm glad I found this board.
D


Another "MUST HAVE" is the pocket phrase book from 'lonelyplanet dot com"
It's very easy to use both pitching and catching. Ton's of phrases for any and all situations. Several here have used it and will agree I'm sure.


Posted by: DKatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by EasyTarget
There is a party in my pants and you are the guest of honor. :-)




Yes, kind of like the old joke.... In America, we're always looking for a party. In Russia, party comes looking for you. ;-)

Again, many thanks, everyone!


Posted by: lotius

I am from New Orleans, La. I live in a diverse city and we have folks from all over the world. Being a Travel Agent Russian is one of the Place I know less about. So EDUCATE ME and let's chat sometimes. ABOUT ME: I am a widow with kids all starting College now! Sooo, If you want to chat come times well. your welcome, it get lonely sometimes raising kids by yourself and it's good to read a line every now and then. I;ve been on a budget all my life and never had time for friends or fun. I am very traditional. (you know homemaker, take care of family first, no time for that other stuff until they are able to be on their own)


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to RMP lotius! What would you like to talk about? There is a lot of information on this board, feel free to explore and ask you own questions.


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by lotius
I am from New Orleans, La. I live in a diverse city and we have folks from all over the world. Being a Travel Agent Russian is one of the Place I know less about. So EDUCATE ME and let's chat sometimes. ABOUT ME: I am a widow with kids all starting College now! Sooo, If you want to chat come times well. your welcome, it get lonely sometimes raising kids by yourself and it's good to read a line every now and then. I;ve been on a budget all my life and never had time for friends or fun. I am very traditional. (you know homemaker, take care of family first, no time for that other stuff until they are able to be on their own)

Welcome! if you have any questions about travel to Russia, you have come to the right place!


Posted by: 3times_2UA

I have been away for sometime to think hard about my decision with my FSU lady. I wanted to update a previous thread I started and found I must post in the new member section.
I am cool with it. I assure you my thoughts are not spam. Only from a guy who has visited the Ukraine several times with mixed results and mixed emotions about the whole process.
In the near future I may decide to write more about my experiences, the cities I visited and the agency used.
Just a little shy writing things for the world to see about my life and relationships. If it helps someone else and prevents a mistake, then it's all good.
Could you tell me if it is allowed to post an email address on this forum? Not someone else's, but my own. I would like some feedback on the thread I orginally began. I have noticed the PM option does not work for me, what am I missing here?
Anyway, again hello to all. Keep the good information coming!!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hi 3times and welcome back. We just started the 3 post rule and I'm not sure what the criteria is. I'll contact an administrator to see if he/she can help you post.

Hold off on the PM. I believe there is a place when you register where you can enter your e-mail address. No one sees it but they can click on it and it will be sent to your home address.

Take care and I look forward to reading your posts.


Posted by: Lex

Hello All,

I'm happy to have found this site. I have been corresponding via email with a
lovely Russian women who contacted me on singlenet. She seems genuine and I am falling for her big time. I hope I'm not being scammed. I've read about the various schemes to entice men and am worried it could happen to me. I'm really confused and need help figuring this all out!! Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Posted by: AkMike

Lex, Welcome ! But Don't fall for ANYONE you've never met. NEVER! Get a reality check! If she contacted you IMO you'll soon get a letter saying that her mother/aunt/cousin or herself will need to 'borrow' a small amount of cash for a major operation or meds. Or she has the cash and has bought ticket to come and see you but the visa will cost $xxx.
Take it very slow during the letter writing til you meet here face to face. Are you prepared to $pend big bucks for this process? I don't mean to sound negetive but facts are facts. I married a wonderful woman from Ukraine and I wish I had found her years ago. So YES it can be worth it if you are ready.


Posted by: Lex

Geetings AkMike,

Uggh!! Well there are some classic red flags. Inevitably, the question has come up of meeting. She wants to visit me under a tourist visa. Supposedly has a cousin in Moscow travel business, than can hopefully expedite the process. She makes small wages and would need $440 to for the paperwork expenses etc. I know I sound like an idiot. Is there no way this could be legitimate?


Posted by: AkMike

How long and how many notes have you sent back and forth?
Have you tried to do a google search of her name and email address? How about a snippet of a letter that seems unique?
What does this cousin provide for $440? A letter of invitation? That is way high! If it's tiickets and everything it's a deal IF it's real.
Do some more homework of theis gal..
IMO It's not a gal it a "Hairy Ivan" with the limited info you've given.


Posted by: French_Misha

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex
Geetings AkMike,

Uggh!! Well there are some classic red flags. Inevitably, the question has come up of meeting. She wants to visit me under a tourist visa. Supposedly has a cousin in Moscow travel business, than can hopefully expedite the process. She makes small wages and would need $440 to for the paperwork expenses etc. I know I sound like an idiot. Is there no way this could be legitimate?


No. It is not the travel agency that issues the visa but the American Consulate in Russia and a single woman who makes small wages has a next to zero hope of getting a tourist visa to go visit a friend she just met online. She would have to show that she will have enough money for her trip and pay for her expenses while in the United States, and how will she do this if she can't afford $440 for the paperwork? This has scam written all over it.


Posted by: Lex

Indebted to your help. I guess I'm overdue to wake up and smell the coffee. I was so getting used to the idea of expanding my horizons with a Russian women. I'll have to study the threads here and maybe do it right. Thank you.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hi Lex,

Welcome to the RMP. You will get an education here and it will lower the odds of you getting scammed.

A woman from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) would not ask for money. If you do send someone money, don't expect anything in return ... except maybe a scam. The rule is, don't EVER send money until you meet her. I have broken this rule but never sent much, $200 to my fiancee.

All the members give good advice, slow down and check her out.

If I were you, but I know I'm not, I would say goodbye to her and look again. There is a scam thread on this site you might want to read and educate yourself before starting again. Here is the thread:

http://russianmeetingplace.com/foru...isplay.php?f=86

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions!


Posted by: goforit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lex
Geetings AkMike,

Uggh!! Well there are some classic red flags. Inevitably, the question has come up of meeting. She wants to visit me under a tourist visa. Supposedly has a cousin in Moscow travel business, than can hopefully expedite the process. She makes small wages and would need $440 to for the paperwork expenses etc. I know I sound like an idiot. Is there no way this could be legitimate?


No


Posted by: Lex

Feet returning solidly to terra firma. Thank you everyone! Grateful for this site.


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP Lex.


Posted by: Lex

Thanks azamuner. Maybe, the copy of "The Complete Idiots guide to learning Russian"
will come in handy after all.. lol. Oh, the irony.


Posted by: Trozei

*Puts hand in the air, waves it around a bit*
Oh! Oh! Let me say something!

Hello everyone, the name's Laila, but most call me Ino or Trozei! I've always liked Russia, and my dream is to one day visit as many places in Russia as I can! I also love music, so if anyone knows any good Russian bands or singers, I'd love to hear about them! I also love traditional Russian culture, evne though my current knowlege is limited. I'm here to more or less learn more... I also noticed almost everyone here's older than me. I feel small! T_T


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello Trozei and welcome to the RMP.

Not too many members older than I ... excuss me, it's time for my nap!


Posted by: Longfellow

Welcome to RMP, Laila.
Have fun and enjoy all the good information to be found here.
Feel free to jump in the pool if something in a thread interests you, we don't discriminate based on age, or anything else, around here!


Posted by: 3times_2UA

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Hi 3times and welcome back. We just started the 3 post rule and I'm not sure what the criteria is. I'll contact an administrator to see if he/she can help you post.

Hold off on the PM. I believe there is a place when you register where you can enter your e-mail address. No one sees it but they can click on it and it will be sent to your home address.

Take care and I look forward to reading your posts.

Hello GTR
Thank you for the help with the posting and advice about PM.
I have been watching the thread I started and there appears to be very many views but very few comments.
I felt maybe people were probably thinking very similar to me, this is an issue that deserves to be discussed off line, hence the question of PM.
I really feel uncomfortable asking any questions, on the other hand something isn't right. It also is not paranoia, just reality.
Sometimes in the course of a relationship we tend to overlook the red flags or possibly just plain ignore them. What ever the case may be, the truth deserves to be told. Seems simple? Not so..... can't seem to get it or grasp why the mystery with this lady and so many conflicting stories.

Simply put, I beleive it is time for the truth to surface and lay my doubts to rest.
This has been one of the most difficult times I can remember in my life next to my divorce. Of course, I knew the pursuit of a FSU lady would not be fast or easy.

Just my opinion for what it is worth.


Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3times_2UA

Hello GTR
Thank you for the help with the posting and advice about PM.
I have been watching the thread I started and there appears to be very many views but very few comments.
I felt maybe people were probably thinking very similar to me, this is an issue that deserves to be discussed off line, hence the question of PM.
I really feel uncomfortable asking any questions, on the other hand something isn't right. It also is not paranoia, just reality.
Sometimes in the course of a relationship we tend to overlook the red flags or possibly just plain ignore them. What ever the case may be, the truth deserves to be told. Seems simple? Not so..... can't seem to get it or grasp why the mystery with this lady and so many conflicting stories.

Simply put, I beleive it is time for the truth to surface and lay my doubts to rest.
This has been one of the most difficult times I can remember in my life next to my divorce. Of course, I knew the pursuit of a FSU lady would not be fast or easy.

Just my opinion for what it is worth.
3times_2UA
Open a new thread, especially pointed to your situation and circumstance.
We will follow. This is a really involved community and we welcome opportunity to share with everyone.
Introductory thread is great, but maybe not best place in more particulars with your unique situation. Make your own thread so we can stick with you.
Te ponimaesh?


Posted by: 3times_2UA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longfellow
3times_2UA
Open a new thread, especially pointed to your situation and circumstance.
We will follow. This is a really involved community and we welcome opportunity to share with everyone.
Introductory thread is great, but maybe not best place in more particulars with your unique situation. Make your own thread so we can stick with you.
Te ponimaesh?


Hello Longfellow
OK point taken. Thank you for the input.
BTY... Te ponimaesh??


Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3times_2UA
Hello Longfellow
OK point taken. Thank you for the input.
BTY... Te ponimaesh??
Ya painimayu (ya penny-mayu) = I undertand you.
te ponimaesh (te punny-mayesh)- I have undertanding of what you say (according to my GF)

so much is lost between Russian language and Latin attempts to write, I don't know what's right... I only want to learn to say and hear it... Bingism! Help me!

Here's the challenge:
English is the most complex language regarding nouns and noun forms in modern language.
Russian is the most complex language regarding verbs and verb forms in modern language.
No wonder we're so enticed and confused by each other. It's the true "Venus vs. Mars" theory!

You undertand me properly?


Posted by: GoingToRussia

You're welcome and I hope you can PM now.

If you need to ask a personal question, plase PM me. I will answer and send you my home e-mail address.

If you have questions please ask someone. This procss is hard enough with all the help available on this board so plese ask.

I wish you good luck and I'm here to listen and help.

Take care!


Posted by: Trozei

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longfellow
Welcome to RMP, Laila.
Have fun and enjoy all the good information to be found here.
Feel free to jump in the pool if something in a thread interests you, we don't discriminate based on age, or anything else, around here!

Thank you for making me feel welcomeed! ^^
And yay for no discrimiation! ...Just don't call me junior or something, or face my wrath! XD


Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trozei
Thank you for making me feel welcomeed! ^^
And yay for no discrimiation! ...Just don't call me junior or something, or face my wrath! XD
No discrimination... now what's up with the the anime, Pokeman avatar, kiddo?!! LOL


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trozei
*Puts hand in the air, waves it around a bit*
Oh! Oh! Let me say something!

Hello everyone, the name's Laila, but most call me Ino or Trozei! I've always liked Russia, and my dream is to one day visit as many places in Russia as I can! I also love music, so if anyone knows any good Russian bands or singers, I'd love to hear about them! I also love traditional Russian culture, evne though my current knowlege is limited. I'm here to more or less learn more... I also noticed almost everyone here's older than me. I feel small! T_T

Welcome Laila, I hope you find the site interesting. I don't know if we have any other members from Vatican City! (other than the Pope of course!!)


Posted by: Trozei

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longfellow
No discrimination... now what's up with the the anime, Pokeman avatar, kiddo?!! LOL

Oh no you di-un't just diss the Rock Lee avatar!
*Pulls out huge firey hammer of d00m*
RWAR! XD


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP Trozei.


Posted by: Felice

Quote:
Originally Posted by searcher
*sigh*

Well, I guess I feel left out ..... I can't quite proclaim myself as an arrogant SOB but......


I'm a 37 y.o. Black (African-American, for the P.C.) male.

I wasn't looking for a Russian woman but through an unrelated news article saw a link for a Russian dating site....


Hello, Searcher!
I am a new person on this forum.
Here is a good site, maybe it will help
www.encounterz.co.uk


Posted by: yosh

Hello

I signed up awhile ago but forgot about it and now I am trying to find out if this is the route I want to go.


Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:
Originally Posted by yosh
Hello

I signed up awhile ago but forgot about it and now I am trying to find out if this is the route I want to go.
Welcome. Very wise to investigate... this is no easy path.
Many good people here to lend advice and experience. You're in the right place.


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP Yosh.

This is a great site for info and experiences.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:
Originally Posted by yosh
Hello

I signed up awhile ago but forgot about it and now I am trying to find out if this is the route I want to go.

Welcome yosh!!!

Sounds like you might have a few questions? We are here to help and support you so ask away!!!

Good luck with your first adventure!


Posted by: Matt1971

Hello everyone.

I am Matt, 36, from Charlotte, NC and have seen, read and heard very favorable things about Russian/Ukrainian women.

I strongly considering going on a romance tour such as

I would love to get know other quality, single men such as myself who are strongly considering this way to meet the love of your life. If anyone is near Charlotte, NC please by all means email and we can have lunch ... my treat!

Anyone, feel free to email me I look forward to making friends on this wonderful site.

Cheers!

Matt

mattmjf@yahoo.com


Posted by: Pin Boy

hi matt and welcome. i deleted the link you posted because that is not allowed under the forum guidelines. do you have any direct experience of the company you posted? if so, you can write a review of that tour company in the users review section.

pin boy


Posted by: roadrunner

Hi Everybody,

Just a quick hello as I'm new to the forum and and whole Western / Russian dating scene. I started in September and found this site in October - and a HUGE thanks to all of you for posting your experiences; it's a big help in such a potential minefield.

I had the usual problems to start with - picking a dud agency of course! However I followed advice from here and joined Elena's and have been enjoying some good correspondence from Ukraine to Chelnyabinsk!

I'll have more later, just thought I'd introduce myself before barging in with inevitable questions!

Cheers,
Roadrunner


Posted by: freebird

Welcome RoadRunner! I hope you find all of the information useful. If you end up deciding on a particular city you should use the "search" option with the name of the city, and check out the trip reports from those who have been to that city before. Also check out "Russian User Reviews" link on the top of the page, to find out about airlines, hotels & restaurants.


Posted by: roadrunner

Hi Freebird,

Thanks for that; the info is very useful on here - after a run in with Anastasias and finding myself the most popular man on earth(!) I did plenty of research on here before finding Elenas and I've learnt a lot, although I reckon I've only scratched the surface...

I see that you yourself were married earlier this year - belated congrats. You were married in Simferopol I see - the lady I'm currently writing to is from Sevastopol - have you been there?

We've got on well with e-mails for a few weeks and now want to take the plunge with a phone call. My girl speaks very little English (although I think she might be better than she says, just nervous). She wants to use an interpreter for our first call which is fair enough. Anybody know any good ones? Most of the ones I've found online seem to be business orientated or tied to the dating agencies. I've come across Nadya's Interpreters which looks ok and it's a small personal business, but any advice gratefully received. I'm based in the UK if it makes any difference.

Cheers all,
Martin


Posted by: freebird

Hi Martin, Not really belated, I only posted the news today! The wedding was just last weekend, unfortunatley I only had a few days after that before flying back.

Yes, I have been to Sevastopol, its a very nice place to see. Also check out the posts by "LongFellow", he stayed there as well. If it does work out for you, then you will have to get the documents done at the office in Simferopol, as time progresses I'll try to fill you in.

As for interpreters I don't know as much, hopefully someone can chime in. You are on the right track though, you can learn alot in a phone call!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadrunner
Hi Everybody,

Just a quick hello as I'm new to the forum and and whole Western / Russian dating scene. I started in September and found this site in October - and a HUGE thanks to all of you for posting your experiences; it's a big help in such a potential minefield.

I had the usual problems to start with - picking a dud agency of course! However I followed advice from here and joined Elena's and have been enjoying some good correspondence from Ukraine to Chelnyabinsk!

I'll have more later, just thought I'd introduce myself before barging in with inevitable questions!

Cheers,
Roadrunner

Hello RR and welcome to the RMP.

Good luck with your adventure, I think you will enjoy it. Please don't be shy and ask as many questions as you like. Evaluate the answers, form your own opinion, and do what is best for you. There are many ways to have a successful and happy outcome.

Here's to you!


Posted by: roadrunner

Thanks very much, great to receive such a warm welcome. Just a quick question for Freebird; I found your wedding photos by accident yesterday and since revisiting the forum can't find those posts anywhere ... doh! Can you point me in the right direction, please? I'd like to read the post in more detail. My Senior Moments are coming round all too frequently these days!

Cheers,
Martin


Posted by: kimchik

Hello everyone, I'm kim, dutch male, 33, and living and working in St. Petersburg for 1,5 years now. I've been reading the threads for a while, very interesting, sometimes unbelieveable, sometimes even totally crazy! I could not longer stay quiet and joined to react on some topics.


Posted by: yoshi211

welcome


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Glad you could join us Kimchik!

Why the interest in Russia and it's people ... or is it just our stories?


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadrunner
Thanks very much, great to receive such a warm welcome. Just a quick question for Freebird; I found your wedding photos by accident yesterday and since revisiting the forum can't find those posts anywhere ... doh! Can you point me in the right direction, please? I'd like to read the post in more detail. My Senior Moments are coming round all too frequently these days!

Cheers,
Martin

Hi Martin, I posted them on a thread "The Big Day arrives!!" I will post them later in the photo galleries once they finish updating the software. Also if you are planning to get married in Ukraine (eventually) you might check out the thread "Beauraucratic B.S. & Ca$h grab" about my visits to the Ukrainian Ministries & Zags office


Posted by: roadrunner

Thanks! Found them - an evening in a hot tub and a bottle of red unwound my scrambled brain.

The beauraucratic BS sounds like a LOT of fun! What's the general consensus of opinion on weddings in your home country / your girl's country? I assume it's paperwork nightmare which ever way you go, but be interesting to hear from people who've gone down different routes.



Cheers,
Martin


Posted by: Pin Boy

hi kimchik and roadrunner. welcome to the RMP and look forward to hearing your opinions and/or experiences.

pin boy


Posted by: sparky74

Gday all from another aussie new to this site.
My name is Marty and I'm a separated father of three working in the mining game here in South Oz. I'm hoping to maybe find info on russian women/culture and the courage to do something about it if all the good stuff I read turns out to be dinkum :-) I've never posted anything on the Net before so apolgise in advance for the stuff ups I'm bound to make


Posted by: AkMike

Welcome Marty! There's alot to learn here backed by a combined lifetime of experiences. Ask away, or look it up in the search. It's probably been covered but we'll try to get you going in the right direction.
It's always good to have another Ozzie around!


Posted by: JamesB

Hi Guys , well i met Liuda my now wife when she wrote to me about 2 years ago.
I must admit i didnt take her too seriously as she looked very young.

We kept writing and the more we got aquainted the more we wanted to meet.
Liuda flew to egypt and we spent 4 brilliant days together and i pooped the question.

We were getting married and were saving like mad when through this forum i was contacted by a guy from channel 4 who was making a tv documentary and next thing i knew i was taken to Siberia to meet liuda, s parents.

Next was the wedding in Prague, all filmed and then liuda finally arrived in the uk june 14 2006.

Everything is good and we face the usual struggles like bills etc and we now have a beautifull Daughter, Angelina who is now six months old.
Its not all roses we have our ups and downs and argue like any couple but we are happy and thats what counts.


Posted by: kimchik

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Glad you could join us Kimchik!

Why the interest in Russia and it's people ... or is it just our stories?


Hi GTR,
Well, it is just that I ended up here by coincedence, I loved it here, but at the same time things are so complicated( working, doing business, living...), for foreigners especially, that it is good to know about other peoples experiences. Sometimes to help them, sometimes just to know that it's not just me! After 1,5 years, I'm still amazed lots of times about strange rules, regulations, peoples thoughts.....
No one that hasn't been in Russia for a longer period has an idea about how things are here.
For example, It's funny to read that people look for a job here and think they can just come here and work and live for some time, well...they have no idea...
Because of my interest and the simple fact that I have to deal with the bureaucratic hussle of workingpermissions, visas, and anti foreigners regimes here, I know how things work, and might be able to offer some good advice.


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to the RMP Kimchik.

We can always use more insight into all things Russian/Ukrainian.


Posted by: freebird

Kimchik, Welcome! It will be nice to have some input from the "other side" so to speak, many of us don't always know all the complexities of life "over there". (But most of us are either looking or waiting)


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks AkMike
Actually I do have a question. Most mining towns in Oz are small and mine is tiny (600 people). Am I likely to be able to attract a Russian Woman considering most live in largely populated areas?


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks AkMike
Actually I do have a question. Most mining towns in Oz are small and mine is tiny (600 people). Am I likely to attract a Russian Woman considering they live in largely populated areas?


Posted by: AkMike

Good question!
I thought about this when I searched also. I live in a town of 300,000
but when most hear of Alaska they think of ice,snow and igloos. So I looked in similar sized towns that were still in the snow belt.
There are alot of women that live in the smaller towns but have limited acess to computers. IMO you'll have to look a bit harder. BUT It's not that much more difficult. It'll be worth it in the long run!


Posted by: AkMike

And I wouldn't limit your search to just Russia. There are 15 countrys that were part of the Soviet Union. Look in some of the `stans because of the climate similaritys.


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks AkMike
Actually I do have a question. Most mining towns in Oz are small and mine is tiny (600 people). Am I likely to be able to attract a Russian Woman considering they live in largely populated areas?


Posted by: sparky74

Damn
Sorry about that. As you can see I'm a real computer Guru :-(.Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll have to have go as nothing ventured nothing gained eh?


Posted by: AkMike

It's well worth the effort as everyone here will tell you! Start looking thru the dating / stage 1 areas and absorb as much as you can. Pretend you're a sponge!
Then look at the most reccomended dating brokers. Be absoultely honest when you write the ladies but don't go into alot of details at first. Do that later when it comes up.


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks again AkMike
I have actually been reading alot on other sites already so I'm not totally green but I'm glad to have found this site as the amount of info is amazing.
I was directed to this site from Elenas Models and will use that service as I've heard good things about them.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to the RMP Sparky74! Yes Elena's is very good. So is www.allsinglerussiangirls.com and it cheaper. www.freepersonals.ru is also free!!! I met my fiancee on www.freeperonals.ru.

Don't worry about your size of town but it would be more difficult for someone from Moscow, St. Petesburg, or Kiev to adjust to small town but it can be done.

Also don't worry about what country she is from. My fiancee is a citizen of the former Soviet Union country of Moldova. Her city is about 800,000 and my city is 50,000. She likes the "natural" setting better then the city.

Good luck!!!


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks GTR
Well you and AkMike have given me the news I wanted to hear. I've been holding off, unsure of my chances but now enough procrastining. I'm joining Elenas today ( like the idea of using an Ozzie service) and will start my search - if your not living on the edge your just taking up space


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Thanks AkMike
Actually I do have a question. Most mining towns in Oz are small and mine is tiny (600 people). Am I likely to be able to attract a Russian Woman considering they live in largely populated areas?

Hi Sparky, welcome to RMP! As to your question about small towns, what would be the nearest large town (say 50,000+) and how far away is it from you? Remember that with public transport, a journey of 150 km in Russia or Ukraine is likely to take 3 - 4 hours, whereas in the US (or OZ) it might be only an hour + half by car. When you look at the profiles, check for a girl that live in (city name) Oblast, this means that she lives out in the country. For example, a girl that lives in "Kiev" means exactly in the city, but if it says Kiev Oblast, this means she lives out in the country, somewhere near to Kiev.


Posted by: sparky74

Hi Freebird
There are three towns of around 15000-25000 within 2.5-3 hour drive away (250-300km's) and my capital city is 6 hours (600km's).
Thanks for that last piece of info, it will come in very handy. Is that also what they mean when they write about living in (city) region?


Posted by: AkMike

A region (Obalst) is the general area of the bigger town. I think it also is a political area similar to a borough or county. I'm not sure what you folks use..


Posted by: sparky74

A region (Obalst) is the general area of the bigger town. I think it also is a political area similar to a borough or county. I'm not sure what you folks use..

OK Thanks.
We just leave it as states and don't really break it down further - probably not enough people to warrant it


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Hi Freebird
There are three towns of around 15000-25000 within 2.5-3 hour drive away (250-300km's) and my capital city is 6 hours (600km's).
Thanks for that last piece of info, it will come in very handy. Is that also what they mean when they write about living in (city) region?

Are you in West Australia? I will be honest, you may have trouble to find many girls that could live there happily. Will you be living there long term, or is there a chance that you will move nearer to the city in a few years?


Posted by: AkMike

It might slow it down but these ladies are looking for good men for a stable life. Unless he's living in a cardboard box he'll be able to find someone I think. I know of a guy from the Edmunton area that raises goats,,, and he found someone and married after a few days... I haven't heard from her to see if it still is working for them.


Posted by: EasyTarget

Well there are some places in Oz where they live in caves -- literally. They live underground. I could see how that could put a damper on things.

Sparky, be honest stating that you live in a small town -- don't use the word village, that means something else. And if you do plan on living the mining town in the near future, i.e. 2 or 3 years from now, I would mention that also.

If she is very a urban area like St. Pete's, Moscow, Kiev, she would most likely have a difficult time adjusting to the different pace of life. But you never know...If she lives in a smaller city it might be easier for her to adjust.


Posted by: sparky74

Freebird
No. South Australia - top end of the stunning Flinders Ranges - best countryside on Earth ( OK may be biased here)

Easytarget
Used to live near one of those underground towns and even I couldn't imagine living like that ( even after working undrground) so the culture shock for a Russian Woman asked to live there would be a bit much I think


Posted by: AkMike

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Used to live near one of those underground towns


Whew,, For a bit there I thought we'd have to change your handle from Sparky to Gopher!
Picture this... a gopher with big buck teeth wearing a miners hard hat with carbide lamp and Sparky is written across the hat..


Posted by: sparky74

That's one hell of an image AkMike
Talking about mining towns, they are the reverse of Russia, men out number women by a huge margin and I've seen many marriages breakdown because women get a false sense of reality with so many men lusting after them ( trying not to let the bitterness in here )How do you think this might affect a Russian Woman? I'm hoping they will be a little more interested in maintaining a marriage they've left their country for than going off looking for something better because it's available?


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by EasyTarget


Sparky, be honest stating that you live in a small town -- don't use the word village, that means something else. And if you do plan on living the mining town in the near future, i.e. 2 or 3 years from now, I would mention that also.

If she is very a urban area like St. Pete's, Moscow, Kiev, she would most likely have a difficult time adjusting to the different pace of life. But you never know...If she lives in a smaller city it might be easier for her to adjust.


Part of the problem is that a Russian lady will most likely have a difficult time adjusting, especially if there are no other Russian speakers, no contact with her culture. I agree with EasyTarget, if there is any possibility of eventually moving closer to Adelaide (where there is a fairly sizable Russian community) or if you could live there part of the year, it might make things easier. But I have the feeling that if she will be in the mining town permenantly, without any Russian speaking friends, she may not be too happy.


Posted by: sparky74

Freebird.
No I wont be moving from here any time soon as my Ex lives here and we have joint custody of the kids and my time with them means every thing to me. I will be very honest with any lady I write to about that. I will still gives it a go as I really dont have any other options eg: finding a western woman - as I said alot of competion in mining towns


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Freebird.
No I wont be moving from here any time soon as my Ex lives here and we have joint custody of the kids and my time with them means every thing to me. I will be very honest with any lady I write to about that. I will still gives it a go as I really dont have any other options eg: finding a western woman - as I said alot of competion in mining towns

Yes I understand how that would be. I actually had meant long-term say 4 or 5 years down the road. If she had that in mind say, that eventually you might be able to relocate she might be able to put up with it. Or some other option perhaps, if you were able to spend a couple of months a year in the city it might ease things. You might have to write lots of letters though, before you find someone comfortable living in a small isolated community. But Good Luck all the same, you never know what might happen!


Posted by: sparky74

Thanks freebird
I will try because I really don't have any other options and I will atleast get an opportunity to visit Russia ( whether I meet someone or not I going as I'm intrigued with the place now and can't wait to see it) and you never know your luck! Thats the true Diggers fighting spirit coming out


Posted by: freebird

Here's another thought I had, if you can convince one or two of your mates from your town to find a girl (sheila?) over there too, then the girls would not be all alone, they would have a couple of other Russian speaking girlfriends! Of course when you show the blokes over there the pics of your stunning blonde Russian girlfriend then they might ALL want to go to Russia!!


Posted by: sparky74

I had thought of that freebird. As matter of fact one of my uncle in-laws ( all my ex's family and I are very close) has just moved to town and he is a really great guy and in the same boat I am. Just don't want to bring it up too soon in case he grabs all the good " sheilas"


Posted by: freebird

Don't worry about that there are so many over there it will make your eyes pop!


Posted by: AkMike

Your women gettinf 'swelled heads' is very siomilar to wht I had during my first marriage. We were building the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the ratio of men to women was very much in their favor. My 1st wife decided that she'd rether play around with others.
My presant wife,(Ukrainian) would never consider this an option, but others would. There is adultery in the FSU as there is anywhere. I believe that the women there are more family oriented and you stand a better chance of discovering a good one.


Posted by: freebird

[QUOTE=AkMike]Your women gettin 'swelled heads' is very similar to what I had during my first marriage. [QUOTE]

Hey Mike, speaking of "swelled heads" i notice you are now on the top 10 list of all-time posters on RMP! Congrats! I hope you will still have time to speak to us peasants!


Posted by: AkMike

Huh? What top 10? At least give me a clue.. Unless it is the FBI's top ten then I'm outta here....


Posted by: EasyTarget

Sparky: My advice is to be honest. Let her know that there are 12,000 (or however many people in the city) and that the closest big city is 1 hour (or however far) by car. Then highlight all the positives of your city. No crime, very safe, great place to raise kids, lots of places for kids to run around, everyone is friendly, etc, etc...

I don't know how old you are, but if you are divorced and have children, You will most likely have more success with meeting a woman who already has children. Especially if you state all of the positive aspects for her children. I always got the impression that women who have children get significantly less letters then the never married, no children group.
But if your looking for a 20 year old single girl, it may take more time.

Don't worry about running out of single women, there are plenty of single women in Russia, Ukraine, Moldavia...


Posted by: sparky74

EasyTarget
I have been composing an introductory letter today and have been doing as you said - being very honest but pointing out the advantages of small town life
I had thought I might have more success with someone who already has kids and I would have no worries learning to love them. I have three of my own and think kids are the greatest things on Earth.
As for the age - I'm 33 and hardly looking for a 20 year old. She would be closer in age to my youngest son! I was thinking around 25?


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
EasyTarget
I have been composing an introductory letter today and have been doing as you said - being very honest but pointing out the advantages of small town life
I had thought I might have more success with someone who already has kids and I would have no worries learning to love them. I have three of my own and think kids are the greatest things on Earth.
As for the age - I'm 33 and hardly looking for a 20 year old. She would be closer in age to my youngest son! I was thinking around 25?

24 - 25 is a good age to start looking. At this point they should be a little more serious about relationships too


Posted by: AkMike

I'd guess that 25 would be the max age gap you'd want to go with. If you're ready to raise another kid then your going to find a better woman ready for a good man to settle down with.
Don't get too detailed during your intro letter and during the first few letters.Continue to add details as they ask. Try to find out alot about them, ask alot of stuff about their everyday life and their hopes.


Posted by: sparky74

Freebird and AkMike
Is there a way for me to post a copy of my intro letter for you guys to read and critique? I would love some feedback on what I written.


Posted by: AkMike

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Freebird and AkMike
Is there a way for me to post a copy of my intro letter for you guys to read and critique? I would love some feedback on what I written.

I'd guess you can do a copy/paste of it and I'll look it over.
Have you looked at the "stickys" at the top of this section yet? Lot'sa good ideas to consider using in your intro.
http://www.russianmeetingplace.com/...isplay.php?f=82


Posted by: sparky74

AkMike
Should I do that as a PM? And if so how do I manage that?


Posted by: AkMike

I sent a pm to yoyu for this first one. Just hit 'reply' when you want to send it.
Anyother time click on the username on the left of a post or at the bottom of the index page where all users are shown.You can click on the user name and a menu will drop down, one of the choices will be send a private message to XXXXX


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky74
Freebird and AkMike
Is there a way for me to post a copy of my intro letter for you guys to read and critique? I would love some feedback on what I written.

Yes Sparky you can PM me too if you want some feedback


Posted by: AkMike

Just be aware that it's about 10 pm's long.. I commented too soon and had to retract.. Whoops..


Posted by: sparky74

Sorry AkMike
New to this newage computer wizzbang stuff!


Posted by: sparky74

Ok if your ready for this Freebird I will send it through ( just be aware as AkMike said I've gone way overboard)


Posted by: AkMike

Not really overboard, It was a well thought out piece that even made me swoon!
LMAO I thought it was too long strictly based on the amout of translation that the young lady will need to pay for. Unless she speaks english or ozzie.


Posted by: freebird

Hey Mike & Sparky, lets move off of the "Introduction thread" (for new members) and post on another thread. I just looked up one on "Intro letters" I just posted there now


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Good luck Sparky. Don't worry about finding a woman that wouldn't mind a small city. Just stay away from the Russian cities that has millions of people.

I think AkMike has been away from his wife too long, your letter has made him swoon!


Posted by: gks

Hi, I'm Graham, living in the UK and married to Natasha, a lovely Russian woman from Chelyabinsk. We've been married over two years now and we're just going through the ILR process.

When we first met I found the cost of phoning Russia from the UK was astronomical; 50p per minute. I quickly switched to Skype which was much cheaper; about 3p per minute. But then a Russian friend introduced me to a whole host of telecoms firms that allow international calling at even lower prices, at least when calling from the UK. Over those early months we built a website; www.smart-caller.co.uk which compares the call prices of over 60 such providers and lists them by price. It's saved me a fortune in phone bills and I'd like to share that with the UK members of the forum. Natasha has parents in Nigeria, a daughter in Austria and friends in Russia and Khazakstan so it still saves us a fortune even today. In fact you can even find cheaper ways of calling friends and family in the UK.

Natasha and I found each other on the yahoo personals web site. She was in the UK on a visit visa and we met in London the first time. We got married about 3 months later in Russia. We are still amazed at our luck in finding each other.


Posted by: AkMike

Welcome to the Forum GKS. Thanks for the tip about the comparison on the phone card rates. Have Natasha join also. My wife "Tatysik" adds a bit of her thoughts every now and then too.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to the RMP gks!!! Yes there are many ways to save money and staying in touch by phone. I now use Skype also and it saves above $200-$300 USD a month!


Posted by: teaenthusiast

Hi, born in the US. Mother's half is Italian, and my Father's half is Russian and Austrian. I am from Coral Springs, Florida. I have recently deveoped an interest in the Russian language. Down here in Florida the only foreign language courses offered at most local colleges are SPANISH and LATIN. Occasionally a French course is offered here or there. I joined these forums primarily to find local Russian speaking peers, who would be willing to invest time "attempting" me with my language pursuit!
And here is a short autobiography.
Born September 17 1985 which makes me 22, name Samantha which suggests I am female. I take a heavy interest in the arts. I am a deeply passionate musician. I write music, sing, etc, etc. I also consider myself somewhat of a poet. I enjoy writing poetry, and reading it as well. I enjoy expression, which is my I am so passionate about the arts.
I don't know much about Russian culture today, but I must say Garry Kasparov kicks quite a lot of ass!

Bye!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to the Russian Meeting Place (RMP) Tea. I'm sorry but I can't help you with learning Russian.

So you like tea? I think tea is more popular then coffee in Russia. Probably because they grow their own tea.

Take care and good luck with learning Russian!


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by teaenthusiast
Hi, born in the US. Mother's half is Italian, and my Father's half is Russian and Austrian. I am from Coral Springs, Florida. I have recently deveoped an interest in the Russian language. Down here in Florida the only foreign language courses offered at most local colleges are SPANISH and LATIN. Occasionally a French course is offered here or there. I joined these forums primarily to find local Russian speaking peers, who would be willing to invest time "attempting" me with my language pursuit!
And here is a short autobiography.
Born September 17 1985 which makes me 22, name Samantha which suggests I am female. I take a heavy interest in the arts. I am a deeply passionate musician. I write music, sing, etc, etc. I also consider myself somewhat of a poet. I enjoy writing poetry, and reading it as well. I enjoy expression, which is my I am so passionate about the arts.
I don't know much about Russian culture today, but I must say Garry Kasparov kicks quite a lot of ass!

Welcome to the forum Miss Tea! (enthusiast) I was always a tea lover, but especially in Russia, because I don't like their coffee. (very strong, very small cups.)


Posted by: azamuner

Welcome to RMP.

Sorry I can't help with the Russian language, I'm still trying to get some materials so I can learn a little myself.

I'm sure someone will be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction.


Posted by: Longfellow

Welcome to RMP and congrats on pursuing your interests of a culture that is fully 1/6 of the world.
I also discovered how little we know about our Russian neighbors and became acutely interested to fill in the gaps of my experience of them.
Good luck to you and happy adventures into the mysterious Russian soul!


Posted by: teaenthusiast

thank you for the welcome!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I was always a tea lover, but especially in Russia, because I don't like their coffee. (very strong, very small cups.)


HE HE HE - I agree about the coffee. I now take instant coffee with me when I travel to the FSU. Beats that strong nasty brown liquid they serve there!


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
HE HE HE - I agree about the coffee. I now take instant coffee with me when I travel to the FSU. Beats that strong nasty brown liquid they serve there!

I really had the urge, to take over a BIG coffee cup, so I could put enough cream in to make it drinkable! (I actually prefer french style "cafe-au-lait")


Posted by: blucatz

Hi, I'm Michael. I currently live in a small town in Ohio. I just started my search about 5 months ago and have be corresponding with 2 great women, one from Omsk and one from Kherson. I plan on visiting the one from Kherson in the next 2 months but will wait till spring to go to Omsk because of the cold. Found this forum by accident looking for answers on questions on my trips and seem to have found pretty much all the answers to my questions here. So far this forum has been really great.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes you found the right spot!

GO BLUE!!!


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Hi, I'm Michael. I currently live in a small town in Ohio. I just started my search about 5 months ago and have be corresponding with 2 great women, one from Omsk and one from Kherson. I plan on visiting the one from Kherson in the next 2 months but will wait till spring to go to Omsk because of the cold. Found this forum by accident looking for answers on questions on my trips and seem to have found pretty much all the answers to my questions here. So far this forum has been really great.


Hi Michael, welcome to the RMP. I've spent a few weeks in Kherson, so if you have any questions about the city go ahead and ask.


Posted by: irish44

Hi all.
My name is Joseph and I am recently returned from Sochi.
What a wonderful place. A bit pricey in some things but definitely worth it!
I had been corresponding and phoning daily (thank God for VOIP!) a wonderful lady from there for 7 months.
I am happy to say that after spending 10 days together that we are engaged.
Now the long process with the US government begins!

Great board and am happy to be here!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello Irish. I have been to Sochi twice and yes it is a great city but the Olympics will ruin the Russian culture there and make things very expensive. I hope you saw and did everything you wanted to do there ... I didn't.

Welcome to the Russin Meeting Place (RMP) and if you have any questions, be sure to ask. We are a friendly bunch of people.


Posted by: irish44

Hi GTR. Thank you for that kind welcome. Yes, I have heard from the people I talked to in Sochi that it will ruin things. Interestingly enough, most of them think that waste and corruption will have Sochi pulling out before the great event of 2014!

Joe


Posted by: irish44

Hey GTR;

I also put up a little travelog of my trip.
If interested the link is: http://irish1.startlogic.com/

Take care,

Joe


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Nice site Irish. I see you fond the Post Office!

Did you make it to the Russian tea House? Maybe a boat ride on the Black Sea or visit the dolphins? So much to do in this city, too bad it will be ruined.


Posted by: Jerolin

Hello, my name is James and I live in Texarkana, Texas. If you've ever heard of Texarkana, it's probably unfortunately from Smokey and the Bandit, or The Town that Dreaded Sundown...neither of which portray it in a very positive light.

I'm a 20 year old studying office administration in college, and I should be graduating next semester. I realize I'm pretty young to be considering dating, or marrying someone from a different culture, but I'm yet to meet an American girl that interests me. Just from the few European girls I've met, I've come to the conclusion that for the most part, they seem to be a lot more down to Earth and less concerned with themselves than most American girls. My only concern is that most Russian girls seem to be more interested in older men.

I have a good paying job as a Videographer, and I'll have an even better paying job once I get my degree, so I'm not concerned about the financial aspect.

I grew up in a Polish family (not Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine, but a little similar), so I'm used to being around people of that culture and mentality.


James

BTW: I've been getting a lot of database errors....is that normal?


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Howdy James and welcome aboard the RMP.

I would worry about the age. Pick a 18 year old, saddle up, and ride off into the sunset.

Good luck and ask questions.


Posted by: trecho

Hi to all the members in this interesting forum. I am also from Texas and have been looking into the Russian brides the last couple of days. just wanted to know if there is a way to find out about a woman on the internet that i saw yesterday. i would like to find out more about her, but she is not in the usual personals webpages. she is a model with gymnast - contortionist flexibility and i am so intrigued with her. all i know is where the website has its administrative offices but no personal information about her at all. she is very beautiful and i wish i could talk to her.


Posted by: LagunaE

Hello All,

"Laguna E" checking in here... Been interested in pursuing an FSU woman for quite some time... Probably like many of you, I've had my shares of ups and downs with American women now that I'm in my mid-30's. I've also traveled a lot with my career and met some really great gals from overseas without all the attitude it seems we get so often here...

Anyway, I've corresponded with what seemed to be some genuine FSU ladies over the last year or so... Only to drop contact with them once I headed into relationship with another local CA girl. That relationship went sour about 3 months ago, so I'm back evaluating my chances of having something work out with an FSU woman again. It's hard to ignore their draw and attraction... And the possibility of finding happiness for both parties...

Hope to learn from and help out this group...

Good luck and happiness to all...


Posted by: AkMike

Welcome to our little forum. Look around, make yourself at home. Any questions or comments just say so.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello Lagunna and welcome. Many California people on the forum. Best of luck if you should take on this adventure. It can make you very happy at times and be very gut wrenching the next. You must have a strong will and a never give up attitude to make this happen. It is not for the sweemish but worth it in the long run.


Posted by: LagunaE

Thanks for the warm welcome guys...


Posted by: azamuner

It might be a bit late but welcome to RMP LagunaE


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:
Originally Posted by LagunaE
Thanks for the warm welcome guys...


You're welcome.

If you have questions, go ahead and ask here. You need 1 more post before you can post in the main forum, this is just a new member thread until you get 3 posts.


Posted by: LagunaE

Yep, got it. Been reading and "searching" a lot. Good info here...

Read first, ask questions later...

Thanks azamuner, never too late to be friendly...


Posted by: Astra16V

Hye Every one !

Im a Danish guy and im married to a RW for about one eyar now . We live
in the very north part of Denmark near by a city called Aalborg.
My real Name is Mark and im 39 years old . I work as a truckdriver wher i
drive between Denmark and Sweden. Mostly i am writing one the Danish
part of this forum and i like it very much becours i like to help other peopel
and i have given a lot of good advice to many Danish Guys who want too
know how the Danish laws are and how to do things in the best way.
I have bin to Russia tre times and to Ukraine to times and are goins again
here in sommertime becours my wifes perants live in Ukraine in a city called
Sevastopol . It is in the very south part off Ukraine a the black sea.
I like to travel to Russia and Ukraine and if you never have bin to Sevastopol
then you shut visit ther some time i garanti you will be in for a suprise.
It is proberly one off the most beautifull places i have seen and i have seen
a lot off countryes becours off my work i have travelt a lot in my truck and
bin to many countryes. Well i just want to say one more thing it is a little
desepointing to see only too other Danish guys here but i hope some more
will come.
I wish alle a marry christmas and a happy newyear.

The very best regard from all off us here i Denmark
Astra16V


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes the Black Sea area is a great place to visit. I've been on the east side (Sochi Russia) and the west side (Varna Bulgaria) but never the north part of the Black Sea.

Take care and enjoy your holiday season Mark.


Posted by: bladerunnerblue

Tried to post in one of the other forums and than realized i have to post in this one at least 3 times first.
So,hello all.
I am new to the whole "FSU lady"thing.I was at a website that has reviews of eHarmony,match.com,Yahoopersonals.You know..the ones that are full of Amercian women that are not sure what they want.Big waste of time as far as I am concerned.
Anyway,they have a link that leads to reviews of Russian dating sites.I figured what the hell,and clicked on it.
This lead me to Anastasiaweb.I have read negative and positive things.I do have a question about them,but will wait and post it in the correct forum.

I do have one question that I have been wanting to know.I apologize if this is no t the right place for it but...
How do FSU women react to tattoos on men?Are they turned off?iIndifferent?


Posted by: AkMike

Welcome to the forum! Get the other 2 post in and join the fun.
Tats were just recently discussed here. I think in general or off topic. Do a search and find out. IIRC the younger folks don't mind them but they have a "jailhouse" effect on some. In the Soviet times it was jailbirds that had them.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome BRB. AkMike is right about the tats. Above all, be honest with these women. They can grill you like a KGB agent if they smell something fishy! So let them know you have tats.

Here are 3 websites I've used and found to be very good.

www.freepersonals.ru
www.allsinglerussiangirls.com
www.elenasmodels.com

Take care and good luck!


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunnerblue
Tried to post in one of the other forums and than realized i have to post in this one at least 3 times first.
So,hello all.
I am new to the whole "FSU lady"thing.I was at a website that has reviews of eHarmony,match.com,Yahoopersonals.You know..the ones that are full of Amercian women that are not sure what they want.Big waste of time as far as I am concerned.
Anyway,they have a link that leads to reviews of Russian dating sites.I figured what the hell,and clicked on it.
This lead me to Anastasiaweb.I have read negative and positive things.I do have a question about them,but will wait and post it in the correct forum.

I do have one question that I have been wanting to know.I apologize if this is no t the right place for it but...
How do FSU women react to tattoos on men?Are they turned off?iIndifferent?

The 2 ladies I am talking to have see my tats on my arms in the web cams seem to like them, although they are glad I do not have any more. I think as long as you are not painted up like a side show attraction or have any that are highly visable, you will be ok with them.


Posted by: bladerunnerblue

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
Welcome to the forum! Get the other 2 post in and join the fun.
Tats were just recently discussed here. I think in general or off topic. Do a search and find out. IIRC the younger folks don't mind them but they have a "jailhouse" effect on some. In the Soviet times it was jailbirds that had them.

The"younger folks"?Uh oh..
I am 36 and the woman that interests me most on Anastasia is 31,so...
To be honest,I do not have any..yet.I was thinking of getting 1-3 on my arms and perhaps and maybe 1 on my shoulder.
Hope she won't label me a freak.If things get REAL serious,maybe I can get her name and the name of her daughter tattoed on my chest


Posted by: bladerunnerblue

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Welcome BRB. AkMike is right about the tats. Above all, be honest with these women. They can grill you like a KGB agent if they smell something fishy! So let them know you have tats.

Here are 3 websites I've used and found to be very good.

www.freepersonals.ru
www.allsinglerussiangirls.com
www.elenasmodels.com

Take care and good luck!

Thanks for the links.I did check out Elenas.Didn't see too many that interest me.
Freepersonals is good.There are 6 or 7 ladies who I added to my favorites.I like the fact that they do not block/censor personal contact info.
The lady that interests me most in on Anastasia and also Hotrussianbrides(I am defintely going to bother with them,way too costly).
So,if turns out Natalia at Anastasia isn't interested in me(which I really hope is not the case )than I will go back to Freepersonals.ru.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunnerblue
Thanks for the links.I did check out Elenas.Didn't see too many that interest me.
Freepersonals is good.There are 6 or 7 ladies who I added to my favorites.I like the fact that they do not block/censor personal contact info.
The lady that interests me most in on Anastasia and also Hotrussianbrides(I am defintely going to bother with them,way too costly).
So,if turns out Natalia at Anastasia isn't interested in me(which I really hope is not the case )than I will go back to Freepersonals.ru.

I hope you meant to say that your were NOT goint to bother with Hotrussianbrides. There has been allot of negative talk on this forum about that site, and I can personally say that they are there for one reason only, to get your money. Unless you really want to pay over $1000 just to get an email address.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunnerblue
The"younger folks"?Uh oh..
I am 36 and the woman that interests me most on Anastasia is 31,so...
To be honest,I do not have any..yet.I was thinking of getting 1-3 on my arms and perhaps and maybe 1 on my shoulder.
Hope she won't label me a freak.If things get REAL serious,maybe I can get her name and the name of her daughter tattoed on my chest

I really hope your definition of REAL serious is meaning after you are married to the woman. Would hate to see you get all those tats just to have her take off before your married. Lots of stories on this forum of the woman breaking it off at the last minute. Very sad, but also very true. royalpalace774 is a really good example of one woman calling it quits at the last minute. Just be careful and don't move too fast.


Posted by: bladerunnerblue

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
I hope you meant to say that your were NOT goint to bother with Hotrussianbrides. There has been allot of negative talk on this forum about that site, and I can personally say that they are there for one reason only, to get your money. Unless you really want to pay over $1000 just to get an email address.

Blucatz,yes you are correct.I forgot the "not".I did read about HRB and agree that it is outrageous.


Posted by: bladerunnerblue

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
I really hope your definition of REAL serious is meaning after you are married to the woman. Would hate to see you get all those tats just to have her take off before your married. Lots of stories on this forum of the woman breaking it off at the last minute. Very sad, but also very true. royalpalace774 is a really good example of one woman calling it quits at the last minute. Just be careful and don't move too fast.

In this case,by 'real serious",I mean that we will have been happily married for at least a year.
I have read John Kunkle(Krunkle?)s notes about his experiences with dating and eventually marring a FSU woman,so I will be careful.


Posted by: belvedeer

I've had a chance to look of this site and I think it will be a great asset for me in my various endeavors as it relates to the topics at hand here. I've always had a strong attraction to Russian culture, from even when I was a younger man (27 now). I've traveled extensively, but have never quite made my way to anywhere in the FSU.

So I am here to learn more about Russian culture, the language, and eventually see if I might look there for a wife.

This site looks like a great resource and I think it will be very beneficial to me no matter what I end up doing!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

I too started when I was young. My grandmother was born in Russia and when I was about 10, I saw my first picture of an Russian Orthodox church and have been hooked ever since. They are just as amazing inside as they are outside.

If you decide to visit the FSU, it is quite an adventure as you suggusted.

Welcome to the RMP and ask any questions you may have.

Good luck with your search.


Posted by: goforit

Quote:
Originally Posted by belvedeer
I've had a chance to look of this site and I think it will be a great asset for me in my various endeavors as it relates to the topics at hand here. I've always had a strong attraction to Russian culture, from even when I was a younger man (27 now). I've traveled extensively, but have never quite made my way to anywhere in the FSU.

So I am here to learn more about Russian culture, the language, and eventually see if I might look there for a wife.

This site looks like a great resource and I think it will be very beneficial to me no matter what I end up doing!


I am actually a member of a Russian Orthodox Church here in the US, love Russian women, and I am considering an extended stay in the FSU (like 3-6 months) depending on how my trip turns out and how well I can automate my business.


Posted by: ultimosesso

This is the first of my three posts that I, as a newbie, am required to post here before I will be allowed to start spamming like crazy

Well, folks, you may call me Jim, Jimbo, Zippy the Pinhead, or anything else this forum will allow and your fancy will conjure...after all this is cyber world, so who cares?

I am here because I am deeply interested in Russian culture and language and have finally gotten around to actually doing something about it...like learning! I do have an ulterior motive too (and some of you may have already guessed it), my heart was stolen by a Ukrainian devil of a lady, and now I pine for her day and night. My sins must have been great as this is cruel and unusual punishment


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Welcome to the forum Ultim!

So have you been to the Ukraine? What did you think of the country and what cities did you visit?

Good luck with your lady and best wishes for the New Year!


Posted by: goforit

Welcome Ultimo. I hope we can be of some help.


Posted by: stuckmojo

Hey People, great forum. Glad to see that some things are still done properly....

I'm ex military, and as such, my upbringing as a "half-brit" was hugely coloured by remnants of the cold war...although since going to school with a girl whose family was originally from Russia, I have had a lifelong fascination with that part of the world.

Having left the military, and starting my own business, I have clients in eastern europe, and will soon have the need to be visiting that part of the world...It seems the fascination with all aspects of that culture is still with me...(especially the accent...) Although I've seen (and read) first-hand about the damage that the "scams" can do to people.

Any way other than the obvious "if its to good to be true" to tell when your being had???? As someone who isnt a beer swilling knuckle-dragging loser, I'm a bit concerned about the professional "gold digger"...apparently I'm not bad looking (a vin diesel mini-me...according to my friends) and run a successful business, so I wouldnt be able to use the "i'm fat and ugly, and a hot russian women likes me, so she must be a scammer" type logic.....

Any thoughts??? I really dont want to go down the "meat market" tour type scenario, and i think thats degrading to all involved, especially the ladies, who deserve better, regardless of nationality of social and economic situation...

E (tattoos and intellect, interesting combination)


Posted by: GentleGiant

Lots of tips here to help.
Asking for money or expecting expensive gifts on the first date are a bad sign; if you are emailing and not yet met, check the IP header to make sure it is coming from where "she" says she is, i caught one out that way; if she says she has a visa to visit the West be careful, very few single women can get them.
The legit agencies have offices you can just walk into and look through their books, Elena's in Moscow is very good, but expensive.
Read up on the styles and wording of scam letters and check out Jims Lists, a good source of info on known scammers.
Oh!!, if you find one with a good looking sister as well, you know where to find me ;-)


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Hello StuckMoJo and welcome to the forum. The only advice I have is ask questions ... to us and to any women you meet. Also be realistic, yes a 8-12 year age difference is likely but not someone 25-30 years younger. Yes it happens but don't expect it.

If you send money to a woman, consider it gone ... for good or for bad. Go with the mind set of having a great vacation, not to meet your future bride.

Take a translation dictionary and/or a phrase book.

The first meeting should also be in her city.

Here are some sites I've been successful with.

www.freepersonals.ru
www.elenasmodels.com
www.allsinglerussiangirls.com

Good luck and hold on!!!


Posted by: stuckmojo

thanks for that, funnily enough, in the time since my last post and now, I have just had a torrent of incredibly racist email abuse in very shaky english from someone who was obviously a scammer....

Seems the "I'll be visiting your part of the world soon, would you like to have lunch with me??" and mentioning that I spent a few months as a personal bodygaurd for an american businessman in Cheboksary also seems to have scared em off... Did the trick....ran a mile (virtually of course)..

Has to be some real ones somewhere....)


Posted by: AkMike

Look over the following Iron Clad Rules of the game. It's a great guide for internet dating. BTW Welcome!
1.Never send money to someone you have never met.

2.Always have a back-up plan

3.Work to eliminate any agency from your communications.

4.Always get the lady's home address and home phone number as early as possible.

5.Verify the ladies you are writing to are real.

6.Do not fall in love with photos!!

7.Always be yourself. Show the ladies the real you. Be truthful. Use current photos.

8.Do not rush into this! Take your time and be methodical, not impulsive, about this process.

9.Treat international dating the same as dating someone from your home country. The biggest difference is the cost (travel, phone. etc). This is an expensive process. Don't believe anyone that tells you otherwise.

10.THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE! They do not exist.


Posted by: stuckmojo

Sounds familiar.........(puts green beret back on..

The whole "mail order bride" thing feels/sounds kinda seedy anyway, I was born/brought up in a multi-cultural environment, and most of my friends have a background in other countries, just had some bad experiences recently with english women, so just thought its time for an adventure or 2, add the fact taht russiian/eastern european is the most hypnotic accent in the world, and thats pretty much where I'm at.

Got no time for the "meat market" aspect though, so I understand completely your comment about "mail order brides".....

Shame about all the scammers though, giving a beautiful but troubled part of the world a bad reputation, not to mention all the poor girls who pictures are being touted about without their knowledge.....very poor!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes, back up plan. Let's say your plan is to meet someone from Moscow. Find other women on a website that live in Moscow, or near by. This way if your initial meeting is a "bust", you have other contacts. Free Personals and Elena's Models have search capabilities to find women in specific countries or cities.

Base your judgement about the lady on what she does, not what she says ... words are cheap. How does she treat other people ... cabbies, friends, family, waiters ... Is she taking good care of you? Is she asking for money. These sort of things.


Posted by: stuckmojo

sounds like plain common sens