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Trip Report - To Kerch... TheWong way...?

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Posted by: TheWongs

I just got off the phone to Larisa this morning... She is on her way!

1 day, 5 hours, 45 minutes til she lands in London!

So.. I'm driving there tomorrow morning Then, we will see each other for the first time in 1 year but it will be great when we have our first hug and kiss Then we can spend the next three weeks together


Posted by: azamuner

Congrats man! Sounds like you will have a wonderful Christmas for sure.


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I just got off the phone to Larisa this morning... She is on her way!

1 day, 5 hours, 45 minutes til she lands in London!


The waiting almost over - congratulations and wishing you all the best for xmas. I have another week of agony!


Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I just got off the phone to Larisa this morning... She is on her way!

1 day, 5 hours, 45 minutes til she lands in London!

So.. I'm driving there tomorrow morning Then, we will see each other for the first time in 1 year but it will be great when we have our first hug and kiss Then we can spend the next three weeks together


I'm impressed!. You haven't seen her in a year & you guys still seem to have a strong bond. That is just beautiful. I wish you the best. Have a great time with her. I wish I was in your place.


Posted by: TheWongs

Thanks guys! It's been great to be able to air my thoughts and listen to your comments over the last year. I think this is what keeps me sane!

Yes, it's been just a few days more than one year since we saw each other, but the bond is as strong, if not stronger than ever. There is no doubt in my mind that this is one VERY good lady, with nothing but the best intentions. That became obvious when she looked after me in Kerch when I had no money! She has stuck with me through all the bad times over the past year, never passing a negative comment.

So... Here I am now. A different man from last years model, able to afford to make her childhood dream of visiting England come true. She never had a doubt that I could do what I said I would do. More than could be said for me!

In 14 hours I'll be hugging my honey, then on Sunday, it's off to Ireland for a week. If I get a chance, I'll look in on you guys and see what you are all up to.

Thanks for all the good wishes. Have a great holiday and don't drink too much!!!

Only kidding! Drink as much as you want and then drink a few for me!


Posted by: Chrismc

Safe journey Chris and I will see you and Larisa in the New Year. I leave myself on Sunday, can't wait

Chris


Posted by: TheWongs

Have a great trip Chris! Many thanks for everything.

Larisa is here and we are having a great time. We leave for Ireland tomorrow and she is looking forward to the trip very much. We are driving to Scotland, then taking the ferry to Ireland, so she will see a lot of the country on the way.


Posted by: too_tall

I just read the whole thing start to finish in one sitting.

Great story!

Udachi!

Bill


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by too_tall
I just read the whole thing start to finish in one sitting.

Great story!

Udachi!

Bill


Hi Bill! Thanks for the compliment. You need to get out more!

We left St Helens last Sunday morning and spent all day driving to Scotland. We went through the lake district and as many "scenic routes" as possible (including Gretna Green when we arrived in Scotland!). When we were on the ferry to Ireland, I counted the pictures... 130! Not bad for one day!

Oh... Gretna Green scared the living daylights out of her! She had heard about it, but thought it was folklore! I told her I was taking her there because we had an appointment!

At this moment in time, Larisa and I are in Ireland and I'm knackered! Up at 6 - 7am most mornings and not in bed til about 2am! Seeing as much as possible and meeting as many friends and family as we can before returning to England on Sunday. I think I need more memory cards for the camera! We've filled two and the camera I got Larisa for Christmas is nearly full too!

So far, everyone who has met her, likes her very much, including my kids, so that's VERY cool. She was always worried about meeting new people because she didn't think her English was good enough. Nobody has had any problems talking to her and she can understand about 80% - 90% of the conversations!

I'll try to update soon.


Posted by: Chrismc

Great to here you are having a fantastic time Chris, I am still over in Chernivsti until next week, have a a great time myself too


Posted by: TheWongs

Glad you are having as good a time as me Chris.

We got back from Ireland on Sunday night, after taking many detours on the way back down England. I emptied the memory cards from the cameras into my laptop and we are now filling them up again.

Larisa has met almost everyone now and is very impressed with my friends and family so far. Being a psycologist, she's watching how I interact with the people close to me. I know and can see what she is doing, but I'm saying nothing. It's interesting to watch her watching me.

We very briefly touched on the subject of her living here, but it was very brief. A few of my friends have been asking her questions along these lines too. I suppose this was to be expected, but I hadn't thought about it. They are only trying to help, but it would have been better if they hadn't put these thoughts in her head. Maybe I should have asked them to say nothing? Anyway... The impression I got was.... How do I put it?.... "Not too promising" I think is the best description. She loves the house, the town and the country, but it's her friends, work and family that are a BIG issue. As she said "I have not a very good apartment and life, but it is MY apartment and MY life! Also, my qualifications mean nothing in this country"! I can understand why this is a big issue. She has spent the last 20 years building her life and career. Her qualifications are very impressive! I can't see her give all that up just for me and I don't blame her either! It's still early days and we'll see what happens. I'm in no hurry.


Posted by: AkMike

You've got a great attitude! Really! Take your time and don't rush things. I've enjoyed reading all your comments and respect your insites into things. Your lady sounds like a 'keeper' so giveher room to work her way around the problems and help her decide when the time is right!


Posted by: disculmawsu

I am glad to see everything is working out. Just give it sometime.


Posted by: JamesB

you should write a book.lol


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesB
you should write a book.lol


Mmmmm.... Now there's a thought. The only problem is that you've all read it, so I won't sell any copies!

I found a Russian Orthadox church in Manchester and took Larisa there today. She was very happy that she was able to go! While we were in Manchester, I took her to the Manchester United football grounds and took a lot of pictures with her there. Her son supports Manchester United, so we emailed him some of the pictures. We also went shopping and taking pictures in the city centre. Man, she knows how to shop, or should I say, she knows how to walk around shops all day without getting tired or spending anything?! I'm knackered!

Tonight, I had to play a pool match, so she came to watch. The match was over, I won and we were on our way home in 15 minutes flat! The opponent didn't know what hit him and Larisa was VERY impressed! She saw me playing American pool once in Kerch, but I was only messing about. She said "There is a very big difference when you are serious". I told her she must be my lucky charm.

Tomorrow is the big day! I'm taking her to live her childhood dream. We are going to Liverpool, to the Beatles museum! I have a feeling I'm going to have a sore finger from taking pictures!


Posted by: Chrismc

Have a great day Chris, my trip will soon be over, see you later this week all being well.

Chris


Posted by: AkMike

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Tomorrow is the big day! I'm taking her to live her childhood dream. We are going to Liverpool, to the Beatles museum! I have a feeling I'm going to have a sore finger from taking pictures!



LMAO I know the feeling! I took Tanya to meet Mickey Mouse! She was so tickled about it. She told Mickey that she traveled all the way over from Ukraine to meet him. LOL Wonder what that guy was thinking?????


Posted by: TheWongs

As it turned out, my finger was ok. No photography allowed in the museum, so I bought a book full of pictures for Larisa.

How was the day? I'll let this picture do the talking. Her face says it all!


Posted by: azamuner

I'll bet her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by azamuner
I'll bet her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.


Bet you're right!

The sad thing is that now her eyes are sore from crying. She flew home this morning and I have just returned to an empty house.

It's quite strange really. She was only with me for 3 weeks and one of those was in Ireland, but everything I look at in the house reminds me of her, or something we did! Every time I see something she moved or left behind, my eyes fill up. But hey! I'm a man and I'm not supposed to act like a girl, so I'll look to the future and to seeing her again soon!

On that subject, it's been decided that she is returning in April to spend time with me on my birthday and to see me again before her visa runs out.

We had a very serious discussion about our future and where we go from here. This is one very smart lady and she knows how to deal with things sensibly, instead of making rash decisions. The bottom line is that she is going to have a very serious think about things over the next few weeks. I can see her point and why she can't leave Ukraine at this time. She has spent the last 20 years, building her career and it will all mean nothing in this country, but she is willing to think about giving it all up and what she can do for our future. On the other hand, she knows I want to do some business in Ukraine and we discussed this in detail too. If all goes well, we would have the best of both worlds and spend a lot of time in both countries. Her sons have proved to her over the last 3 weeks that they can take care of themselves. This has helped her a lot! The past 3 weeks is the longest she has ever been seperated from them in over 20 years!

So... Things here are looking very good, but are lonely again. While I have been typing this, I got a phonecall from her to let me know she has just landed in Kiev safely and Pavel is taking her to the train station, via a shop to buy champagne. She will spend tonight on the train, drinking this champagne and having a party with the other passengers to celebrate "Old New Year".

All my family and friends will agree when I say... What a wonderful woman!

I forgot to mention... Her flight was from London Heathrow early this morning, so we went to London a day early, so she could see it before she left. Her first words were "WOW"! While I was taking this picture, 2 guys came over and asked her to take a picture for them. They only spoke a little English, so Larisa asked me to help. As they were getting into position, they spoke Russian! Larisa was in fits of laughter! When they left, I said goodbye in Russian and Larisa said it in English!


Posted by: Chrismc

Chris

I know how you feel, it is really really hard leaving each other, it gets harder everytime I find. Man or not, when you have to say goodbye to a beautiful lady and know you won't see her again for a few months it never comes easy.

It was great to meet you again the other night and of course to meet the lovely Larisa, I can see now why you love her so much, and for sure she is not silly enough to rush into anything, but I think this trip has got her thinking in the right direction, it was obvious to me to see she had had a wonderful holiday and you had done everything you could to make her stay enjoyable, from what was a pretty positive no never leave Ukraine I can now see and hope for both of you, that it may be a yes possible decision. I certainly hope so as you two belong together.

Good luck mate, and safe journey to Larisa.

Chris

PS My Irena is preparing Old New Years dinner right now for all her family


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Chris

I know how you feel, it is really really hard leaving each other, it gets harder everytime I find. Man or not, when you have to say goodbye to a beautiful lady and know you won't see her again for a few months it never comes easy.


Thanks Chris!

I hope it doesn't get any harder! I'm rattling around this house on my own and don't know what to do with myself! Tomorrow, I'll get stuck back into working 7 days a week and before I know it, she'll be back...

It was great to see you the other night and Larisa was very happy to meet you. You are more than welcome to phone or call in anytime.


Posted by: TheWongs

I phoned Larisa tonight. She made it home in one piece. She told me something interesting...

When she got off the train, she was met by her eldest son. After she had been talking to him for a while, he looked into her eyes and said "I am a big boy now and I can look after myself. If you want to marry Chris and live in England, then you should do it". One of the conversations we had last week was about her sons. She is not worried too much about the youngest son because he lives with his girlfriend. She was more worried about the eldest because he lives with her and is single. She wants him to settle down with someone who will take care of him like she does.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I phoned Larisa tonight. She made it home in one piece. She told me something interesting...

When she got off the train, she was met by her eldest son. After she had been talking to him for a while, he looked into her eyes and said "I am a big boy now and I can look after myself. If you want to marry Chris and live in England, then you should do it". One of the conversations we had last week was about her sons. She is not worried too much about the youngest son because he lives with his girlfriend. She was more worried about the eldest because he lives with her and is single. She wants him to settle down with someone who will take care of him like she does.

Cool, sounds like she got the blessing from the eldest son. Maybe a little push from a few more family members and she will be yours for good.


Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I phoned Larisa tonight. She made it home in one piece. She told me something interesting...

When she got off the train, she was met by her eldest son. After she had been talking to him for a while, he looked into her eyes and said "I am a big boy now and I can look after myself. If you want to marry Chris and live in England, then you should do it". One of the conversations we had last week was about her sons. She is not worried too much about the youngest son because he lives with his girlfriend. She was more worried about the eldest because he lives with her and is single. She wants him to settle down with someone who will take care of him like she does.



I think you are going to have her with you for good real soon. I hope everything turns out OK. You have spent alot of time with her so far. In her country & yours. It looks good to me!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I phoned Larisa tonight. She made it home in one piece. She told me something interesting...

When she got off the train, she was met by her eldest son. After she had been talking to him for a while, he looked into her eyes and said "I am a big boy now and I can look after myself. If you want to marry Chris and live in England, then you should do it". One of the conversations we had last week was about her sons. She is not worried too much about the youngest son because he lives with his girlfriend. She was more worried about the eldest because he lives with her and is single. She wants him to settle down with someone who will take care of him like she does.


Great news Chris, it brought a tear to my eye reading what her son said to her, I love the way all these families stick together and do what is right for them all to try and make themselves happy.

Well when she comes back in Spring, lets hope you will be making other plans


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
I think you are going to have her with you for good real soon. I hope everything turns out OK. You have spent alot of time with her so far. In her country & yours. It looks good to me!


Yes! It looks good to me too. It's almost at the stage where we can't live without each other. We miss each other like crazy when we are not together. When we are together... Wow!

I was interested to see what my friends and family thought of her. They have always been very good judges in the past, even though I never listened to them. Everyone who met her thought she was great! My kids loved her, my mother thought she was great and even my sister and her family liked her. If you knew my family, you would understand how difficult it is for me to find someone they all liked! Not that it would have made any difference to the way I feel about Larisa. It was just interesting for me to see how they interacted.

It's quite funny that Larisa is a psychologist. She doesn't know that I had an interest in psychology many years ago. I'm interested in watching what is going on and "reading between the lines" too!


Posted by: TheWongs

Latest news update...

Larisa is flying back to me on 3rd of March and can stay until 10th of May!!!!


Posted by: Chrismc

WOW!! what a result mate, you little liar you told me it would be April great news, I bet you can't wait. Make sure we book a night out when she is here this time or you can come here for a day and I will show you round


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
WOW!! what a result mate, you little liar you told me it would be April great news, I bet you can't wait. Make sure we book a night out when she is here this time or you can come here for a day and I will show you round


I thought it would be April. She told me that she wanted to come for my birthday. I asked her a few days ago to find out when she finished at work (end of term). She told me last night on the phone that she finishes the end of Febuary and will do her research for exams and preperation for the new term here in England while I work during the day! I can live with that.

You're right! I can't wait!!!!

I'd be happy to bring her there for a day. Local knowledge is a great thing to have "on tap"


Posted by: Chrismc

Any time Chris, she likes the sea so we can't go wrong


Posted by: TheWongs

We can go Wong, but not wrong.

Just searching for flights now. Can't beat BA at the moment. This means another LONG and expensive drive to London. Cost me £160 in fuel to do the return trip to Heathrow, plus the £260 for flights. I wish someone would fly to Birmingham or Manchester direct!!!!


Posted by: Chrismc

Chris

Book Kiev - Amsterdam - Manchester, it is really easy, cheaper and all the people in Schiphol airport speak English. It is no inconvenience at all, discuss it with her and see what she says.

If you need more info, I can tell you everything you need to know about Schiphol airport, she doesn't even have to collect her bags there and if there is an hour to wait in between flights they have lots of nice shops for her etc


Posted by: stevo

How about Kiev - Riga - East Midlands or Liverpool? Transit visa needed for Latvia though.


Posted by: TheWongs

Thanks Chris. I had a look at the prices for various flights, including Amsterdam and couldn't find one cheaper. The best I found was about £300. I suppose it would work out cheaper in the long run, because of the fuel, but Larisa would be happier with one flight. If there was a big difference, then she would do as she was told.

Thanks Stevo. I flew through Latvia last time I went to Ukraine, but I'm not sure how to get, or how long it would take to get a transit visa for Larisa. Any idea's about this?

Not long to go til my honey returns! It seems like only a few weeks since she left!... Oh! It IS only a few weeks since she left!!!


Posted by: AkMike

You'd better start cleaning up the flat or you'll be staying in the dog house!
Been there done that! And we don't have a dog,,, yet alone the house!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
You'd better start cleaning up the flat or you'll be staying in the dog house!
Been there done that! And we don't have a dog,,, yet alone the house!


I can start cleaning now!

It is 29 days, 21 hours, 4 minutes and 8 seconds until Larisa returns to England!


Posted by: stevo

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I flew through Latvia last time I went to Ukraine, but I'm not sure how to get, or how long it would take to get a transit visa for Larisa. Any idea's about this?

Sorry, missed this somehow - there's a Latvian embassy in Kiev, and an airport transit visa seems to be the thing to go for, with the usual form to be filled in and submitted along with proof of various things (permission to enter the destination country, health insurance etc.). Not sure how long it would take but I'd be surprised if it was more than a week.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevo
Sorry, missed this somehow - there's a Latvian embassy in Kiev, and an airport transit visa seems to be the thing to go for, with the usual form to be filled in and submitted along with proof of various things (permission to enter the destination country, health insurance etc.). Not sure how long it would take but I'd be surprised if it was more than a week.


Thanks for thinking about me Stevo. I've decided to go the "easier" route and have booked the flights for Larisa to fly direct to London Heathrow. Maybe next time?.... If there is a next time????????

I was on the phone to Larisa tonight and she badly wants to tell me something, but won't allow herself. She says she as talked to her friends and family a lot since her return after Christmas and wants to speak to me in person. I asked if I should worry and she said "not at all", so here I am..... Worrying!!!!! Anyway... It's 26 days, 14 hours, 51 minutes and 54 seconds until I find out!

While I'm here, there's something else going through my head.... I'm trying to make up my mind about an idea I had before I joined any forums or had ever been to Ukraine. I asked a question on a forum many years ago about taking a bike to Ukraine. I was told it was a bad idea and I'd wake up dead some morning with my bike stolen etc... I live to travel and have not only flown around the world, but have been all over Europe on my bike, so I'm thinking about doing this later in the year. I want to ride my bike to Kerch! They have drag racing at an unused airfield..... I know my bike could win!


Posted by: BluesTraveler

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I was on the phone to Larisa tonight and she badly wants to tell me something, but won't allow herself. She says she as talked to her friends and family a lot since her return after Christmas and wants to speak to me in person.

She wants to move to England. She has decided it. But this is not something she will do over the phone. Understandable.

She was talking with family & friends determining what to do with her apartment, i.e. who will live there when she moves to England.


Posted by: AkMike

ROTFLMFAO!!!
Or she wants to see the (a) shock
(b) sparkle
(c) dead fish look

when she calls you Daddy and says 'Guess what?'


I'll be great!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
ROTFLMFAO!!!
Or she wants to see the (a) shock
(b) sparkle
(c) dead fish look

when she calls you Daddy and says 'Guess what?'


I'll be great!



I think we all know and hope what she wants to tell you Chris, I think it is all good news.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc


I think we all know and hope what she wants to tell you Chris, I think it is all good news.


too!
I think (and hope) you are right! It's 26 days, 5 hours, 28 minutes and 15 seconds until I find out!


Posted by: AkMike

Is the flat cleaned up good enough to have surgery in it anywhere? ( Remember it might be you operated on)

Now do it again to be sure, and once more just before she arrives!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
Is the flat cleaned up good enough to have surgery in it anywhere? ( Remember it might be you operated on)

Now do it again to be sure, and once more just before she arrives!


Nah... I'll just leave the house as it is until a few hours before I go to the airport. Then I'll run around the place like a mad thing with a vacum cleaner!


Posted by: AkMike

Been there, done that!

Not reccomended!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
Been there, done that!

Not reccomended!


It'll be ok. Larisa knows me and lived with me for 4 months. She knows I work hard and have no time for housework, but do the best I can. When she arrived at Christmas, she was surprised at how nice the house was. I had been telling her not to expect much and I had been decorating as much as I could. She appreciated the effort I made.

So... I have no worries. Larisa is here to see me, not a shiny new house.


Posted by: TheWongs

I was talking to Larisa on the phone tonight. She is staying in Simferopol for the next few days. I knew it was something to do with her work, but I asked more about what she was doing. She explained that the head office of her work is there and she had to speak to the "big wigs" about getting the time off to come to England. She hoped to do this all in one day, but... Today, she spoke to them about it and got a flat "NYET"! My heart fell through the floor! Then she said "it is ok honey. This is Ukraine. I will pay someone and they will let me go. If they do not, then I will come anyway! You are my life and they will not stop me coming to you"!

So... If all goes well, she will be here with permission. If not, she will be here without!

13 days, 17 hours, 26 minutes to go!

A funny thing tonight... Her son was watching Liverpool playing Inter Milan and sending me sms messages saying "go Liverpool go"! etc It was very cool.


Posted by: blucatz

She still not give you any hint on the Big news she has to tell you when she see's you?


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
She still not give you any hint on the Big news she has to tell you when she see's you?


No!

It get's more and more confusing too! She has been talking about her career and the exams she is taking when she returns to Ukraine in May. She is spending some of her time here studying for this exam.

Then she is talking as she did tonight. Saying nobody at work will stop her coming to see me!



I'll just have to be patient and see what happens when she gets here.


Posted by: goforit

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
...Today, she spoke to them about it and got a flat "NYET"! My heart fell through the floor! Then she said "it is ok honey. This is Ukraine. I will pay someone and they will let me go. If they do not, then I will come anyway! You are my life and they will not stop me coming to you"!

So... If all goes well, she will be here with permission. If not, she will be here without!


Sounds like she is quite the woman! I hope the news is good news


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs

I'll just have to be patient and see what happens when she gets here.

I have no patience when it comes to something like that, I would be banging my head against a wall also.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
I have no patience when it comes to something like that, I would be banging my head against a wall also.


Me too! I has to know!!! DoH! My head hurts!

It'll be ok when she gets here and I get my big


Posted by: freebird

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs

13 days, 17 hours, 26 minutes to go!


I wish I was counting the days and not the months.....


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebird
I wish I was counting the days and not the months.....


I wish I was counting the seconds and not the minutes, hours or days! I suppose that's wishing my life away, so I'll be patient............

Awww hell! Patience my a$$! I want her here now!!!!!!!!

The months will pass by quickly enough mate. How have you been anyway? Not heard from you for a while.


Posted by: TheWongs

Another update and the plot thickens!

I was chatting to Larisa tonight and I got some clues about what she wants to discuss. Here's what I know now...

1/ Her friends all think she's crazy!
2/ Her eldest son thinks she's crazy!
3/ Her youngest son and his girlfriend think she's crazy!
4/ Her mother thinks she's crazy!
5/ Her cousin thinks... You guessed it! She's crazy!

Why? Because they all think the same thing! That she should marry me right now!

So my conclusion... Why would they all think she's crazy? Must be because she doesn't think the same way! Oh well..... Still need to see what happens I suppose...

I'm not worried!


Posted by: AkMike

This is begining to sound ominous!
I really hope it something alot simpler. Like new furniture.....


Posted by: BluesTraveler

She is thinking about getting implants?


Posted by: blucatz

Maybe she wants you to get an implant....LOL


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by BluesTraveler
She is thinking about getting implants?


Doubt that!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Maybe she wants you to get an implant....LOL


That's it!


Posted by: AkMike

EEwwww,,,, Guy headlights... Yeech!


Posted by: blucatz

How long till she arrives? Now I'm really curious.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
How long till she arrives? Now I'm really curious.


9 days, 15 hours, 47 minutes and 23 seconds!


Posted by: Chrismc

LOL Still counting Chris, I should have started my countdown clock long ago, OH what the hell 23 days, 13 hours, 45 minutes and 39 seconds until I land in Kiev again


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
9 days, 15 hours, 47 minutes and 23 seconds!

So in 9 days, 16 hours you will let us know what the news is?


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
LOL Still counting Chris, I should have started my countdown clock long ago, OH what the hell 23 days, 13 hours, 45 minutes and 39 seconds until I land in Kiev again

How many days till May 13? Dang, I can't count that high, not enuf fingers and toes unless I use both my cats toes also......LOL. Every time I talk to her, I just want to hop a plane and go there.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
How many days till May 13? Dang, I can't count that high, not enuf fingers and toes unless I use both my cats toes also......LOL. Every time I talk to her, I just want to hop a plane and go there.


78 days, 10 hours, 20 minutes and 5 seconds until Tuesday the 13 May 2008


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
So in 9 days, 16 hours you will let us know what the news is?


Maybe not that fast. I have to drive from London and settle the lady down before bombarding her with questions and demanding straight answers.

When I know, you will know very soon after... Promise!


Posted by: BluesTraveler

My real guess is that she is going to ask you to get married BUT she is also going to ask you to live in Ukraine.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by BluesTraveler
My real guess is that she is going to ask you to get married BUT she is also going to ask you to live in Ukraine.


Mmmmm... Interesting, but I'm not so sure.

I think the real problem is that she is frightened of getting married again. The first was enough to scare anyone! She is in control of her life and likes it that way. What she doesn't need to do, is give that up and be controlled once again (not that I would do that of course!).

Tonight on the phone, she was saying all the nice things she normally says about missing me and stuff. I replied (went fishing) with "you say all these nice things, but you don't want to marry me. What are we going to do"? There was a long silence, only broken by me saying "it's ok honey. We will talk about it when you arrive". I think she was stumped for the very first time since we met!

So... My fishing trip turned up nothing (or only a little) today. Not to worry.


Posted by: BluesTraveler

Ok, so does anyone else want to wager a guess?


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
78 days, 10 hours, 20 minutes and 5 seconds until Tuesday the 13 May 2008

Dang Chris, you just made it feel like an eternity away...I counted all the toes on both my cats added them to mine, still not enuf...LOL


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by BluesTraveler
Ok, so does anyone else want to wager a guess?


I'm guessing she has no idea what she wants to talk about! Sorry... That is incorrect. She knows what she wants to talk about, but has no idea what she is going to say.

Whatever her decision, I will stick with her all the way. I knew what I was getting into when I met her and have nobody to blame but myself if it doesn't go my way.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Dang Chris, you just made it feel like an eternity away...I counted all the toes on both my cats added them to mine, still not enuf...LOL





You are a silly man! Cat's front toes count as ten and the back toes count as one! You can count up to.... Well... Quite a lot on cat's toes!


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Chris, I have read your post - seems things are going well and I wish you all the best. If you read most of the posts on this forum, you deserve a medal for you have the patience of a saint. On other hand, your lady seems to be well balanced as well and this seems to be heading to be a match made in heaven.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoeastLJ
Chris, I have read your post - seems things are going well and I wish you all the best. If you read most of the posts on this forum, you deserve a medal for you have the patience of a saint. On other hand, your lady seems to be well balanced as well and this seems to be heading to be a match made in heaven.


Thanks Goeast! The support and good wishes of all you guys is what makes me so patient! On the other hand, maybe she is worth waiting for?


Posted by: TheWongs

Well... I guess it's time for an update....

Larisa has been her for a month and will be here for another 5 weeks. I have been working almost every day. I wanted to take more time off during her stay, but I've been snowed under with work recently and am also expanding my business. On the bright side, this is a great way for her to see what living here would be like if we were married.

There has been no problems and we are still finding out new things about each other. So far, there has been no nasty surprises.

We have discussed a lot things, including marriage. Her biggest problem is leaving her two boys in Kerch. A few nights ago, we had a long chat and she asked me what I wanted. I told her I wanted her to be in England with me, but I was not going to ask her to leave her friends and family. I explained that the decision had to be hers and I also explained why.

Larisa understands exactly where I'm coming from, but I think she wants me to tell her what to do. I just can't do that! When we met, she had no intention of meeting a foreign man, let alone leaving Ukraine! She made that VERY clear on our first date and has reminded me a few times since. She reminded me about this again when we were talking.

During this conversation, I asked what she wanted. She replied that she wanted to be with me, wherever in the world that was. At the end of this long chat, she sat back and said "I think I am ready to move to England now".

The problem is that every time she talks about leaving her friends and family, she almost cries. There is no doubt in my mind that she wants us to get married, but I'm not so sure she can leave Kerch on a permanent basis.

I suppose time will tell......


Posted by: AkMike

I hope that you mange to find the right way for the both of you. You're off to a great start.


Posted by: AkMike

So what was the great secret that she couldn't tell you over the phone?


Posted by: Chrismc

Chris

When I spent the day with you two earlier last month I could see that she really wants to be with you, it is a hard decision for her, for sure, but she can always go back home from time to time and her boys can come and visit her, if she was married to you. I know both of you want it, so I hope she can make the right decision and it will work out for both of you.

PS I am still in Ukraine, Irena is having a driving lesson, she hates it but when I get back home make sure you come over for a day again, it was great the other Sunday and when Irena comes to England I know she would like to meet you both too. So tell Larisa, she has to come back


Posted by: Justjohn

[QUOTE=TheWongs]Well... I guess it's time for an update....

Larisa has been her for a month and will be here for another 5 weeks. I have been working almost every day. I wanted to take more time off during her stay, but I've been snowed under with work recently and am also expanding my business. On the bright side, this is a great way for her to see what living here would be like if we were married.

There has been no problems and we are still finding out new things about each other. So far, there has been no nasty surprises.

We have discussed a lot things, including marriage. Her biggest problem is leaving her two boys in Kerch. A few nights ago, we had a long chat and she asked me what I wanted. I told her I wanted her to be in England with me, but I was not going to ask her to leave her friends and family. I explained that the decision had to be hers and I also explained why.

Larisa understands exactly where I'm coming from, but I think she wants me to tell her what to do. I just can't do that! When we met, she had no intention of meeting a foreign man, let alone leaving Ukraine! She made that VERY clear on our first date and has reminded me a few times since. She reminded me about this again when we were talking.

During this conversation, I asked what she wanted. She replied that she wanted to be with me, wherever in the world that was. At the end of this long chat, she sat back and said "I think I am ready to move to England now".

The problem is that every time she talks about leaving her friends and family, she almost cries. There is no doubt in my mind that she wants us to get married, but I'm not so sure she can leave Kerch on a permanent basis.

I suppose time will tell......





yep your right there mate time will tell, but she seems happy here in England and you 2 are good together, and now she has found kareoke there should be no stopping her.
She has made a good friend in Sveta, they get on well, once she makes more friends here she will feel a little better, but hey who said this road is easy, we all new wahat we where letting ourselves in for, any way best of luck mate see you both soon
John


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justjohn
yep your right there mate time will tell, but she seems happy here in England and you 2 are good together, and now she has found kareoke there should be no stopping her.
She has made a good friend in Sveta, they get on well, once she makes more friends here she will feel a little better, but hey who said this road is easy, we all new wahat we where letting ourselves in for, any way best of luck mate see you both soon
John


Thanks John! Yes, Larisa and Sveta get on well together and it has helped Larisa very much. For that, I thank you very much! For the kareoke.... I'm not so sure!

This road has never been easy and it is even more difficult with someone who never wanted or intended to travel this way. Things are looking good though and I hope to be setting a wedding date soon.

I hope Sveta got back home safely and you arrive there next week and have a great time. We both wish you all the best for the future and hope to see you back in the UK soon! Many, many congratulations in advance!

Chris.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Thanks John! Yes, Larisa and Sveta get on well together and it has helped Larisa very much. For that, I thank you very much! For the kareoke.... I'm not so sure!


Is it possible to post an audio file here so we can hear Larisa sing romantic love songs to you?


Posted by: Chillidog

Chris
Read this whole thread start to finish last night. What a fantasic story, will not comment any of the past events, but was amazed and impressed with your living in Kerch for 9 months, and being able to spend so much time with Larisa , and also how fate seems to have played it's hand in you and Larisa actually meeting, Fantastic .Ideally that is the way all of us should do it, but unfortunately most of us can not.

I want to say I am very happy for you, and the prospects at your future and marriage .


Posted by: TheWongs

Thanks Chillidog.

Yes, I was very lucky to be able to spend some time in Kerch. You're right! It is the best way to meet someone. At least, I think it is. I saw a lot of interesting things, swam in the 2 sea's and met a lot of interesting people. I also learnt a little Russian and something about the culture. I had some very good days and some very bad days, but I can say this... No matter what happens in the future, I'll never regret a single day of any of my trips! Just thinking about it is making me want to go back again! Maybe soon........

My story is still not over. The latest update...

I popped the question to Larisa last night! I'll tell you all what she said soon...


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I popped the question to Larisa last night! I'll tell you all what she said soon...


How soon? I can't sleep, I must know now....


Posted by: azamuner

Suspense, drama, it's the story that has it all.

Now we wait.................argh tell us!!! :P


Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Thanks Chillidog.

Yes, I was very lucky to be able to spend some time in Kerch. You're right! It is the best way to meet someone. At least, I think it is. I saw a lot of interesting things, swam in the 2 sea's and met a lot of interesting people. I also learnt a little Russian and something about the culture. I had some very good days and some very bad days, but I can say this... No matter what happens in the future, I'll never regret a single day of any of my trips! Just thinking about it is making me want to go back again! Maybe soon........

My story is still not over. The latest update...

I popped the question to Larisa last night! I'll tell you all what she said soon...


I feel the same as you about 'having no regrets' even though my two trips did not end with the results I was hoping for. I did met two fantastic women, and visited two cities I had never been to and experienced a culture, a life I had never experienced before. It is stories like yours and Chrismc, GTR, AkMike and some older ones, that keep me postive & focused, and understand this is what I truly search for.


Posted by: Chillidog

I think in a previous life you were a 'Bard' and like many Irishmen I have known love to weave a great tale but like all on here I must protest to this inexcusable tight lipped delay on your part


Posted by: TheWongs

Sorry for taking so long guys.

Where was I? Oh yes.... I asked Larisa to marry me... She said and not !




Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Sorry for taking so long guys.

Where was I? Oh yes.... I asked Larisa to marry me... She said and not !



Congratulations

Randy


Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillidog
I feel the same as you about 'having no regrets' even though my two trips did not end with the results I was hoping for. I did met two fantastic women, and visited two cities I had never been to and experienced a culture, a life I had never experienced before. It is stories like yours and Chrismc, GTR, AkMike and some older ones, that keep me postive & focused, and understand this is what I truly search for.


Chilli,it is good you have no regrets,we only have one life to live,might as well make it a good one.

I know a few older people from where I lived before.They have not even been out of the city........ever,and it is not a big city.They don't know theres a whole other world out there.

We are lucky we have experianced another country and culture.

Randy


Posted by: Chrismc

CONGRATUALTIONS CHRIS + LARISSA, hope to see you both again soon Just had to leave my wife and I am now whiling away the ours in Boryspol, anyone in the area let me know.

Chris


Posted by: disculmawsu

Best Wishes Chris and Larisa! I loved reading about your romance! And I hope you to continue to post about your adventures together.


Posted by: Pin Boy

congratulations chris. glad your story continues to unfold happily!

pin boy


Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Sorry for taking so long guys.

Where was I? Oh yes.... I asked Larisa to marry me... She said and not !




IT'S ABOUT TIME SHE GAVE IN! I always knew she would say yes, but when she was ready.'

CONGRATS & GOOD LUCK 2 U!


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Sorry for taking so long guys.

Where was I? Oh yes.... I asked Larisa to marry me... She said and not !


Fantastic news, I wish I was at the stage your at now...but hey, Im going to Egypt.....


35 days till Moscow and Egypt


Posted by: TheWongs

Guess it's time for another update then...

I discussed the marriage with Larisa and we decided it was best to wait until next year to tie the knot. She had some things to sort out and I am in the early stages of building my new business, so it looked like the right thing to do.

She went home a few weeks ago and it has been hell! I can't think straight or function properly! Also... The house feels like an empty shell! We have been chatting on the phone constantly since her return to Kerch and I can tell that she is a bit depressed too. She has cried on the phone more than a few times!

Tonight, I phoned her and we talked some more. She is going to Simferopol on Tuesday to find all the information she can about us getting married. Apparently, none of the paperwork can be done in Kerch and we must go to Simferopol to do it. Anyway... We decided to try bringing the wedding forward. We can't live for a year like this and we need to be together, so we are hoping to make it this August. The plan was that I go to Kerch for a visit around this time and we take a trip to see her mother and family near Moscow. The plan now is to get married and do this as a "honeymoon".

I'll know more when I phone her on Tuesday night and a lot depends on time and money, but I'll do my best and keep you all informed along the way.

She was shopping with her friend last week and found a wedding dress she likes! She has had some problems with her apartment, so had to spend her money on repairs, leaving her short of cash this month. It sounds like she has fallen in love with this dress, so tonight I told her I'll send her the money to buy it. At least that's one problem out of the way!


Posted by: Zmejka

Nice to hear about your news, Chris!
I hope we'll see your wedding photos and of course will know about the date in advance
At least somebody is going to marry in August my friends were going to, but seemed they postponed. So counting only on you


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Excellent news, Chris! Wishing you all the best. Building your business will get a huge boost with such a lady behind you.


Posted by: Chillidog

Chris,


Wonderful news to read the wedding is being moved forward to this August.

and I am sure in no small part to, hearing the woman you love crying on the phone and the misery of being apart, both must be just ripping your gut apart.

But the biggest reason is you both have found the one you love there will always be difficulties and obstacles in life, what better way to face them, then being together! as Husband and Wife!

Wishing you all the best


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Congratulations Chris! I haven't followed your journey with Larisa as I came to RMP just a couple of months ago, but I am so happy for you and Larisa.

Irina and I will be in Yoshkar Ola in July. Any chance you'll be in Simferopol then?

Do keep us posted please.


Posted by: TheWongs

????????


Posted by: TheWongs

An explaination of the above post....

I sat here last night for 45 minutes, writing all the latest news, hit the "submit" button and went to bed.

Here I am tonight, looking at.... Welll... NOTHING THAT I WROTE!


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
An explaination of the above post....

I sat here last night for 45 minutes, writing all the latest news, hit the "submit" button and went to bed.

Here I am tonight, looking at.... Welll... NOTHING THAT I WROTE!

Are you sure you were not dreaming that you wrote what you wrote?


Posted by: TheWongs

Ok... I'll try to remember what I wrote...

Firstly; Thank you all for your good wishes and sorry for my lack of response lately. I have been soooooo busy trying to get things together.

Buckeye5704; Sorry, but it looks like I will not be in Simferopol until mid to late August. It's a shame because I love to meet new people from the boards. Maybe next time?

Chillidog: You are right! It is tearing me apart being away from Larisa. I just want to go over there and get my wife home!

I was chatting to Larisa a few nights ago. This was after she went to Simferopol as promised to find information. Apparently, we can go to Simferopol one day, get the papers translated. The following day, we can get them stamped, noterized and go home to Kerch armed with everything we need to get married whenever we want! She gave me a list of documents that I need and I am well on the way to having them in my grubby little hands!

This was all due to a phonecall to the ONLY government department I have come across that HELPS people! I phoned the courthouse where I got my divorce. They found my documents while I was on the phone and made the copies shortly after at a price of £10 per document. The guy I spoke to even phoned me back later to give me information about how to get something else I was looking for (certificate of no impediment). How's that for service?

Last night I wrote about my "ideal plan". This is roughly what it said;

1/ Fly to Simferopol and meet Larisa.
2/ Stay the night and in the morning, go to get the documents translated.
3/ Stay another night and the following morning, complete the paperwork and go back to Kerch.
4/ Have a day of rest, then get married on 28th August. This is our "special" day because it is the 2nd anniversary of the day we met and it is also both of our sons birthdays.
5/ Go to Kiev to get her visa.
6/ Jump on a train to Moscow to meet her family.
7/ Go back to Kiev and collect her visa.
8/ Go back to Kerch to pack her bags.
9/ Bring my wife home with me!

I thought Larisa may have other idea's or see all the things that would spoil my plan. Not that Larisa seeks to spoil plans or find the bad in things, but because she can see all the things I miss! Tonight, I phoned her and told her about my "dream plan". She loved it all and said it would be cool if it could all work this way!

So... There's the plan.... Sort of....

I'll try to keep up to date and write everything down in detail. I hope this helps someone in the future to understand how it all works legally and how to get the paperwork side of things done (or how not to, as the case may be).


Posted by: blucatz

How long will it take you to get to Moscow from Kiev by train?


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
How long will it take you to get to Moscow from Kiev by train?


I'm not sure how long from Kiev, but Larisa says it takes about 36 hours from Kerch if we go direct. It would take longer the way I'm thinking, due to stopping in Kiev for her visa appointment on the way. I'm working on other ideas, but I don't mind the trains there and I will be spending time with my new wife. Also, I'll get the chance to meet up with my good friend Pavel in Kiev for pizza and beer. This helps to make it all worthwhile!


Posted by: Buckeye5704

No problem Chris. I'm sure an opportunity will present itself one of these years.


Posted by: disculmawsu

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
How long will it take you to get to Moscow from Kiev by train?

It is about eight to twelve hours. I took the trip last summer at the end of my language study program in Moscow. I can't remember when I left Moscow (I think was about 9:00pm and arrive around 7:00am or 8:00am).


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by disculmawsu
It is about eight to twelve hours. I took the trip last summer at the end of my language study program in Moscow. I can't remember when I left Moscow (I think was about 9:00pm and arrive around 7:00am or 8:00am).


Thanks for that. That would make my guess of 36 hours from Kerch about right. It's not too bad.


Posted by: disculmawsu

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Thanks for that. That would make my guess of 36 hours from Kerch about right. It's not too bad.

Yes, are about right. You will proably have a 12 hour "lay over" in Kyiv. Most trains run overnight between cities. My suggestion is put your baggage in storage at the station for the day and see the city (there is nominal fee for this service). There is small buffet which was OK not far from the station. Also the meeting place for bus tours of the city (if you haven't explored the city) very near the city.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by disculmawsu
Yes, are about right. You will proably have a 12 hour "lay over" in Kyiv. Most trains run overnight between cities. My suggestion is put your baggage in storage at the station for the day and see the city (there is nominal fee for this service). There is small buffet which was OK not far from the station. Also the meeting place for bus tours of the city (if you haven't explored the city) very near the city.


Thanks for that, but I know Kiev quite well now. I know where the storage place is in the train station and use it every time I'm there. It's difficult to see the city and ride the busses etc while dragging a suitcase.

I think I know the buffet place you mean. Normally, I'd go to the pizza place to the right hand side of the station (old entrance), meet Pavel and have a pizza and beer with him there. Nice place, with a balcony looking over the train station front.

When I was with Lera, we spent a week in Kiev and the surrounding towns. She knows the city very well and used to work there, so we spent a lot of time seeing sights. Her sister lives within easy walking distance of the train station.

A very interesting city and it takes a serious amount of time to see! I would like to spend some more time there, but with Larisa!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Last night I wrote about my "ideal plan". This is roughly what it said;

1/ Fly to Simferopol and meet Larisa.
2/ Stay the night and in the morning, go to get the documents translated.
3/ Stay another night and the following morning, complete the paperwork and go back to Kerch.
4/ Have a day of rest, then get married on 28th August. This is our "special" day because it is the 2nd anniversary of the day we met and it is also both of our sons birthdays.
5/ Go to Kiev to get her visa.
6/ Jump on a train to Moscow to meet her family.
7/ Go back to Kiev and collect her visa.
8/ Go back to Kerch to pack her bags.
9/ Bring my wife home with me!


Mmmmm...... My plans have changed a little.

1/ Fly to Kiev and meet Larisa.
2/ Go to Kerch for a few weeks.
3/ Go to Kiev with Larisa.
4/ Fly home.

Due to unforseen circumstances, it looks like there will not be a wedding in August.


Posted by: Chrismc

Good to see you again this weekend Chris, never say never, you may just see that boat come in, that allows you to carry out your plans. I hope you do anyway

Chris


Posted by: Chillidog

Sorry to read that the August wedding will not happen, I hope these unforseen circumstances are only temporary and that things will work out the way you and Larisa are hoping for in the near future


Posted by: TheWongs

Thanks for the support guys!

Ok... Today, I booked my flights after watching the prices rocket for the last few weeks. I was going to go with KLM via Amsterdam because the price was always the best, but I found someone who can better them! KLM wanted £410 to fly me there on the 14th... Air France wanted £371 to get me there via Paris. Also, the times work perfectly in both directions with the trains to and from Kiev. I was happy to go with Air France after thinking about all the KLM lost baggage!

As far as the wedding goes...

As usual, it's all about money. I sat down and worked it all out. Due to me being Irish and a bit thick, I'd not thought too much about the cost of it all. The flights, translations, notary and wedding are not that much, but when you are self employed, you have to consider how much it will cost the business when you are away for 3 weeks. This is where I had my awakening! I didn't think about how much the business and my home life costs! On one hand, I'm happy that I can do this when I'm here and not worry too much, but on the other, it's a lot of extra £ that I have to find before I go in just over 2 weeks.

But... I'm not giving up and have started to book more work in, so I'll be working nights as as well as 7 days a week until I go. Who knows? I may just pull it off!

Larisa is supporting me as usual and arranging as much as she can. A few days ago,the rags office told her we couldn't have the 28th, but Larisa, being Larisa swung it in our direction. We can get married on the 28th if everything else falls into place but, that is quite a big "IF" at this point.

Tell you what though....... I'll NEED this holiday!!!!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Thanks for the support guys!

Ok... Today, I booked my flights after watching the prices rocket for the last few weeks. I was going to go with KLM via Amsterdam because the price was always the best, but I found someone who can better them! KLM wanted £410 to fly me there on the 14th... Air France wanted £371 to get me there via Paris. Also, the times work perfectly in both directions with the trains to and from Kiev. I was happy to go with Air France after thinking about all the KLM lost baggage!


Don't know how to break this news mate, but Air France are owned by KLM and yes last time I went with them to Kiev, they lost my luggage too took me 6 days to get it back.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Wongs
As far as the wedding goes...

As usual, it's all about money. I sat down and worked it all out. Due to me being Irish and a bit thick, I'd not thought too much about the cost of it all. The flights, translations, notary and wedding are not that much, but when you are self employed, you have to consider how much it will cost the business when you are away for 3 weeks. This is where I had my awakening! I didn't think about how much the business and my home life costs! On one hand, I'm happy that I can do this when I'm here and not worry too much, but on the other, it's a lot of extra £ that I have to find before I go in just over 2 weeks.

But... I'm not giving up and have started to book more work in, so I'll be working nights as as well as 7 days a week until I go. Who knows? I may just pull it off!

Larisa is supporting me as usual and arranging as much as she can. A few days ago,the rags office told her we couldn't have the 28th, but Larisa, being Larisa swung it in our direction. We can get married on the 28th if everything else falls into place but, that is quite a big "IF" at this point.

Tell you what though....... I'll NEED this holiday!!!!


I know you will have you work cut out Chris, but I hope you can pull it off, I know how much the two of you want it to happen on the 28th, good luck mate and see you this weekend.


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Good luck Chris (Wong) and welcome to the flock of married guys. You're in for a treat and new way of life!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Don't know how to break this news mate, but Air France are owned by KLM and yes last time I went with them to Kiev, they lost my luggage too took me 6 days to get it back.

Just my luck!!! There I was, thinking I was a smartass and...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I know you will have you work cut out Chris, but I hope you can pull it off, I know how much the two of you want it to happen on the 28th, good luck mate and see you this weekend.

We're both trying everything in the book to make this happen! Just got my papers back from London today, so all our papers are in order now. It's another step closer anyway...

Yes! See you this weekend!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Good luck Chris (Wong) and welcome to the flock of married guys. You're in for a treat and new way of life!


Thanks GTR! I know you're right about a new way of life! I've had a few small samples of what's to come and I want more!!!!


Posted by: TheWongs

I gave Larisa a call tonight. She was trying on her wedding dress and the conversation sounded something like this...

"Nice... Nice... Oh... That's nice"!

She's the happiest woman on the planet and I'm the happiest man because I made her feel this way!

I wanted her to send me a photo, but she refused to send a picture of herself in her wedding dress, so I told her to take it off and send that picture instead. She refused to do that too. Guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks. !!!


Posted by: Chrismc

She no fun I tried that one on Ira a few times, but I never got my own way


Posted by: azamuner

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I wanted her to send me a photo, but she refused to send a picture of herself in her wedding dress, so I told her to take it off and send that picture instead. She refused to do that too. Guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks. !!!



Haha....that was awesome.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by azamuner
Haha....that was awesome.


Well... If you don't try, you're not a real man!


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I wanted her to send me a photo, but she refused to send a picture of herself in her wedding dress, so I told her to take it off and send that picture instead. She refused to do that too. Guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks. !!!


You might get slapped for that!


Posted by: TheWongs

Why don't I think ahead????

On the phone to Larisa tonight, we were talking about travel arrangements etc. She is going to meet me in Kiev on the 14th and the tickets are bought for the trains. When I said we must buy tickets for my return on the 31st of August, so we will be in Kiev for my flight home on the 1st of September. She said "but honey... It's 31st of August. The first day of school is on the 1st of September and I must work that day. I can only leave you at the train station in Djankoy (16 hours from Kiev)".

I must be honest... I was gutted, but I knew she had signed a contract for another term and knew the first day of that term was the 1st! What a stupid t**t I am for not thinking it through!

So... We will (if all goes well) get married on 28th of August and spend 2 days together, before I return to England on my own. I hate the British government!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh well. Guess we'll have to make the most of our 2 day honeymoon!

Some day, we will look back at all this and laugh!


Posted by: TheWongs

Well...

I guess its time for another trip report.

To be honest, I'm a little frightened by this one. Not because I'm going to get married to my best friend and the woman I should have married 29 years ago, but because I still have this terrible fear of flying!

This time, I'm flying from Manchester to Paris and on to Kiev, where Larisa will have sat on a train for 23 hours to meet me. I'm flying with Air France, who I thought would be ok. As it turns out, Air France is owned by KLM and has a reputation of loosing luguage, so I'll keep you all posted about that one.

So... In 84 hours I'll (hopefully) be in Kiev. This time, I'm going to go back to the advice given to me before my first trip that seems soooooooooo long ago. I'm taking a notepad and pen and will write down each days events. On my first trip, this seemed to work very well. As you may have noticed, my memory is terrible and this seemed to be the answer. I was able to go through my scatty handwriting and remember the events in some sort of order. My second and third reports were scatty because I never used this system.

Tonight, things struck home and I realised that I'm actually doing this! For you who have been here and done this, you will know what I mean. There is a point where you realise THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN! For me.... Tonight is that night!

For those who have never got on the plane.... You don't know what I mean and you NEED to do it to understand!

On Thursday morning at about 4am, I'll be leaving my usual life in St helens and heading to Manchester airport for the first leg of this trip. At 6.40am I'll be on my way and will be thinking about what to tell you guys.

Between now and then, I'll try to keep you all posted. If not, then I'll try to post from Kerch sometime soon. Larisa has got a week off work to stay with me, but I'm hoping we can talk to her boss (and bribe him with a bottle of whiskey) to get her some more time off. So... This means there will be at least one week of my visit where I'm on my own during the day. I'm not worried about this and in a way, welcome it. I will make a point of going to the internet cafe or library to post my thoughts. I will also be able to catch up with some of my old friends in Kerch and maybe meet a few new ones.

That's it for now. It's 1.30am and apart from playing my last pool match for my team this season, I've spent most of the night washing and ironing my "going away" clothes, so I'm off to bed for a while. Work is calling at 7am!


Posted by: Chrismc

Have a great trip Chris and I hope all goes well with the wedding, I assume you sorted out the work letter etc that we discussed