 |
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We both cannot wait for this to happen and we can all be together full time.
as in the bowling session. We had a big family hug the three of us when I said goodbye to her, she loved it that all three of us hugged each other I think she is looking forward to the three of us living together, she has never had a father in her life before and she seems to love having me around.
|
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Sounds like you will have a great family Chrismc.
Looks like we will be getting married about the same time. I don't have a date but it wil be in March sometime. Take care and I wish a lifetime of happiness for you and your family. CONGRATS!!! |
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Thanks guys, there is more but if I add it now will be a bit disjointed, some things I forgot to add as I was writing it, I guess the old grey cells are going slowly
My next trip is being planned now, should be around the 20th March when I fly out again, this time I will be getting married over in the Ukraine, plans are in hand now for the wedding, then I will be coming home for about 7 or 8 weeks then flying out again to bring both the girls home with me, or they will fly over on their own, we have not decided yet. |
My coffee pot has the hots for you too.
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I always do that! Write a whole story and forget a lot of stuff on the way. It must be an age thing mate!
|
|
Will your 2 ladies be flying from Kiev? If so, why not do what I did and get Pavel to meet them and take them to the airport? He's a great guy and they will be very safe in his hands. Just a thought.... |
|
P.S. Give me a shout sometime soon. I may have some interesting news and info for you. My coffee pot has the hots for you too.
|
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
she disappears and comes back with a large chocolate off the Christmas tree for me and manages to tell me that is a sweet treat for my journey home,
she also gives me 4 or 5 drawings she has done for me over the last couple of months and tells me they are for me to take home too, but the one that really pulls at my heart strings is when she comes up to me with her piggy bank, she saves 1 Gryvna coins and has been saving since last year for her holidays in the Crimea, usually in the summer, she hands the piggy bank to me and says this is my holiday money, you can have it for your wedding. what a little cutie!  There has been a number of times over the last few months when she has been close to bringing me to tears, this is another one of them. |
|
Originally Posted by shaun1000
Wow what a thoughtful child, nearly brought me to tears as well.
|
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Now Y'all got me crying!
|
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I hold her hand and ask her “will you marry me” her reply is to throw her arms around my neck, she gives me a great big kiss and says YEEEEESSSS daaaarlink
|
so its off to the British Embassy in London now to get all documents legalised.
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I asked her what for? but she said she would tell me later anyway it all went perfectly, a well executed plan
|
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I got some good news today, Irena arranged a meeting with her ex and told him she was getting married and moving to England and she wanted him to sign a letter stating she had approval from him for her daughter to leave the country. She then dragged him down to the Notaries office and got a letter notarised then and there!
We had discussed how she was going to do this because this was one major possbile stumbling block that we had little control over, and she knew that if he discussed this with his mother and sister who are not very nice people shall we say, they would have probably tried stopping him giving approval, so she called him yesterday for a meeting this lunchtime and hit him with it there and then, so now we have notarised approval and everything should be fine. She didn't tell me she had arranged the meeting, but just asked me to wish her luck for today, I asked her what for? but she said she would tell me later anyway it all went perfectly, a well executed plan |
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
There is nothing like a determined woman to make a plan work! Tell her "good going" from me!
|
pity we will miss each other in Kiev late March/early April would have liked to meet you both , when she told me what she had done yesterday I told her I was really proud of her and the way she had tackled this, she is a great gal!
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I was speaking to Irena last night and she surprised me again, she is now talking about taking driving lessons in Chernivsti and getting her test passed before she comes to the UK, it makes sense it is a lot lot cheaper, she is one determined lady, she has not had any reason or ambition to learn to drive in 35 years and is now considering it, the reason, she tells me, is that she may need to to help me when she is in the UK.
Watch this space |
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Well I booked my tickets last night for my next trip, 3 weeks this time, starting 19th March, Irena has been to the RAGS office and the documents I had legalised at the British Embassy here, are fine, so she is booking the wedding date this week, probably Saturday 29th March
|
I would be like... 
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I bet you can't wait!
I would be like... Maybe I'll get a chance to see you before you go, because it's only 16 days, 17 hours, 54 minutes and 26 seconds until Larisa arrives (I just had to get that in there somewhere)! |
yep I can't wait, not long now, but a bit longer than your wait
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Great Chris, yes of course anytime mate, give me a shout
yep I can't wait, not long now, but a bit longer than your wait 16 days, it doesn't seem 5 minutes since I was saying hello to you and Larisa just after New Year |
My wait is only for 5 weeks with my honey. But... Who knows where it may lead?..... You are right of course. It does only seem like 5 minutes since you were here, but it feels like 5 months since Larisa was!
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
But... Your wait is going to result in you being together forever!
My wait is only for 5 weeks with my honey. But... Who knows where it may lead?..... |
But I think and hope your wait this time may prove to be very positive.|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
16 days! This is the LONGEST month I've ever known!
You are right of course. It does only seem like 5 minutes since you were here, but it feels like 5 months since Larisa was! |
I wish you both the best.|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I don't know how to take that really
|
I had to read it back a few times to get what you meant! |
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Well guys Irena booked the wedding today, 3pm on Saturday 29th March 2008.
|
I know what it's like when you guys get married! You don't call, you don't write.........
|
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Congrats Chrismc!
I wish you both the best.Looks like I'll have an April wedding. |
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Congratulations!!!!!
I hope this doesn't mean we are going to loose you soon? I know what it's like when you guys get married! You don't call, you don't write......... |
no sod it, I won't write, I will just turn up, maybe even with Irena and her daughter one day, especially if Larisa is home
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
:ROFL I promise to write
no sod it, I won't write, I will just turn up, maybe even with Irena and her daughter one day, especially if Larisa is home BTW when she comes over, make sure you bring her to Blackpool this time for a proper look round |
|
Originally Posted by redhawk
congratulations! i envy.maybe ill be lucky and some falling sattelite debris will strike the computer that does the queue at uscis,and bump me up a month. still dont have noa2,sent in nov 2007.
|
|
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Should be getting it real soon redhawk. Mine took 7 weeks after the NOA1 but I hear they are at least 9 weeks now.
|
here come the jokes....
|
Originally Posted by dagpop
Chris, I wish you the best on you wedding. I hope you will be happy with your new wife.
|
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
You had BETTER turn up!
Probably do Blackpool on Saturday the 8th if you're around? |
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
Fantasticly Good News Chris!
Congratulations to the both of you from us! |
|
Originally Posted by Chillidog
have not chimed in in the past, I know your trip and Marriage approaches fast, all I can say is congratulations!!!!!
and I am completely and utter jealous!!!! P.S. where do I send the gifts???? and where is the party when you get back??? |
thanks Chillidog, the gifts and the party will both be in the UK, if you fancy jumping on a plane you are more than welcome
wishing you a very safe trip. Try not to drink to much vodka becuase I am sure these will be memories you will cherish for the rest of your life 
I could not be happier for you 
|
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
GOOD LUCK TO YOU CHRIS. CONGRATS TO YOU!
|
but both are very happy
|
Originally Posted by azamuner
Have a safe trip.
Any room in your luggage for me? |
|
Originally Posted by GoingToRussia
Congrats again Chrismc! Larisa and I wish you and your bride the very best. May you find peace, happiness, and have a blissful life together.
|
Her biggest surprise was the tv license!
but I found out today that we will actually be legally married on Friday at 11.00am, we have to go back to RAGS again for our Marriage Certificate which means we will be legally married. But we still will have the official wedding on Saturday! but never mind it seems to work
quite an eye opener for us men, watching semi naked women dancing around outside in the cold weather trying on wedding gowns and dresses. Ira had hers made in her city, so none of these shenanigans for her just to be sure. Well that took another few hours and she eventually agreed on some she had already decided on weeks before. but anyway the meal came with the obligatory Gorilka, a few hours later though we had to go to Ira’s sister and brother in law to ask them to be our wedding parents. Of course this meant another meal a few beers and a bottle of Cognac between two of us men, I have done nothing but drink since I arrived here! Well they took some convincing, but finally 3 drunken hours later agreed
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
We arrive late at the in-laws as the manicure took ONLY 4 ½ hours I really don’t know how it takes so long but it does, anyway we have a lovely meal and say our goodbyes and leave around 9.30pm, and go back to our apartment and settle in for the night.
|
Chris, how many fingers does this woman have?
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Irena told me that when she was on her way to Kiev to collect me Nata asked her grandmother if she could tell all her friends at school that she now has a Daddy, she has really taken to me and is always doing things for me, she has constantly come out with some of the most tear jerking statements any 7 year old could and I couldn’t wish for a more caring and sweet little girl for a step daughter. Ira tells me having a family and father means more to her than any presents and gifts, and she has so wanted a father in her life just like most of her friends at school. It is most humbling to hear some of the things she says to me at times and brings me close to tears, it really does. |
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Thanks guys, fortunately only TEN fingers, jeepers if she were an octopus I would be still waiting
More coming soon if I find the time |
with her illness, my prayers and thoughts are with her.
, the pieces are falling into place
|
Originally Posted by Pin Boy
who wants to see pictures of linen table cloths? where's the beautiful bride to be???
pb |
and yes she is fine now thanks.
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
Wow, that has changed alot.
Just remember that during the reception dinner when they shout/chant "Skoyka" it really doesn't mean to kiss the bride.. LOL ask me how I know.. |
She says it means to kiss the bride. 
Maybe she is hinting to me, so I'd better get going!
I'm sure by the time you read this, you will have had your second wedding, so.... another "CONGRATULATIONS" from us both!!!!!!!!!!
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Do you mean "Gorko"?
Larisa is standing beside me chanting now! She says it means to kiss the bride. Maybe she is hinting to me, so I'd better get going! By the way.... How do you know? (you did say "ask me how I know"). |
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
We need to get together soon to discuss these new laws and this process. Guess who else is getting married!! |
|
Originally Posted by blucatz
I can't believe no one else caught this one liner and didn't ask you about it. Since Larisa is there, what was the news she was making you wait for? You getting married?
|
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
Wow, that has changed alot.
Just remember that during the reception dinner when they shout/chant "Skoyka" it really doesn't mean to kiss the bride.. LOL ask me how I know.. |
Not that I'm complaining of course
and yesterday Nata came up to me and sat on my knee and just started kissing my cheek for no reason, she is a really loving little girl and it makes me feel so good, it is so humbling that a little girl or any child of 7 can act like this.
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
I remembered it as Skoyka all this time, maybe as a result of too many vodkas?
|
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
No Mike not Skoya and no Chris not Gorky, they chant 'Bitter' meaning that I have to take a drink of champagne and kiss the bride for a sweet taste, remember this is Ukrainian, not Russian.
Needless to say, this chant of 'Bitter' went on all night, it must have happend at least 20 times Not that I'm complaining of course |
|
Originally Posted by stevo
Need to run it past the wife but I think you remember correctly.
|
If you are, are you considering a possible move to Ukraine?
|
Originally Posted by Justjohn
both Sveta and i are really pleased for you and your new family Chris. good to see as well that all went well on the day. Best of luck at the Embassy, hope all goes to plan there as well, we now have our appiontment 10;00 15 April, 3 days after our wedding, any way give my best to all your family and hope to see you soon when we are all in UK
John Sveta |
|
Originally Posted by blucatz
Chris, you never did say how your visit to that production facility went. You gonna be able to do business over there or what?
If you are, are you considering a possible move to Ukraine? |
But my main focuss is on importing some products from Ukraine into the UK and selling them on, I think I have found something that is spot on, we shall see.|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Hey Blucatz
The visit went great, so much so that I am gong with them today to their manufacturing facility outside the city to check things over, I am also meeting another company today all being well to give me alternative options. What will come of all this I don't know, but it gives me options and possibilities. I would move to Ukraine if I could make enough money to support two homes, it would be very hard to do so though, I love it here and things are so much easier to get done if you have money But my main focuss is on importing some products from Ukraine into the UK and selling them on, I think I have found something that is spot on, we shall see.Chris |
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
But my main focuss is on importing some products from Ukraine into the UK and selling them on, I think I have found something that is spot on, we shall see.
Chris |
I have another contact in Ukraine who can ship goods over for me, looks like costing around £2000 ($4000) per round trip, but whether that is expensive or not all depends on how much I can get on one run? so we will go and look at some fields today and see if there is a deal to be done.|
Originally Posted by BluesTraveler
Chris: if it works out -- maybe we can help you import the item into the US and start a big business. Especially since the US and Ukraine are becoming good friends.
|
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
By the way... I popped the question to Larisa last night. I'll tell you what she said later.
|
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
By the way... I popped the question to Larisa last night. I'll tell you what she said later.
|
or
|
Originally Posted by blucatz
Oh come on, don't leave us hanging here
or |
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Hey Chris. I forgot to ask how your speach in Ukrainian went? Did you manage to learn it in time?
Also... When do you come back to the UK? By the way... I popped the question to Larisa last night. I'll tell you what she said later. |
had to say goodbye to the wife (nice to be able to say that ) not easy that was.
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
|
|
Originally Posted by disculmawsu
Chrismac,
Congradulations on your marriage! Best Wishes! |
|
Originally Posted by azamuner
Sounds like an exhausting experience abeit a good one. Congratulations on your marriage.
|
But this is one of the prices one has to pay for these long distance relationships, it will be all worth it in the long term.
|
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
Hi Chris,
Congrats to you and a happy & healthy future with your new family. |
|
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Thanks RP, goodluck with your upcoming trip.
Chris |
|
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
Thanks Chris. My girl has some very interesting requests for me when I am there. As you know she is an English teacher and she asked me if I would come visit her students at her school so they can ask me questions about the U.S. and different oppurtunities that are in the U.S. Also they will have other questions for me and I think that it will be alot of fun & very interesting.
I am really looking forward to it. She also said the teachers there want to meet me because she told them I am a friend of hers from america & they would love to have me visit the school & talk to the kids and give them some hope about their future with some encouriging words. I am really excited about it. She told the students the kind of work that I do and they are all facinated with asking me questions. Should be fun! I leave Wed afternoon, get there Thurs at 2 pm I am going to the school on Friday morning and visiting 5 classes. |
|
Originally Posted by AkMike
You'll have a blast talking with the students. I had the pleasure of going to some classes with my wife. The classes were given by the Mormons in Cherkassy,and everyone was asking all sorts of questions while practicing their english skills.
We're headed out for Ukraine tomarrow but we'll be in Kiev and points south to the Black Sea. But Odessa isn't in the agenda. Too bad.. |
Of course I was happy to talk to her!
|
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
Thanks Chris. My girl has some very interesting requests for me when I am there. As you know she is an English teacher and she asked me if I would come visit her students at her school so they can ask me questions about the U.S. and different oppurtunities that are in the U.S. Also they will have other questions for me and I think that it will be alot of fun & very interesting.
I am really looking forward to it. She also said the teachers there want to meet me because she told them I am a friend of hers from america & they would love to have me visit the school & talk to the kids and give them some hope about their future with some encouriging words. I am really excited about it. She told the students the kind of work that I do and they are all facinated with asking me questions. Should be fun! I leave Wed afternoon, get there Thurs at 2 pm I am going to the school on Friday morning and visiting 5 classes. |
|
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Good luck with your trip too.
I had the pleasure of talking to an English class in a village school near Kerch. It was one of the best days I had in Ukraine! Chris... Are you home now? If so, are you working again? Maybe you would like a coffee some night soon (That was my nice way of asking if we can get together for a chat)? |
|
Originally Posted by blucatz
When are you gonna post some pics of your trip and your wedding?
|
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
