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Back Searching Again!!!

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

Posted by: TheWongs

Great pictures (as usual) Chris!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoeastLJ
I am getting married on the 25th of April. I think I took the easier way - fiancee visa took 3 weeks from start to finish and my lady has been here for 4 months now. The downside is that her relatives will not be here, but I hope we can recreate some of that later in Ukraine.


Congratulations on your pending marriage!

You are getting married on my birthday! I'll drink a few vodka's for you too!


Posted by: vic2012

Chris, Congratulations.
My very best wishes to you, your wife and your daughter.

Looking back at your threads, in fact looking at this very thread ‘Back Searching Again’, you have proved that, the power of commitment combined with optimism, can be fantastically rewarding. You are a lesson to all the searchers on this site.

It’s not so long ago that we met, both searching, yet both of our lives have been transformed since then. I hope that you will be as happy together as Victoria and I are.

You may be interested to know that Ilya (our five year old), got his school report today. It turns out that he is one of the most popular children in his class and the teachers are very pleased with his progress. He speaks English with complete ease now. (Wow, I wish I could learn Russian that fast)! Amazingly, it’s only nine weeks off a year since he arrived. Doesn’t time fly!

Hope to meet up again soon.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by vic2012
Chris, Congratulations.
My very best wishes to you, your wife and your daughter.

Looking back at your threads, in fact looking at this very thread ‘Back Searching Again’, you have proved that, the power of commitment combined with optimism, can be fantastically rewarding. You are a lesson to all the searchers on this site.

It’s not so long ago that we met, both searching, yet both of our lives have been transformed since then. I hope that you will be as happy together as Victoria and I are.

You may be interested to know that Ilya (our five year old), got his school report today. It turns out that he is one of the most popular children in his class and the teachers are very pleased with his progress. He speaks English with complete ease now. (Wow, I wish I could learn Russian that fast)! Amazingly, it’s only nine weeks off a year since he arrived. Doesn’t time fly!

Hope to meet up again soon.


Thanks very much Vic for that, and it is good to hear that things are getting better and better for all of you. Also good to hear Ilya has started to speak English that is one of my concerns with Nata too, she is having private lessons now in Ukraine.

Yes Vic it was good meeting you last year and you know you are always welcome if you ever find yourself "UP NORTH"

Chris


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Great pictures (as usual) Chris!



Congratulations on your pending marriage!

You are getting married on my birthday! I'll drink a few vodka's for you too!

Thanks very much the Wongs. We will also drink to your birthday!!!


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Thanks GoEast,

Yes you can get fed up with this at times, especially if you have made a few trips over and have not found the one, but patience and determination is what you need in abundance.

Yes it is probably a little harder getting married over in Ukraine, but it was for Irena and her family more than anything else, there is no way they could come here.

Goodluck on your forthcoming wedding, it seems ages since we met up in Kiev, maybe we could do it again someday.

Chris

Chris - thanks. It would really be great to meet up in the UK. I am sure it will be a relief for the women to have some English-free hours. You look a great couple - good luck.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoeastLJ
Chris - thanks. It would really be great to meet up in the UK. I am sure it will be a relief for the women to have some English-free hours. You look a great couple - good luck.

Thanks 'L' yes it would, I have met a few great guys on the forums and some of their women too and as we have so much in common it is always good to see them again, especially when as you say the women can get together to jabber away in their own language for a while


Posted by: royalpalace774

Hi Chris,
I want to wish you the best again. I hope one day to be in your position & find such a wonderful woman like you have . I know you have been keeping up with my story and thanks for taking the time to make comments about my trip.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by royalpalace774
Hi Chris,
I want to wish you the best again. I hope one day to be in your position & find such a wonderful woman like you have . I know you have been keeping up with my story and thanks for taking the time to make comments about my trip.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Thanks RP, yes I am very fortunate to have found my wife and step daughter, it has taken me a little over 3 years, to find them and probably 3.5 years by the time they are here in England, but it is all worth it.

Don't give up RP, you will find that special lady soon I am sure, I have good feelings for you about Ms Sumy, stay away from Odessa in the future, nothing but bad luck for you there, and if Ms Sumy does not work out, start again, look to some of the smaller cities in the FSU where the women seem IMHO to be a lot more sincere and know what they want from life.

Good luck

Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

Some more pictures for you

Saint Dukhivskyy Orthodox Cathedral in the Main Square - Chernivsti

Inside of Saint Dukhivskyy Orthodox Cathedral

Old Catholic Church - Abandoned - This building is used as an archive store by the City, the Catholic people in the city have asked if they can have the church back and in return they will provide the city with a brand new and bigger building, but so far their offers have fallen on deaf ears.

Greek Catholic Church

Traditional Style Building of the late 1700's


Posted by: Chrismc

Streets under repair, however, under repair quite often means that they stay in this sort of condition for 3 or 4 years


Posted by: Chrismc

Oblast Council Building

Hall of Culture


Posted by: Chrismc

City Centre Map and printable version


Posted by: Chillidog

Hey Chris,
again great pictures keep them coming if at all possible.
I have a question for you regarding an 'Agency' that I beleive is located in your wifes' town and wonder if you know of it?
it is called http://www.mariannasmarriageagency all I did was just sign up for their weekly news letter, they spell the name of the town "Chernovtsy" I know with different translations names and places can be spelled differently but did not know if this was the same town. The ownership is an American man and his wife Marianna from this town, they show Bradenton, Florida as their home on the website, could not find an address of their actual Chernovtsy office but they have a lot of photos of Chernovtsy in their "city info" again just wondering if this is the same town as where your wife lives? and if possibly you had any experience with this agency you could share with us?


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillidog
Hey Chris,
again great pictures keep them coming if at all possible.
I have a question for you regarding an 'Agency' that I beleive is located in your wifes' town and wonder if you know of it?
it is called http://www.mariannasmarriageagency all I did was just sign up for their weekly news letter, they spell the name of the town "Chernovtsy" I know with different translations names and places can be spelled differently but did not know if this was the same town. The ownership is an American man and his wife Marianna from this town, they show Bradenton, Florida as their home on the website, could not find an address of their actual Chernovtsy office but they have a lot of photos of Chernovtsy in their "city info" again just wondering if this is the same town as where your wife lives? and if possibly you had any experience with this agency you could share with us?


Hey Chilli

Yes it is the same city and there is another agency there called http://www.olgaandrandy.com/ in fact their office is just around the corner from the RAGS office quite conveniently. However, I would issue a word of caution using this agency, I am a mod on another forum and Randy joined there simply to promote his agency, he got caught out registering lots of fake ID's just to ask questions with one ID and then answer them with another ID, once he was found out, he has never been back.

They have a kids charity they say they donate too also, but I really have no idea how legit the charity is and if the kids ever see any of the money, there are a number of orphanages in Chenivsty so it could all be true, but from my previous experience of them, I wouldn't recomend them.

I also seem to recall they won't give you the ladies contact info directly, another reason to stay clear IMHO

With regards Mariannas, I would use caution also, they operate a lot differently to most other agencies, they expect you to use all their services, which usually means big bucks! they try to match you up with women in a fashion that is akin to an arranged marriage after one trip.

I also know of Cecil the owner and there are a lot of dubious claims he makes. This agency also does not give out contact information and to be honest I would treat them with the same amount of caution that I would treat the other one, I also believe Cecil and Marianna have since split up and they both run seperate agencies now, but I cannot be sure about that. I really don't know where they are located in Chernivsti, I have never seen their address listed anywhere.

Cecil was given a grilling on another forum about this, to his credit he did answer a lot of questions, but when the heat really was put on him he disappeared

BTW the reason it is sometimes spelt Chernovsti is because that is the Russian spelling whereas Chernivsti is Ukrainian and as they are a Western Ukrainian city, they speak mainly Ukrainian, first and Russian second.

This city is a great place to meet genuine, sincere women though, so if you contact any from there you can usually be sure they are pretty genuine.

If you need to know anything else, just ask me.

Chris


Posted by: alfie

Hi Chrismc,

I am currently reading through your thread, (i've read the first 10 pages) mainly because you are British aswell & your experiences with Visa's & money will be the same with myself & i am just beginning the long road. I just have couple of questions.

- At the start of the thread you met a girl from Dnepr & you even purchased plane tickets to go & see her, then all of a sudden you cancelled the trip & said you did not want to give a reason at that moment. Can you say the reason now ? Did she ask for money or something ?

- Are you gonna stick around on the forum after you have got your new wive & child in England ?


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by alfie
Hi Chrismc,

I am currently reading through your thread, (i've read the first 10 pages) mainly because you are British aswell & your experiences with Visa's & money will be the same with myself & i am just beginning the long road. I just have couple of questions.

- At the start of the thread you met a girl from Dnepr & you even purchased plane tickets to go & see her, then all of a sudden you cancelled the trip & said you did not want to give a reason at that moment. Can you say the reason now ? Did she ask for money or something ?


No, nothing like that at all, a couple of reasons really, one was I just felt things could be a little better between us, something, I am not sure what, maybe a gut feeling told me something was not quite right. I don't have any doubts that the lady was 100% genuine, but I decided tol cancel that trip anyway.

However, a big reason also, was, I started communicating with a lady on here, about the same time, I can say now because she doesn't visit here any more, we got on quite well and if things had progressed a little longer between us, I would have arranged to go and see her instead, anyway she decided to end it, so that contact fell by the wayside too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfie
- Are you gonna stick around on the forum after you have got your new wive & child in England ?


Yes I will do, but obviously I will have more important things in my life that will keep me busy, to worry about at that stage, but I sure hope I will have time to spend on here too.

Anything else, just ask.

Chris


Posted by: alfie

Thanks Chris. I'm sure i will have a lot of questions In the future.


Posted by: Chrismc

OK no problem


Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Hey Chilli

Yes it is the same city and there is another agency there called http://www.olgaandrandy.com/ in fact their office is just around the corner from the RAGS office quite conveniently. However, I would issue a word of caution using this agency, I am a mod on another forum and Randy joined there simply to promote his agency, he got caught out registering lots of fake ID's just to ask questions with one ID and then answer them with another ID, once he was found out, he has never been back.

They have a kids charity they say they donate too also, but I really have no idea how legit the charity is and if the kids ever see any of the money, there are a number of orphanages in Chenivsty so it could all be true, but from my previous experience of them, I wouldn't recomend them.

I also seem to recall they won't give you the ladies contact info directly, another reason to stay clear IMHO

With regards Mariannas, I would use caution also, they operate a lot differently to most other agencies, they expect you to use all their services, which usually means big bucks! they try to match you up with women in a fashion that is akin to an arranged marriage after one trip.

I also know of Cecil the owner and there are a lot of dubious claims he makes. This agency also does not give out contact information and to be honest I would treat them with the same amount of caution that I would treat the other one, I also believe Cecil and Marianna have since split up and they both run seperate agencies now, but I cannot be sure about that. I really don't know where they are located in Chernivsti, I have never seen their address listed anywhere.

Cecil was given a grilling on another forum about this, to his credit he did answer a lot of questions, but when the heat really was put on him he disappeared

BTW the reason it is sometimes spelt Chernovsti is because that is the Russian spelling whereas Chernivsti is Ukrainian and as they are a Western Ukrainian city, they speak mainly Ukrainian, first and Russian second.

This city is a great place to meet genuine, sincere women though, so if you contact any from there you can usually be sure they are pretty genuine.

If you need to know anything else, just ask me.

Chris

Chris,
Thanks for the info, was not even aware of the first site you talked about, and with Cecil I only get his news letters, I saw 1 woman on his site that caught my eye, but not much else, but was looking this woman as somewhat of a back up plan for now. His site and info seem to me like they are on the up & up, but that can all be just window dressing and may not in truth be accurate. He also promotes a children's charity and shows the children with the gifts they buy from donations on his site.


Posted by: Chrismc

Thats OK Chilli,

I think the way Cecil works is different, in that he expects you to hire him for the FULL service, or not at all, thereby being costly, but it probably does work for those that need a lot of hand holding.

Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

Irena took a second theory driving test today at the police station (she passed her first last week) and passed it, later today she took her practical driving test and passed that too.

====

My wife only started driving lessons after 35 years of doing without a car for the first time about 6 weeks ago, but because of work schedules and the fact that I was with her for three weeks preventing her getting up in the mornings to go for her lessons and our wedding, she hardly attended any theory classes, which should have been every day for 2 hours for 5 weeks or so.

Anyway, when I left her alone and came home she started going in earnest and revising and reading like a demon at weekends, she took her theory test last week and passed first time, I jokingly asked her how much did she have to pay the instructor (you know how it is ) and she scolded me saying she would do it properly or not at all.

She has since had maybe 10 practical driving lessons, with a Moldavian driving instructor who is more interested in talking to her about his affairs and his mistresses than teaching her to drive. In fact one driving lesson she took with him, she had to have the two of them wife and mistress in the car with them at the same time Yes, the instructor uses his car as a taxi service too whilst out giving lessons talk about seeing an opportunity to make money!

Well today she took another theory test this time with the police which she has to pass and also her practical driving test, this is despite working two stressful jobs and bringing up a small child and looking after two elderly parents and one elderly aunt, I told her to finish work she is doing too much, she has finally given in and will do but not until 16th May, just in time to make a trip to Kiev for a Visa interview I hope

....and she has done all this because she says it is cheaper to take her driving test in Ukraine and get a provisional licence in the UK for 12 months, she really has no interest in driving at all, but thinks she may have to when she comes over here, to save me being a chauffeur all the time.

These women are something else aren't they, I cannot for the life of me see a western women even trying to drive over in the FSU even if they were fluent in Russian/Ukrainian and for us guys to take a test over there would be very difficult too.


Posted by: Chrismc

Well I have had a couple bits of good news this week, as I said above, my wife took her second driving theory test at the Police Station on Thursday (second because she passed her first with flying colours, but the second one given by the Police gives her an extra and more valid certificate) and on the same day she also passed her practical driving test.

Only one minor problem was they spelled her name wrong again, like they always do since she took my surname, their computers always spell it wrong, the fact that she is married and should know how to spell her own name seems to get overlooked, they still tell her it is the wrong spelling even in English, so she has got fed up with this and now tells them it is Scottish, that stops them in their tracks their computers can't spell in Scottish well done darling for thinking of that one

Yesterday she went to collect her new International passport, no hiccups over her name it was correct this time only because she spent ages convincing them how to spell it a couple of weeks before when she submitted her application, also she managed to convince them to spell her daughters name the English way, so Natalia is spelt like that rather than Nataliia which is how they wanted to print it, but I could forsee problems over here in the UK if it was printed like that, so what is quoted as taking 3 months actually only took 10 days to receive.

Today I can start the visa applications again for the two of them, but the Embassy website where you do the online applications is down until tomorrow for maintenance, so tomorrow it is visa application day.


Posted by: sidney

I don't understand their spelling either. My wife's brother just received his new passport and they changed his last name. So now my wife's maiden name and her brothers last names are different. May make it more difficult when we bring them for a visit.
Sid


Posted by: martin3030

Just like Bank holidays here Chris with the Motorways.....Maintenance work ALWAYS happens.......Wont be long either until excuses start coming out that blame Scotlands oil workers strike.....


Posted by: Chrismc

Yes Sidney I know, when my wife went to get her new International passport the first argument was about the spelling of her new surname, that is how she ended up telling them it was a Scottish spelling, the only way she could convince them then it was the name of her daughter, rather than the way they spell it Nataliia with 2 x 'i' she wanted it the English way Natalia, another argument ensued, if that wasn't enough she spells her first name Irena with an 'e' but they translate it to Iryna with a 'y' she gave up at that moment and said I can put up with that

My father in law has three bank cards, his name is spelt in English differently on each card, so he has three different spellings of his last name. There is certainly nothing consistent about them apart from their inconsistency


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by martin3030
Just like Bank holidays here Chris with the Motorways.....Maintenance work ALWAYS happens.......Wont be long either until excuses start coming out that blame Scotlands oil workers strike.....

Yep I can see that being blamed soon any excuse will do.


Posted by: Chrismc

So I just spent the last 2.5 hours filling in two Settlement Visa Applications for Irena and Natalia, in three weeks since I did the last two they have changed the forms slightly added another section and put the fees up of course to 5410.00 UAH (£541.00) for each one, the quickest £1082.00 I have ever spent for the pleasure of filling in my own paperwork

Anyway, all in a good cause, Gordon needs the extra dosh because of what he is loosing in lost fuel duties while the strike is on

Interview dates set for 14th May at 10.30am.

Interestingly, on the Visa Application site they have posted this notice:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Visa4UK.fco.gov.uk
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: Applicants currently residing in Russia will be unable to begin online visa applications until further notice. This is due to essential maintenance work being undertaken for this location.


When they did this yesterday they changed some of the forms and increased the fees for Ukrainian based applications, I wonder if the Russian applications are being stiffened up even more?


Posted by: Chillidog

Damn world economy is affecting everything!!!!
Glad everything is progressing good, and that Irina is doing good at getting her drivers license
also thanks for all the help, just tried to PM you but your mailbox is full

Bob


Posted by: martin3030

Yeah Chris Mailbox is red hot at the moment.....Its full of messages from John....they are doing some dealing with Petrol and Diesel.....John is taking a 7 ton van from here and meeting Chris at Charnock Richard services....they are going to Scotland to sell it for a tenner a Gallon.


World economy is definitely causing serious problems....everyday essentials are going up in price ....John Smiths 4p Lambert and Butler 14p ...Lap dance up £10 to £12.50...........


Posted by: BluesTraveler

Quote:
Originally Posted by martin3030
...Lap dance up £10 to £12.50...........

Bloody HELL!!!!
When the cost of a lap dance goes up, finally the politicians will take notice!


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks Bob , I have cleared it now.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin
Yeah Chris Mailbox is red hot at the moment.....Its full of messages from John....they are doing some dealing with Petrol and Diesel.....John is taking a 7 ton van from here and meeting Chris at Charnock Richard services....they are going to Scotland to sell it for a tenner a Gallon.


World economy is definitely causing serious problems....everyday essentials are going up in price ....John Smiths 4p Lambert and Butler 14p ...Lap dance up £10 to £12.50...........


I wish, I wish, bloody Jocks wouldn't pay that much though


Posted by: TheWongs

Do people pay for lapdances????????????? I thought it was all part of the service!


Posted by: martin3030

Yeah here its £10 for 4 minutes...I heard in Liverpool its 20 quid.
Its not gone down too well in St.Helens...the women actually cross the street rather than go past the front doors.
I had to finish working there after being tired of women shouting at me asking had I seen their husbands going up the stairs.....


Posted by: Chrismc

You do visit some very dubious establishments Martin


Posted by: martin3030

Ha ha...suppose you are right...but what they get up to is mild compared to what I saw in a few Moscow hotels.
I wondered how they could get away with sitting around in foyers unchallenged by the security staff....but then was told that the girls pay them to look the other way...should have guessed.

In Tunisia I was asked if I wanted a massage by 2 beauties by the swimming pool...I turned to the missus and said...errrr no thanks I am ok.
Quick as a flash she said....if you want some money to pay for it I have got some here.
She wasnt supposed to say that..........
I said ohhhhh I didnt know you had brought any-ok get em in at the bar then.


Posted by: Chrismc



I bet she made you pay for it later though


Posted by: martin3030

your not kidding....I was sorry I mentioned it........thinking back now I should have accepted the massage. lol


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Just to piggyback on your thread, Chrismc, we married and I am now in the process of applying for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) for my wife (!!!) and her son. I paid 1050 pounds to bring the two of them here on a fiance visa, and I now have to pay 395 pounds for my wife. Nothing for the son as he is regarded as a dependant ... he wasn't a dependant in Ukraine! Incidentally, I can pay 595 pounds to get the FLR decision on the day. 395 pounds take up to 14 weeks.

Hope all is going well and thank you for all the support.


Posted by: Chrismc

Good to hear things are working out for you Goeast, the fees have just gone up I will have to pay £1082.00 but at least I won't have the FLR to do, just the ILR in two years time.

It is odd how a 7 year old can be a dependent at the FLR stage but is not classed as a dependent when they want £541.00 out of you in the Ukraine for the original visa

Irena has her interview 14th May at 10.30am. Anyway I am glad things are going well for you 'L' thanks for the update.

BTW how are they settling in and especially her son.

Chris


Posted by: Justjohn

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Good to hear things are working out for you Goeast, the fees have just gone up I will have to pay £1082.00 but at least I won't have the FLR to do, just the ILR in two years time.

It is odd how a 7 year old can be a dependent at the FLR stage but is not classed as a dependent when they want £541.00 out of you in the Ukraine for the original visa

Irena has her interview 14th May at 10.30am. Anyway I am glad things are going well for you 'L' thanks for the update.

BTW how are they settling in and especially her son.

Chris



Its truly just a bloody rip off!!! we talk about Anistasia site these people must have gone to the same school.

But its great to have more good news on the site. I am glad to see all is going full steam ahead for you Chris, please give Irena our best wishes, we will be thinking of her, hope all goes well

John & Sveta


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks John,

Yep the British Government and Dick Turpin are one and the same roll on the 14th May and lets hoe there are not problems.

Say hello to Sveta for me John,

Chris


Posted by: alfie

Hi Chrismc, i have just finished reading your thread & i am glad everything turned out right in the end & belated congratualtions.
It is good for people like me who are just starting their "quest" that you have bothered to put your own experience in writing. Even the amount of pictures you have used of your travel's have given me a better idea of the FSU. So, thanks again & i hope i don't end up writing 50+ pages on my own search


Posted by: Justjohn

i am sure all will be ok, you have done your home work, and between us there an't much more to know about this particular part, Sveta says hello, and we both look forward to meeting with you again soon. be good
Jonh


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks Alfie

There are lots more pictures I have posted too in the Rus Photo Galleries section, some are ones I didn't post in the threads.

Lets hope it gives you some ideas anyway and a few pointers of what not too and what to do when the time comes.

Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks John I wish you was doing the interview


Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Good to hear things are working out for you Goeast, the fees have just gone up I will have to pay £1082.00 but at least I won't have the FLR to do, just the ILR in two years time.

It is odd how a 7 year old can be a dependent at the FLR stage but is not classed as a dependent when they want £541.00 out of you in the Ukraine for the original visa

Irena has her interview 14th May at 10.30am. Anyway I am glad things are going well for you 'L' thanks for the update.

BTW how are they settling in and especially her son.

Chris


Good luck to you all for the 14th - although it should be a formality.

My wife and her son are settling in well - my wife more so than her son. My wife is fairly comfortable and her English has improved tremendously considering where she was 12 months ago. The boy had zero English and he is understandably making slow progress. He is a very good boy and tries hard to work through the homework he gets from the extra English lessons he is given at school. I bought him a computer and he spends most of his time playing computer games. I think 14 is a difficult age at which to make a transition and he still hasn't found friends yet, mainly because he thinks that other boys will laugh at his lack of English - I tell him the English adore the Russian accent and he should not worry. The boy is a real Mother's Boy and he only leaves his mother's side when he goes to school. He speaks to me through his mum even though she tries to encourage him to try English. I now understand why GTR said that the way to an FSU woman's heart is through her offspring! I was at first very surprised because I have a boy of 14 who is not that intimate with parents. Things I have learned: comes into our bedroom without knocking, sits between his mother and myself when we are on the sofa, his mum has to get a drink for him....

Yours is younger and she should adapt faster. And I understand girls are better at languages than boys


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks Goeast for that, yes 14 is a very hard age for any teenager, especially a foreign one in a strange country, but overall I am glad things are working out fine for you all. I am sure he will settle in more when he learns more of the language.

My stepdaughter is only 7 will be 8 a few days before they come here all being well, so I think she is at a better age and yes I agree girls do seem to pick up languages better, or more easily.


Posted by: Chrismc

Well Irysyu is on her way to Kiev tonight with her 7 year old daughter Nata, ready for her interview tomorrow at the Embassy. Her sister and brother in law are taking her, and they are staying over night just outside Kiev. They have been on the road over 8 hours now so I am waiting for her to sms me to tell me she is at the hotel and I can call her.

In the morning they have about an hour or so's drive into Kiev ready for the interview at 10.00am

Fingers crossed all goes well and we get the good news early next week.

Chris


Posted by: TheWongs

I hope the interview goes well and I look forward to meeting your new family soon!


Posted by: Pin Boy

fingers are crossed chris!!


Posted by: Chillidog

fingers and toes are crossed, and anything else I can cross that will help.

Good luck!!!!!


Posted by: Pin Boy

not to rain on anyone's parade...a man i know married a ukrainian woman with a 16 year old son and he has had the hardest time adjusting to life in america. the kid ended up getting arrested on a gun charge when he was 18, violated probation, and is now being deported.

this man's opinion was that since boys/men in the fsu are coddled and/or spoiled he would advise any man not to get involved with a woman with a son b/w 10-18. just repeating what he told me so don't shoot the messenger. i know every situation is unique.

as some of you may know, i teach english as a second language in a public school. i have taught many children adopted from russia. one boy in particular just could not mesh with the kids and was a little distant from the parents at times. of course the adopted situation adds a complication to the situation. long story short...the boy arrived here when he was 14. did not finish high school. decided when he was 18 to return to russia. stayed there 6 months and returned to the usa. said there is nothing in russia for him, and is now trying to make amends with the adopted parents and make a life for himself.

nice boy, but i could also never make that connection with him. he also seemed to have academic difficulties and said he had trouble reading in russian. i only taught him from age 14-16 because the family moved out of state but the mother updated me from time to time on email.

on the flip side, he had a brother who was one year younger who turned into the all american boy, graduated high school last june and is now finishing his first year of college.

good luck to all!

pin boy


Posted by: TheWongs

I'd worry more about the all American boy!


Posted by: AkMike

Durn it I missed meeting Chris in Ukraine by a couple of days and now I missed meeying the Mrs by a couple of days too,,, Not fair.
But she has my best wishes Chris!


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks guys, I spoke to her an hour ago and she is in Kiev, she will be having her interview around about now.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
Durn it I missed meeting Chris in Ukraine by a couple of days and now I missed meeying the Mrs by a couple of days too,,, Not fair.
But she has my best wishes Chris!

Thanks Mike, we shall have to stop meeting like this well we've tried a couple of times and never made it yet, maybe some day, who knows. But next time I am in Kiev I will tell you first


Posted by: AkMike

We'll be back in that neck of the woods next winter if they ever complete the apts.. They 'think' it'll be done in Dec. If so we'll be there a couple of months westernizing them for sale.


Posted by: Chrismc

OK Mike, I will bear that in mind


Posted by: AkMike

Wander over and you can slap plaster around. Mabe pound nails!


Posted by: Chrismc

errrm errrm how do I put this, no thanks but thanks for the offer


Posted by: AkMike

Spoil sport! LOL


Posted by: Chrismc

So my wife has just got back home, shattered, but safe, she spent about an hour at the Embassy with her daughter, they took all the documents etc off her, ran the biometric scans etc and told her they will make a decision within 48 hours, she would normally have to go and collect it, so instead she paid extra to have it all mailed back to her in Chernivsti by special delivery along with the decision, she was told if they need any more information she will be asked to go back for an interview, they didn't do an interview today and in fact it does state on the Visa site that they may only carry out an interview if they need further information or clarification of certain things.

So sometime next week we will hear how it went and what their decision is.


Posted by: TheWongs

A good idea to pay the extra and have the documents sent to her. Larisa did this and it saved a lot of time, money and trouble.

I think it's about time for a coffee Chris. Your place or mine?


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
A good idea to pay the extra and have the documents sent to her. Larisa did this and it saved a lot of time, money and trouble.

I think it's about time for a coffee Chris. Your place or mine?

Yes it is better a long way back again just to collect some papers, but she may have to do that anyway if they ask for an interview.

Anywhere Chris, I am around Friday or weekend, or early next week if you want to meet up again.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Anywhere Chris, I am around Friday or weekend, or early next week if you want to meet up again.


Thanks Chris. As usual, I've thrown myself head first into work again and am working until silly oclock every day. It keeps my mind busy and gets the cash in for the wedding. Anyway... I'll maybe take a rest on Sunday if you're around? I'll come in the new van. At least it'll fit into your garage without any "hitting the roof" problem. I'll give you a ring before then to confirm.


Posted by: Justjohn

i hope all will be ok Chris, bye the way Chris, don,t use the telephone number they give you for information, its a premium rate number, and all you do is listen to music, it took a bloody fortune from me, you could always try online with your unique number, they may not tell you the outcome but you will know if a decision has been made.

Any way lets think positive as Sveta says if you think good thoughts good things will happen and vice versa, i wish everything in life was so simple

best of luck mate
John & Sveta

PS Sveta also says hello


Posted by: Chrismc

Great Chris, you are welcome of course.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justjohn
i hope all will be ok Chris, bye the way Chris, don,t use the telephone number they give you for information, its a premium rate number, and all you do is listen to music, it took a bloody fortune from me, you could always try online with your unique number, they may not tell you the outcome but you will know if a decision has been made.

Any way lets think positive as Sveta says if you think good thoughts good things will happen and vice versa, i wish everything in life was so simple

best of luck mate
John & Sveta

PS Sveta also says hello

Thanks John, I told Ira last night that you and Sveta said hello, she told me to pass on her congratulations on your wedding to you both and to say hello too.

I think we will find out for sure early/mid next week, they told us a decision in 48 hours and then they have to mail it to her, so 2-3 days for that too.


Posted by: Chrismc

GREAT NEWS, I just got a phone call from Irysyu and she and Natalia have been granted a Settlement Visa the documents have just arrived by Special Delivery.



Tonight we can start planning when she can come over here.


Posted by: martin3030

Good to hear it..

Well done.


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks Martin


Posted by: deccie

Good news! Now your REAL WORK begins!

Just don't go off over the hills like the others huh?
We know you'd like to spend time with your new wife rather than a bunch of guys but....


Posted by: royalpalace774

HI CHRIS, GREAT NEWS YES GREAT NEWS!


Posted by: Justjohn

great news Chris, Sveta sends her best wishes, and also says she looks forward to us all meeting in England.

Well done mate Well done!!!!!


Posted by: Chillidog

Absolutely Fantastic News!!!! I am very happy for you all!!!!
Time to start planning the party


Posted by: Sparky114

Hi Chris,

So you nearly at the end of the road for you. well done and now you can soon relax and enjoy the fruits of your journey together on a whole new road

Mark


Posted by: Chrismc

Yes it doesn't take much of a decision does it, a sexy Ukrainian lady or some hairy guys in cyberspace now which shall it be


Posted by: Chrismc

Thanks RP


Posted by: Chrismc

Hey John,

Thanks for the call today, much appreciated, say hello to Sveta also, Irena says hello back and she hopes to see you both again soon.

Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

Yes Bob, the party will wait a little while, we need to get things organised now with regards dates etc, will talk about them tonight, but first she has to get some health issues sorted out with her parents, but we hope she will be here mid June.

Thanks
Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky114
Hi Chris,

So you nearly at the end of the road for you. well done and now you can soon relax and enjoy the fruits of your journey together on a whole new road

Mark

Thanks again Mark, you do get around don't you


Posted by: Sparky114

Yes Chris just the 2 places
But for me your story has given so much inspiration, so i thankyou for your postings both hear and there!!! now she soon will be here do not be a stranger

Mark


Posted by: Chrismc

LOL OK Mark, just the two like me then I will still hang around the two places when she is eventually here, but maybe not quite as often, if you understand why


Posted by: Sparky114



Yep just been elsewhere and posted there too so not going to repeat myself lol


Posted by: Chrismc

Well my wife has been shopping today for flights and has come up trumps she has two alternatives and has booked them both just so they will hold them for her until Monday.

This is for two people

For 16th June
British Airways
Kiev to London Heathrow T5
Heathrow to Manchester
3450UAH or £345.00 Lands 8.40pm

For 18th June
Scandinavian Airways
Kiev to Copenhagen
Copenhagen to Manchester Lands 6.40pm
3200 UAH or £320.00

Chernivsti to Kiev for the two of them 1100UAH or £110.00

I can't get anywhere near that from over here, just shows how we get ripped off booking flights from within the UK.

So she has basically got them just over half the price I can get normal flights for from here, She is going back to see them Monday to clarify things and she has until next Friday to pay for them.

She is also going to enquire while there Monday if we could use their office (Kiev Air) in Chernivsti to book flights for us to return to Ukraine when we want to go back next time. I don't know what they will say but it is worth a try.

So it looks like they will be here 16th or 18th June


Chris


Posted by: EasyTarget

So now you have 3 weeks to tidy up at home...start panicking.......NOW!!!!

Not that you need it but....Best wishes for the future.


Posted by: Chrismc

yes I will be starting tomorrow

thanks ET

Chris


Posted by: martin3030

Yeah Rip off Britain....
I have looked at trying to book flights from the other side but as soon as you fill in your departure from here they usually switch you to the UK site.
One example is the S7 route from Moscow to Dublin 198rub return.
I looked on the same flight from Dublin to Moscow and it was double too.
Maybe its got a lot to do with the Airport authorities charges for home departures ?
Its amazing how a BA flight can cost so much less outside England..but theres a lot of wheeling and dealings going on...Maybe its a concession to BA from Aerosvit to allow them in on some of their routes ?
Alitalia is looking like being taken over by Air France/KLM Which effectively means a 3 country collaberation...will make them a pretty big force I wonder if Swiss or Lufthansa will look to do a tie up-not together I mean with someone else Like SAS .......

Anyway good to know that you have it sorted....not only are Ukranians thrifty in the house...looks like they can also sniff a bargain in the air too.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by martin3030
Yeah Rip off Britain....
I have looked at trying to book flights from the other side but as soon as you fill in your departure from here they usually switch you to the UK site.
One example is the S7 route from Moscow to Dublin 198rub return.
I looked on the same flight from Dublin to Moscow and it was double too.
Maybe its got a lot to do with the Airport authorities charges for home departures ?
Its amazing how a BA flight can cost so much less outside England..but theres a lot of wheeling and dealings going on...Maybe its a concession to BA from Aerosvit to allow them in on some of their routes ?
Alitalia is looking like being taken over by Air France/KLM Which effectively means a 3 country collaberation...will make them a pretty big force I wonder if Swiss or Lufthansa will look to do a tie up-not together I mean with someone else Like SAS .......

Anyway good to know that you have it sorted....not only are Ukranians thrifty in the house...looks like they can also sniff a bargain in the air too.

Yep Martin thats what I found also, try booking on KLM.ua and it throws you back to .com same with others too. I can't believe the BA prices they are usually much dearer,. but it is correct and I can even book it from here for the same rate they must be having a bit of a wobble to allow that

Well anyway, she is going back Monday to make sure and is calling me from the airline offices, so we shall see.


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:
Originally Posted by EasyTarget
So now you have 3 weeks to tidy up at home...start panicking.......NOW!!!!

Not that you need it but....Best wishes for the future.


And don't forget to shine ALL your shoes!

Great news Chris! All the best to you both.


Posted by: Chrismc

LOL yes Tim, all my shoes will be polished to a mirror finish!


Posted by: TheWongs

I had a quick look at BA and came up with this...

Outbound - Wednesday 18 June 2008 15:50

18 Jun Kiev (Borispol) Heathrow (London) BA0883
British Airways Euro Traveller

Passenger; 2 Adults $169.00 per person. Taxes, fees, charges and surcharges per person. $52.00 Total price quote; USD 442.00

(442.00 USD = 226.24 GBP approximately).

Is this any help Chris?


Posted by: TheWongs

Oops!! I never read your post properly! There was 2 flights on the Kiev to London one. Silly T**T I am!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wongs
Is this any help Chris?


NO but since I wrote the above the same flight with SAS on the same day has come down to around £270.00 so she is going back tomorrow to see what she can sort out. In any event, she will be here around the 18th June


Posted by: TheWongs

It's great to hear she will be here soon! I look forward to meeting her. I'll hopefully see you before then for a coffee and chat.


Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:
Originally Posted by martin3030
Yeah Rip off Britain....
I have looked at trying to book flights from the other side but as soon as you fill in your departure from here they usually switch you to the UK site.
One example is the S7 route from Moscow to Dublin 198rub return.
I looked on the same flight from Dublin to Moscow and it was double too.
Maybe its got a lot to do with the Airport authorities charges for home departures ?
Its amazing how a BA flight can cost so much less outside England..but theres a lot of wheeling and dealings going on...Maybe its a concession to BA from Aerosvit to allow them in on some of their routes ?
Alitalia is looking like being taken over by Air France/KLM Which effectively means a 3 country collaberation...will make them a pretty big force I wonder if Swiss or Lufthansa will look to do a tie up-not together I mean with someone else Like SAS .......

Anyway good to know that you have it sorted....not only are Ukranians thrifty in the house...looks like they can also sniff a bargain in the air too.


Yes, there is a lot of weird stuff going on in the airline business...as for the pricing, Britain is not alone........it is more expensive to buy a ticket from the US to Tokyo, than it is the other way around.

The Alitalia situation seems to be changing every other day....it's hard to keep up with them.


Posted by: Chrismc

I hope so again Chris, well she has just bought her tickets, so they will be here on the 18th June


Posted by: Chrismc

Well she has booked her tickets, lands at 6.30pm on Wednesday the 18th June. Whooo Hoooo

Also she told me a new air service from Kiev to Chernivsti has just started, there always was one but it always left to early to hook up with connections from outside Ukraine, but apparently this new service leaves Boryspol at 7.30pm, great news for me and those travelling to Chernivsti, saves that 8 or 9 hour journey by road.

Roll on the 18th


Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Well she has booked her tickets, lands at 6.30pm on Wednesday the 18th June. Whooo Hoooo

Also she told me a new air service from Kiev to Chernivsti has just started, there always was one but it always left to early to hook up with connections from outside Ukraine, but apparently this new service leaves Boryspol at 7.30pm, great news for me and those travelling to Chernivsti, saves that 8 or 9 hour journey by road.

Roll on the 18th

Fantastic news Chris , so it looks like we won't see much of you around here on the 18th and 19th but by the 20th you'll be wanting to hang out with the boys again


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Remember to pace yourself Chris. We don't want to hear you croaked the first night from all the um, talking you'll be doing.

Stop in for a pint soon.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye5704
Remember to pace yourself Chris. We don't want to hear you croaked the first night from all the um, talking you'll be doing.

Stop in for a pint soon.

Sure will Tim, at least for the first week


Posted by: Chrismc

Of course Bob, why spend time with a sexy Ukrainian chick when you have all these hairy blokes to talk to in cyberspace

Its a no brainer really, RMP it is but don't what ever you do tell the Mrs I ever said that even as a joke


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Of course Bob, why spend time with a sexy Ukrainian chick when you have all these hairy blokes to talk to in cyberspace

Its a no brainer really, RMP it is but don't what ever you do tell the Mrs I ever said that even as a joke

Cmon Chris, you mean to say that we are not sexy enuf for you? I am just sooo offended. Congrats on getting to start the fun part of your life in 3 weeks.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Cmon Chris, you mean to say that we are not sexy enuf for you? I am just sooo offended. Congrats on getting to start the fun part of your life in 3 weeks.

Sorry to bust your bubble Blue but NO, you are just not sexy enough! please try harder

Yes thanks, I can't wait for them both to be here. I might even start a countdown


Posted by: Chrismc

ONLY 21 days, 7 hours, 9 minutes and 28 seconds


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Sorry to bust your bubble Blue but NO, you are just not sexy enough! please try harder

I can get my Lady to teach me to Belly Dance, would that help my chances?....LMAO


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
I can get my Lady to teach me to Belly Dance, would that help my chances?....LMAO

errrrm errrrm errrrrm NO! sorry


Posted by: Chrismc

I have just come off the phone with Ira and she is packing frantically and shopping buying last minute necessities so all is going very well and soon they will both be here.

Little Nata is now telling all her school friends she will soon be in England with her daddy, and when I speak with her on the phone in Ukrainian now, she just runs off gigglling and shouting to her grandparents that her Dad is speaking Ukrainian she does not believe how I know what to say to her, despite it still being very basic, but it makes her happy anyway

I can't wait until they are both here with me


Posted by: martin3030

Great to hear it.
Its amazing how things change....It dont seem long ago that you were battling with Phillips and wondering when you would find the dreams that many on here have found....like those you were giving advice to!!!

2008 has been very memorable so far on these pages....its great to read.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by martin3030
Great to hear it.
Its amazing how things change....It dont seem long ago that you were battling with Phillips and wondering when you would find the dreams that many on here have found....like those you were giving advice to!!!

2008 has been very memorable so far on these pages....its great to read.

Yes, things can change very quickly Martin and they sure have for me, all for the better 2008 has been a great year for me so far that is for sure


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
I have just come off the phone with Ira and she is packing frantically and shopping buying last minute necessities so all is going very well and soon they will both be here.

Little Nata is now telling all her school friends she will soon be in England with her daddy, and when I speak with her on the phone in Ukrainian now, she just runs off gigglling and shouting to her grandparents that her Dad is speaking Ukrainian she does not believe how I know what to say to her, despite it still being very basic, but it makes her happy anyway

I can't wait until they are both here with me

Tell me, did your wife laugh at you the first time you spoke Ukranian to her? I spoke some Russian to Jenya and she started laughing at me, I asked her what was so funny? She said it was my accent, but I did say it correctly. I also spoke some Russian to the studio owner (she's from Moscow) and she started laughing at me. I think I might want to reconsider learning Russian if they are all gonna laugh at me....LOL


Posted by: EasyTarget

Blu: Don't take it personally it is a cultural thing. The only one who didn't laugh at my Russian accent was Nadia, but that may be because she had been living in the USA for 9 months already. "L" doesn't laugh anymore, but when we talk on Skype she has a big smile, I know she is fighting the urge to laugh.

I get the the same reaction with the Japanese tourists here.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Tell me, did your wife laugh at you the first time you spoke Ukranian to her? I spoke some Russian to Jenya and she started laughing at me, I asked her what was so funny? She said it was my accent, but I did say it correctly. I also spoke some Russian to the studio owner (she's from Moscow) and she started laughing at me. I think I might want to reconsider learning Russian if they are all gonna laugh at me....LOL

First time, you gotta be joking, she still laughs at me even now, but she never laughs when I whisper Ya lublue tebe in her ear

Yes she says it is the accent too, but now on the phone when her parents or aunt answers it, I can sometimes fool them for at least a nano second until I run out of things to say then they have me


Posted by: GoingToRussia

Well I was never laughed at for speaking Russian, just a big smile. Both the girls I met said I have very little accent when I speak Russian. I think they smiled because I could do it and it showed interest in them, their language, and culture ... and maybe it meant that "this guy is serious" about a foreign relationship.

So keep speaking because they enjoy it, just like you love to hear that russian accent when they speak English.


Posted by: Buckeye5704

I'm in Chris' boat with this one. She does find it amusing when I try to say something, but not Я люблю тебе. I can pass for a russian until I get past the greeting stage though. I met a Ukrainian lady at the grocery store (cashier) a couple weeks ago and she told me I had no accent at all. I'll keep working at it. I increase my vocabulary a little bit everyday. Being able to type in russian helps a ton too.


Posted by: Chrismc

Well whether they laugh or not, or find it amusing or not, they still deep down love it when you at least try, so we keep on trying I really wish I could speak a lot more though so I could have proper conversations with her family and I am sure that would please Ira too


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
Well whether they laugh or not, or find it amusing or not, they still deep down love it when you at least try, so we keep on trying I really wish I could speak a lot more though so I could have proper conversations with her family and I am sure that would please Ira too

я также Chris. я также

One new phrase at a time, eh?


Posted by: AkMike

I need to get to work on learning to speak and read russian.. It'd help alot..


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye5704
я также Chris. я также

One new phrase at a time, eh?

может быть, мы все должны учить друг друга


Posted by: TheWongs

I've never been laughed at speaking Russian. I've been told that my pronounciation is excellent and I speak very "softly". Girls seem to like it.

You're spot on Chris! They do love it!

I find that people respect the fact you are trying, even if it's not perfect! I've noticed in a shop or bar, buying something. You can see the reaction when you ask for it in Russian. Sometimes they'll ask you something about the item you are buying, like how much, how many, etc. It blows them away when you understand and answer!

One of my babushka neighbours in Kerch asked me the time (incorrectly?) one morning (there seems to be a few ways of asking the time (catory chas or skolka vrimya). She used the "incorrect" one (catory chas) for some reason). She looked a little startled when I answered correctly, but gave me a great big smile and said "Spasiba! Spasiba balshoye"! I used to wonder if she was testing this strange foreigner that was living beside her for 7 months. Luckily, I learnt this (incorrect?) way of asking the time from "Pimsleur Russian".

I say "incorrect" because Larisa told me it was, but maybe different people ask in different ways? Who knows?

We must keep learning!!!


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
I've never been laughed at speaking Russian. I've been told that my pronounciation is excellent and I speak very "softly". Girls seem to like it.

You're spot on Chris! They do love it!

I find that people respect the fact you are trying, even if it's not perfect! I've noticed in a shop or bar, buying something. You can see the reaction when you ask for it in Russian. Sometimes they'll ask you something about the item you are buying, like how much, how many, etc. It blows them away when you understand and answer!

One of my babushka neighbours in Kerch asked me the time (incorrectly?) one morning (there seems to be a few ways of asking the time (catory chas or skolka vrimya). She used the "incorrect" one (catory chas) for some reason). She looked a little startled when I answered correctly, but gave me a great big smile and said "Spasiba! Spasiba balshoye"! I used to wonder if she was testing this strange foreigner that was living beside her for 7 months. Luckily, I learnt this (incorrect?) way of asking the time from "Pimsleur Russian".

I say "incorrect" because Larisa told me it was, but maybe different people ask in different ways? Who knows?

We must keep learning!!!


that must be a first, an Irishman telling a babushka how to speak Russian


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
that must be a first, an Irishman telling a babushka how to speak Russian





Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
First time, you gotta be joking, she still laughs at me even now, but she never laughs when I whisper Ya lublue tebe in her ear

Yes she says it is the accent too, but now on the phone when her parents or aunt answers it, I can sometimes fool them for at least a nano second until I run out of things to say then they have me

Isn't that backwards or is it different in Ukranian? I thought it was Ya Tebya Lubelya.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
I need to get to work on learning to speak and read russian.. It'd help alot..

I want to learn so I can speak to her daughter and her other family members.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Isn't that backwards or is it different in Ukranian? I thought it was Ya Tebya Lubelya.


Don't know about Ukrainian, but it works both ways in Russian. It's the same for a lot of phrases and sentences.

Your phrase "Ya Tebya Lubelya" is literally translated to "I you love", which sounds strange to us, but I always use "Ya Lubelya Tebya" because it "flows" better and is easier to say (for me anyway). You can add "ochin silno" (very much) to the end for a better reaction.

The Pimsleur courses I did were very good for learning basics, but they are not accurate and have caused me some problems. Also, they are talking to friends on this course as if they don't know them. I.E. "voi hatitia peet stonyboot" (do you want to drink something?) is something you would say to a stranger and not family, a girlfriend or close friend. That would be "ti hochish peet stonyboot".

Pimsleur's version of "Yes Certainly" could get you in trouble. They say "Da canyeshna". In Russian this is sarcasm! It's like us saying "Yeah! Right"! "Canyeshna da" is the correct way.

Excuse my spelling of Russian words please.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
Don't know about Ukrainian, but it works both ways in Russian. It's the same for a lot of phrases and sentences.

Your phrase "Ya Tebya Lubelya" is literally translated to "I you love", which sounds strange to us, but I always use "Ya Lubelya Tebya" because it "flows" better and is easier to say (for me anyway). You can add "ochin silno" (very much) to the end for a better reaction.

The Pimsleur courses I did were very good for learning basics, but they are not accurate and have caused me some problems. Also, they are talking to friends on this course as if they don't know them. I.E. "voi hatitia peet stonyboot" (do you want to drink something?) is something you would say to a stranger and not family, a girlfriend or close friend. That would be "ti hochish peet stonyboot".

Pimsleur's version of "Yes Certainly" could get you in trouble. They say "Da canyeshna". In Russian this is sarcasm! It's like us saying "Yeah! Right"! "Canyeshna da" is the correct way.

Excuse my spelling of Russian words please.

I got my biggest laugh when I said "I don't speak Russian" (Im not even gonna try and spell out the Russian form), I said it correctly, but my accent was so strong. You are right tho, Ya Tebya Lubelya is certainly a tongue twister. I think when I finally learn the cryllic alphabet and the sounds, the words will be easier. I find it easier if I can see the word spelled out then try and pronounce it.


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by AkMike
I need to get to work on learning to speak and read russian.. It'd help alot..


The first Russian lady I ever met said to me "Learn the alphabet first" when I said I would like to learn. Of course, I decided to learn some phrases first, but she was right! It's a lot easier when you learn the alphabet! Learning is so much faster because you can see and read the words. When you are in Russia or Ukraine, you find yourself reading everything! She was a teacher, living in England and learning advanced English at the time, so I should have listened!

I made some flash cards, with the Russian letter on one side and the "sound" on the other. I'd sit in bed and go through them, trying to guess the sound each made. Any I got correct, went on my bedside table. If they were wrong, I'd put them on the bed. After doing them all, I'd do the same again, but only with the pile on the bed. I kept doing this every night until I knew them all. I would not go to sleep until I had finished this exercise.


Posted by: blucatz

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
The first Russian lady I ever met said to me "Learn the alphabet first" when I said I would like to learn. Of course, I decided to learn some phrases first, but she was right! It's a lot easier when you learn the alphabet! Learning is so much faster because you can see and read the words. When you are in Russia or Ukraine, you find yourself reading everything! She was a teacher, living in England and learning advanced English at the time, so I should have listened!

I made some flash cards, with the Russian letter on one side and the "sound" on the other. I'd sit in bed and go through them, trying to guess the sound each made. Any I got correct, went on my bedside table. If they were wrong, I'd put them on the bed. After doing them all, I'd do the same again, but only with the pile on the bed. I kept doing this every night until I knew them all. I would not go to sleep until I had finished this exercise.

Thats a good idea, now if I can only find someplace where I can hear the letter pronounced. Any ideas?


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
that must be a first, an Irishman telling a babushka how to speak Russian


ONLY 9 DAYS CHRIS! I bet you're excited now!!!!!!!


Posted by: TheWongs

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Thats a good idea, now if I can only find someplace where I can hear the letter pronounced. Any ideas?


http://www.masterrussian.com/blalphabet.shtml

You need realplayer installed. If you have it you can hear the whole alphabet.

I made my flash cards from this list;
http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/...5/alphabet.html


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
может быть, мы все должны учить друг друга

Столь верный. Что - нибудь может случиться.

I had to fire up my prompt that one though.


Posted by: EasyTarget

I 100% agree about learning the alphabet first. The great thing about Russian is that most words are pronounced they way they are spelled, of course there are some exceptions.

Once you learn the alphabet, if you are using pimselur I would suggest for each lesson, using an online translator to print out the text.

i.e. go look up the phrase, "I don't understand Russian" == "Я не понимаю Pусский."
It will help the phrase stick in your head, also it gets you to practice reading Russian.


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by blucatz
Isn't that backwards or is it different in Ukranian? I thought it was Ya Tebya Lubelya.

NO it is correct, but I suppose it could be said the other way, does not matter though, because Ira loves is, thats all that matters


Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWongs
ONLY 9 DAYS CHRIS! I bet you're excited now!!!!!!!


Thats an understatement Chris


Posted by: Chrismc

One of the problems I had is that I started off by learning some Russian, but had to change when I met my wife because they all speak Ukrainian and it is different, Ira speaks both of course, but her family only speak Ukrainian. God it gets confusing at times


Posted by: stevo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye5704
Столь верный. Что - нибудь может случиться.
I had to fire up my prompt that one though.

The problem with automatic translators is that they often come up with something no native speaker would say, as above!


Posted by: Chrismc

A little update:

three days now until they arrive and life gets hectic for me it was Nata's birthday on Friday she was 8, I promised to take her to the Sandcastle Waterpark when she gets here, as a treat, it seems we now have two kids in our family

Ira has been getting last minute manicures, pedicures, hair styling and shopping for gifts for all and sundry.

Today in the UK is Fathers Day and I received an SMS a few hours ago from Nata saying "Happy Fathers Day daddy, I love you" I have set them all up with Skype now, computer to computer, her mum and dad have it and her sister too, so she will be able to speak with them whenever she wants too and of course she has the landline as back up, and I will get her a mobile the day after she arrives, we did a trial run yesterday with Skype and it worked fine, so everyone is happy, we are going to try the same with webcams today, but as their internet service is still on a dial up I know it will be a bit hit and miss, but Ira's mum and dad said they don't care just as long as they can see their Nata, they don;t care about seeing Ira

Yesterday when we tried Skype for the first time the whole family were gathered around the computer over there all shouting at me at the same time, I had bits of Ukrainian, English and the odd word in Russian all thrown at me at once Nata had charge of the volume control too, and that did not help but never the less a good laugh for us all.

So three days to go and my 3+ year adventure is over, the next one starts in earnest from Wednesday

Chris


Posted by: royalpalace774

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrismc
A little update:

three days now until they arrive and life gets hectic for me it was Nata's birthday on Friday she was 8, I promised to take her to the Sandcastle Waterpark when she gets here, as a treat, it seems we now have two kids in our family

Ira has been getting last minute manicures, pedicures, hair styling and shopping for gifts for all and sundry.

Today in the UK is Fathers Day and I received an SMS a few hours ago from Nata saying "Happy Fathers Day daddy, I love you" I have set them all up with Skype now, computer to computer, her mum and dad have it and her sister too, so she will be able to speak with them whenever she wants too and of course she has the landline as back up, and I will get her a mobile the day after she arrives, we did a trial run yesterday with Skype and it worked fine, so everyone is happy, we are going to try the same with webcams today, but as their internet service is still on a dial up I know it will be a bit hit and miss, but Ira's mum and dad said they don't care just as long as they can see their Nata, they don;t care about seeing Ira

Yesterday when we tried Skype for the first time the whole family were gathered around the computer over there all shouting at me at the same time, I had bits of Ukrainian, English and the odd word in Russian all thrown at me at once Nata had charge of the volume control too, and that did not help but never the less a good laugh for us all.

So three days to go and my 3+ year adventure is over, the next one starts in earnest from Wednesday

Chris



I'm very happy for you Chris. You & GTR both. I guess G is busy with his lady being with him in Detroit now.

And by the way, I did exactly as you suggested about the one hotel room with 2 beds. She said yes this will be fine. So when we get to Gurzuf we have 1 hotel room with 2 beds but of course I hope she decides to keep them together, but if not than that's ok to.

I guess I will know when we get there just how close we have become. We will be together 8 days before arriving to Gurzuf.

Any way this is your thread and I wish you the best & I know how happy you are. You deserve it! What a cute little daughter you have also. She makes you feel great with those little words out of her mouth.


Posted by: martin3030

Yes great to read this.
Its not every guy who can make other mens kids happy,You have already passed all the important tests tho.
Soon you will not be counting days...but hours and minutes.


Posted by: Buckeye5704

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevo
The problem with automatic translators is that they often come up with something no native speaker would say, as above!

I know that only too well Stevo. I always ask Irina about it when I send her good morning email or an ecard to her. It's usually close, but rarely spot on. For instance, it translates sweetheart to возлюбленный which is a very old word (as in a couple hundred years) and not in common use anymore. She says that "everyone" just uses Люби&#