Taking the plunge. Visiting Ukraine in a few days.

[justadude]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

[2tallbill]

Try Mamba.ru

Ask a bunch to meet you for coffee. Some won't reply but some will.

[Texan77]

What city are you going to in Eastern Ukraine?

[Gipsy]

What city are you going to in Eastern Ukraine?

Someone cannot read...

The OP stated that he will visit a city AWAY from E Ukraine...

[Gipsy]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

Go for it, and good luck...

Suggest that you find a "Dance Café/Restaurant, should be teaming with ladies, and just be yourself...

[Omega1982]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

Waving your American passport alone does not work anymore. 

Additionally, few women in the FSU would consider a 20 year age gap.  If you take a look at the dating sites, the preferred age gaps are shrinking. 

I have been to 20 European countries, and I think Europe is the most beautiful continent, so enjoy. 

[msmoby]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum,

You think ?    Anyone going to Ukraine to look for a women will be told by some that it is 'full of scammers' - when the reality is they just get to see more 'sex tourists' and no-hopers - thinking that waving a western passport is going to attract the ladies.

If it's your first trip - it's a good place to start.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

An advantage - if you come across as 'different' - as in a more interesting alternative to the local guys..

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

Now you lost me..  Why is it guys think someone who could be their daughter ( late twenties) will be interested ?  There are plenty of women in their late thirties and forties who retain many of the ( former Soviet Union) values that make them so different and are quite stunning.

It is a shame your trip will be at a time when it will be cold .. A walk in the spring / summer and a newbie might need to visit a 'bone cruncher' to get their cricked necks seen to.

Good luck and my observation about the age gap was not meant in a nasty way .. just common sense.

[AvHdB]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

Welcome to RUA.

You unfortunately suffer from a condition that not fully defined but is both mental and physical. Slavic women spread it with a wave of there hand or a peck on the cheek.

SORRY THERE IS NO CURE!

There are only two ways to mitigate its effects this 'disease'. Some of the ones who help you go by the name Olga, others Svetlana, Yulia and Daria also can provide help to symptoms. I would suggest being yourself and having a fair dose of humour in all things, it helps when over there. As noted upthread an American passport does not help nor a thick wad of Benji's unless you want a temporary solution. While dressing smartly helps most Italian fashion does not fit an American well. You will need to return and be patient to find some one to help your condition, but other before have done it.

You can meet creatures who can help you almost anywhere, but one general observation when they are working it is harder to distract them. So I would avoid when you cross the border hitting up on at the airport Nikitia. 

I would also avoid getting locked in your lodging by a female.

I would try to meet Slavic females in public area's, taking the underground or near shopping area's (ask for directions). I seen a few attractive females working in museums, but abroad they do appear in masses.

In the end be your self and go with the flow. If you have a special area of knowledge use that to your advantage. Lets say you play chess go to the local chess club. You are good at martial sports, find the center that has these activities. You are a specialist on antique radio transistors . . . sorry not sure what will help you getting plugged in.

[Dogsoldier]

In your late 40s, you say! Looking for women in their late 20s to early 30s you say!
That's a 20 year age gap. Why?

Give yourself a dose of realism and better your chances at meeting someone more in tune with yourself. While generational age gap marriages can work the odds are stacked against you. Successful ones are few in number.

Enjoy your trip. Be prepared for a massive culture shock. Oh, and don't wave that blue passport around.

[leslied]

Pulling a late 20's, early 30's woman is possible but there are down sides.  The days when many women would generally accept a guy 15 - 20 years older are long gone.  The dating agency hype is just that - hype.  The guys who can pull a much younger woman nowadays are both good looking and affluent.  Unless you want to start another family in your 50's stay clear of younger childless women.  Nearly ALL younger Slavic women want a family.

Mid thirties with a single child is perhaps your best option.  Women in this situation are way down the marriage scale in FSU.  Emigration is easier with younger children (well most of the time).  It is easier to form a step father bond with a young child, with a teenager you should aim to become a good friend.

How do I know all this?  I have been married to a Russian woman who is 20 years younger than me for more then a dozen years.  We have two children.   Good luck and enjoy your trip.

[Ste]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's. 2 years ago I met a FSU princess, with a green card, in a grocery store in Arizona. We got into a relationship and were together for over a year, including living with me for 6 months. She was just a little over half my age when we met. I also dated a 2nd generation Eastern European girl for 6 years while in my teens/early 20s, and had another brief relationship with an immigrant FSU girl a couple years after my divorce. Needles to say, I'm a fan.

So a few months ago I decided to take a trip. I didn't know where but eventually settled on a city in Ukraine away from the Eastern region. I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

I am trying to keep my expectations for this trip low/realistic. If I meet someone, great, but if I don't, I got to see a part of the world I haven't seen before. Having said that, I have been talking to a few girls online, one in particular that I really like. I am pretty convinced they are all real. I think I'm pretty good at identifying scammers. Having said that, I'm a fan of meeting women at first in person. I guess the working theory is that being an American is attractive. And I've also seen that idea mocked "wave around your American passport". After reading differing opinions and talking to people both here and there, my conclusion is that it is an advantage.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

Welcome to RUA.

You unfortunately suffer from a condition that not fully defined but is both mental and physical. Slavic women spread it with a wave of there hand or a peck on the cheek.

SORRY THERE IS NO CURE!

There are only two ways to mitigate its effects this 'disease'. Some of the ones who help you go by the name Olga, others Svetlana, Yulia and Daria also can provide help to symptoms. I would suggest being yourself and having a fair dose of humour in all things, it helps when over there. As noted upthread an American passport does not help nor a thick wad of Benji's unless you want a temporary solution. While dressing smartly helps most Italian fashion does not fit an American well. You will need to return and be patient to find some one to help your condition, but other before have done it.

You can meet creatures who can help you almost anywhere, but one general observation when they are working it is harder to distract them. So I would avoid when you cross the border hitting up on at the airport Nikitia. 

I would also avoid getting locked in your lodging by a female.

I would try to meet Slavic females in public area's, taking the underground or near shopping area's (ask for directions). I seen a few attractive females working in museums, but abroad they do appear in masses.

In the end be your self and go with the flow. If you have a special area of knowledge use that to your advantage. Lets say you play chess go to the local chess club. You are good at martial sports, find the center that has these activities. You are a specialist on antique radio transistors . . . sorry not sure what will help you getting plugged in.

Nikita is a boys name, even before Elton went gay...

[Steveboy]

You defiantly need to leave your passport at the hotel.. And for sure wear something a young 40 year old should be wearing and not some US hillbilly outfit..  

As previously stated best just find a few dance cafes/bars and go with the flow..Have some Dutch courage and get amongst it. Its very easy to go to any place in Eastern Europe and pick up a young women..unfortunately your very unlikely to be taking any home unless your lucky most are happy with their lives but only to happy to chat to a foreigner out of interest..

Also going to Ukraine and going with the flow and NOT planning to meet any of the usual lot your much less likely to be scammed..

 

[2tallbill]

I am a bit hesitant to post, as it seems like there is a lot of flaming on this forum, and not a lot of interest in sharing helpful information. I belong to a lot of automotive forums and I see that a lot, so I guess I should be used to it. Oh, well, here goes.

When you date FSUW you need a thick skin. Here at the forum you will need the
same. You are relatively anonymous so don't worry. You didn't say you wanted
to bugger 16 year olds or virgins (enough guys have came looking for a
combination of those).

I am a divorced guy from Arizona in his late 40's.

You are pushing the envelope a bit on age. Use normal non photoshopped
photos for your Mamba profile and you will need to write a lot more women.
The more you push the envelope the more girls with questionable motives
you will attract. You have to have an excellent head on your shoulders and
if you have to be able to reject hot women for any character flaw.

You can compromise on looks, age, etc but never on character.

I have my plane ticket and hotel booked.

Get an apartment and forget the hotel. This is in hunting fsuw 101 first
class of the semester.

My questions: Where are the best places to meet women in their late 20's/early 30's? I'm honestly not much of a party guy. Coffee shops? Girls working in retail? Banks? How will they know I'm American? By the way I dress? I'm not really a flashy dresser but my ex is going to go shopping with me to help me pick out some clothes.

Oh, well, I'm open to ideas. I hope I come across that way.

IMHO you will need to write at least 200 women and ask them for coffee.
Don't worry, with your age criteria 200 won't accept.

Let's say 10 accept, you meet them and reject any of them who have character
flaws or you don't have chemistry with. Rinse and repeat until you find a keeper.

[AvHdB]

Dude,

While I have no idea which city you plan to visit and stay in, this 'adventure' will most likely take more than one visit.

A 20 year age gap in my opinion is not a good idea.

As has been pointed out, you are going in the time of year called winter. It can be cold, I have seen minus 20 in Zhytomyr, think Timberland boots and a Patagonia three in one Parka. On a local market you can buy the felt boot liners they are amazing.

While it can be fun to unpack a local, something like one of those dolls, you need to define your goals. If you go the way Steve suggests they are are already more or less unpacked.

I must say your approach is refreshing instead of endless discussion and planning just go and figure it out. We (RUA) will look forward to the updates.

[Texan77]

What city are you going to in Eastern Ukraine?

Someone cannot read...

The OP stated that he will visit a city AWAY from E Ukraine...

Too bad, He is more likely to find a woman that will accept a twenty year age gap are in eastern Ukraine. If I were looking again that is where I would go.

[Gipsy]

What city are you going to in Eastern Ukraine?

Someone cannot read...

The OP stated that he will visit a city AWAY from E Ukraine...

Too bad, He is more likely to find a woman that will accept a twenty year age gap are in eastern Ukraine. If I were looking again that is where I would go.

And a far higher chance of getting screwed in the future... You forgot to mention this point..

[Texan77]

What city are you going to in Eastern Ukraine?

Someone cannot read...

The OP stated that he will visit a city AWAY from E Ukraine...

Too bad, He is more likely to find a woman that will accept a twenty year age gap are in eastern Ukraine. If I were looking again that is where I would go.

And a far higher chance of getting screwed in the future... You forgot to mention this point..

Yea you can not get screwed if you do not find any body.

No matter what country or where you go including USA women you can get royal screwed. Buyer must beware. There are some really great women in Eastern Ukraine that will make a excellent mate that very well might love him. Like everywhere else there are some that have emotional problems who will take advantage of you if you do not watch what you are doing. International dating does not work for everybody. The women in Eastern Ukraine are just single women everywhere else in the world. Some are really great and some are a real problem. I truly believe the odds are better than Kiev and Odessa to find a good one. 

[Manny]

I truly believe the odds are better than Kiev and Odessa to find a good one.

Yet a six year old topic disagrees. Not to mention generally accepted knowledge.

All this 20 year age gap, Americans having more "value" and similar nonsense is all very 1991. Quite nostalgic really. 

I suspect the OP will hit reality with a bump when there.

[msmoby]

I truly believe the odds are better than Kiev and Odessa to find a good one.

Yet a six year old topic disagrees. Not to mention generally accepted knowledge.

All this 20 year age gap, Americans having more "value" and similar nonsense is all very 1991. Quite nostalgic really. 

I suspect the OP will hit reality with a bump when there.

Any one who has been to Odessa will understand why guys keep going .. The percentage of women of an exotic mix of many races....ancient European and some Asian - is higher...

The ladies there are just more used to western men ,,,, 

[Manny]

The ladies there are just more used to western men ,,,,

That's one way of putting it. 

[justadude]

Thank you for the help! I can see I have made a couple mistakes so far, as I did let a woman help me with my hotel. I told her the one I had chosen. She said it was nice but the area wasn't great. I asked her for a suggested list and chose one off that list. I have plans to meet about 7 so far, aged 28-36. I guess I don't really see how I can get scammed by meeting in person. Unless of course the meeting place is down a dark alley!

Sorry but I've been intentionally vague about some details. But if there are any ex pats there maybe PM me. I'd love to grab a beer with someone who knows what's up if I'm in their area and it works out.

I grabbed a few American gifts to give away. Any suggestions along those lines?


.

[Tom Cat]

Without giving more specific information, the advice will be somewhat generic, and may not be as helpful to the cause.

Scams and or unpleasant experiences can take place anytime,and come in many forms.
If you are new to this endeavor, ask many questions, and then use the advice you feel will work best.

Having a plan B to fall back on is always a wise move.

The age range you have chosen seems reasonable, try to arrange meetings in a place of your choosing, to avoid a possible expensive lesson.

[leslied]

I have some advice as you are dating more than one woman:

• Do not waste time on poor prospects!  Most newbies make this mistake.
  
  If the first date is a "no chemistry" event then there is no second date.  Next.
  
  If you fancy the woman but she shows no interest - Next.
  
  Always choose the venue.  Tom Cat is right about that.
  
  If you are "taken shopping"  don't buy anything unless your into paying for a woman's favors.
  

Finally Have fun 

[justadude]

I have some advice as you are dating more than one woman:

• Do not waste time on poor prospects!  Most newbies make this mistake.
  
  If the first date is a "no chemistry" event then there is no second date.  Next.
  
  If you fancy the woman but she shows no interest - Next.
  
  Always choose the venue.  Tom Cat is right about that.
  
  If you are "taken shopping"  don't buy anything unless your into paying for a woman's favors.
  

Finally Have fun 

OK great. Once again, very helpful!

I have a couple questions. The girl that I am most interested in, during an audio phone conversation, wanted to make sure my divorce was final. She said this was necessary for a K-1 visa. I didn't know what that was but googled it since then. And, I have been able to talk to a couple American friends who have married Asian and South American women.

The following is going to make me sound delusional, and I agree I might be. But I think I am a bit more pragmatic about my delusional tendencies than some guys


 My understanding is that there needs to be proof of a meeting, and that a photograph of the couple will suffice. Any advice along these lines? If I meet one or more woman who is interested in that sort of thing, I don't suppose there is much harm in taking a couple of selfies, or "ussies", is there? What other sort of proof of the meeting is needed?

[Maxx]

You might want to bring along your divorce papers. Have them translated with all the official seals and stamps. The notaries there do some interesting things with wax and strings. Also it wouldn't hurt to pose for the photos holding up an English language newspaper with a headline that will pinpoint the date of your meeting.