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Author Topic: Going to Odessa! Not Again?  (Read 8417 times)

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Offline Telegram Sam

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Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« on: September 02, 2009, 01:19:18 PM »

Hello to All,

     I will be leaving on my trip to Odessa in about two weeks. This time I decided to try a romance tour with AFA. This is not my very first romance tour but it will be my first time doing any business with AFA. I have heard both good and bad things said here about AFA and while I  value everyone’s input and experiences I thought that I would try my luck!

    I traveled to Odessa just this past July to meet a lady that I have corresponded with for the past 6 months. Upon meeting my former gf things just did not go the way I hoped for and most of you have read my report under “My Odessa Trip Where Did I Go Wrong”

   I do realize that these romance tour packages are well planned and I will have an opportunity to meet lots of ladies but my big fear now is what kind of ladies? I hope that there will be some sincere ladies with all the best intentions just I like have. I am having feelings of doubt and anxiety before I embark on this trip. I just hate the thought of meeting up with more of the same kind of women that just want to scam and be pro daters.

   I have been gathering a lot of information and reading, I even purchased a copy of the “Russian Bride Guide” it is a wonderful book with a lot of great information in it. I am half way through it.

   Gents, can you offer me some of  your pointers on the Do's and Dont's Please!  Sometimes at the very start it is hard to decipher if the lady will be a potential scammer. I will be vigilant towards this and I will not be shy to tell these ladies if I see something that is not correct.

     Sam
   :reading:

Offline msmoby

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2009, 01:44:23 PM »
Oh DEAR, Sam...

Have you paid for this trip?!..

A british TV station [Channel Four] ( with a US film crew)  followed such a tour last year ... *I* would NEVER have considered one as a serious way to look for a partner.. sorry.. :-[

I believe Vinny might have something to say on this.




loads of links ..

If you can spoof a UK IP address

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dawn-porter-extreme-wife/4od#2918288

..and YES this is about Odessa and AFA.








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Offline Vinnvinny

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2009, 02:57:42 PM »
I believe Vinny might have something to say on this.

Thanks ‘Dad’ (you might have to do some research on that).    ;D

Telegram Sam: If it was your first trip to the FSU I would say go for it. Don’t expect to find a wife, keep your money in your pocket but get on the plane and look at it as an educational holiday.

But …. I notice you have been to Ukraine 4 times previously including an Anastasia tour. With that in mind I think the only thing I can say to you is “WHY”???


Offline Manny

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2009, 03:09:35 PM »
I have been gathering a lot of information and reading, I even purchased a copy of the “Russian Bride Guide” it is a wonderful book with a lot of great information in it. I am half way through it.

You will find my view on tours and socials on pages 71-73.

Quote from: Vinny
Don’t expect to find a wife, keep your money in your pocket but get on the plane and look at it as an educational holiday.

Good advice.

We had a topic about the programme Moby mentioned. You can find it here: Dawn Porter: Mail Order Bride
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Putin often threatens to strike US with nuclear weapons.

Offline Telegram Sam

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2009, 02:26:52 PM »

Hello Gents!

  Many Thanks to those who have replied to my latest post.

     I have viewed some of the links that you have sent me and now I am feeling ill. My Good Lord whatever possessed me to sign up for such a tour???? 

 Please excuse me a minute while I reach for my bottle of Tums?  :sick0012:

     How I wish that I could back out now and not lose much of my money that I donated to the pockets of Mr. Adams…  I think that one of my options would be to defer my trip and perhaps choose another future trip. I know that they are planning a trip to St. Pete in October but what good will this do! I still have to deal with them.

     Well I am committed to this company because I have paid for the entire trip in cash full. No check? I try to pay everything in cash because I still think that this is still the best way to do business in America. I do say this with a big smile on my face… Chuckle!  :P

        On a brighter note. I joined “Luckylovers.net” recently and have received many replies from some good ladies that seem interested in me! I have received a letter from a lady that lives in Kherson and she fits all of my criteria that I am seeking in a lady. I responded back and we began a nice correspondence. I was open and honest with her and told her that I will be traveling to Kherson (her home city) in September and that if she would like to meet that we will have the opportunity to do so.  The response I got to her was not too friendly to say the least.
 
     Here is an excerpt from her email:

    She wrote:  For 6 years I worked as a casier at the casino in kherson, the one that was situated in the best hotel of Kherson and of course, of course I saw all the meetings (so called socialising) the dating company arranged for its customers.(men from the USa and europe and local girls)...It is awful, it is miserable, it is so durty and ...sad. 6 old , sometimes disabled men surropunded by hundreds of young beauties of 18-24....These men feel like kings...They choose...they choose girls like chickens at the market....like hourses , like negrous during slave market-Do you speak english? Education? children? ...)
Yes, Odessa(several meetings), Nickolayev and Kherson-the capital of brides..)
To tell the truth I do not think that it is possible to meet true love taking part in 42 km maraphones...Having short meeting for 10 minutes with girls and forgetting their names all the time. Yes, it is an unforgattanble adventure. It is much better than fishing.It is so gambling...for men. What do women think of all these meetings?
Nobody cares. It's fun!  ???

    Sortry, I write the truth and it is not always pleasant.Of course, you can write-sorry, I am going on business...but I know-there is no business here...
You can write-I did not know that! I thought it would be a nice trip around the cities looking for sighseeings...But in this case the route is the worst possible...
You can write...
It does not matter what-of course I would be glad to meet you, even if I am number 43 in your list. I know you will be very short of time as there are so many of us....
Ready to cry...
Life is cruel!

     Gentlemen, has anyone visited Kherson? What is this city like?  What do you think would be a fair price to pay an hourly wage for interpretation services? In case I will need one.

    Have a wonderful Holiday!
       Sam

Offline msmoby

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2009, 03:07:43 PM »
Hi TSam

It seems you've encountered a lady...  who "bounces" any "romeo" who announced he would be "in the area" ...

"Different strokes for different folks",  of course.. but *I* reckon you should use this trip to learn a lot about one part of the FSU - treat it like a holiday and enjoy meeting ladies.

Try to lean a little Russian - esp the alphabet - and you'll suddenly recognise many words ;) It LOOKS hard, but when you are their...

If you liked this lady from Kherson - be sure to tell her that she opened your eyes,  and try to convince her to meet you.. but for GAWD'S sake don't invite her anywhere near the tour guys / gals..

You might meet someone on the tour you trust to translate, or ask Manny's wife to "save your bacon" ;)

My advice is to find a lady who CAN speak English, without the need for an interpretor..  the scope for misunderstanding can be HUGE !

Good Luck

 



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Offline Telegram Sam

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2009, 01:32:54 PM »

Hello All!


    I am already packed and ready to leave NYC for my trip to the FSU on Wednesday !!!!!!

Isn't anyone here going to at least wish me Good Luck?  Where are my friends? I feel am feeling hurt right now.


       Udachi Vam!

    Sam  :party0011:

Offline msmoby

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2009, 01:41:05 PM »
Dear TS

I'm just back after a short hol with Mrs Moby,and the first thing I'm doing is wishing you "luck" .. I have a feeling you are going to NEED it.. but would LOVE to be proved wrong ;)
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Offline sparky114

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2009, 02:11:37 PM »
Well i am going  to wish you luck Sam, I hope when you get back and you are not to brainwashed that you write a report to tell us all about it.

Just remember you are your own person and do not have to participate if you choose not too, you might just use it to further your knowledge.

Good luck

Mark
Today is only one day in a life of happiness

Mark

Online 2tallbill

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2009, 06:38:47 PM »

Hello All!


    I am already packed and ready to leave NYC for my trip to the FSU on Wednesday !!!!!!

Isn't anyone here going to at least wish me Good Luck?  Where are my friends? I feel am feeling hurt right now.


       Udachi Vam!

    Sam  :party0011:

SchastlIvogo puti

Udachi !

Bill
FSUW are not for entry level daters. FSUW don't do vague FSUW like a man of action so be a man of action  If you find a promising girl, get your butt on a plane. There are a hundred ways to be successful and a thousand ways to f#ck it up
Kiss the girl, don't ask her first.
Get an apartment not a hotel. DON'T recycle girls

Offline Donhollio

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #10 on: September 14, 2009, 06:59:38 PM »
 Sam, Odessa is a great city !  :party0011:  I love it there, the sea, bike trails, night life, Pan Pizza, even eating on the McPatio's and sharing a few fries with those little Sparrows :-*
They are way more friendly in Odessa then any other part of UA( Sparrows).  I've spent months there, made some friends along the way and even went for a first ever horse ride. It's amazing what a sexy UA babe can make ya do  :)

 You will of missed the tourist season, but the weather is still good ( the velvet season)  is still a great time in Odessa. See the outdoor sites, take in a few museums, ( avoid the wax one, it's really armature ) If you have a special girl offer to take her to the dolphin show if it's still running , it's been 3 years since I was last there so it may not be running still.

 Most of all enjoy your time, DON'T  let the girls spend your money. It's your money YOU spend it as you wish. Don't let them suggest a sushi place for a first date. You'll know when the girl likes you, one very good sign is when it comes to you having to pay for something she will check over the restaurant tab. Haggle for a cab , or make you walk alittle further to save a few UAH. She doesn't have to tick all those points, but having a general interest in keeping your money from being fleeced, is always a good sign.

 Good luck and enjoy the trip, and please come back to fill us all in.

Offline msmoby

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2009, 02:53:48 AM »
Don's post is far more positive, then mine, on reflection, and as with Mark( Sparky114)  - gives you fine advice...
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Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2009, 09:00:03 AM »
Have a fun trip!

Offline Telegram Sam

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #13 on: September 15, 2009, 04:45:22 PM »
Hello!

    Thank you gentlemen for your posts and advice. I appreciate hearing from you! I am feeling more nervous as time gets closer for me to board the big jet in NYC tomorrow. I am trying to remain calm and make the best of my time in Odessa.

    Don, I appreciate your reply and for it to be on a more upbeat note! I agree with you that Odessa is a great city with lots of sights to see. I really had a wonderful time when I was there in July. This must be their autumn season right now so I hope to have some nice weather.

   As for the socials I will try to make some good contacts and hopefully meet some nice ladies.

   Talk to you when I return and I hope to have some good news to share with you all!

   Sam :travel:

Offline Manny

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #14 on: September 16, 2009, 03:55:09 AM »
Take some photos of "potential couples" or maybe just general folks on the AFA tour. They will make wonderful conversation fodder on your return.

Be sure to clue the guys you meet in to this site as well.  :nod:

Good luck.
Read a trip report from North Korea >>here<< - Read a trip report from South Korea, China and Hong Kong >>here<<

Look what the American media makes some people believe:
Putin often threatens to strike US with nuclear weapons.

Offline Donhollio

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #15 on: October 10, 2009, 08:16:27 AM »
 Sam's been gone awhile.  I hope to find out how his trip went , until then. :coffeeread:

Online andrewfi

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #16 on: October 10, 2009, 01:07:42 PM »
He is probably engaged already.
...everything ends always well; if it’s still bad, then it’s not the end!

Offline JoeUSA

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #17 on: October 24, 2009, 05:25:13 AM »
Sam where are you?  I'm interested to hear about your trip!!!  Shouldn't you have been back  a couple weeks ago?  Let us know how your trip was.

Offline msmoby

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #18 on: January 28, 2010, 12:47:23 AM »
Hello TSam!

I was wondeing if you are alive  :chuckle:

So I checked your profile and you logged in on the 16th of Jan 2010..

We'd be genuinely interested to know how you got on.

Mark
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Online 2tallbill

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2010, 03:40:00 PM »
Sam where are you?  I'm interested to hear about your trip!!!  Shouldn't you have been back  a couple weeks ago?  Let us know how your trip was.

Joe, didn't you have a plan too? Did it get delayed?

Udachi

Bill
FSUW are not for entry level daters. FSUW don't do vague FSUW like a man of action so be a man of action  If you find a promising girl, get your butt on a plane. There are a hundred ways to be successful and a thousand ways to f#ck it up
Kiss the girl, don't ask her first.
Get an apartment not a hotel. DON'T recycle girls

Offline Bruce Lee

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2010, 07:41:03 AM »
Sam's been gone awhile.  I hope to find out how his trip went , until then. :coffeeread:
Maybe he got lost in the same place as "Norwegian"? They disappeared around about the same time, 2nd week in January!!! SPOOKY!!!
If you get a minute check out Bruce's TR - Its not quite finished, however its still a pretty good read IMHO.

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Offline TomT

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2010, 12:27:06 PM »
I cannot help but feel that he should have focussed on the woman from Kherson, rather than on the tour.

Offline Vinnvinny

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2010, 12:41:08 PM »
Well at least Bobby's alright, Bobby's alright.

Offline Telegram Sam

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #23 on: February 08, 2010, 01:04:56 PM »


     Hello friends and Happy New Year to all!  I want to apologize for my long silence and I realize that I have been away from this forum for a long time.

     It has been many months since my last trip to Odessa Ukraine and I began to prepare a “Trip Report” when I returned home, although mid way through I became discouraged and just tossed it aside!  As you may remember, I went on a tour during the month of September 2009 with the AFA organization. I can give you a short scenario of how my trip went but I will not get into any lengthy trip reports.

    The flights to and from our destination was smooth and uneventful. There were a total of 35 men travelling with me and they came from all areas mostly from the USA, few fellows were from Canada, one gentleman from New Zealand and one gent from Switzerland that joined us afterwards when we landed in Vienna. These men came from all walks of life. Three men were MD doctors, a few engineers, two were truck drivers, and we actually had one fellow that claimed to be a professional gambler. So you see we had a good mix of guys! To say a few words about them most of them were older men, nothing shocking because we all know that these tours consist mainly of older men. Most of them were very kind and nice but there are always a few in the bunch that are just plain eccentric to put it in a nice way…

    Day One we were greeted upon our arrival at Odessa airport by the AFA staff and we were taken to our Hotel which served as home base for us for the next 11 days. The first day we were all tired from the long flights and from lack of sleep. Later in the evening AFA held an orientation meeting which provided us an opportunity to get to know the other men from our tour and also to meet all the staff and the lovely interpreters which worked at the socials. This meeting is actually a good thing for anyone who was traveling for the first time as it gives the individuals some idea on how these tours are set-up.

    Day Two we had our first and only social in Odessa which was held in a banquet hall. It was pretty nice event but I felt that AFA could have chosen a nicer place. The hall had a coldness about it and it did not feel romantic. The lighting was too bright! When I asked one of the staff members why they could not dim the lights they responded that it was so that the men can see the ladies better! He!  Anyway, there were about 150 women that attended the social; many of them were very young, too young for most of the guys in our group. I met a few women, I wrote down their information and I dated a Doctor from Odessa. She was an older lady 39 years old a good age for a 53 year old guy like me but I felt that she was just out of my league because of her profession. I did not feel comfortable in her presence but regardless, I think we did have a nice afternoon together!

   Our next destination city was Nikolayev this was my first time that I have visited this lovely city! I liked this city very much! The social was held in a discothèque and the mood was set properly, a comfortable venue, good lighting and it felt romantic unlike Odessa’s banquet hall. The music played at a comfortable listening level which was very surprising for a disco. I met a good number of very lovely ladies and had a lot of fun dancing the evening away. I met a lady at this social named Sveta and we went on a few dates together! I felt comfortable being with her but I just did not feel that she was serious enough in her intentions to meet a westerner. I think that she was just out to have a nice evening IMHO. I could be wrong! I do speak a fair share of Russian so the other guys on my tour hounded me to do some interpretations for them and their ladies. I didn’t mind doing it but I was there for a purpose and that was to meet a possible future partner.

    After our second day in Nikolayev we were off to our third and final destination city of Kherson. The “City of Brides” as it is referred to by many of the locals. We stayed in a very lovely Hotel named the “Frigat Hotel” a large hotel and very modern looking for a soviet style hotel IMO. The next evening we had our 3rd and final social a nice hall and a nice event very well planned. There was a good turnout of ladies there, kind of hard to place a number estimate but my guess would be around 150 ladies. I wrote a lady a few weeks prior to my trip to the Ukraine and I told her that I would be visiting her home city. She was very glad to hear that I was traveling to Kherson where she lives but she was not pleased that I was traveling with a tour group and she seemed to know all about these socials and what goes on at these events. Regardless, she told me that she would be pleased to meet me even though that she would be number 43 on my list. This lady’s name was Natalia and she was happy to show me around her city. The fall weather was delightful and no threat of rain ever. We visited a nice museum in Kherson, walked and walked like there was no tomorrow. We had some great dinners together and she did not bring me to the most expensive places in town. Our time together was so short and 2 days went by very quickly then it was time to board our ride and head back on our long journey to Odessa!

     The 11 days flew by so quickly so I knew that I had to try to make the best use of my time. In Summary:  AFA works hard and tries to please all of the men on the tour but most of us can agree that these tours have their flaws. The staff members especially a young man named Max which works for AFA does a wonderful job acting as an Interpreter, Host and City Tour Guide. This man is a wiz when it comes to knowing the history of Odessa and he knows all of the hot spots of interest to show the tour participants. I cannot say enough nice things about Max he is a very kind and friendly gentleman. AFA hit a jackpot hiring him!  As far as me meeting my future Mrs Sam it just did not happen! Not even close!  I am not sorry that I went on a tour with AFA, it did cost a lot of money but it was money that I was able to afford to spend. I don’t know if I will ever do this socials thing again, it does work for some men but it does not work for everyone. I don’t think that it is geared up to be successful for everyone on their first trip because, let’s face the facts AFA is a big business and they want the men to come back, again and again.

     I was disappointed but I loved my time in Odessa and the other cities I visited. It was a great Holiday for me! Ukraine has this beautiful aura about all of their cities. I often think that perhaps I should end my search for a lady in the FSU and that this quest is not for me. I wake up in a new day and rethink things over and say that I should continue on! I enjoy Slavic women and everything about them and I agree that they are some of the most beautiful women in the world! I don’t know what my next step should be but as we approach a new decade the possibilities maybe endless.

    Happy New Year!
       Sam
     

Offline kievstar

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Re: Going to Odessa! Not Again?
« Reply #24 on: February 08, 2010, 02:12:54 PM »
Sam thanks for the input.  Did any of the 35 men from your trip get engaged that you know of?  Was curious how others did.