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Author Topic: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?  (Read 6434 times)

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Offline AKA Luke

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Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« on: April 13, 2015, 10:59:51 PM »
Been talking to a lady from said city, booked my flights to go see her in 2 months time.

What are your experiences of this city? I've seen that there is plenty to do there and lots of restaurants.Any recommendations?

My lady is insistent on organising everything for me, is this normal? I think she is really worried ill get eaten alive if I do things myself.
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Offline Lon

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2015, 11:22:34 PM »

  Yes, normal.

My lady is insistent on organising everything for me, is this normal? I think she is really worried ill get eaten alive if I do things myself.

Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2015, 12:09:00 AM »
Anyone used Dobovo for booking apartments?

Looking in Vinnitsa and it seems the going rate is around 4-500UAH a night. I known it's not the capital but that seems incredibly cheap?

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Offline leslied

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2015, 12:01:54 PM »
My wife is from Vinnitsa.  I have spent over a year living there over the last dozen.  It is way poorer now than it was in 2002 when I first visited...

The situation in Vinnitsa is calm at the moment, so my brother in law tells me.  It always was quite a sleepy place but several large factories have closed in recent years so under employment is high.

Try Europa for a fancy meal,  the sport bar for something more reasonable. There are several nightclubs - let your woman chose.  Vinnitsa has beautiful parks but they have become quite run down.  The Shashlik cafes in the central park are good.  Give Hitlers bunker a miss - really nothing to see.  The Pirogov museum is worth a visit.  The surrounding countryside is great but the mozzies are rampant in summer.  Take lots of repellent. The Nemirov factory is a day trip - don't try driving back :ROFL:

Vinnitsia is cheap.  I would not pay more than $200 a week for a 2 room apartment and that would be Euro Standard.  Good furniture and air conditioned.  Can't give advice on letting agencies, I let my wife book apartments through friends and it costs next to nothing.

Good luck.  I hope you have a great trip  :thumbsup:

Offline Tom Cat

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2015, 04:08:30 PM »
Anyone used Dobovo for booking apartments?

Looking in Vinnitsa and it seems the going rate is around 4-500UAH a night. I known it's not the capital but that seems incredibly cheap?

I haven't been there yet, but I'm planning on going there later this year.

Looking forward to finding out how things work out for you.  :popcorn:
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Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2015, 08:20:25 PM »
My wife is from Vinnitsa.  I have spent over a year living there over the last dozen.  It is way poorer now than it was in 2002 when I first visited...

The situation in Vinnitsa is calm at the moment, so my brother in law tells me.  It always was quite a sleepy place but several large factories have closed in recent years so under employment is high.

Try Europa for a fancy meal,  the sport bar for something more reasonable. There are several nightclubs - let your woman chose.  Vinnitsa has beautiful parks but they have become quite run down.  The Shashlik cafes in the central park are good.  Give Hitlers bunker a miss - really nothing to see.  The Pirogov museum is worth a visit.  The surrounding countryside is great but the mozzies are rampant in summer.  Take lots of repellent. The Nemirov factory is a day trip - don't try driving back :ROFL:

Vinnitsia is cheap.  I would not pay more than $200 a week for a 2 room apartment and that would be Euro Standard.  Good furniture and air conditioned.  Can't give advice on letting agencies, I let my wife book apartments through friends and it costs next to nothing.

Good luck.  I hope you have a great trip  :thumbsup:

Thanks Leslied .

Looks like the apartments I've found are charging the going rate then. She says she's going to go check on some apartments she knows of. Couldn't think of anything worse than arriving and finding there's no hot water or it stinks of damp so I'm grateful she's doing this. She's got her own contacts just like your wife so it's in her capable hands!

The local economy has got worse? That's quite surprising.

Had a look on Tripadvisor and looks like there's a few well reviewed and recommended places to eat at. Obviously in between us cooking at The apartment.

Was lòoking forward to the Hitler museum! I'm only there for 3 days so may well give it a miss.

Nightclubs, not really my thing anymore but we'll see what happens.

Thanks
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Offline leslied

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2015, 02:12:05 PM »
Hello Luke,

No hot water happens.  Simply a fact of life in Vinnitsa.  Make sure you get an apartment with a "kolonka" - water heater  If your lady is checking things out the apartment will be in good repair and well furnished.

Vinnitsa has been going down hill since the break up the soviet union.  There used to be a healthy aerospace industry but that's gone now.  Poroshenko's chocolate works is still going but at a much reduced capacity.  The tale goes on...

Remember the North East in the 70's and 80's well that is what has happened to most of Ukraine outside of Kiev and Odessa.  The people are remarkably resilient - a very admirable trait.

Have a good time.  I hope things work out for you both.

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2015, 09:28:34 AM »
In "Back to the Ukraine" I describe the city, and a number of members filled in there insights, this was about four years ago.

When searching RUA bear in mind there are a number of ways to spell the name of the city; Vinnytsia, Vinnytsya, Vinnitsa or Vinnica. The so-called Southern Bug river runs through the city, and I think once a week there is a water festival that is (maybe was) amazing. The bunkers as Leslie mentions are boring.
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Offline AKA Luke

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Change of plan, what would you do?
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2015, 01:05:45 PM »
Guys,

Due to some ongoing flakiness from this lady, I've decided to scrap my visit to Vinnitsa to see her in 3 weeks time.

I've got flights to Kiev booked, I land late Friday night and depart for the UK Monday early evening. However with no back up plan I'm not too sure if I should scrap the trip together and wave goodbye to the flights (They didn't cost much) or whether I should try and arrange meeting with another lady(s).

Obviously I don't want to be at the mercy of Kiev pro daters so I'd look to head elsewhere but which city to go to/start writing to ladies? (Naturally nearer Kiev and further from Donbass the better!)

Ukraine is massive, where to start looking? Bearing in mind I'd be on a plane in 3 weeks time and have limited time on the ground. I'm not interested in agencies or ladies who don't speak English.

 
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Offline RichyRich

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Re: Change of plan, what would you do?
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2015, 01:39:07 PM »
Guys,

Due to some ongoing flakiness from this lady, I've decided to scrap my visit to Vinnitsa to see her in 3 weeks time.

I've got flights to Kiev booked, I land late Friday night and depart for the UK Monday early evening. However with no back up plan I'm not too sure if I should scrap the trip together and wave goodbye to the flights (They didn't cost much) or whether I should try and arrange meeting with another lady(s).

Obviously I don't want to be at the mercy of Kiev pro daters so I'd look to head elsewhere but which city to go to/start writing to ladies? (Naturally nearer Kiev and further from Donbass the better!)

Ukraine is massive, where to start looking? Bearing in mind I'd be on a plane in 3 weeks time and have limited time on the ground. I'm not interested in agencies or ladies who don't speak English.
Go, you don't know what's around the corner, could be the love of your life.

Hit a club or two (if they still exist) and go from there.

Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Change of plan, what would you do?
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2015, 01:45:54 PM »
Guys,

Due to some ongoing flakiness from this lady, I've decided to scrap my visit to Vinnitsa to see her in 3 weeks time.

I've got flights to Kiev booked, I land late Friday night and depart for the UK Monday early evening. However with no back up plan I'm not too sure if I should scrap the trip together and wave goodbye to the flights (They didn't cost much) or whether I should try and arrange meeting with another lady(s).

Obviously I don't want to be at the mercy of Kiev pro daters so I'd look to head elsewhere but which city to go to/start writing to ladies? (Naturally nearer Kiev and further from Donbass the better!)

Ukraine is massive, where to start looking? Bearing in mind I'd be on a plane in 3 weeks time and have limited time on the ground. I'm not interested in agencies or ladies who don't speak English.
Go, you don't know what's around the corner, could be the love of your life.

Hit a club or two (if they still exist) and go from there.

in Kiev or in another city?
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Offline PBRstreetg

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2015, 02:41:34 PM »
AKA Luke privet
 
I would scrap this trip but if it's totally nonrefundable then go. Do what TTB (Bill) recommends for coffee meet and greets. It sounds like you'll be there very briefly.
I wouldn't expect anything solid but you can develop a foundation for further relationships and visits.
 
Good luck mate
btw I wouldn't venture out of the capital tbh, I'm sure there's still good girls there regardless of what people say. Of course UA isn't my country but I'm chiming in anyway  :laugh: :) :biggrin:
 
Luke would you be willing to describe some detail about how this lady "flaked"?
I'm sure myself and others in the quest might get some info about it. Spacibo buddy it ain't easy
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Offline TomT

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Re: Change of plan, what would you do?
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2015, 02:44:29 PM »
Due to some ongoing flakiness from this lady, I've decided to scrap my visit to Vinnitsa to see her in 3 weeks time.

They're all flaky.

Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2015, 03:16:38 PM »
AKA Luke privet
 
I would scrap this trip but if it's totally nonrefundable then go. Do what TTB (Bill) recommends for coffee meet and greets. It sounds like you'll be there very briefly.
I wouldn't expect anything solid but you can develop a foundation for further relationships and visits.
 
Good luck mate
btw I wouldn't venture out of the capital tbh, I'm sure there's still good girls there regardless of what people say. Of course UA isn't my country but I'm chiming in anyway  :laugh: :) :biggrin:
 
Luke would you be willing to describe some detail about how this lady "flaked"?
I'm sure myself and others in the quest might get some info about it. Spacibo buddy it ain't easy

The flights were under $200 so it isn't a biggie really.

Yeah I'm sure there are good girls in Kiev, hence me asking for a strategy. Ideally I don't want to spend 8 hours in a taxi each way to some remote city without a solid plan. It seems you have to travel 4 hours in any direction from Kiev to get anywhere sizable (My conclusion from looking at google maps, correct me if I'm mistaken). 

I won't go into details on the board as no doubt it'll become forum fodder, however I told her tonight I will not be visiting and that I wish her luck, no response whatsoever so obviously I made the right decision.


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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #14 on: May 24, 2015, 01:47:57 AM »
I was a number of years ago in Vinnitsa and describe my impressions on this thread.

http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=15856.0

I am confident you can find "good" as well as "bad" girls where ever you live or further afield if you are so inclined. In about two hours via taxi you can be in Zhytomyr and in three hours you can be in Rivne from Boryspil. Sumy/Poltava is because of the roads between three to four hours.

Many women until you spend serious time with them will come across as "flaky", they will not understand your intentions and you will not understand there wishes.
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Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #15 on: May 24, 2015, 04:01:36 AM »
Many women until you spend serious time with them will come across as "flaky", they will not understand your intentions and you will not understand there wishes.

That is a very fair comment Av.

Whatever her reasons maybe, I'm not happy with weekly communication and I'm not prepared to listen to BS excuses as to why it is so. It started off we were communicating daily and recently just weekly on her part - I wouldn't tolerate that domestically so needless to say.......

Sometimes you get a gut feeling something isn't right, someone is saying one thing yet doing another.

As I said I don't want to go into intricate details, it's pointless as I wish her the best and don't have any bad feelings towards her. She's the reason I've booked the flight so if I have a great time I owe to her.

I know a girl from Mariupol (We're friends on VK and chat every so often) and she randomly got in contact yesterday to tell me she is now living in Kiev as of this week - how bizarre!

So I've decided to take advice from Sparky and go anyway. :plane: I'm already planning some gun shooting and sight seeing around Kiev and meeting the lovely Yulya at some point who's also new to the city.

I've just joined Mamba, I'm sure I can easily enough find some ladies to meet for coffee or walking the city parks with (or firing some AK47's if they wish) who speak English.

Full TR coming!




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Offline sparky114

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #16 on: May 25, 2015, 01:35:13 AM »
Good Luck Luke :)
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Offline leslied

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #17 on: May 25, 2015, 06:02:36 AM »
Hello Luke,

ALWAYS listen to your gut feelings.  Guys expend far too much effort on doubtful women.  Believe me, If she wants to make it happen, you will be left with no doubts.

If I were you I would contact a couple of agencies in Kiev.  Organize some blind dates.  Stay clear of top 20 women, they are nearly all "Good Time Girls" and your role is the "wallet on legs"  :ROFL:

You know you meet people when you least expect it.  Keep an open mind, have a good time and tell us what happened!

Offline AKA Luke

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #18 on: May 25, 2015, 06:33:06 AM »
Hello Luke,

ALWAYS listen to your gut feelings.  Guys expend far too much effort on doubtful women.  Believe me, If she wants to make it happen, you will be left with no doubts.

Agreed. NEXT!!!!


If I were you I would contact a couple of agencies in Kiev.  Organize some blind dates.  Stay clear of top 20 women, they are nearly all "Good Time Girls" and your role is the "wallet on legs"  :ROFL:

You know you meet people when you least expect it.  Keep an open mind, have a good time and tell us what happened!

I'm keen to stay away from Agencies really and potentially any girls who are used to a different Western date every week. I've got a few contacts already and going to arrange a few coffee dates and see who I meet on my travels.

Like you say, you meet people when you least expect it.
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Offline AKA Luke

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Kiev - what to do and what to avoid?
« Reply #19 on: May 31, 2015, 01:42:25 PM »
So,

As I'm now heading to Kiev in less than 2 weeks time has anybody got any recommendations and where to go, what to do, places to eat and socialise?

Can't wait to try Ukrainian foods and meet the Women of Kiev!

I've decided I want to book an apartment, if anybody has any recommendations I'd be grateful.
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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #20 on: May 31, 2015, 04:19:18 PM »
For coffee meetings there are two maybe three Kafka's good Java and laid back atmosphere. There is also the Ukraine eatery it is somewhat pricey for the what it serves on T. Shevchenko park, one end is the Red University the other side has the two principal museums of Kiev bordering it. In the middle is a place for food lunch to dinner called Opnas, I think. Also in the park is a place for smalls that they can play on a mini park, ride a pony or electric car. Another place to eat is on the end of Kreshastik around the corner from TGIF a Soviet style place good quality and fair prices.


If you are into art and culture see the two museums. They have more than just a few masterpieces.

For lunch or dinner there are two places called Vernisage, arty but not over the top pricey. But they can be noisy as it attracks a local Ukraine crowd.

I tend to doubt that there are as many foreigners staying around the Maidan or along Kreshatik as before but I would avoid these area's as lodging. Instead try to find a place in Perchesk, about a 20 minute walk to the Maidan.   
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Offline MBS01

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #21 on: June 01, 2015, 03:47:24 PM »
Hi: We just returned a few days ago from 8 days with the family in Dnepr., Ukraine, but flew in and out of Kiev (Borispol).  In Kiev we used to stay at the apartments provided by "Kievhotelservice" and sometimes stayed at the Hotel Alexandraya a stop or so past the Railway Station and past the Technical University.

If you contact ladies remember most can take the train to Kiev to visit for a day without difficulty.  Some parts like Dnepr. have twice daily high speed trains plus the normal nightly sleeping trains.  So quite simple for most to meet up with you wherever they are from.

If you need on the ground help consider contacting "Pavel" who has been used by others here for various needs while in the Kiev area.  We have met him ourselves in the past just to say hello etc. while in Kiev ourselves.

There are many good coffee shops to meet up with someone for a first date.  So go enjoy yourself.  If you want a good western steak while in the city do consider "Sam's Steakhouse" with both imported beef and chefs.

Now just go and enjoy your trip!  Wes.

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Re: Anyone been to Vinnitsa before?
« Reply #22 on: June 01, 2015, 06:40:19 PM »
The majority of my recent trips to Kivy (Kiev) have been limited  :loving:

So some of my info and/or and insight is perhaps out dated. Primarily Kiev is on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

I would visit the St. Sophia Church, simply amazing. In the goverement building area the is the so-called Gorodetski House, also amazing but a bit weird. Pechersk Lavra is a most see especially if you like caves with bones. St Michaels is also amazing and a bit lower key than Pechersk.

There are two museums mentioned up thread and walking from the goverement area another art museum dedicated to Ukraine art. Not that bad.

If you need to see windmills there is less than an hour from the center Pyrohiv. It is a mini Ukraine with way to many windmills. I suspect you will miss the lilac season so that you can pass on that.

While I am not sure what is happening presently there is the Arsenaly and sometimes they have amusing exhibitions or fashion shows at times.

Like the women of Ukraine the subway system is intially intimadating it is usable - use common sense.
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Offline AKA Luke

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Advice on Kiev
« Reply #23 on: June 10, 2015, 03:10:26 PM »
The majority of my recent trips to Kivy (Kiev) have been limited  :loving:

So some of my info and/or and insight is perhaps out dated. Primarily Kiev is on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

I would visit the St. Sophia Church, simply amazing. In the goverement building area the is the so-called Gorodetski House, also amazing but a bit weird. Pechersk Lavra is a most see especially if you like caves with bones. St Michaels is also amazing and a bit lower key than Pechersk.

There are two museums mentioned up thread and walking from the goverement area another art museum dedicated to Ukraine art. Not that bad.

If you need to see windmills there is less than an hour from the center Pyrohiv. It is a mini Ukraine with way to many windmills. I suspect you will miss the lilac season so that you can pass on that.

While I am not sure what is happening presently there is the Arsenaly and sometimes they have amusing exhibitions or fashion shows at times.

Like the women of Ukraine the subway system is intially intimadating it is usable - use common sense.


Thanks AV,

Got myself a hotel in the Perchesk part of the city.


Can anyone tell me what to expect at Kiev airport? Am I likely to get some kind of a shakedown and do I need to fill in any 'on arrival visa' as I'm a UK citizen or should I just walk straight through without bother?

Also can I change GBP in Kiev city centre? I've got enough Dollars and Euros to get to the hotel but the next day I'll be changing money, obviously I'll be sure to take new unmarked crisp notes but wonder if Sterling is accepted by money exchange booths?


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Offline Chris

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Re: Advice on Kiev
« Reply #24 on: June 11, 2015, 01:32:55 AM »

Thanks AV,

Got myself a hotel in the Perchesk part of the city.


Can anyone tell me what to expect at Kiev airport? Am I likely to get some kind of a shakedown and do I need to fill in any 'on arrival visa' as I'm a UK citizen or should I just walk straight through without bother?

Luke, its another capital city, not another planet, just follow the signs and don't act daft and you will be fine, its a nice modern airport these days, you should have tried it a few years ago when it was  :sick0012:

Also can I change GBP in Kiev city centre? I've got enough Dollars and Euros to get to the hotel but the next day I'll be changing money, obviously I'll be sure to take new unmarked crisp notes but wonder if Sterling is accepted by money exchange booths?

Just take an ATM card and withdraw Grivnah via the ATM machine, (at a main bank only) If you have British bank account you won't have any problems, we have been doing it this way now for 6 or 7 years, its by far the cheapest, we never take cash these days apart from a little Grivnah left over from previous trips, unless you know the black market and change cash via it your own bank will probably give you as good a deal as any local.

PS don't change cash at the airport, the rates are usually worse than the city.
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