My Experience Dating a Russian Woman

[mitspilot]

A few months ago I posted a question about getting a visa to Russia from the US and I was shocked that I had been reading this forum for over 10 years.

I have read a lot of the messages here and most of the trip reports and train wreck stories. They were and are highly entertaining.

I’ve seen, through the messages posted here, the dating landscape change dramatically over those 10 years.

I was stuck in an unhappy marriage for most of those 10 years and about 10 months ago, my divorce became final. I was married for 35 years. I am 62.

I was a member of several RUW dating sites on and off during the past 5 years, but I was careful to not engage. If someone contacted me, I might answer them once, but while I was married, I didn’t want to allow any conversation to develop. I was only interested in seeing what was out there in the age range I was interested in.

Make no mistake, the fact that I was a member of multiple dating sites, while I was married, was wrong. I was very unhappy, but that is no excuse.

After my divorce was final, I started reaching out to a few ladies that I had identified on some of the sites. I was looking in the age range of 45-55.

Having read all the trip reports here, I’ve developed a bit of a radar for insincere ladies. I’m a decent looking guy and have attracted some good looking ladies in the US, but I’m no model. When a drop dead gorgeous woman contacts me showing strong interest, I am very skeptical. So far, I’ve been able to avoid creating a story worthy of the train wreck forums.

I have never sent $$ to any woman and would never do so. That is a big red flag and if something like that were to happen, I would decline and disengage.

The past several months, I’ve been exclusively corresponding and seeing a 48 year old woman from Moscow. We’ve met in Greece and in the Dominican Republic.

She evidently likes me because she continues to correspond and shows a strong interest. I know that a lot of women in FSU can’t afford to travel, but I am fortunate that my girl is able to pay her own way which she has. She has paid her own tickets and has even spent her $$ on groceries and other expenses when we meet. I pay my way and the Airbnb and the rest of the expenses. I figure that if she is spending her own $$, her interests are genuine. Her actions demonstrate sincerity, as well.

Most recently, I visited her in Moscow. I flew there a couple days before New Years and stayed for 13 days. I rented an Airbnb near my girl’s flat.

It was very enjoyable. The weather was pretty dreary, but that is to be expected this time of year. I was taken aback by the beauty of Downtown Moscow and Red Square. It was incredible.

I was also taken aback by how friendly the people of Russia are. My girl and I went her friend’s flat after midnight New Years and we had a great time. It didn’t matter that I didn’t speak Russian and they didn’t speak English. Fortunately, my girl is an English teacher and was able to translate.

One particularly enjoyable incident happened when we took her father back to his flat after celebrating her mother’s birthday. Her parents are divorced, but her father joined us for the celebration. My girl and I drove him to his flat and he invited us in. I had some work to do, so I sequestered myself away from everybody else to work, while they visited. Her father was hungry so he cooked some dinner, even though we had eaten just a couple hours earlier.

He insisted that I eat his food and I did. It was quite tasty. Then, he got his guitar out and sang a couple Russian songs for me. It was so awesome! He doesn’t speak any English but he was very intent on showing me a good time. I felt very welcome.

Our next task is to get her a Visa to visit the U.S. I am aware that the US Embassies in Russia aren’t scheduling appointments or issuing Visas. Our plan is to meet in Hong Kong and apply for a Visa there.

If anyone has any advice on getting a U.S. tourist Visa during these crazy times, I am eager to hear.

Thanks to all that have preceded me, especially those who have shared their stories.

[Guile]

Nice story. I wouldn't meet in Hong Kong right now. 14 day quarantine for anyone entering.

Maybe a European country with a US embassy.  I have a Russian friend who will go to Eastern europe to apply for a US Visa...

[mitspilot]

Nice story. I wouldn't meet in Hong Kong right now. 14 day quarantine for anyone entering.

Maybe a European country with a US embassy.  I have a Russian friend who will go to Eastern europe to apply for a US Visa...

That must be why the waiting times in Hong Kong are so short. Thanks.

Eastern European countries with short waiting times include Latvia, Slovenia and Lithuania. Do you think any of those will work?

Does your friend do it as a service?

[AvHdB]

. . . I was taken aback by the beauty of Downtown Moscow and Red Square. It was incredible.

I was also taken aback by how friendly the people of Russia are. My girl and I went her friend’s flat after midnight New Years and we had a great time. It didn’t matter that I didn’t speak Russian and they didn’t speak English. Fortunately, my girl is an English teacher and was able to translate.

One particularly enjoyable incident happened when we took her father back to his flat after celebrating her mother’s birthday. Her parents are divorced, but her father joined us for the celebration. My girl and I drove him to his flat and he invited us in. I had some work to do, so I sequestered myself away from everybody else to work, while they visited. Her father was hungry so he cooked some dinner, even though we had eaten just a couple hours earlier.

He insisted that I eat his food and I did. It was quite tasty. Then, he got his guitar out and sang a couple Russian songs for me. It was so awesome! He doesn’t speak any English but he was very intent on showing me a good time. I felt very welcome.

Our next task is to get her a Visa to visit the U.S. I am aware that the US Embassies in Russia aren’t scheduling appointments or issuing Visas. Our plan is to meet in Hong Kong and apply for a Visa there.

If anyone has any advice on getting a U.S. tourist Visa during these crazy times, I am eager to hear.

Thank you for your story.

I have noted before that if you got the average Ivan together with the average Joe from their respective countries, they have a lot more in common than most people assume. If we could get rid of the politicians the world would be a better place.

As for the visa I tend to doubt a Russian national will be able to apply in a foreign country for a US tourist visa. I would explore an education visa based on the fact that she speaks and teaches English in Russia. I would research a reputable visa agency to assist you, again in Russia. Perhaps the member Steveboy can assist you with a contact.

[2tallbill]

The past several months, I’ve been exclusively corresponding and seeing a 48 year old woman from Moscow. We’ve met in Greece and in the Dominican Republic.

Most recently, I visited her in Moscow. I flew there a couple days before New Years and stayed for 13 days. I rented an Airbnb near my girl’s flat.


If anyone has any advice on getting a U.S. tourist Visa during these crazy times, I am eager to hear.

Thanks to all that have preceded me, especially those who have shared their stories.

She had a Schengen visa?

I got Angel Eyes and Smiley Girl a Schengen visa first, they both went to Spain
and got passports stamped. Then Angel Eyes used a Russian agency to get a Visa
to USA, I had to give her money to put into her account. I don't remember how
much maybe $5K. 

Angel Eyes received her American visa and she came to visit me, leaving Smiley
Girl in Russia. Then I had Smiley girl apply for a Visa and both of them came
to visit me.

It was an involved process. I visited Angel Eyes in Russia several times during this
as well.

I would advise sending your RW to an international travel agency in Russia to see what
they have to say.

Udachi!

Bill

[mitspilot]

She had a Schengen visa?

I got Angel Eyes and Smiley Girl a Schengen visa first, they both went to Spain
and got passports stamped. Then Angel Eyes used a Russian agency to get a Visa
to USA, I had to give her money to put into her account. I don't remember how
much maybe $5K. 

Angel Eyes received her American visa and she came to visit me, leaving Smiley
Girl in Russia. Then I had Smiley girl apply for a Visa and both of them came
to visit me.

It was an involved process. I visited Angel Eyes in Russia several times during this
as well.

I would advise sending your RW to an international travel agency in Russia to see what
they have to say.

Udachi!

Bill

Thanks, Bill. She does not have a Schengen Visa.

According to the US Embassy in Russia official website, "Russian nationals may continue applying for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. embassy or consulate where they can obtain an appointment"

https://ru.usembassy.gov/visas/

Seeing it in writing and getting it done are two different things. Since Hong Kong is not currently an option, we may end up meeting in Warsaw. The negative is she has to get a Visa to visit Poland.

I'll also check into getting assistance from a travel agency.

If anyone has any other suggestions how to secure a visa for my lady, please share.

[mitspilot]

Thank you for your story.

I have noted before that if you got the average Ivan together with the average Joe from their respective countries, they have a lot more in common than most people assume. If we could get rid of the politicians the world would be a better place.

As for the visa I tend to doubt a Russian national will be able to apply in a foreign country for a US tourist visa. I would explore an education visa based on the fact that she speaks and teaches English in Russia. I would research a reputable visa agency to assist you, again in Russia. Perhaps the member Steveboy can assist you with a contact.

Thank you for your advice. I agree that politicians are the problem and not the average man on the street. Both here and in Russia.

Interesting idea pursuing the education visa. I'll look into that. Thanks.

[Manny]

She does not have a Schengen Visa.

She had one for Greece. Has it run out? If it hasn't, she can go to Poland on it.

Good story. Makes a change to read of someone doing it sensibly. 

[2tallbill]

Thanks, Bill. She does not have a Schengen Visa.

According to the US Embassy in Russia official website, "Russian nationals may continue applying for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. embassy or consulate where they can obtain an appointment"

https://ru.usembassy.gov/visas/

Seeing it in writing and getting it done are two different things. Since Hong Kong is not currently an option, we may end up meeting in Warsaw. The negative is she has to get a Visa to visit Poland.

I'll also check into getting assistance from a travel agency.

If anyone has any other suggestions how to secure a visa for my lady, please share.

Greece (so is Poland) is a Shengen visa country, so I incorrectly assumed that you went 
that route. A Shengen visa is like the junior varsity of tourist visa's. I would go for that
next. A stamped Shengen visa adds credibility to your RW's US tourist Visa application
multiple stamps even more so. 

Get a Shengen visa and have her make 2 or 3 shorty weekend trips. THEN apply for a
US Visa. The more she looks like an international tourist, the more likely the US will
treat her like one.

Also remember the banking history part of this. Put $3-5K in her account and add to it
each month. Having a documented history of owning the financial resources necessary
for international tourism is important as well.

 

[mitspilot]

Thanks, Bill. She does not have a Schengen Visa.

According to the US Embassy in Russia official website, "Russian nationals may continue applying for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. embassy or consulate where they can obtain an appointment"

https://ru.usembassy.gov/visas/

Seeing it in writing and getting it done are two different things. Since Hong Kong is not currently an option, we may end up meeting in Warsaw. The negative is she has to get a Visa to visit Poland.

I'll also check into getting assistance from a travel agency.

If anyone has any other suggestions how to secure a visa for my lady, please share.

Greece (so is Poland) is a Shengen visa country, so I incorrectly assumed that you went 
that route. A Shengen visa is like the junior varsity of tourist visa's. I would go for that
next. A stamped Shengen visa adds credibility to your RW's US tourist Visa application
multiple stamps even more so. 

Get a Shengen visa and have her make 2 or 3 shorty weekend trips. THEN apply for a
US Visa. The more she looks like an international tourist, the more likely the US will
treat her like one.

Also remember the banking history part of this. Put $3-5K in her account and add to it
each month. Having a documented history of owning the financial resources necessary
for international tourism is important as well.

I found out her visa to Greece was a Schengen visa, but it was valid for only 3 months.

In the past 8 months she has traveled to meet me in Greece (4 days) and the Dominican Republic (12 days). Hopefully that will help her chances of getting approved for a visa. Does it help if I'm there with her in the interview? I plan to meet her in Warsaw as that appears to be the embassy currently designated to process Russian visa applications.

Keep the advice and suggestions coming!

[2tallbill]

I found out her visa to Greece was a Schengen visa, but it was valid for only 3 months.

In the past 8 months she has traveled to meet me in Greece (4 days) and the Dominican Republic (12 days). Hopefully that will help her chances of getting approved for a visa. Does it help if I'm there with her in the interview? I plan to meet her in Warsaw as that appears to be the embassy currently designated to process Russian visa applications.

Keep the advice and suggestions coming!

What she wants to show is that she will travel as a tourist to first world countries and return
home as she is supposed to. The Dominican Republic doesn't count, but Greece does. Belgium 
or France would count more with their higher wages and economic aid given out to people who
don't work or produce anything for their society.

[Danchik]

Keep the advice and suggestions coming!

Yes, Warsaw is by far the best place to go now. The embassies in Russia have just started taking interview requests, but you're looking at months before they actually start to interview anyone.

Also, getting a Shengen visa is a piece of cake for anyone this side of the homeless. IOW, she shouldn't have a problem and there are places all over Moscow that can help her if need be, even though she can most likely handle it herself.

[Danchik]

Most recently, I visited her in Moscow. I flew there a couple days before New Years and stayed for 13 days. I rented an Airbnb near my girl’s flat.

It was very enjoyable. The weather was pretty dreary, but that is to be expected this time of year. I was taken aback by the beauty of Downtown Moscow and Red Square. It was incredible.

I was also taken aback by how friendly the people of Russia are.

Moscow has undergone many changes since Sobyanin took over the mayor's office. One being an complete renovation of the city that is still currently happening.

I also mentioned in another thread the changes in rules and regulations in Moscow/Russia and the mentality. A new generation that has no real life experience with old Soviet way other than stories from their parents/grandparents has taken over.

Living here is much different than when I first arrived, and much different even in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, many people's views of Russia still remain in the 20th century.

[2tallbill]

Moscow has undergone many changes since Sobyanin took over the mayor's office. One being an complete renovation of the city that is still currently happening.

I also mentioned in another thread the changes in rules and regulations in Moscow/Russia and the mentality. A new generation that has no real life experience with old Soviet way other than stories from their parents/grandparents has taken over.

Living here is much different than when I first arrived, and much different even in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, many people's views of Russia still remain in the 20th century.

Why don't you start a thread or post a link to an existing thread to where this conversation
takes place? I think it would best to start a thread rather than have an up to date topical
subject buried someplace else.

Udachi!

Bill

[Contrarian]

Most recently, I visited her in Moscow. I flew there a couple days before New Years and stayed for 13 days. I rented an Airbnb near my girl’s flat.

It was very enjoyable. The weather was pretty dreary, but that is to be expected this time of year. I was taken aback by the beauty of Downtown Moscow and Red Square. It was incredible.

I was also taken aback by how friendly the people of Russia are.

Moscow has undergone many changes since Sobyanin took over the mayor's office. One being an complete renovation of the city that is still currently happening.

I also mentioned in another thread the changes in rules and regulations in Moscow/Russia and the mentality. A new generation that has no real life experience with old Soviet way other than stories from their parents/grandparents has taken over.

Living here is much different than when I first arrived, and much different even in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, many people's views of Russia still remain in the 20th century.

Hi Danchik,

Good to see you post something. I for one would love to see some new photos of Moscow, if you ever have some time to take them.....

[mitspilot]

Pictures from my recent trip to Moscow.  The C.C.C.P. was the health club where we worked out.

[mitspilot]

More pics...

[mitspilot]

More pics...

[mitspilot]

Last ones... Last picture here was the view from the Airbnb in Khimki. It was very nice.

[Contrarian]

mitspilot,

Great photos! Thank you very much for sharing. 

[justadude]

Can you briefly outline what you did to get a Russian visa?

[Manny]

Does it help if I'm there with her in the interview? I plan to meet her in Warsaw as that appears to be the embassy currently designated to process Russian visa applications.

When my wife once applied for a US tourist visa, they wouldn't let me in.

I'd suggest if she wanted a tourist visa, you should not be in the frame at all. See what others think. There is an aged topic here on this too.

[2tallbill]

Does it help if I'm there with her in the interview? I plan to meet her in Warsaw as that appears to be the embassy currently designated to process Russian visa applications.

Your name should never be spoken if she is applying for a tourist visa.