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Information & Chat => Adventure Stories & Travel Reports => The Train Wreck Room => Topic started by: FootballDad on July 07, 2008, 10:43:02 AM

Title: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 07, 2008, 10:43:02 AM
Note:  Trip to Kiev and St. Petersburg with my Ukraine lady-friend "N" starting July 6th and returning home July 16th.  Kiev for 3 1/2 days and St. Petersburg for 5 days.  Staying in Apartments in both places that were arranged by "N" (she paid for .. did not want my help ... at least yet!).  I paid for all airfare, including "N's" to St. Petersburg and back, and she paid for train travel from Lvov.

Pre-Curser:

It has been four months in the planning, although I met "N" thru Elena's site back in December '07.  I had been using Elena's and another site and had written about 50+/- ladies and started frequent letter writing campaigns with six ladies into January.  By Valentines Day, I had eliminated all but two (or some eliminated me  ::)) by this time and I continued to write and (about weekly) call both "A" and "N" and really learned alot during the February & March months.  During that time, I started communicating with both ladies using "Skype", and this was really a great tool in almost being there with them (for those newbies, like myself, who haven't tried this method of communication, I greatly recommend doing this with your lady-interest, if possible).  This enabled me to really see the personalities almost real-life as this is very important to me, as I am looking for a woman who can can be serious7, possible professional, but can see daily life positively and can roll with the punches with a smile  :).  I have a comical side of me that will need to find the right person, but who also enjoys theatre and sports as much as I.

As I rolled into March, I started leaning toward "N", as she is only 8 years younger than I ("A" is 14 years younger) and although both are true working professionals and highly educated (are currently in the "doctorate" (PhD) programs), "N" seemed to not only have the personality I was looking for (which for what I have read maybe unusual in Eastern Europe), but she is very athletic and sports minded and that is a big part of my life.  I think the kicker was that I sent both ladies Valentine's Cards in February, flowers in March, and a light-hearted April Fools joke on April 1st, and "N" responded much better to these than "A", and much more than I could have ever imagined.  When "N" "gave it back to me" with a joke of her own, I just knew that she was going to be the one I would chase after.

By mid-April, she was begging me to make plans to see her and I was ready to hop on a plane that month, but as she works for a University in Western Ukraine (basketball coach / fitness teacher) while finishing her doctorate, she only had a window this summer, so the dates were set by her (see above).  So I made reservations for travel (thank GOD I did, as the same flights would be $800 - $1k more now). and when I sent her confirmations and itineraries on all of our travel (besides the train from Lvov to Kiev, which she wanted to take care of (and has never asked for $$ to this day)), she was so excited that when we talked on Skype in late April, she was actually very emotional about what I had "taken a chance" with in coming to see her on her terms.  Yes, we decided that her 12 year old daughter would not accompany us and that "N" wanted to meet outside of her family, of course to make sure I am "presentable" and we can be compatible together before she attempts to introduce me to her family.  I have no issue with this and I think she is being very mature about this decision for us to meet first without family influence.

So our trip consists of Kiev when I arrive to meet her (she get's in early by train, gets the apartment settled, and then goes to airport to meet me (I hope)).  We spend until Friday in Kiev and then we fly together to St. Petersburg, where she also has an apartment rented for a 5 day stay.  She did her undergraduate schooling in St. Pete, as well as played Olympic-qualifying basketball there for a full summer, so she says she is very familar with St. Pete.  I then fly home to St. Pete via Paris on the 16th and then "N" flys directly back to Lvov.

In preparing I have hopefully done all the right things:  power converter, electronic translater, digital camera with extra SIM cards, money belt (hidden), specific for traveling ATM card (not attached to main accounts (as well as notification to bank of travel itinerary), international phone, VISA card for international purchases only, gifts for her and her daughter (even though I will not be meeting her), pictures of my home and scenery (Lake Tahoe / Reno, Nevada) and even a little Napa Wine (for her) and some good GJack Wiskey for me!! ;D

As the days wind forward to meeting "N" in Kiev and I get so excited I can barely sleep the week coming to Day 1 (I have traveled to London, Glasgow Paris & Dublin previously, but not into Eastern Europe) for the new "places" I wil be going and experiencing.  "N" is also getting excited as our daily communications become 2-3 times daily this last week going into Day 1 and this only gets my blood pumping that I can barely work.  As I sit in my office this morning writing this, I just can't wait for our meeting!!!

..... why am I in my office Monday morning, July 7th, when I was supposed to leave yesterday at 4pm? .... check the next update to find out   
 :popcorn:

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Olga_Mouse on July 07, 2008, 10:48:52 AM

..... why am I in my office Monday morning, July 7th, when I was supposed to leave yesterday at 4pm?


Maybe because you realised too late that:

1) Ukraine & Russia are now two countries apart;

2) Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, while St-Petersburg used to be Russian capital for a while;

3) US citizens do not need visas to enter Ukraine, but surely NEED VISAS to enter Russia?  ::)
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 07, 2008, 10:58:06 AM
Day 1:

Well I arrive at the Reno-Tahoe airport and as I stand in line to go on the first leg (to Salt Lake City), I see a gentleman in business dress slam his fist down on the Delta counter, and then turn to say "what, no extra planes, and everything going out of Reno is sold out today" ... well not knowing what he was upset about, about 5 minutes later he turns to the crowd in line, that is almost apexing the outside doors (because it had not moved in 15 minutes) and he said, if there is anyone going to Paris, then the SLC plane to Paris is "broke" and there is no replacing it.  By the time I got to the counter 20 minutes (or so) later, I was told that everything going out of Reno was overbooked and there was only two carriers taking people and poor "M" of Delta was doing her best to try to get me to Paris through to Kiev.  But between the travel agent's (my tickets purchased) requirements and the schedule and trying to get out of a resort-town airport on the Sunday of a 3-day holiday, I was sent home only to leave around lunch (in about 3 hours) today and be about 20 hours late.

Last night I called "N" and told her the bad news and at first I don't think she believed me ... like I was the American scammer who was breaking his promises.  After about 30 minutes of conversation (thank GOD she speaks fairly fluent English and some good French, too), explaining the events that lead to this phone call, she started easing up and telling me that she has some friends in Kiev that she can meet up with and go to the Kiev library to do some research on her dissertation paper that she is working toward completion this December.  It was a tough phone call, knowing she had just arrived in Kiev and we were going to miss almost a whole day of our planned trip.  Anyways, I am going to try to stay a day longer in St. Pete (if our apartment is available an extra day) and see if I can change flight arrangements without too much pain, anguish and $$$.

Well, as I close this and await the taxi to the airport from my office in Reno, I hopefully will be eastward bound and make it through to Kiev and start a great trip report.  As I am not taking a computer, unless I find my self with "N"s computer, the report will be continued upon my return in mid July.  :travel:

Wish me luck!!! 8)
 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on July 07, 2008, 12:14:14 PM
Sounds like you have prepared rather well there; shame the airline let you down at the eleventh hour.  :(

Have a good trip and I for one, look forward to reading the TR when you get back.  :)
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 16, 2008, 04:51:22 PM
WOW!!!  no... DOUBLE WOW!!!!  That's what I have to say about the trip and the experience I just had ;D .   Except for every damn flight that was either cancelled, delayed, or late arriving, it was a great experience!!!

ARRIVAL DAY (#1 extended due to flight cancelled on first day):

Yes, Delta was two hours late on it's flight to Salt Lake City the 2nd attempt getting out of town and thus I had to literally do the "OJ-run" in the airport to catch my Paris flight.  With only three minutes to spare before the door closed, I was sweating like a pig and just making my 10 hour flight aboard a 767 to Charles DeGaul field.  Once settled with a cellebration beer in my hand, my first thought was "Well, so much for my checked baggage getting to Kiev on time" and am thankful I took a handfull of your stories' advice about packing a 2nd set (at least) of something to wear on Day 2....

Not much too eventful on that flight and arrival into Paris as I had about a 1.5 hour stay and the plane was only 40 minutes late (due to the wrong wind across the "pond" and circling Paris twice.  I was really surprised at the small gate areas at such a major city and definitely my first experience to "European crowds" (literally shoulder-to-shoulder space for the passengers, lack of organization, and a lack of care for Americans in France (or so it seemed to me).  Once on the Air France jet to Kiev, I started sensing the differences between peoples, cultures, ideals, and attitudes as I was pushed like cattle onto a plane with seats meant for only 'healthy" Asians.  This is where I experienced my first interesting meal that was alot different from even the French or European cuisines I thought I was familiar with as I had some type of main course that I thought was Chicken Cordon Bleu, but nothing like I had ever tasted before.  The apearingly Eastern European lady sitting next to me was quite humored at my several squinces as we ate our meal.  Just keeping somewhat of a stoic look so not to seem too spoiled (on what I eat) was a feat in itself!!!

I was given the Immigration Card to fill out and when my flight arrived, over 30 minutes late (which became a major theme in the rest of the rest of my European travel), I stood in the wrong line at Passport control until I realized that it stated "residents only" in Ukrainian language and everyone was staring at me like they wouldn't believe I was meant for their line even if I was the heir to all of Russia.  So after changing lines and getting through (actuall the easiest part of the trips was passport and customs), I then got to wait for 40+ minutes (LONGER) for any luggage to come out on the carousel (another theme to my report as I believe luggage they must purposely have a meal between unloading the plane to putting the luggage on a baggage line!).  Of course, as I barely made my flight, I figured I would be returning back to Borispol the next day or two in retrieving .... but, when the line started, my bag was one of the first to show.... YEAH!!!  Customs green line was easy as I put both bags onto the screening machine and tried to act like I knew what I was doing and no one questioned me at all.  Turning the corner out of customs was a large group of people and my biggest anxienty just hit me ... What if "N" doesn't show to at airport ... what is my backup plan?  I had a few contacts of agencies, but "N" booked the apartment and I was expecting her to be my translator, so the first "fright" settled in and what would I do if she did not show to greet me?


 

 

 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 16, 2008, 06:26:16 PM
Meeting Day:

As I turned the corner from Customs to outside the doors to a large crowd awaiting, the was "N", in all smiles who saw me before I saw her and was rushing through the center of the crowd to get to me.  After a peck on the cheek and a hug, she wisked me away to a cab driver she had hired to take us to the downtown district were our apartment was located.  As I met her in a trouser & jacket ensemble, the first thing I noticed was the high humidity that was a concern now (as I was pouring with sweat in the cab) while I am trying to make an impression with this lady .... she saw that I was uncomfortable and was very adamant that I take the coat off and settle in.  One thing that "N" did the whole trip was make sure that I was dressed and presented in the most comfortable means to the climates of Kiev and St. Pete....

The apartment in Kiev was a small two bedroom with probably the smallest kitchen area I have ever seen, but it did have a nice balcony over looking the busy "prospect" (boulevard) that was one of the main parts of the business' district.  My next surprise was the elevator made for hobbits and the optional steep stairs to the 7th floor (of 8 floor) apartment building.  As "N" had previously checked in a day earlier, she was already prepared to make me a meal and I was ready for something after the offerings I had on the last two flights.  She told me to "clean up" and she would have something prepared before I could shower & unpack.  Well, about 5 minutes into this plan, I heard something being loadly said and heard quite a commotion going on in the other room, so I jumped out of the shower, threw some sweats on to make sure everything was ok.  Well, she couldn't figure out the gas line had a shut-off valve to the stove and she was ready to throw the thing out the window when I arrived to save the day.  Boy ... these gals sure can show some excitable emotions when they get a little miffed!!! (I would see this one other time later in the week when I snuck up behind her as she was exploring a dark closet ... which only cost me some water in my face, 10 minutes of apologies, and a bottle of good Napa wine that I brought for just that occasion)!!! :evilgrin0002:

After an interesting concoction of fried fish, cabbage, and some other mush-like food, I was just getting my second wind when she wisks me away to "take a Ukrainian walk" (my first of many this past week) and we go for our first chance to see the lights of Kiev that evening.  After about a 3 mile walk, 50 pictures, about 10 bottle waters to help me acclammate to the climate, we settle for a nice little Ukranian restaurant in a nice park area near some of the major churches & theatres in the city.  Here, we had our first desert, wine and coffee and we really sat down and took some time to get to know each other in person.  There were three young ladies playing music behind us in the cafe and it really helped to spark the mood for us as we were almost the last to leave after some wine, my first shot of vodka in Europe, and some tea/coffee to finalize the night.  Conversation was anything to my adventures on the flight and food to what she wanted to spend the next full day doing in siteseeing Kiev.  As we walked home through the city to our apartment, I could tell (without her saying) that she was relieved that not only did I show up, but maybe I was someone she actually might enjoy being around.  I had, by that time, no doubts that she was the best choice that I could have made as our slight age differences and past marital and life experiences seemed to be so similar and I was really happy to have taken this step.  But to see her smile and show a little bit of affection the first evening together as we made our way back to the apt., was a very special feeling that would make the trip oh, so, enjoyable.

Note:  see some pictures of Kiev in the first afternoon & evening

   
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 17, 2008, 09:29:40 AM
Kiev Site-seeing (Day 2):

"N" and I had made plans to be out and about by 9am (as I am usually up by 6am, and no jet lag, so I was up with some guy point a hammer on a road sign outside at 5:20am), thus was able to study for my upcoming NCAA football exam.  Unlike most American woman, once she was up, she "zipped" through her morning rituals, including tea, and was ready much sooner than I expected.  Here, we struck out in the City to see several monuments and go to the Opera Theatre to get tickets to the evening performance.  (Note:  one of our similiarities is the love for sports and theatre, so this was going to be a major test for both of us that evening). 

As we walked amongst many buildings, some old, but some very new, and stopped by to see why my international phone was not working like it was supposed to (so yes, I ended up buying a phone Sim card that I wasn't expected to need) and I noticed how many places did have English direction and store signs, as well as restaurants having English menus and directions and alot of shop owners who spoke English.  This really helped me to adjust to Kiev quite nicely, as my Russian was only about 15 words strong at this part of the trip.  As I had noticed the night before, with all the people out and about in the city, the first difference I noticed was the large amount of smokers (especially men seemingly being the larger number, which is much different I think is USA) and the openess of drinking, especially among the young males and females.  Seemed that every 3rd man we passed had a "tallboy" in his hand and a bag in the other (probably carrying other tallboys, I suspect), and seemed like this was the most popular dating style (both in Kiev and St. Pete) was to invite your girl out to the park for a tallboy!!!! (Oh, how that so would NOT work in America  :D

We made our way past many churches, theatres, old buildings toward the river and park area and over to the President's Mansion (being rebuilt and not being lived in currently by Ukraine president) and onto a long walk in the smoltering heat.  "N" was able to talk to a fairly educated "physician" who was at lunch break taking a walk in the park, and she was very happy to communicate to "N" what to see and the best way to get there (for the most part) and this was very helpful.  After walking the distance of this large park and many breaks as neither of our legs were ready for such a workout, we made it to what mostly likely was the lowest (altitude) spot of Kiev and started walking back uphill into the center of the city.  We found a small road that went about a mile that was all cobblestone and supposedly was the oldest road in Kiev (very alike SanFrancisco's Lombard street) with many vendors selling books, souvenirs and other touristy items.  We found a nice cafe and had some lunch and tea and I believe I had the first soup that I liked (a cold soup, something that I have never had, and I cannot think of the name of it (starts with an "A", I think)).  We really enjoyed this break and was able to get to know each other even better with some good conversation, so much, that we ended up ordering a couple glasses of wine to help savor the moment(s).

As we slowly made our way back to our apartment and to buy some more hrivna for the next 1.5 days of our stay in Kiev, we really enjoyed walking through a couple of museums and churches, seeing all the different architectural styles of buildings, and enjoying walking through the parks and quite often finding a bench to satisfy our legs and good "getting to know each other" conversation.  At the end of the afternoon, we were definitely tired and needed to now get ready for the opera theatre, so we stopped and had a quick "buffet" type early dinner and made it back to prepare for a hopefully great night out.

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 17, 2008, 09:53:50 AM
Kiev Theatre Night (Day 2)

While at the apartment, "N" prepared herself for the theatre and I prepared myself in a good slacks & coat and when she emerged from her bedroom, all I could do was melt.  She was so damn beautiful, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her.  I was so struck, that I moved in for a "complementary" kiss-on-the-cheek and she did not flinch, but actually allowed me to get close and do it a second time.  This was very sensual and definitely had me excited to go see an opera which I suspected I would not understand the words that would be sung, but would understand the play and music, so I was roaring to get going with this stunning woman!  8)

The theatre was a beautiful building that we had visited earlier in the day to reserve tickets and was very nicely decorated inside.  We had bought balcony tickets and had one perch all to ourselves and really enjoyed the view and the show.  It was here that I first put my arms around her and lightly caressed her hands and I was expecting for her to shy away, but she did not and this helped my confidence in understanding if she was enjoying my company.  I must note that as she was very reserved the whole trip in her verbal communication to me about if she was enjoying being with me, but the body language was (usually) a different story.  The show was an Italian opera, but performed in Russian language, so yes, I had to rely on my experience in theatre to understand the theme, which was of a lowly servant man who was attracted to an effluent young lady, and the trials and tribulations of his trying to get "permission" and access to this girl and the "villages" help to promote their relationship "dupe" the father.  It was a great show and very professionally done, and as "N" and I discussed on our walk home (while holding hands) that we both enjoyed it tremendously.  This was a great mark of our compatibility for entertainment and need for this type of enrichment and this was really the best building block that we overcame in starting a beautiful friendship and when we returned back to the apartment, I think that we we so both genuinely intrigued with each other, that she allowed me to get close enough to give her a good American backrub and a little more closeness before I passed out from the (finally hitting me - jetlag) and good night sleep.



Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Jinx on July 17, 2008, 11:25:03 AM
 Great TR so far, looking forward to more...this is what it's all about.

 Thanks for the pics too, brings back memories. Great view from that little park past the archway huh? You can look down and see the Dnepro river winding through the city, looks awesome.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on July 17, 2008, 04:29:06 PM
Great TR so far, looking forward to more...this is what it's all about.

I love TR's!  :party0031:
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 17, 2008, 04:30:29 PM
Day of Confusion (Day3):

As we had stayed up late on Day 2 and the jet lag finally caught up to me (only 6 hours sleep the past 53+ hours), I actually was awakened by "N" about 9:30am (man, I haven't slept that late since I was in college.....) and I felt good.  She was shoving tea and fruit down my throat and telling me she was hungry and needed to eat.  Now, this is a part that we are different.  Of course, although I manage my weight being an old football player and my metabolism screwed up since college (gaining weight on purpose-- not steriod driven like most my teammates), I usually only eat 2 meals a day and usually only one of those is any size.  Well, "N" likes to eat 4-5 times a day, so this whole trip, it was interesting satisfying her "fitness-mentality" food-cosuming lifestyle of needing to stop and eat every 3 hours or more!!  (I guess that is why she is so fit for a late 30's-something).  So, I hurry, shower and dress and try to get out the door to find a small cafe to satisfy "N's" hunger (I will say that when she became hungry, she was not shy at all about letting me know!! :-\  During the "brunch", I asked what our plan was today and she just sat there like I had been to Kiev my whole life and since she "guided me around" the day before, it was up to me to decided.  This was probably the first instance (of a couple of times on the trip) that she actually perplexed me and I was dumbfounded as what to say (or do).  I stated to her that I don't know what else there is in Kiev to see outside of what we saw the past 1.5 days and I was at a disadvantage to know what to do or where to go.  So I tried to sugar-coat my "need" for her "guidance" and she just acted like I was to take the lead!  ???  This was really ackward and I was about to really start to wonder if I was still asleep dreaming when she changed her whole attitude and said let's go (this-a-way).  Don't know if this was a test .... but it sure was similar to a few other actions later in our trip that were just so "outside" of her normal actions, that it kept me guessing!!!!

Well, she wanted to get on the subway and take a trip across the river and see some other buildings & sites on the "West Bank".  This lasted for about 3 hours and then we were eating again (this time I participated, but my stomach was still telling me that it was not ready to really "dive in" to the differentiated food that I was experiencing).  I would have to say, that I must be spoiled with too many sauces, spices, consistencies (of food), and portions, that my eating was not satisfied for the most part of the trip.  I basically, later on in the trip, became a fruit, "danish", lots of tea, and cold soup fan!  The most interesting thing that I noticed, outside of the small portions, was that their meats are prepared much differently than we prepare ours.  Outside of one Italian restaurant in St.Pete that we enjoyed ourselves at, did I really enjoy my meal (except for a sandwich from "Subway" that I treated "N" to (also later in the week).  Anyways, we set back for the apartment and we just got near when "N" spotted a small market and we jumped into it to make some things for dinner and night/morning snacks (cheese, bologna type meat, fruits and peanuts) as well as water, wine and a little soda for my sugar fix once a day.

When we started leaving the market, two bags in my hand, a heavy rain was falling, one heavier than I have seen in years, and we duped under a canopy of the adjacent restaurant to wait it out with about 40 other pedestrians.  In the 10-12 minutes we were there, I watched a table of three older Ukrainians (two men & one woman in 60's or so) and one of the men was flailing his arms and yelling at the wall (or maybe someone inside the restaurant) and the woman was trying to calm him down.  At this point, I was just writing this off to a couple of drunken elderlies who were looking for some small attention, until the yelling man pulled a handgun (looked like an old .38 long barrel - American made) out of his crotch and began waiving it around like he was going to shoot out the lights.  My first instinct was to sneak around him and take it away from him, but "N" grabbed me shirt and pulled me back into the crowd (I probably could have done it easily & safely as I was to this man's back and the three were so drunk they probably couldn't see 2 feet in front of them, but "N" just wanted me to "hush").  So we watched as the woman and other man tried to grab his gun and yell at him back until after a minute of this, he gave up and put the gun straight down his front of pants (crotch-area) and sat down.  If the gun had been loaded, I was sure that he was going to shoot himself the way he slumped down on chair.  About 30 seconds later, the rain lifted and we walked gingerly back to the apartment.  I asked "N" about what the issue with the old drunk was and she said he was upset with his meal and he wanted to "get back after the restaurant keeper", but the old woman was telling him to come back tomorrow when he was not so upset.  Per "N's" understanding of their yelling, nothing was said about the gun ... as if it was ok to pull it out and threaten the crowd with it.  I asked her if this was maybe because of the early 90's (mob-run) Russia or if he was just "loosing it", and she said that this was fairly common with older men, especially those who may have been KGB, mob or policia. When I told her that this would have been very unacceptable in America, she acted as if she sees such things everyday in Lvov and when visiting Kiev....

To finish this section's storyline, I was deeply perplexed with the day to this point as to some of "N's" actions, others actions, the weather (from hot to rain in 2.1 seconds) and where is stood as we entered the apartment on our last full day in Kiev.  Wasn't sure if "N" was just out of synch, maybe with me, or if she was just keeping me off guard, but a little later on in the evening, I would probably understand a little better.....
 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Jinx on July 17, 2008, 04:54:10 PM
 During the "brunch", I asked what our plan was today and she just sat there like I had been to Kiev my whole life and since she "guided me around" the day before, it was up to me to decided.  This was probably the first instance (of a couple of times on the trip) that she actually perplexed me and I was dumbfounded as what to say (or do).  I stated to her that I don't know what else there is in Kiev to see outside of what we saw the past 1.5 days and I was at a disadvantage to know what to do or where to go.  So I tried to sugar-coat my "need" for her "guidance" and she just acted like I was to take the lead!  ???  This was really ackward and I was about to really start to wonder if I was still asleep dreaming when she changed her whole attitude and said let's go (this-a-way).  Don't know if this was a test .... but it sure was similar to a few other actions later in our trip that were just so "outside" of her normal actions, that it kept me guessing!!!!

 I had to smile when reading this, and I'm sure other guys can identify too. Even if you have never been to a place in your whole life, and she has lived there for most of hers, you are still expected to "lead"  :chuckle:   Men lead, men make the decisions..where to go, what to do, what to eat....anybody thinking of taking a trip over should really pay attention to this TR.   :THUB:
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Olga_Mouse on July 17, 2008, 08:25:45 PM

 We found a nice cafe and had some lunch and tea and I believe I had the first soup that I liked (a cold soup, something that I have never had, and I cannot think of the name of it (starts with an "A", I think)). 


Seems it's окрошка (The initial o tends to sound more like a when pronounced by Russians; though I'd expect Ukrainians being more "O-inclined"?)
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: mendeleyev on July 17, 2008, 09:57:12 PM
FootballDad, am enjoying your TR!


The soup OlgaM mentioned is here:
http://www.good-cook.ru/proth/proth_029.shtml



If this is it, and you'd like the recipe in English just follow this to the RUA soup recipes: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=2054.15
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 18, 2008, 11:01:34 AM
Evening of Understanding (Day 3):

When we entered the apartment (from the elevator that was smaller than a Yugo's trunk space and slower than a turtle in reverse), I started putting groceries away and "N" wanted to eat some cheese and motioned for me to open some wine.  Well, guess what, no wine opener, so I found a four inch screw in a closet, slowly and carefully twisted it in and spent about 3 minutes trying to pull the cork without making it into mush (and I think my fingers are still numb today).  I was finally successfull and "N" was amazed at my (slight "McGiver") ingenuity to do what it takes to get some wine for us to share and not have to run back out to the market for just this tool.  This was really the first time I saw her "really" smile and even laugh a bit as I tried to excuse my "feat" as nothing.  So we sat, ate cheese and drank wine and this really the first time she started to "let her hair down" a little and really seemed to enjoy my company.  We drank the bottle of wine (together) faster than I had ever done (note: I am not a wine drinker ... I probably drank more wine this vacation than I have in 5 years), and I was very mezmerized with her new openess and change of attitude from (most of) earlier in the day.  "N" now seemed to be relaxed and very comfortable with me around and I picked up on this feeling as her letting a little bit of her guard (against me) down. 

We decided to stay in the apartment that night (our last night in Kiev) and munch on bologna-type meat and cheese and I had brought some local Virginia City chocolates and a bag of Nevada made Pepper-Teryaki Jerky and brought those out for her after the light dinner, and even shared some ice-cream after all this, that I had snuck into the grocery bag.  "N" really liked the jerky and mentioned that she had never had such meat before (thanks everyone for the RUA advice about bringing this to Eastern Europe) and she ate about 4 sticks before I had to take the bag away from her ... then her mouth got hot from the pepper spice and the funniest look came on her face. ;D  But she played it off well and told me she really liked it and that I "made a good choice".  She decided to have me wrap up the bag and save the chocolates so she could take home and share with her family & friends.  Although I had brought her several small gifts of books and maps of my area, these (food) gifts she seemed most impressed with up to this point

We spent the rest of the evening looking at the pictures we took the past 2+ days and reminisce about what we had seen.  We had some type of M-TV program on the mini-television with some Russian language singing and then once in a while an English sung video-song.  We laughed a bit at the pictures, the TV videos and just generally getting to know each other.  This night, was probably the beginning to our new relationship, as I feel that we really started to "connect" and, whilst trying to stay a gentlemen, thoughts of lust started making its way into my mind.  To counter this, I just kept the conversation going and she responded better that I had ever anticipated.  As we relaxed further into the night, I offered to give her a good ole American backrub and after some hesitation of her not understanding what I meant by a "backrub", she then understood "message" and I slowly and gently took her neck to lower back into my hands.  Within 15 minutes, she was like butter and almost purring, and probably had her ready for anything.  But gentlemanly, I gave her a kiss, helped her off the couch and walked her to her bedroom door.  At this moment, I gave her a deep goodnight kiss (note: the first one she allowed me to place on her lips) and wished her sweet dreams and she looked up at me like I had just saved her world .... and I felt like I had.

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Voyager on July 18, 2008, 12:36:59 PM
a bag of Nevada made Pepper-Teryaki Jerky - "N" really liked the jerky and mentioned that she had never had such meat before (thanks everyone for the RUA advice about bringing this to Eastern Europe)

Interesting.... I know the Russians are big on dried fish, I wonder why they haven't made Jerky as well? But you are right about food being a good gift. {And a tip for all of my fellow Canucks,} I took over Canadian Maple Syrup, Icewine & Smoked Salmon in a Vacu-pak. They all went over very well as gifts!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 18, 2008, 03:35:52 PM
Travel Day (Day 4):

I woke up fairly early and put my nose in my football test studies while I let "N" sleep in a little.  Our flight from Kiev was to leave at 2pm to St. Pete and we had scheduled for a taxi and apartment key drop off about 11:30 am, so we had not planned to do much more than prepare for this leg of the trip. 

Once "N" was up and ready, we snuck down to a local "buffet" style cafe and had a nice "brunch" again and talked about the short trip ahead of us.  She was excited to go to St. Pete as this was where she went to her undergraduate college about 15 years before and played basketball for their university team whilst getting her degree (she later got her masters in Bordeaux, France and is now finishing her PhD this next Spring).  She was very chatty about her years in St. Pete and was verbally wondering what changes she would see.  She mentioned that the Hermitage (Museum) and Winter Palace had made the biggest impressions to her those years ago and that was definitely something she wanted to spend the day seeing again.  Just as she was finishing her thoughts and we were just about done with the meal, a young man walked by, tripped over an adjacent chair and spilled his coffee all over my left pant-leg ... he said something in Russian (I think he was apologizing, maybe) and then just took off.  The look I saw on his face, though, was nothing of really like he was sorry, more like "why was your leg in the way of my spilled coffee ... or maybe that was just my impression.  I could not tell because so many of these people have such "stoic" looks and if they give any expression at all, it would be almost insulting-like in the States.  :-\  So we left the remaining portion of breakfast and rushed to the apartment to unpack so I could get other trousers to wear.  That took the rest of the little time we were going to window shop closeby, so we just waited for the taxi at the apartment for the next 30 minutes or so.

Taxi was on time and whisked us off to Borispol and dropped us off.  On comment about taxi drivers is that they have no regard for any speed limits or other drivers and I am so shocked that this agressive driving is taken so much in stride.  Another notice is the use of the horn ... they love their horns!!! :whistle:

Going into Borispol to catch a Aerosvit flight was an adventure.  This was the most crowded "departure" area that packed everyone waiting into a fairly small space while they were either in line for tickets, getting luggaged wrapped or being confused like us.  Once "N" asked about 200 people where we were to go, finally someone had an answer and we wandered on through to the first security and onto the Airline's check-in area.  The line was long and when we got to our counter, they had my ticket, but not "N's" on the schedule (I bought her ticket separate from my "travel agent", so I figured there might be issues).  So the agent goes to the back room for about 2 minutes, "N" is nervous and upset not knowing how this all works, and I am trying to calm her down.  She wanted to follow the clerk to the back room, but told her we would wait, at least for a little.  The clerk returned and found "N"s reservation and because we were fairly early (the line was longer behind us now than when it was before), we were given our request to sit together fairly easy and we were on our way through the security and passport control much easier than I had expected.  Thus we were at our gate about a full hour early of the flight and "N" had to give me a little speech about how we could have went window shopping in Kiev (in this extra hour) rather than sit in chairs.  Well, remembering that she likes her fruit and small, frequent meals, I spotted a little shop that had some fruit for sale and brought back some apricots for us to share.  This brought another smile to her face and she was then content with our conversation and fairly ripe and tasty apricots in our bellies.   

We were boarded about the right time, but the plane just sat there longer and longer with no explanation.  We finally ended up leaving about 50 minutes late (no weather problems, so we are unsure why) and finally on our way to St. Pete (did I mention before that I was not on any flight that was on time?). Now, I could see the excitement in "N's" eyes about our excursion and I used this energy to put my hand into hers and wrap my other arm over her shoulder and pull her to me in our double chair setting.  The two hour flight was fairly uneventful outside of a good chance to be close while enjoying more conversation about each other, as we continued to find about each other.  Of course the flight showed up about 45 late and another 35 minute wait (after passport control) to get our bags, so my appointment to meet with my travel agent for apartment key and Visa registration was about 1.5 hours late and thus, another good day starting to go sour.....

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 18, 2008, 05:44:54 PM
Adventure in St. Pete starts.... (Night 4)

Well, we found a taxi driver and knowing that we had to make a stop at the Park Inn Hotel on Moscovaya (spelling?) Prospect to pick up Apt key and meet travel agent for visa registration.  We are 1.5 hours late than my planned arrival at this agents office at hotel and this put us about 7:30pm.  "N" tells taxi driver that we need him to go to downtown St. Pete (Nevsky Prospect) for apartment, but first must stop at hotel for 15 minutes for key and copy of passport for visa registration.  "N" works a few cab drivers with this in mind and we find a guy to drive us for about $60 (including the 15 minute planned wait).  Well we get to the hotel and the room number that the agent gave us didn't exist and so I had to go to the lobby to ask for room and after speaking to 3 reservationists, I found one that spoke  a little English.  She made a phone call then wrote another room number down for me.  Then I proceed back to the 4th floor and walk (again) the whole floor looking for this new number.  I finally found it at the end and the door was unmarked and I knocked on it for a good two minutes and no activity.  Well, I go back to the lobby and they let me use a phone and I call the number the agency left me, but no answering machine or anything ... it just rang and rang.  So now I am starting to wonder.  I went over to the conscierge counter and a nice young man who also spoke a little English and gave me yet a third room number, but on another floor.  So I go up again and find this room and it does ahve the agency's listing, but a note to call another number (than I was given) for after hours (yes, about an hour late).  I knock on the door just to make sure and there is no answer.  So I go back to the lobby and beg for the phone again and finally get "M" on the phone who proceeds to tell me that because I was late, he could not wait and left the key with the same girl I had talked to three times by now trying to locate this guy.  I asked about the registration and he said I would have to come back the next day during office hours to get this started (remember, the hotel is out nearer to the airport than downtown at our apartment, so this becomes a major inconvenience to me as this trip progresses.  hint. hint).

Now "N" has been out in the taxi all this time afraid the taxi driver was going to drive away with our luggage as I had now held him 45 minutes, not the 15 that I had bargained for, so of course, when I come out, already perturbed due to this last chinese fire drill, he was hitting me up for $30 more (a $1 for each minute he waited).  I refused to pay and ole hairy Boris started to take my luggage out of his beat-up Mercedes and probably was cussing at me (at this point I was not in any mood and about twice his size, he was just about ready to get thumped!), but "N" pulled out a $10 and showed it to him and he then, after pouting and whining for a few seconds, grabbed the $10 and put the luggage he had pulled out back into the trunk and without much being said, we were on our way to Nevsky prospect.

The apartment was in a nice area, very close to shopping (market, liquor store, coffee house, donut shop and of course, conveniently located below us a corner perfume and flower shop.  The entry was not impressive up the two flights to our third floor, but the apartment was large and basically fairly clean, so it was acceptable.  Not sure how acceptable the rest of the tenants of the building were as we saw some strange individuals up and down the stairs a few times.....  Both bedrooms were large and the kitchen (thankfully) a little larger than the one we had in Kiev (I could actually turn around without knocking something off a wall or counter) and the middle living room was spacious and although the bathrooms were very musty, they were clean and had better space than our first apartment.  Well we unpacked and, of course, "N" was hungry, so we decided to freshen up quickly with shower and new clothes and set out for a "beer" and some dinner and see what the nightlife of St. Petersburg had to offer us that Thursday evening.
 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 21, 2008, 10:32:04 AM
St. Pete White Nights (Late Night Day 4)

After unpacking and freshning up, we set out for some dinner and a beer and found one right at the main intersection of Nevsky & Leningrad prospekts called the Sphinx (I named this as this was a very cozy sports bar - diner by day and night club by late-night, and the food and prices were good enough for us to visit several times during out stay).  After two beers and a hamburger patty for me (thought I ordered "Kabob" on the menu and this is what I got), we set off to find what St.Pete had to offer.

Just around the corner near the Metro bldg (subway), we were deciding if we would take metro down toward river area or walk when "N" took one of the many hand-flyers being offered by the street vendors and she was excited to find a "night time excursion (by bus) that went from 11:15pm to 5:30am.  She definitely then set her mind as to this is what she wanted to do, and not understanding the real situation, I thought she was crazy to want to go on a night trip to see the sights.  But she then educated me on the white nights of St. Pete as we walked the approx. 2 kilometers on the way to excursions start point down Nevsky toward the river.  "N" enlightened me, as I soon found, that the sun does not set until after midnight (it was about 10:30 then and still bright like it was at 7pm) and that the overnight never really gets dark, but more of a dusk-like setting.  As I have never been to Alaska or northern Canada near the 60 latitude axis, I had heard about such long days, but really never experienced such until this trip.  It was quite amazing as it would really create a fun and incredible atmosphere at night and you would seem to just get lost in the evening's brightness (and even light dusk) as it seemed to go on forever.

We boarded the bus and were treated by a very professional woman guide and driver and they seemed to have so much spirit in their little tour business.  We saw about 20 churches  and temples, many of the main arteries' buildings, and everything along both sides of the Neva river that was memorialized or was part of the original St. Petersburg capitol cities mistique from so many years ago.  One of the main parts of the tour was starting at 1am when the six drawbridges along the river open up successively to allow two freighters to pass inward to their loading harbors and each bridge, you could tell, what purposefully built with different architectural styles, sizes, lightings, and other details, therefore, watching each bridge open as we followed up the river was different from each of the previous.  The bus then moved around the city to show other sites that the normal tourist would not see unless the were off the beaten track and then about 3:30am, we stopped at a little underground diner that I am sure was set up as part of the tour to allow guests to eat and freshen up and it was a nice, quaint little place that had pretty good food.  We sat with a young couple that we had befriended on the tour (help take photos of each other as couples, etc.) and they were newlyweds on their honeymoon all the way from eastern Russia (Magadan) which is apparently about directly north of Japan.  They were a lovely couple and seemed to be very excited about what they were seeing.  "N" & I shared a "wrap-style" sandwhich and tea and had a nice conversation with Sergi and Anna.  I felt so compelled by their happiness and remembered when I was on my honeymoon many years ago with my (ex) wife, that I sprung for thier meal with ours and wished them well in their relationship.  At first, "N" did not understand what I was doing when I grabbed their "check", but once she realized what I was doing, she gave me a little peck on cheek and a good hug as we made our way back to the bus.

The rest of the trip was very nice and we really experienced alot of the downtown area of the city.  As we approached about 5:15am and we were fairly close to our apartment, I asked the driver if he could drop us off near at his convenience, so to help save the approx 2k walk back, and he gratiously allowed us to hop off about 2 minutes later.  As we made it up to the apartment, both very tired as we had been up almost quite long, we sat and chatted for a few minutes as I, without insistance or question, began to rub her shoulders and she was purring again very quickly.  As she fell asleep with my fingers caressing her back, I leaned her back to my side and we fell asleep together on the couch and for about 4 hours, passed out in each others arms.  I was suprised to see a smile on her face when she awoke (I had awakened about 15 minutes before, but was savoring the "closeness") and we sat and exchanged pleasantries before we rolled out to start another day toward our adventure.

See some pictures (on next post) of the excursion...
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 21, 2008, 03:36:36 PM
Pictures
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 21, 2008, 05:59:33 PM
< if anyone can help me "reduce these large file pictures with some condensing proceedure, I would really appreciate your help, as the server here is not allowing me to send these pictures (downloaded from my digital camera) as they are large files >
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 21, 2008, 06:56:44 PM
Day of Walking (Day 5):

Our original gameplan was to visit the Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace & Square) and as "N" had seen parts of it when she visited during her undergrad career there, she knew that it would take all day to try to see most everything.  But as we slept in from the night-time excursion, and by the time we had unpacked, got ready and stopped at an internet cafe for breakfast and download of our pictures from Kiev, a good part of the business day had passed.   Also, I had to make arrangements in the day to get out to Moscovite Prospect (I think that is how it is spelled) to take care of my Registration with the agency, thus we would probably only be afforded about 4 hours at best in this museum.  So I convinced her we would juggle our schedule around and first get registration started and metro back and make this a day a walk down Nevsky to the River, with a plan to see all the sights on the way, take pictures and take our time while passing vendors, exquisite looking buildings, statues, parks and canals on the way.  I was very hot for this far up north, so drinks & ice cream helped to soften the temperature and we enjoyed ourselves with a series of long walks down to and around the riverfront looking at the many places, such as the "Church of Blood, Peter's (the Great's) Statute, the old Singer Bldg which is a wonderful bookstore, and spend time sitting at the river and just people watching.  Before we knew it, it was about 7pm and we headed back the (est) 4 kilometers to the hotel and to find a place to stop and eat.

We found a place that was looked like a normal restaurant ("Pectorate") and decided that we would pop downstairs and see what they had.  We were seated in a fairly low-lit area with hardly anyone there except some wait-staff and given menus (none in English this time) and "N" went through the large menu and asked me what I would like.  I told her that I would try anything she thought I would like, but I definitely wanted some white meat or beef as my entree.  When the waitress came around, her and "N" spoke for a long while and noticed that she was pointing out different things on the menu and the waitress just kept saying "nyet" or shaking her head.  After about 3 minutes of this, "N" grabbed my arm and motioned for me to get out of the booth (as I was on the outside) and go out.  Once we were out, I asked "N" what was wrong, and she stated that they had nothing that we wanted and were not prepared to serve what was on the menu.  This was odd to me as I had never heard of an eating establishment not having maybe one or two items on menu due to running out, but with no other crowd in the restaurant, this was strange.  "N" basically explained to me that this is common in small restaurants and that we would just find another place to eat.

We then went about two blocks and found a "European Steakhouse - Russian Cuisine" and I was so confused with this, I made her go with me to see what they had to offer.  This place had a few patrons and was much more presentable as a restaurant for a romantic type meal.  Before I could ask, I was given a English menu (man, these people can sure read me that I am American) and I went straight to the steaks, as I had not had anything close to a steak since leaving Nevada.  The menus all had the (portion) sizes of the entree in grams (not that I knew what the gram equivalent was), so I picked the largest item in the meat and it said "House Prime Steak" with three sizes and I purchased the largest size.  "N" ordered a grilled fish and it was definitely the best piece of fish I had seen (and tasted, as she always requested that I shared some of her entree when out of the house) and when my plate arrived, I was so disappointed.  Not only had I asked "N" to tell the waitress to only cook less than medium, this thing was cooked so that I could play hockey with it if I didn't eat it.  Second, this piece of steak was about the size of the hamburger patty ("kabob") I had the night before, so I was starting to finally ascertain why I had only seen about 6 obese people (besides short-stumpy babushkas) since my landing in Kiev, as they are starving themselves!!!  Anyways, this gave me the opportunity to order desert and not fill guilty and the cake that we ordered had a berry filling that was semi consistent to "currant or blueberry", but I had never tasted the flavor of this dark purple berry before.

With dinner over and a good 2k walk remaining to the apartment, we decided to take an easy stroll and take our time getting back and enjoy the White Nights.  As we got close by, "N" mentioned that it would be nice if we had a "sip of whiskey" (Single Barrel Jack that I had smuggled in my luggage) and that she had tasted several days back and surprisingly liked it (so much that we finished the bottle by day 7 just "sipping it").  So we made comfortable on the couch after getting in relaxing clothes and a fan on full blast to deter the amazing heat and sipped our whiskey.  After this two jigger glass, I was satisfied, but "N" was not and wanted to have just one more, so I easily acquiesced.  This little bit of Tennessee touch allowed her to really open up and for the first time really talk about her life, especially about her past relationships (and widowed marriage) and asking about my past marriage and dating history, like she was really interested.  In the past, with over probably 200 emails, phone calls and other communications, she had really danced around this subject until this night.  She told me how her husband was stabbed (and bled to death) at a wedding reception 13 years ago after they had only been married 2.5 years and "N" was 4 months pregnant with their daughter "L".  She was sincere in telling me about the only other time she had been vulnerable since and thought she fell in love with a Romanian man whom she met about 4 years ago and how after he proposed to her (very soon after a whirlwind dating period) and she (now-admittedly) jumped at the proposal with a sort of desperation and then this man went back to Romania and made every excuse when he said he was coming for her and would come up with the excuse just before supposedly leaving to see her in the Ukraine for their "life".  This was interesting because she then told me that although my trip was planned and she had copies of my itinerary and the ticket to St.Pete, she was very weary before our meeting if I would actually make it (thus, when my plane was almost a day late, this all hit home for her). 

The conversation was very emotional for her and this was probably the real first time I saw her defences break down, as to her verbally communicating her feelings.  "N" had just told me almost all of her relationship secrets (and I shared alot of mine too, although she knew more about me in our correspondence and phone calls before this trip) and I think that she was showing me that she was starting to really trust me and maybe would have some faith in a man, as she did not seem to think she was too lucky with any man before this conversation and time spent with me.  I could really sense that she was starting to have feelings for me and I know that I was starting to fall for her.  Although there were no backrubs or cuddling this night, I think I broke thru the security layer with "N" and think I had a new (real) friend on my hands.  Thinking about how lovely and vulnerable she was, I fought my urges and walked her to her room and physically "tucked" her into bed and gave her a kiss goodnight.  She looked up at me, with a (look of) care I had not seen come from her, that she felt comfortable and a growing attraction to our relationship I think blossomed that night.



Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Chris on July 22, 2008, 01:21:36 AM
< if anyone can help me "reduce these large file pictures with some condensing proceedure, I would really appreciate your help, as the server here is not allowing me to send these pictures (downloaded from my digital camera) as they are large files >


FB

Go to this link http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx and down the right hand size is a little programme (521Kb)  called Image Resizer, download it and when you right click on your images you have the option to reduce them down to any size you want. I use it a lot and it works great.

Chris
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: sydneyvontrapp on July 22, 2008, 01:54:06 AM
Turning the corner out of customs was a large group of people and my biggest anxienty just hit me ... What if "N" doesn't show to at airport ... what is my backup plan?  I had a few contacts of agencies, but "N" booked the apartment and I was expecting her to be my translator, so the first "fright" settled in and what would I do if she did not show to greet me?
 
                                                                                                                                               There are so many people there just outside of customs!  And those pushy cab drivers!!
My wife was 45 minutes late meeting me when I arrived.  Part of it was due to me zooming through customs.  I had been schooled how not to use the RED line by my neighbor and sister in law. I  These ladies sure like to walk.  My wife was surprised I was able to keep up with her.
I'm enjoying your trip report.  Keep it coming.

Dave M.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: mendeleyev on July 22, 2008, 09:12:42 AM
Quote
when my plate arrived, I was so disappointed.  Not only had I asked "N" to tell the waitress to only cook less than medium, this thing was cooked so that I could play hockey with it if I didn't eat it.  Second, this piece of steak was about the size of the hamburger patty ("kabob") I had the night before


Outside of the occasional roast or "beef cutlet," beef is not a Russian staple.  Chicken and fish dominate the culinary landscape with lamb and pork (regional) often topping beef consumption.  When traveling thru Russia you eventually realize that there aren't any massive beef ranches like back in the US Midwest.  The popularity of McDonalds may eventually change eating habits and farming practices, but beef has not been a big deal here historically.

Enjoying your report, especially noting the care and respect with which you treat this lady in regards to travel and sleeping arrangements. 

Keep it coming!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: froid on July 22, 2008, 09:16:12 AM
But that isn't beef in McDonalds burgers!  :D 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: froid on July 22, 2008, 09:38:55 AM
I've been on one of those St Piter White Nights tours.  Mila was the same...heard about it from one of the street sellers, got a pamphlet, and then got all excited to go on the tour.  I was of the same mind as you to start, "Are you crazy?  6 hours overnight on a tour??!?!"  In the end I agreed to go, but only because she conspired with the street seller to get me the "Russian" price instead of the foreigner price.  So after a full and busy day we started our tour at 11pm.  By 3am we were both asleep on the bus.  By 4am I was woken up by the tour guide who seemed to turn up her volume on her mic.  And by 5am Mila was awake and agreed...6 hour bus tours were TOO long.  Haha. 





Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 10:44:36 AM
< Just for note:  I wrote a long Day 6 this early this morning and when I posted, the screen had a warning that other posts had been made since I wrote this and I thought , ok, and posted again, but the post never made it and was lost in never-never land.  We need to have a way that when it receives a warning flag or something, that the work is saved as a draft automatically.  This is the third time I have had to re-write a long portion of my TR!!! >
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Chris on July 22, 2008, 10:50:50 AM
< Just for note:  I wrote a long Day 6 this early this morning and when I posted, the screen had a warning that other posts had been made since I wrote this and I thought , ok, and posted again, but the post never made it and was lost in never-never land.  We need to have a way that when it receives a warning flag or something, that the work is saved as a draft automatically.  This is the third time I have had to re-write a long portion of my TR!!! >


FB

You can switch that feature off in your Profile settings if you wish, then it makes your post despite others posting in the meantime.

Chris
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 11:18:37 AM
Relationship Day (Day 6 - Saturday)

I awoke fairly early and putzed around until 8am when the local bakery opened.  I snuck out and bought some croissants and rolls and stopped by to load up on some more tea, juice and water for the apt at the local market next door.  I had just returned and was setting out the goodies when the apartment's phone rang (first time!) and I reluctantly answered.  It was "M" from the agency and she was panicked that she had made a mistake and not secured the correct copies of my passport that previous day and needed to see me again.  Although I was a little miffed that I would have to make yet another trip (almost all the way out to the airport) to the hotel at their office, I stayed calm and we made an appointment for "shortly before 5pm" before they closed on that Saturday.  I knew this would mess up "N's" plans to go to the Hermitage Museum so I quickly jumped into the book to see the other sites she had circled as to what she wanted to visit on our trip.  I found that Catherine's (the Great's) Palace, located in Pushkin, was just farther down the same metro ride as the hotel, so I figured that we could go out there for the day and hit the hotel on the way back.

Apparently the phone had awoken "N", and about the time I put the map away and figured the above plans out, she emerged from her room and ready to go!!!  As she approached the kitchen, I told her I had tea ready and some breakfast and she was quite taken that I had went out and had this ready for her awakening (especially since that was only my second time out without her as my interpretor/guardian-angel).  We enjoyed the breakfast and then she asked me who was on the phone.  Well, I told her the story and that I figured we would go to Pushkin rather than the Hermitage and she seemed dissappointed at first and rambled something about how bad this agency was treating me and that I should never use them again.  Well, I had to remind her that I needed that registration done and we would need them to shuttle us to the airport on our departure days to get the apartment key to them, that I needed to stay calm and keep everyone happy, although I agreed that the customer service really sucks in this part of the world!!!!!

We left, took the metro to its farthest stop and when we got up to the road from transfer station, there were several busses lined up just waiting to take the commuters and tourists out to Pushkin.  The bus was small and uncomfortable and made several long traffic-jam stops, so the estimated trip of 30 minutes actually took over an hour to complete.  We jumped out at the Catherine's estate and although we did not review the palace (museum), we did walk over almost all the property the next 5 hours and really enjoyed the large park-type setting with the small lake and island in the middle.  We took lots of pictures, pulled out the umbrella about 30 times for the intermittent light (Seattle-type) rain, and spent alot talking about the things we saw, life in general and really started the first symbolance of talking about "us" (together).  

The highlight of this visit was probably at lunch where at the north end of the lake (at one of the many outbuildings that are bigger than my large house), there was pay Wash Closets and a little outdoor diner.  I went up and ordered some pizza, chips and drinks for us and "N" wandered off to the WC to freshen up.  As I was awaiting lunch to be "heated", a Venice-style boat pulled up to the dock some 20 meters away with a man & son group and as he was starting to load another couple on, I asked him about his trip.  He stated that for 100 rubles per, he would charter about 20 minute trip to the center island (where there was a blues type band playing) and let off and either bring back then, or later (for an added fee).  I thought this would be nice for "N" & I, so I prepaid for a trip after lunch and went back and retreived our prepared lunch.  As I sat down, "N" sat down from the WC and we enjoyed our lunch.  About the time we were done, the boat came back to the dock on it's latest trip and I pointed it out to her and asked her what she thought about a trip out to the island.  She was pretty adamant that she would not be interested in riding on this boat and I came to the conclusion as I kept hinting about a ride (as we watched the boat go back out on its tour), that she had apparently never been in (on) a small boat before.  Well, this made me not let up on her and I kept talking about what a beautiful ride it would be and she kept trying to change the subject (she did this alot when I brought up something she was not interested in).  Well, the boat approached back as we were finishing our beer and she was intently watching the young couple that stepped out of the boat.  Luckily, the couple walked directly by us on their way to order lunch and I spoke up, hoping they might understand my Russian to say "da, da" and point to the boat.  The young lady stated Da, Da and some other words I did not comprehend" and I think that all of a sudden, "N" wanted to try the experience.   It was very nice ride and I think this (and a subsequent boat ride on the Neva later) ends up being one of her favorite things we did on the trip.

The day was passing nicely and about 3:30pm I told "N" that we should make our way back as I needed to be at the hotel before 5pm for the registration issue.  We walked accross the north end of the estate, found a bus that would take us very close to the hotel and it was so crowded, that we had to sit apart and hope that the hairy boris that she was sitting next to would get off early ... but as this was a destination ride, I felt I would not be so lucky.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 11:22:35 AM
< Just for note:  I wrote a long Day 6 this early this morning and when I posted, the screen had a warning that other posts had been made since I wrote this and I thought , ok, and posted again, but the post never made it and was lost in never-never land.  We need to have a way that when it receives a warning flag or something, that the work is saved as a draft automatically.  This is the third time I have had to re-write a long portion of my TR!!! >


FB

You can switch that feature off in your Profile settings if you wish, then it makes your post despite others posting in the meantime.

Chris


Thanks, Chris, for the help!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 12:42:58 PM
English in Russia (Day 6 afternoon)

Our bus stopped at our original start (in the morning) and the hairy boris luckily jumped off, so I scooted back to sit with my "N" and I could see the smile in her face as I put my hand over her's on her knee.  This day (and the communication the prior night) had become a large stepping stone in our feelings toward each other and these feelings were seemingly becoming exponentially better as the trip went on.  The bus let us off at Moscoviski (?) prospect across from the hotel and had made good time and we were there about 4:15pm. 

When we stepped inside, "N" agreed that she would go into the (centrally-located) bar and order some refreshing beers while I went upstairs to the agency's office suite.  I found that no one was there and the office locked, so I left a note (in English) stating that I was in the bar and I would check back in 30 minutes or so (before 5pm).  I walked back to the bar and there "N" had bought me the largest (thank God, German) beer that they had on draft (I had not been too impressed with any of the Russian/Ukraine beers I had tried up to this point) and I started sucking them down to catch up and pass "N".  We watched a little Soccer (OH!, excuse me ... Football, European style), and chatted about our day.  Well about 10 minutes later (and being able to see the elevators from my stool), I spotted "M" of the agency enter the elevator and told "N" that I would follow up in 4 or 5 minutes if "M" did not come back down due to my note left.  After I finished my beer quickly, I made my way upstairs and "M", again apologetic, made the necessary copies of my passport and immigration card (again) and thanked me for my trouble.  Being a gentleman and AM, I did not want to make her uncomfortable, so I told her everything was fine and the trip was not out of our way....  (for what I had seen on my trip, not sure a RM or UM would do such pleasantries).

When I re-entered the bar, I noticed a man sitting on or near my stool talking to "N" and as I approached he was around my chair from "N" and speaking English with her.  I pulled my center stool out and made a triangle between us and he introduced himself to me as "Dale", a Belgian, who was in St. Pete for work on a construction site and a building inspector.  We really hit it off and "N" had bought me another giant German beer and we sat and chatted about things more American and how they related to Russia.  One note was we brought up by a Russian chap nearby when a Soccer European Football player went down after being kicked (on the TV game) and we both agreed in front of "N" and the chap that American Football was much rougher and tougher than Soccer their Football game ... and "N" was taken aback, knowing that I was involved in football for every year of my life since I was 6yo in inner-city LA as a player, coach and game official and that my game was much rougher than Soccer Football!!!  During Dale's and my discussion, I could see "N" becoming more intrigued with my lifelong passion and this would create a later conversation between her and I that would be very interesting in our outlook on one of our major commonalities, SPORTS!!!!  I brought up to Dale that "N" was a past university basketball player and now a women's university coach and how we shared so much of this commonality between us.  He really thought this was great and as we finished our beers, wished us both well and a good stay in his temporary home. 

"N" and I decided to make our way back to town to chase down some theatre tickets for the night and as we were walking towards the metro hub, several vendors were, again, handing flyers out and "N" just loved to collect these and shove them in her purse for future review.  As she grabbed one particular one, I noticed "Europe Theatre" on the top and pointed it out to her.  We stopped and checked it out and it was for a drama play at the Europe Theatre, just one stop short of our destination of Nevsky and we decided to check it out on the way home.  With this in mind, and both of our love for the theatre, "N" looked so content on the subway as I stood in front of her holding the rail while she sat in a crowded car, that she kept looking at me with a sort of "liquored" stare (yes, she did have a large beer in her), but the enameling look just created this sense of eutopia over me that really made me feel at ease in her presence.

   


Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 03:24:00 PM
Interesting Theatre (Night 6):

We made our way to the theatre office after almost getting lost in a busy business type area south of Nevsky and "N" inquired about the show, the perfomance time(s) and the costs.  She backed up to me and asked me if I was ok to watch a play in Russian language, and I had no problem, so she told me to hand over 700 rubles (about $32) for the 8pm performance about a Austrian script with only four actors.  Now, this was about 5:30 now and she still wanted to eat, so we ran back to the Metro, hit the Sphinx sports bar for something quick to eat (quick sandwhiches), ran to the apartment and showered/changed about as quickly as two people could (especially for a lady), and made it back to the theatre by metro with about 20 minutes to spare, so we ducked into a little hole in the wall bar and both had a quick beer and a shot of vodka to help with the inhibitions.  And just as we walked out of the bar to go around the quick corner to the theatre, there stood a bubushka with a load of yellow carnations .... just what "N" told me was one of her favorites ... so, yes, I bought her 11 long stem carnations and she was just a'beemin  :king:

The theatre was quite small and quaint an one stage with two sets sharing the stage. When we arrived and showed our tickets, the ticket taker did not want to let "N" in with her flowers (something she said about creating a disturbance), but "N" would NOT have any of that ... these flowers were coming in or the KGB was going down!!! (Note:  she is so cute when she wants her way :innocent:   The play was interesting, although I recognized about seven different words the whole night, but it was about a male servant in a wealthy household (for all his life) that was promiscuous with a female kitchen server, but with a semi-strange daughter of the wealthy man (the four parts) who had a crush on this guy-servant.  The play was quite graphic & sexual I thought (especially with a couple of adolescents in the crowd of 50 or so), but the inuendo, actions, acting and verbiage, I could easily tell what was going on without even speaking the language, so this was definitely an experience.  As we sat and enjoyed the play, I noticed "N" constantly smelling her flowers and she held on to them the whole time (put her camera away so she could continue to hold the flowers) like she was very attached to them.  In the previous 5 days I had been with her, I had asked her about 12 times to get her flowers (as I was always with her, I couldn't even buy them outside of her presence) and she always refused or did not like the looks, smell, freshness, etc. of what was offered.  But I could sure tell she liked these!!!

At the end of the play, we were both fairly tired and again, she had a "sip of whiskey" on her mind and thus wanted to go straight home.  When we got home, she went in to her bedroom and changed and I put a couple of glasses of Tennessee's finest on the coffee table with some cheese and water, and I sat in the recliner and figured she would sit on the sofa for now, while I turned on the music video station on the TV that had some American voices every once-in-a-while.  I did not have to wait long and she emerged out of her bedroom with a very provacative nightgown (I guess that is the safest way to describe what she was wearing) and plopped herself right on my lap in the recliner and I almost spilled all my whiskey on her.  She grabbed her whiskey, made a toast with me about how happy she was to be with me, and downed the damn thing better than I could have.  She threw her glass onto the coach with determination and turned and gave me the most sexual kiss I have had in a long time ... this coming from a woman who would not let me kiss her on the lips just barely two days ago!!!  She mumbled something in Russian (if I only new what those words were!)... Well, the gate-keeper couldn't keep the demons out this time and I think that this night will be remembered for a long, long time!!! :-X



 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 22, 2008, 05:50:22 PM
Way to go, Gilligan!  (Morning 7):

Well, what can I say but that the morning started perfect as we awoke together and sipped some tea, drank juice, and chewed on some rolls bought previously... but I was about to ruin it with my (until then, hidden) "playfull" antics which not-too-brightly, came into the moment.  She was looking for something in a dark, corner closet in the hallway and I snuck up behind her and gave her a little ..."Hey" ...well she shrieked and threw the juice (in the glass in her left hand) into my face and stormed off into the bedroom saying something in Russian (I think I was cussed at)....  well, I stood there, knowing I made her mad and mixed emotions wondering did I deserve a douche of juice for this.  Well I wandered into my room, took another shower (OJ is not nice in the hair and nostrils) and came out.  She had not come out of her room and now the door was shut ... for the first time all vacation! :sick0012: ... yea, that is how I felt, just sick!!!

Well, I knocked on the door, apologized profusely and pleaded for her to come out several times and she was not answering me.  I tried everything I possibly could to at least acknowledge my presence, but she was not responding.  Well, I felt embarassed  :-[ and a little scared  :scared0005: thinking I might have set our relationship/friendship back about 96 hours (if not more).  After pleading for several tries, I gave up, sat down in the living room, put on some music from the TV and just started reviewing the tourist book and map we had picked up upon our arrival in St. Petersburg.  We were planning to make an early day of it to be the first to get into the Hermitage Museum ... but I had now screwed that up for "N".

She finally emerged about an hour later and boy did she avoid me like the black plague for the next 20 minutes or so.  I then got the courage to go into the kitchen and sit down with her and tell her my thoughts about what an incredible, beautiful, smart and incredibly irresistable woman she was to be around and then I apologized in a serious tone, one last time.  She looked up at me and said "What you did was not nice, but rude, and not acceptable to me, and it is not good to scare your woman like this!"  and after following this comment with "I know, I know, I'm sorry", I realized what she had included into her statement ... "your woman" and I just about fell over. :o  Well, I was not going to lose the moment, so I put her hand in mine (she semi resisted at first, but then let me hold her hand and I said I would be right back.  I was going to retrieve something that I had brought from States that I was waiting to give to her if/when something special happened (such as it did the night before) and I figured now was as perfect time as any, especially when I was in desperate need of a peace offering to go along with a relationship offering.  I came back with a box wrapped up and hidden in my right hand behind my back and put my left hand into her hand again across the kitchen table.  I told her that I was truly sorry for the scare and that the night before and the whole trip up to now had been so wonderful, that I wanted to gift her something special.  I then brought the gift and set it into her hand and she asked me what it was before she started opening it.  I told her it was something special from the United States and was something that I think is very special and I wanted my special lady to have it.   She unwrapped it and inside the larger box was two smaller jewelery boxes.  She opened the first and it was a Black Hills Gold (with a couple of small diamond stones) necklass that I purchased in Virginia City, Nevada (only about 8 miles from my house) which comes from the Black Hills of South Dakota (and I believe the pink and green tones mixed with the gold makes it one of the most beautiful gold metals in the world!!!).  The other box had two earings that matched the necklass and when she had them all out, she handed them back to me and said that she couldn't accept them.  I put them right back into her hand and said that they were specially made for her (a little white lie about being actually specially made, but meant they were destined for her) and that they were unreturnable as I smuggled them into Russia they would not be able to leave without confiscation (by the Russians) ... and she believed my second white lie!!!!  :saint:  Anyways, a look came over her like what I remembered from last night and never did she (or has she ever (yet)) mentioned the "issue" with my rudeness of scaring her again!!!  (God... thank you!!!!)  Note to self:  DON"T EVER DO THIS AGAIN to her!!!!!

Next, our excursion to the Hermitage Museum.....
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 23, 2008, 09:37:53 AM
Lifetime at the Museum (Day 7):

Well, with "N" now speaking to me again after a bumpy just-less-than 2 hour storm, we decided to take a bus down to the Winter Palace yard and go to the Hermitage Museum (which is all part of one humungous building).  We arrived about 10 minutes before its opening time at 10:30 (Sunday) and there was quite a line already waiting to get in.  "N" kept telling me that to see the whole exhibit available, we would have to take 2-3 days, so we needed to be robust on our tour to get as much as we could in the possible 6 1/2 hours that it was open.   Once the line moved up, always thinking, "N" told me to wander over to the bag check area and put her large strap-over bag into the check closet (keeping our cameras out) and she would get tickets (she did this all week so that I didn't have to pay the 250% inflated foreigner fee everywhere).  She met me at the ticket taker and we strolled in and started our journey.  Note:  you have to pay for an added (local) ticket to bring a camera, and pay a fee for tour guides or the hand-held "remote-like" guides that you point at an exhibit and it gives a short title and description of it.

Well, what can I say .... I was definitely impressed after 5 hours of walking this museum.  It is full of 15-19th century art, scuptures and artifacts from not only Russia areas, but of western Europe and the northern Middle East areas (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, etc).  I suspect that we honestly made it through about 250 of the 400+ rooms that are numbered for museum exhibits (not counting probably the other 100 rooms for admin, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc.)  This place was much larger and had many more things to see than I would have ever thought.  Just the 15-17th century paintings alone, in the quantity they had on display, was just more priceless than one could imagine.  Anyways, as we made our way through the museum, alot of rooms didn't allow pictures and some were very restricted to using flash, which, as it turned out, with some of the not so brightly lit rooms, made for very dark pictures.  After about the 5 hours, we were beat and decided to walk down to the river and get a late lunch. 

That afternoon, at the river, we were experiencing some intermittent lite rain (again) and so we found a little outdoor vendor that had a covered area with about 5 tables, so we ordered a couple of sausage sandwiches and (surprisingly) beers and sat and watched the tourist boats wander up and down the river.  We were about 50 meters from one such docking area where there were two ladies selling tours (on these boats) for the river in the evening and I asked "N" if she would like to try one.   She said yes (believe it or not), but wanted to wait until later in the evening when it would be cooler and a probably more comfortable ride (maybe the rain would be gone by then).  So after our beer, I bought two tickets for the 9pm excursion, and we wandered through the little park that sits between the river and Nevsky prospects end and found some ice cream and a nice park bench.  I could tell that "N's" legs were tired and feet were hot (and mine were "barking" too, but I didn't let on to this fact) and let her lay down on the bench with her head in my lap and put her feet up over the bench arm rest.  We talked about some personal things and even about the previous night whilst relaxing on this bench for a half hour or so.  I really felt a calmness really fall over me (and probably "N" too!) and I, just then, knew that I had found the lady that I wanted to not only come back to see and meet her family fairly soon, but the lady that I was convinced that I wanted to bring to the States someday.  With this in mind, but almost too "chicken" to ask, I kinda beated around the bush by asking her if she thought I might be the right guy to visit her family in a few months (aka: "next" trip) and without hesitation, she said "of course you are".  Well, that moment really almost had this ole broken-down football player in tears......   
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 23, 2008, 04:13:35 PM
Neva River Boat Ride (Night 7):

We caught a bus at the West end of Nevsky near the park and rode it all the way back to near our apartment (I think we wore ourselves out and were not going to take our ninth (or so) walk the length of Nevsky again that evening).  We decided that we would freshen up, change, relax a little and go back toward town and find a nice restaurant before our evening boat ride.  In one of her St. Pete tourist guides we chose three different restaurants that we might like to try and, refreshed again, we started the hike West back down Nevsky towards the boats.  One place was another Sushi restaurant that was lauded in this guide, but when we popped in the place about halfway down Nevsky, it looked pretty dingy and, in fact, a little scary, so we both simultaneously agreed that we would continue toward our final destination and find something else.  One of the other two restaurants was an Italian place on "Millionaires Street" that was off Nevsky to the North about three blocks (the north side of the Winter Palace) and I stated that we should go enjoy some Italian.  Well, the walk was starting to bother "N" again and she was balking about the off-Nevsky jaunt we would have to partake to get to this restaurant.  Although I had usually given in to her as to where we were going to eat or visit so far on this vacation, the thought of a food Ravioli or Linquini had my mouth watering by now and I was not going to take no for an answer.  I think when she saw that I was adamant about this choice, she did not squabble anymore about the walk (maybe you guys are right that they really do want us to take charge in matters like these!!!  :duh:

As we entered the Restaurant, which was quite busy, we could not get an outside table, so we found a cozy little table in the corner of the bar.  I showed her the menu comparison (as they automatically handed me an English menu again without me saying a word  ::) and I pointed out that the menu was of traditional Italian, set in sets of small meals (appetizers, drinks, meal #1, meal #2, desert, after-dinner drinks, etc.).  We ordered a bottle of nice wine and our two appetizers and both went down very well.  One meal set (only), desert and another bottle of wine later, we were feeling pretty good ... especially satisfied for a nice boat ride in the evening.  In all, this restaurant was probably the best food, service and atmosphere that I had seen since crossing the pond a week earlier and I would recommend it to everyone (just can't remember the name ...) and I think "N" would say the same!!! :happy0023:

We walked the kilometer or so to the boat launch area and waited about 15 minutes until they were ready to load up this approx. 20 person seating.  About 16 people took the ride and "N" & I were able to share a bench seat by ourselves and I let her sit on the edge of the boat closest to the water.  Although the day before, she seemed very skeptical about getting into a boat, she showed no hint of nervousness now and I believed she really enjoyed this trip around the shores of the Neva and up and around two canals back throught the financial district of town.  We were able to take alot of nice pictures and one of my pictures were of two young lovers, sitting high atop a 6-story building roof overlooking the canal, drinking (as was customary) "tallboys"!!!  :biggrin:  There was one family of four sitting behind us with two teenage girls with definite Eastern European descent.  Before I really was able to see these people, the older of the two girls was speaking and my hair on my neck about stood straight up on its end ... what is my daughter "K" doing here?  I turned around without too much noseyness and found that this girl, if I traded her hair from dark to blonde, would be the spitting image of "K", even down to the hieghth, weight, clothes, and as mentioned, voice.  I told "N" this and she immediately turned around to pretend to look at something toward the back of boat to get a hint of what my daughter might look like.  She turned back and sat down, put her hands back into mine and said that if my daughter looked like her, she must be busy fighting off all the boys in America.  I said, yes, she probably would, if she did not already have the (noted) AW attitude alike her mother (my ex).  We chuckled for a moment, as she knew what I was refering to and we continued to enjoy the (approx.) 1.5 hour trip.  This excursion was very nice and relaxing and I would recommend to anyone.

After the ride and the long day, we decided that we would take the bus back (halfway) to the center of Nevsky and check out one of the main theatres we had seen to see if there was a show that we might have wanted to see for our final night (next night) together.  We found one theatre that had a comedy theatre that was playing the next (Monday) night and it was in three shows, with the middle one being in English (believe it or not).  So we noted the number and planned to call the next morning for reservations as it was fairly late at the point on this Sunday night. 

We then hopped the bus again for the 17 ruble ride (approx 80 cents each) and made our way back to the apartment.  Yes, you guessed it, "N's" wine had wore off and the first thing she saw on the kitchen table was the Whiskey and she, without even asking me, poured the final two small glasses that finished off the bottle and hollered to me (as I was changing into something more comforable and checking what clothes I had that were fresh enough for the next day) that she had a "surprise" for me.....

I re-entered the living room and sat on the couch, and just moments later, she scampered though the living room to the kitchen, returning with the whiskey glasses and some cut up cheese and stated that this was the last of the whiskey and she was sure going to miss it.  Then she told me about one of her (people's) customs was that whomever emptied the last drop from a bottle, was presumed to have to go get the next, to continue the celebration.  I told her that I was not going to have her out running around town looking for whiskey and that we would just have to savor what we had there and then.  So, she sat in the recliner, eating cheese and sipping whiskey, and I noticed her attention was directly on me, not the TV, or siteseeing guides, or books, or her cell phone or anything ... but just me.  This really made me remember the morning when she told me that she was (to me) "your woman" and I looked deep into her eyes and asked her if she was still my woman.  Without a peep, she sipped the last bit of her whiskey, came over to the coach where I was laying and shoved herself as close to me as she could.  Here she looked into my eyes and said, "show me what this word "cuddling" means" and gives me another sensual kiss.  The rest was history.....
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 23, 2008, 05:32:08 PM
Peterhoff or Bust (Day 8):

That morning, as I had awoke earlier than "N" (again), I went out and started some water for tea and sorted through a few items of collectibles that we had bought or taken so far in our trip.  After cleaning up and about two cups of tea, I wandered back out to the bakery and brought back some chocolate eclairs and croissants because I new "N" would be hungry when she awoke.  I noticed her yellow carnations in a glass of water were still fresh and beaming, so I picked one of them out, snuck back into her room, and layed on on the bed/pillow where I had awoken from earlier and I was able to do this and get out without awakening her.  So I pulled out my football books and started studying again and within about 15 minutes, I hear "N" getting up and starting her shower.  She came out with a new white & gray flower dress that fit her absolutely perfect and really accented her lines.  Maybe I was still smitten from the night before, but the sight of her was absolutely stunning.  She walked directly over to me and gave me a kiss and told me thank you (without further explanation) and I followed her into the kitchen.  When she saw the tea I had set out for her and the box of pastries, she put her hand into mine and told me that she felt I was too thoughtfull all the time and that she could get accustomed to all this "spoiling".  I told her that I would always do my best to spoil her and that she better get used to it!!!  ;)

After breakfast she decided she wanted to go out to Peterhoff (a town south east of St. Pete about 40km away) on the Bay of Finland where Peter (the Great's) Summer Castle was located.  She showed me some pictures from the tourist book and knowing that this was located on the bay, I thought this would be a perfect final day destination to share with "N".  As we packed up cameras, passports and everything, the apartment phone rang (only the 2nd time) and "N" answered it.  She spoke in Russian to someone and then, apparently disgusted with the caller, turned to me and said "M from the agency is on the phone for you and needs you to come down and pick you Visa Registration first thing at 10am"  I could tell that "N" was not going back to the hotel again and changing her days plans and knowing this I spoke to M and told her, that although she thought I should have my Registration ASAP, as it was complete, I told her that I was leaving in less than 20 hours to the airport, I would see her boss (who would be driving us to the airport) and giving back the apartment key and he could give me the registration then.  Miss "M" did not want to accept my proposal, but for once, I was not going to give in to her as this whole fiasco was a product of her mistake(s).  I told her to leave it for her boss and I would accept it in the next morning on way to airport.  With this, "N" looked at me with a "your my man" confidence, put her arm through mine and we proceeded to the Metro to start our way toward Peterhoff.
 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 23, 2008, 06:15:08 PM
Peterhoff or Bust (Day 8 cont.)

As we were walking out the door, I reminded "N" that we needed to call the theatre to get tickets for the comedy show that night.  She called and reserved to seats for the 7pm showing and made a note to me that she would like to be back at the apartment by 4pm to have some dinner and clean up for the show.  We then left for the Metro and took the "Red" lines farthest outreach, then boarded a bus for the approximately 30 minute ride.  "N" was particularly quiet on that ride and into the day and I wasn't sure what to take of this, but I just positively noted it as hopefully a contentment with her man by her side and the vacations excitement starting to wear on her. 

We arrived in Peterhoff and walked throughout this large estate over the next four-plus hours, which is best know for all the fountains surrounding the grounds and especially on the back face of the castle (toward the Bay).  In reviewing literature, and as a partner in a Civil Engineering firm, I was very amazed that all these fountains were not pump or man-made tool driven, but all were using hydraulics and hydrology actions that were natural in the sloping of the hillsides, feed of the water and canals and, I surmised, driven by the gravity of the ocean nearby (just like for those golfers out there, how a golf ball, on a putting green, will naturally roll toward any water edged surface, given all things level).  I tried to explain this to "N", but I think all she got out of my semi-scientific description is that these beautiful fountains were "driven by nature".  Again, we did not go inside the castle, as it was closed on Mondays, but we enjoyed the grounds, walked along the ocean for about a kilometer, and had lunch at a little diner located at the butt of one of the dock-piers.  This was probably one of the first garden parks that was extremely well manicured (and not mowed by a weedeater) and it is very nicely taken care of and presented to the public, and of course, there was alot of traffic there, even though it was supposed to be an "off day". 

We decided to pack it up and head toward a bus about 2:30 or so and we walked back out the castle's confines and found the bus stop just down about 100 meters.  After a short wait, we were seated on exactly the same bus that we had rode in on (at least the bus and the driver were the same, I think).  "N" asked me what we might do if we get back closer to the apartment sooner than 4pm and I said that I could probably take a nap (which I do about once a year, maybe), as I planned to stay up all night because the agency (boss) was picking me up at 4:30 am and I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.  She thought that this was a good idea and said that while I would nap, she would cook dinner inside, so let's go to the market close to apt. and get something for dinner.  As the bus, metro and short walk to the market was fairly uneventful, outside of "N" and I doing about as close to a "cuddle" as we could possible get away with in the Russian public, and upon arrival, we slipped into the market to grab something for dinner.

At the market, she bought some fish and asked if this particular fish was ok, and I looked, and it had the consistency, from what I could tell, of a nice Pacific salmon, very pink and fresh smelling (not like a previous salmon we had eaten days before that was very bland and more gray than pink).  So I acknowledged my approval and she picked some peppers and other veggies and some more bread and we checked out.  We then popped into the liquor store next door and "N" politely asked me if I would buy her another bottle of the Cabernet, alike the one we shared days ago that she really liked.  So I picked out a a nice Chilean Cab and bought a bottle of Vodka that I planned on smuggling back to the US.  Now, as we left and approached our apartment, and with several bags in my hand, she wanted to make a final stop to the deli to get some more cheese for the wine.  At the checkout, she had ran out of rubles, so I was trying to juggle these bags and my wallet where my additonal rubles were, and just then, one of the bags tore and down dropped the wine, on the floor, in a trillion pieces and red juice everywhere!!!.  "N" looked at me with that "Dennis (the Menace), you are going to be scolded when you get home" look and I just put the bags down away from juice and started to carefully pickup glass.  Two of the girls manning the deli cam out with broom and mop and pushed me aside and basically asked me to leave, and they would clean up.  I really was embarrased and felt I should be doing something to clean up (as is my nature), but "N" just grabbed me by the arm, grabbed my wallet to pay the cashier for the cheese she had, and wisked me out the door like a little boy being scolded.  I felt bad...and a good bottle of wine wasted  :'(, so I apologized to her and then without saying, I turned the other direction and headed back the four or so stores to the liquor market to repurchase another bottle of wine.  (the look that liquor store agent gave me was priceless ...as I told him the first bottle was very good and fast!).  When I returned out the store with the new wine, "N" was standing there, still with a scolding look on her face, so all I could do was laugh.... and then she turned to laughing right with me.

We made it to the apartment finally without something else being broken and I helped unpack with "N" and she told me to go take an hour nap on the couch and she would start dinnner in a little while.  I conked out fairly quickly and slept like a baby for a while, until I felt something tickling ... my outside (of couch) ear and at first thought I believed it to be a silent fly, so as I was just about to slap at whatever was bugging me, I heard whispered very close to my ear "dinner is ready, my love".... with that, I grabbed her and unsuspected by her, threw her on the couch with me and gave her the most sensual kiss I could ever try to conjer up, and after that kiss, followed several little kisses, until she pulled away and said, if you continue, we will have a very cold dinner ... and with that, she jumped up, grabbed my arm and said, I have fish, peppers, wine and cheese waiting, let's go eat!!!

 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: blucatz on July 23, 2008, 06:34:15 PM
Something about that accent whispered in your ear would make a coma patient come back to life....LOL   :loving:
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 24, 2008, 08:56:21 AM
BluCatz ...

The whisper and words in that sexy accent was not expected and you are right ... it "excited me" from a very comfortable nap.....
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 24, 2008, 09:30:12 AM
Comedy Theatre, Eastern Style (Night 8)

We shared a nice apt-cooked meal with the bottle of Chilean Cab and it was not only a nice change from eating out, but I think "N" felt special in being able to cook for us and enjoy the meal without outside influence.  The wine was enjoyed and "N" confirmed that Cabernet was now becoming one of her favorite wines (she had not ever had a Cabernet before, that she could recall, before this trip).  So, well fed, a little wine buzz, and nice dressed, we headed for the comedy theatre.  Note:  as mentioned several times before, "N" and I, in our early communications and (IMO) our original "bonding" in our correspondence and phone conversations this winter/spring, the love of theatre was a commonality that we both shared, so this was an experience in the making to see if we could survive this test.  We had already seen the Opera and a Drama, both with the same overtones of a servant boy/man who was either courted or being drawn by a upper-class girl/lady.  At this point, before entering this comedy, we were batting 1000 and I was just hoping that a comedy would not screw this up ("N" mentioned that she had not been very seasoned into comedy so far). 

As we made the short bus ride to the theatre and arrived about 25 minutes early, we secured our tickets and "N" wanted to duck into somewhere and maybe get another quick glass of wine, or maybe (you guessed it....) "whiskey" (man, I think I created a monster....).  Well, we found a hole in the wall that, although I really did not feel comfortable having her in, especially as nicely dressed as she was, but it did not seem to bother her.  We were able to buy two glasses of wine (without the bottle) and quickly enjoyed a little Merlot this time (they had no Cab).  We paid and exited and entered the theatre and found our seats.  Although this was dubbed a "comedy theatre", I wasn't sure if I was going to get an actual play, a singing skit, a roast or even a probable stand-up routine.  I was hoping for the play, as I was sure "N" would understand and enjoy this most, and as I really did not want to cloud our last night together, I was probably praying most of the time waiting for the show to start for something professionally presentable.

Just before the play opened, a little soft-bound "playbill" was handed out and was in Russian, and I had "N" read the first portion to me and I stated that this was a French-style comedy play about a few politicians scandals in the early 1900s.  Now, my first thought is "hey, the French have zero sense of humor, so is this play going to be any good", (of course I did not share that with "N" as she spent 2+ years in Bordeaux France in obtaining her Masters and Coaching basketball), so I just leaned over to her and said, "this should be interesting....".  As the short play panned out, it was not perfect, but not bad considering (what my expectations had originally been set up to), and, although Eastern humor (outside of British humor, such as Benny Hill and Monty Python), are definitely not as bold and gut-wrenching as I feel us Westerners find our comedy/humor.  Anyways, it seemed that "N" enjoyed it and as we exited the theatre, and I suggested maybe a dessert and drink, she said that in her last night in St. Pete, although she had a million more things she would like to have seen, she wanted to spend it alone with me.  I did not argue with her direction as I felt pretty touched by it and we briskly headed toward the apartment to settle in for the night.  We had decided to forego the bus and walk the 1.5 (approx.) kilometers back to apt. and alike the morning, "N" was quiet and as we headed up the foyer stairs to the third floor (after making sure no one was also in ear-shot), I asked her why she was so quiet.  Well, I did not expect her answer as she, outside of a few romantic moments, had stayed fairly stoic, especially out in public.  She turned my arm so we were facing directly each other on the stairs, she planted a kiss on my lips and I saw a tear in her eye and before I let her say anything, I said "N, this has been an incredible journey and now vacation, and I, do not want this to end any more than you do, but let's make the best of things and savor what we have tonight and hopefully we can keep a fire into the future ... that is what I want and need".  Well, she really started crying and I grabbed her hand and ran he up the last flight of stairs and we raced into the apt (as fast as one could with the interesting lock system that it had) and once inside and private, I gave her, what I thought would be the most loving kiss I could muster, and she would not let go......

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 24, 2008, 05:01:52 PM
Writers Note:  I will not go into to many details of what happened that night  :innocent: , except for some tidbits of conversation and other things that would help finalize the story to our departure.

Night of Understanding (Night 8 / Early Morning 9)

The long kiss and hug we both shared was, to say the least, awesome and I was surprised by something "N" did following into the late evening.  Earlier that afternoon, when I had took the nap and informed her that I was staying up for the night, right after the breakup of the kiss, she lovingly informed me that she was staying up too.  I told her that she should sleep as her flight went out 5 1/2 hours after mine (to Lvov) and that I did not expect her to not only stay up, but that she could stay in apartment as I had already arranged (and paid for) a second pickup by the agency for her so she would not spend a half a day at the airport.  Well, she also informed me that there was no way I was going to keep her from seeing me off for my flight home via Paris, although we discussed that she could see me off and come back by metro to the apartment and catch some added sleep.  She said that this (new plan) sounded fine and it was just enough to convince her to stay up with me.

Over the night's course (I wish it would have lasted forever  :evilgrin0002:, we did discuss somethings a little "deeper" than we had yet discussed about our lives and our latest experiences.  Although I had not pressed her once the whole vacation about any long-term plans, including a (hopeful) re-visit by me, "N", without prompting, finally asked me why I had not brought "such things" up previously.  I told her that I was not here to drag her to the United States as fast as she would let me, but to get to know her to see what may lie ahead.  I then told her, for the first time, that I had fallen for her and that she was going to be taking my heart back with her to Lvov (and I reiterated to her that I meant that and it was not to be taken lightly).  I thought this would spurn some loving response, but she really suprised me (from many previous actions and such), saying that she was very undecided and confused and she denoted that her past (history) was not letting her give in so easily.  Then she flat out asked me if I was in love with her and although dancing around the question for about two minutes (somewhat surprised at her questioning), I justifiably admitted to her by saying "N, if I told you earlier that you would be taking my heart back with you (home), then I must be admitting I have some very strong feelings about you".  She sat there on the coach next to me as I petted and caressed her arms, legs, hair and face, and did not say much after I just basically let my deep thoughts out into the open.  After what seemed like an eternity, I asked her if she would express her feelings to me and outside telling me that she really cared for me and loved my company, she was not ready for any commitment.  I told her that was fair and I would not expect her to jump off that bridge, especially if there were issues out there she still needed to resolve in her feelings .. .but I said once again to her, I felt that I was ready to let her be in the care of my heart and it was up to her what she did with it.  It was a wonderful night to spend (up) with her and although a lot of personal and relationship conversation had taken place that night/morning, I was still not satisfied that either one of us really told each other how we truly felt.

About 3am, "N" laying on the couch with her head in my lap as I continued to caress her, fell asleep and I watched her for about 15 minutes really wondering if she would fit into my lifestyle in the Western US, or even if I would get an invitation to come back and see her.  I was content that the latter would happen, but was scared of the thought of the long distance affair we were about to embark on.  I had had one such relationship with a woman I met at a professional function in SanFran three years ago and we tried to date at 210 miles apart and it was tough, so hard that it finally ended when the four month magic wore off.  Now I was considering the chance of this woman, and her daughter, to pickup all she had and just move to the US someday.  I know that if there is someone who is opposite of the MOB stigma that is always painted to these relationships, it was "N", as she will have her PhD by next Spring, has worked for the University system as a fitness-trainer and baskeball coach for many years, owns her own flat, and has (what I can tell) a very loving family, including her in-laws of her past husband.  Well, without trying to become depressed, I decided to sneak from the couch and get packed and my things in order to await a 4:45 am pickup for my 7am flight out of St. Petersburg.

As I packed, showered and had about my 10th cup of tea, I saw "N" sleeping so peacefully on the couch and for a second, thought that I might let her just sleep in and not bother her when I had to leave.  So, as I was all packed and ready to go and getting close to about 4am, I sat down in the recliner next to her and watched her sleep.  I was not tired at all and, although not looking forward to a long series of flights back to the west coast US, my mind started to wander about what layed ahead of me the next week at work, home, football, kids, etc. and just at that moment I stopped and said to myself...."there is no way I am going to that airport with one more moment with "N", so I moved over to her, gave her to slight pecks on the cheek and told her "I am really, really going to miss you".  With that she opened her eyes and saw me dressed to go and jumped up, almost mad, that I had not woken her earlier to be ready to go as well.  I stated to her that she did not need to go and she should get some sleep (although I selfishly really wanted her company at the airport) and she raced right by me and jumped into her shower and yelled she needed my help packing.  I stated back that she could come back and retrieve her suitcases, but she said she was staying there with me until I leave the airport and not coming back.  This made me feel, although knowingly selfish, very happy.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 25, 2008, 11:36:56 AM
Goodbyes at Airport (Day 9)

I helped "N" pack all her accessories, books, souvenirs, etc into her second bag and she emerged from her room fairly quickly all ready and her garment bag packed and we were ready to go with about 5 minutes to spare.  We put all the bags by the door, I cleaned up the kitchen a little and squared away the rest of the apartment and we headed on outside to the corner where our ride was to pick us up.  I am still amazed that with the "White Nights" of St. Pete that it seemed about maybe 8pm, not 4:45am, with as bright as it was and some actual street traffic.  As we waited about 5-6 minutes, I put "N" in my arms, gave her a kiss and told her I was very happy that she chose to go through the airport, security, passport control and everything with me and was willing to wait 5+ more hours after my flight was gone.  She held me close and kissed me back, not saying a word.

Driver showed up (young manager of the agency) and we scooted off in his small Audi to the airport.  Upon arrival, we grabbed our bags and as I turned to the manager and was going to thank him, he handed me back USD$100 and told me that $60 was what I prepaid for "N's" pickup and the other $40 for my hastles with the registration.  I told him thank you and that, other than that event, everything else was great, including the apartment.  I shoved the $100 in my pocket and I decided I would buy something nice for "N" with it.  We went through the quiet airport as we were almost the first there just after 5am, and when through first security and then had to wait in line for 15 minutes until the airline desk opened up.   After getting my tickets at AirFrance and "N" having to wait another 10 minutes until Aerosvit opened, we wandered through passport control.  This was fairly easy (passport was much easier this whole trip than I expected, my biggest issues were with airlines flight schedules and baggage waits).  Once through passport control, we had a good hour until my plane was leaving, so I pulled "N" into the duty-free store.  I already had a packed bottle of vodka and so I really needed nothing, but I remember that "N" was looking at some Chanel#5 perfume a few days back (where she sprayed two types on her wrists and asked me which one I preferred, and she told me it was called "Coco") and, without her seeing me, I snuck over to the perfume area and grabbed a bottle of perfume ($110 duty free cost, about $80 less than the store we were in) and made it to the checkout counter without her noticing (whew!  ;).  The extra $15 was perfect as that was just about how many rubles (350) I had left.  "N" found some candy that she wanted to bring back to her daughter "L" and a magazine for the trip and I offered to pay for that as well, but she mentioned she had a few rubles and she might as well spend those now...

We were faced with yet another security gate, and this was sectionalized just for two gates (for Air France) and her gate was the opposite direction, so we changed directions and I walked her to close to where her gate was, and she told me she would go through the extra security so she could sit with me until boarding.  But, this area was quiet, so I asked her to sit down for a minute and we had plenty of time.  We sat and talked for a couple of minutes, mostly about what we were going home to and about each other's upcoming flights, and as this wound down, I pulled the bag with the perfume enclosed and put it into her lap.  She looked questioningly at me and then opened the bag and found her perfume.  Well, this might have been the smartest thing I did all week, as she was so greatful, I thought I might never be able to leave (thank goodness we were in an empty gate area).  After an awesome kiss, we went to my gate, went through security and waited for my boarding. 

When the first section was called to boarding, I put my arms around "N" gave her a huge hug and held her very tight for about a minute, just staring into her eyes, as hers were also into mine.  At that moment, whether I really wanted to or not, the urge came over me and I said to "N", "I love you .. and I will really miss you ... take care my heart".  With that said, I kissed her one last time and let go, grabbed my carry-on and walked to the gate's door.  As I approached the door and handed my ticket to the steward, I turned back and there she was waiving a kiss back to me and I "caught it" and sent it back.

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 25, 2008, 11:38:22 AM
Writers Note:  I will have some final issues, comments and reactions of my trip early next week as I am out of town the next 3 days.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: b.j. on July 27, 2008, 08:04:26 PM
She finally emerged about an hour later and boy did she avoid me like the black plague for the next 20 minutes or so. 

Welcome to the world of sulky, RW, FootballDad!   Great trip report--thanks for sharing!


Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: blucatz on July 28, 2008, 02:54:01 AM
She finally emerged about an hour later and boy did she avoid me like the black plague for the next 20 minutes or so. 

Welcome to the world of sulky, RW, FootballDad!   Great trip report--thanks for sharing!




And don't hold your breath waiting for her to say "I'm Sorry" or "I was wrong", you will probably die before hearing those words.....LOL
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 29, 2008, 04:18:16 PM
Blucatz,

You are so right.  In the couple of time that (per our usual Western customs) I thought I would get some kind of "sorry" or "I am wrong" or even a kiss to change the subject, but it was non-existent.    As you will read in my follow up report, coming next, it is even occuring now.....
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: anjutka on July 29, 2008, 04:24:52 PM
    As you will read in my follow up report, coming next, it is even occuring now.....


we all waiting for  next report ;D
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 29, 2008, 04:52:18 PM
Finalizing & Summarizing the Trip:

As I sat on the plane (another late plane by 45 minutes) to Paris through toward the West Coast USA, I thought I was in heaven and that "N's" and my relationship were on the "right track".  When I got to the Paris Airport and barely made my connection to SLC, I went into the restroom, changed into shorts (which I barely wore, except for in the apartments) and golf shirt for the ride home.  After changing, I "texted" "N" and told her "thank you N.... for such a wonderful time and I already miss you!  Wish you well on your flight" and this would get to her about a hour before she was scheduled to depart.  She received the message and texted back (as my phone was not working in Paris) "I miss you also and please call me when you arrive home".  Well, at this point, I believed that our relationship was heading toward a comfortable "place".

Things I did wrong:

1> Expected the airlines to be on time.... Future:  bite the bullet and take the 2.5 hour layover in each airport .....
2> I put expensive chocolates in my carryon for "N" --  Expect them to be part of one piece when you arrive
3> I knew I was eating on the airplane, so did not eat before leaving....the majority of the food I was served (generally) lost out to the usual honey-roasted peanuts.....
4> Expected a big hug and kiss when I first saw "N" at the arrival gate ... but she was to intense to get to the cab....
5> Tell "N" the stairs are fine for seven floors... and then she tests me
6> Tell "N" that I was excited to eat Borsch (and all the other famous russian dishes).... and she believed me
7> Try to buy rubles in a bank with general (not new) $100 bills (see other thread comment)
8> Sneak up on a RW... especially if you want to talk to them within the next 24 hours
9> Trust my American (Cell) phone company to give me the right functions for international calling in all sites (not one thing worked besides test msg).
10> Believe that you will get a real sized piece of meat east of the Carpathian mountains
11> Try to expect a Russian cab driver to obey a speed limit posted by at least 30kms per hour....
12> Almost trying to take a gun away from probably a very drunk ex-KGB man at a restaurant ... just trying to be "Clint", ya know (like one thread stated as being an RWs dream-man)
13> Chugging water for quick refreshment without know what it really was..... (who puts carbonation in their water with a straight face... ???)
14> Not bringing Levis to wear (at least for leisure times) ... after several opinions I received from (another site's) members ... HELL, at least half the Russian men were wearing them!
15> Not taking more photos of the 400,000 women that I saw that still can beat the best looking WW I have seen since back (outside of TV or magazine)
16> Thinking that the word customer service had any place in St. Petersburg
17> Bring only one bottle of SBJack Whiskey and expect to have any on my bon voyage evening .... man, "N" liked that stuff....
18> Tried talking to a French customer service agent with a big ole' American grin on my face (just happy to be "here") ... I am about to send them back the Statute of Liberty and ram it between their beloved tower!...
19>  Trust the working public not to be swinging loud hammers before 5am in the morning (in Kiev) outside our apartment window

and finally #20> Expect a RW (UW in my case) to show any endearment just one day after the most romantic evening of one's life.........
as so the final story goes......


 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 29, 2008, 05:50:22 PM
The past two weeks:

Well, I am perplexed, to say the least.

Upon returning home (of course, 6 hours late as my late flight from Paris made me miss my connect to Reno in SLC) at midnight, I called "N" (10am her time), but she did not answer (she does not have voicemail).  When I awoke and was driving my normal 42 minutes to work (5pm her time), I called twice and she did not answer again.  At my first real break at work, I called her again and received a busy signal (9pm her time), so I decided to text a short msg that stated "N.... hope you arrived home ok.  Have tried to call several times, but no answer. Txt me back & I will call".  By her next morning (my evening) she had not even texted me back.  By the time I woke the next morning to go to work, there was a txt msg waiting and it read "Busy with L... (her daughter), will txt you when I can speak".  Well I know that she doesn't like to have English conversations in front of her daughter, but I thought by now (and the stage I thought our relationship was at), she would have said something to her 12yo. as "N" told me they were "very close" on many occasions.  Just didn't seem like her and the response that I thought I would receive ... maybe something was up or "L" was sick or something.  So I texted her right back and wrote "Is everything ok?  Waiting for your time to speak and I will call.  Kisses" (Kisses was the one endearment that she has used over and over, even before we went on our trip together).  Well, two days later and no text msg, call or any word.   Now I am wondering.....

I start to think the worst of our relationship, her situation, ... I don't know!!!  Was I really just an avenue for vacation for her?  Was she just playing the game and the final endearments mean nothing? Was I so "struck" that I couldn't see the forest for the trees? ... well, I finally decided about 10 days ago to try and call and the phone just rang and rang.  After the third try in 2 hours, I sent the following text msg: "Hope everything is alright.  I miss you and need to speak to you as soon as you can.  If I don't hear from you soon, I will be on the next plane to Lvov to find you...." (of course I put that last part in to see what type of reaction I would get (of course, forgetting that she has not shown me much of a sense of humor yet).  Most of the day went by and then I received this txt: "You can call me tonight if you would like" (that meant the next morning for me), but no endearment or anything but just you can call me.....  Is she cold or am I just missing something...

After about an hour phone call (as was usual in our conversations, before our trip), I learned that she had a few issues to deal with her apartment, her daughter, her parents, her work, etc. and "she was busy".  Everytime I tried to get her to talk about the following (1) understand that we needed to communicate more often than this (2) what were her feelings at that moment "about us" and (3) why no endearments like before our trip in every conversation, email, txt, etc.?  She would always dance around the subject and change to something she wanted to talk about or ask.  I felt very uncomfortable (and confused), for the very first time about our friendship/relationship since meeting her last December through correspondence and was not happy about where it was going.  The phone call had to break off as I had to get back from lunch time for a business meeting and I just could not get her off my mind:  am I being played a fool, or is she just as smitten as I am and is looking for some guardedness for a while?  At the end of the phone call, I asked her to call me (I had bought her a phone card to use with plenty of time on it) and reminded her of her (free) card for calling me.  She just would not commit to calling me, if we had a relationship, or barely would not even say if we were friends or not.  Well, I relegated myself to say that I would give her 3 days to call me, and if she didn't I would break it off.

You might think that this was a harsh plan, but in the seven months prior to this, we did not go any longer than two days every without speaking, emailing, skypeing, txting, etc. each other and now I am giving her the benefit of the doubt!!!  I was just heartbroken thinking that I really thought this woman was the real thing (I have been played the fool before, but not without true signs and my stupidity from two other AW), but something was just not right.

The next day, I received txt msg from "N", and stated that "she was busy, but would call later that day" ... again, no endearment like kisses, I miss you, anything......  I texted back and wrote (as a test) "we need to talk, cannot keep going like this, otherwise, cut me loose".  Now I know this might be crued and mean to a RW/UW, but I had played the nice guy for the whole trip, and although I am not one to "expect something from someone", I was not going to be "played" without some honesty between us.   She texted right back and wrote "do not worry, your are the right man, speak to you soon".  Well, I guess you could take this two ways, but knowing "N" (or thinking I read her fairly well), she did not mean I was right about "cutting loose", but that she thought I was "the right man (for her)".  Well, I took comfort in this, hoping I was not wrong and finally, about 30 hours later, my phone range and it was "N", very soft in her voice (as soft as I remember) and, although we did not talk for very long, the biggest thing that came out of it was that she was a little "scared" that I could tell her I loved her already at the airport.... but that she needed more time with me to be sure of her feelings, so she had been holding them back, on purpose the past week or so.  I told her I understood, but that did not change how I felt about her, that I was convinced that she was the one for me and that with her busy schedule for the end of Summer, start of Fall, I offered that all she had to do was say when, and I would book my next trip to Lvov to see her and help our situation.  Although during that call, we never set a date, but it was understood that I would be going to Lvov, sooner, than later.

Yesterday, I had some roses delivered to her apartment and this morning she called me as excited as I have seen her since our vacation.  I told her on the phone that I meant what I said about keeping our communication, even though as busy as we get (trying to settle back in to our normal routine) and that I needed her to be honest with me in her feelings about us, if this was going to work out.  With that being said, as were were closing our conversation, "N" finally told me she missed me very much and a couple other endearments I have missed since our vacation and as I hung up the phone, I looked at my computer at my office desk and feeling like I was just put through the relationship-wringer, and I thought to myself that I think I am going for an interesting, but sometimes bumpy, ride with my favorite UW.

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on July 29, 2008, 05:56:08 PM
I thank RUA for allowing me to put my experience here for everyone to read.

I will close my notes with this and will be my final post on this thread unless something goes sideways with my UW.....
... but that is like predicting the weather at Lake Tahoe..........

Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: sydneyvontrapp on July 30, 2008, 12:14:30 AM
I thank RUA for allowing me to put my experience here for everyone to read.

I will close my notes with this and will be my final post on this thread unless something goes sideways with my UW.....
... but that is like predicting the weather at Lake Tahoe..........


Welcome to the world of LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS!!  You can't see their smiles when they're happy.  You can't hug them or  console them when they've had a bad day. If you finally get to the point of doing a K-1; you are NO HELP for the stress she will feel.  Every step of getting your paperwork done seems to drag on.  I hope you do make your 2nd trip to visit N.  I wish you all the luck in the world.  If you continue to be serious; you might want to  have her daughter start taking English lessons. My step daughter was just starting school so she doesn't have a ton of adjustments to make.  By the time L. moves here ( if things should work out for you ) she could be ready to be a freshman in High School.  ( or 8th grade if you decide to proceed after your next visit ).  I love trip reports.  I know we all don't find the right one.  Some people aren't meant to be married.  Maybe on your next trip you'll meet her daughter and the rest of her family!   Best of Luck!!

Dave M.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: anjutka on July 30, 2008, 04:30:38 AM
You can't see their smiles when they're happy.  You can't hug them or  console them when they've had a bad day.

help if they will use skype and camera :) they will see smiles each other,can support each other in bad mood also ::) well,thats not exactly what you mean,but this is something which by some reasons people  who have long distance relationship dont use active ::) just wanted to remain about  it :)

good luck!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on August 19, 2008, 03:38:44 PM
I have only just read the final notes on this topic. It has been in my "unread" list for a couple of weeks while we were away, etc.

I am seeing one or two things that would concern me FBD, I wonder how has it been since?
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on August 19, 2008, 04:16:04 PM
I am seeing one or two things that would concern me FBD, I wonder how has it been since?

Manny, 

Well, it has definitely been "bumpy" and exasperating to say the least.  Our communication is slowing and although I know that she is busy coming off her "holiday" and just got home from her final "holiday" trip she returned from Ivano-Fransk.. (to see family) last week and getting ready for work to start back up next week, I am not very happy with the level of what I am percieving her excitement to be.

Before our trip, we would either communicate by phone, email, skype, or text at least every two days and since, our average is about every 4 days.  Now I know that she is not at work until next Monday and her access to computer is nil (none at home) and this was a major form of her communication thru email or skype, at least in contacting me, because my phone rates are much lower than hers, but I bought her a card to use when in Kiev, but she has not called me once on it.  The biggest issue is not seemingly getting any reciprocation from her in any real efforts to communicate back.  If I held my breath for a week, I would still have to make the (again) first contact now.

I called her this morning (her evening) and we spoke for only about 15 minutes.  She had just arrived home from a "birthday party", so I think she was a little inebriated.  But about the time I wanted to get down to discussing "us", she made an excuse to get off the phone and asked me to call "in a few days".  Again, experience tells me that I might be trying to oar upstream and I need to probably take a hint, but the businessman and athlete that I am, keeps me from stepping away from this "growing challenge".   

I pretty much have decided that I will await for her to go back to work and see if her email & skype communication comes back the way it was.  She is much more "personable" and "loving" on these two forms of contact than she normally is on the phone.  I think that if by late next week I cannot get her to talk about "us", then I will probably be ready to walk away.  The last time we talked about us was 3 weeks ago and I have had no hint of when she wants me to revisit, except for when we discussed upon my departure last month.

I am sure that I will get some great advice and I will be open to anything said or discussed.
 
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: alenika on August 19, 2008, 11:01:11 PM
This all doesn't sound that good :( I mean... it doesn't look she see you as a couple.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Wild Orchid on August 19, 2008, 11:14:11 PM
And don't hold your breath waiting for her to say "I'm Sorry" or "I was wrong", you will probably die before hearing those words.....LOL

from how many FSU women were you expecting those words?
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: sydneyvontrapp on August 19, 2008, 11:17:00 PM
We know that not every story has a happy ending.  See how she reacts when she has better access to a computer.  Go with your gut feeling.  Don't continue chasing this woman; only because the of the time you've already invested. If she comes around and can show you she is still interested; great!!  It did sound like you two got along well.  If she stays distant and can't make time for you...cut your losses.


Dave M.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: ECR844 on August 20, 2008, 12:01:19 AM
I agree with "sydney's" statemnet above. Communication is key, and if she has genuine feelings for you she should at this stage if she has genuine feelings be communicating them. If a RW has strong feelings on any subject you will know what they are.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: blucatz on August 20, 2008, 12:38:25 AM
And don't hold your breath waiting for her to say "I'm Sorry" or "I was wrong", you will probably die before hearing those words.....LOL

from how many FSU women were you expecting those words?
I personally was only expecting them from one.  But, I know quite a few RW here and they will not say those words, and their husbands and BF will confirm this.  They say that their RW will never admit they were wrong or say they are sorry.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Boris on August 20, 2008, 12:45:09 AM
FD,

You know personalities differ for each woman but I have to agree with Alenika and SVT. FD, this isn't your first time around the block and I think you already have a feel for what is happening. It's not easy when you give attention and it is not returned at the same level.

What would you tell your kids to do when you coached? You pick your butt up and get back in the game. You gave it your best shot and that is all you can ask of yourself.

Barry
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Wild Orchid on August 20, 2008, 01:51:13 AM
I personally was only expecting them from one.  But, I know quite a few RW here and they will not say those words, and their husbands and BF will confirm this.  They say that their RW will never admit they were wrong or say they are sorry.

It doesn't give you the right to talk that way about ALL RW. I have no problems with saying sorry and I know many other women who are ready to admit their fault or apologise for something.

I noticed that many WM are guilty of generalisation, but I wouldn't dare to say that all of them are like that.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Boris on August 20, 2008, 04:08:49 AM
Also, FD. I want to thank you for putting your experiences here for us to read. It's not easy--especially when things don't go as you thought they would....Barry
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: blucatz on August 20, 2008, 10:03:06 AM
I personally was only expecting them from one.  But, I know quite a few RW here and they will not say those words, and their husbands and BF will confirm this.  They say that their RW will never admit they were wrong or say they are sorry.

It doesn't give you the right to talk that way about ALL RW. I have no problems with saying sorry and I know many other women who are ready to admit their fault or apologise for something.

I noticed that many WM are guilty of generalisation, but I wouldn't dare to say that all of them are like that.
Maybe I should rephrase it to say that all RW that I know personally then.  It also seems to be the consensus of the men here in reference to their own wife/GF's.  I can only go by what I personally see and hear.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on August 20, 2008, 11:51:58 AM
Thank you for those that have given feedback on my dilemma. 

Although I am dissapointed recently in "N"s communication and have gained some negative feelings, I have resigned myself not to call her back (as she asked "in a few days") and give one week to see if she contacts me.  Even when I was busy this Spring & Summer (before our "vacation" together), she would not let more than 3 days go by without at least sending an email from work.  I think one week is fair to give the relationship, especially since I cannot even being to (perceive to) "read" this woman like I can 98% of AW and the "time, efforts and all" that we both put into this. 

What bugs me the worst is that I did not recieve one hint that she did not want to be a couple during or before the vacation ... only that with her work & school situation being as it is, she would not be able to come to the US at the earliest, next Spring, so we both understood this and maybe that is why she is (maybe) just slowing this down some .....

 ??? ::) :'(
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on August 20, 2008, 12:32:51 PM
I have resigned myself not to call her back (as she asked "in a few days") and give one week to see if she contacts me. 

I think thats best FD. You have chased her enough already; enough to demonstrate your intent adequately. If you chase her more now, you will be chasing her forever. The axis needs to swing your way somewhat.

Give it a fortnight, if she has not contacted you by then, write it off to experience. You had a fun time over there. Next time you would recognise the same signs in another women.

I agree with BJSlutz [sic] that it takes considerable testicular fortitude to share what you have done.  :bow:
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Boris on August 20, 2008, 12:37:12 PM
I have resigned myself not to call her back (as she asked "in a few days") and give one week to see if she contacts me. 

I think thats best FD. You have chased her enough already; enough to demonstrate your intent adequately. If you chase her more now, you will be chasing her forever. The axis needs to swing your way somewhat.

Give it a fortnight, if she has not contacted you by then, write it off to experience. You had a fun time over there. Next time you would recognise the same signs in another women.

I agree with BJSlutz [sic] that it takes considerable testicular fortitude to share what you have done.  :bow:

What did I do to you Mammary (sic)?
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on August 20, 2008, 12:42:03 PM
I got it from Donhollio, it made me chuckle.  :P
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Boris on August 20, 2008, 12:46:25 PM
I got it from Donhollio, it made me chuckle.  :P

Like being back in the schoolyard in 3rd grade. Let's go!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: ECR844 on August 20, 2008, 04:50:18 PM
FD,

  You've done your part. As hard as it maybe, move on, and give your affections to a woman who will return them and who is ready to be serious with you.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: mendeleyev on August 20, 2008, 10:36:45 PM
FBD, along with others who have expressed the same, thanks for sharing your experiences. 

It could be that while she likes you, she may not see how the two of you can realistically be a 'couple.'  That could be the result of any number of things and we simply don't know what it is that hinders her.  One of the worst things you could do is to try to force something which has no hope of success.

Like Manny, I also noticed some 'red flags' when reading of the initial trip but often those can be explained.  It's tough on you because you have traveled in good faith, made considerable investment of time/money in the prior communications and the trip, and you have remained focused on the goal at hand.

If you can allow me to speak for a moment using investment language, part of accomplishing an international marriage is the idea of 'due diligence' and like an investment, sometimes due diligence reveals something that convinces one to cut losses and refocus the strategy.  It's so true that a human relationship is so much more important than a financial investment, but that is another reason why a man and woman must do some 'due diligence' prior to an international marriage--because it is so important.

Today, while understandably hurt and frustrated, you've crossed over from the ranks of first time novice to experienced suitor.  Your next attempts will benefit from the lessons you've learned from this trip. 

You are a professional in life and know how to refocus the goal for the next time around.  Take those things you already know and allow your instincts to guide you forward.  We wish you much success!
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on August 22, 2008, 08:57:07 AM
Well, FSU Fans ......

I received the dreaded Dear John letter last night:
    --> she couldn't tell me by phone because "to say about it you straight does not allow by my education" and "in our consuetudes and culture there are
          a lot of distinction, I can not therefore, as you, to speak about all opened", so I received the news by email ... very different than before our trip.
    --> she states that "I felt chemistry at our first meeting and on our trip together", but then, after two sentences or two she says "but after had the
          heap of time since our leaving, to bethink of our relations. I tried to weigh all nuances. I searched all pluss and minuses. you are an indeed good
          man. But I think that between you and me there is no chemistry anymore.
    --> then, without much salutation, she ends it with this: "I came to conclusion, that our relations can not have continuation...."

Well, I knew deep down the writing was on the wall, but I expected her to be more personable about her message to me and how she would deliver it (if it came to this).  I truly think that she cares for me and there is (some) chemistry, but I think that the idea of moving to the US and starting a new life, especially as she is just finishing her doctorate level schooling and getting ready for a new career, was too much for her ... as well as her transplanting her daughter.  Not sure, but that is my guess.

TIME TO MOVE ON!!!
Barry, I will take your advice (thank you for reminding this old broken down "Mike" (MLB)
"You pick your butt up and get back in the game. You gave it your best shot and that is all you can ask of yourself."

...... "NEXT!!!"....
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: blucatz on August 22, 2008, 09:29:00 AM
That just totally Sux
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: alenika on August 22, 2008, 09:40:20 AM
Pity to hear this FD. I am sure you'll find the woman who will be happy to spend life together with you and with whom youll be happy.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Manny on August 22, 2008, 09:44:47 AM
Sorry to hear it FB. But as you said, life goes on. Better to find out now. Other opportunities await you.  :)
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Chris on August 22, 2008, 10:46:08 AM
Chin up FB, onwards and upwards, theres plenty more fish in the sea ;)
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Jared2151 on August 22, 2008, 10:48:31 AM
FBD, sorry to hear the news.

I'm sure that someone out there will be worthy of your attention and she will find you.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on August 22, 2008, 02:32:03 PM
Thanks everyone for the condolensces and advice.

Not good taker of rejection ... but the relationship was an "experience"  :rolleye0009:

I just don't understand the "indirectness" of the final blow  :fighting0004:

Just hope I am not too guarded with the next "prospect" in "jumping in the pool"  :-\

Eddie.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Wild Orchid on August 22, 2008, 03:29:56 PM
   "to say about it you straight does not allow by my education" and "in our consuetudes and culture there are
          a lot of distinction, I can not therefore, as you, to speak about all opened",    --> she states that "I felt chemistry at our first meeting and on our trip together", "but after had the
          heap of time since our leaving, to bethink of our relations. I tried to weigh all nuances. I searched all pluss and minuses. you are an indeed good
          man. But I think that between you and me there is no chemistry anymore.
    --> : "I came to conclusion, that our relations can not have continuation...."
Plain curiosity, what was a verbal conversation like if she writes like that?
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: FootballDad on August 22, 2008, 03:42:02 PM
Olga,

I really didn't have much problem verbally communicating with her -- probably only had to repeat large "sophisticated" words (that I would forget whom I am talking to and sometimes say) and maybe every 20th phrase.  During our "vacation", I thought it was fine. 

Thanks, though, for noticing, this brings something to light!
Her prior email communication, although probably much better thought out and worded (cause she "cared"), was much better "written" and grammatically correct, than this email I received last night ... almost as if it was rushed (and she was ready to get through with it in a hurry).  I dunno   :D

Maybe her girlfriend "L" wrote it for her ...  :money:
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: ECR844 on August 22, 2008, 04:25:01 PM
"FD,"

  My condolences on the demise of your relationship. I think in the future when your ready to move on you'll find that you "dodged a bullet." I wish you success and happiness in the future.
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Boris on August 22, 2008, 08:18:24 PM
Well, FSU Fans ......

Well, I knew deep down the writing was on the wall, but I expected her to be more personable about her message to me and how she would deliver it (if it came to this).  I truly think that she cares for me and there is (some) chemistry, but I think that the idea of moving to the US and starting a new life, especially as she is just finishing her doctorate level schooling and getting ready for a new career, was too much for her ... as well as her transplanting her daughter.  Not sure, but that is my guess.

TIME TO MOVE ON!!!
Barry, I will take your advice (thank you for reminding this old broken down "Mike" (MLB)
"You pick your butt up and get back in the game. You gave it your best shot and that is all you can ask of yourself."

...... "NEXT!!!"....


I am truly sorry. I hoped I was wrong. Just remember this broken down "Will" has your back.

Barry
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: sydneyvontrapp on August 23, 2008, 08:07:06 PM
Hello FD :
    Sorry to hear this news.  you went about it the right way.  you put yourself out there and let her see the person that you are.  I hope you can brush yourself off and climb back on the horse!  you are deserving of a special woman.

 We had a member here before named Jordan ( Evilferrit ) who enjoyed his trip.  Thought everything went great.  Was trying to plan his return trip when he got his Dear Jordan email.  Jordan was one of the much younger members here.  Maybe we will see him here again.  As much as I wish everyone would be successful in this endeavour; we know the truth.  It isn't any easier to make that perfect connection if both parties aren't willing to work at the relationship.

Dave Maynard ( aka sydneyvontrapp )
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Alec on November 07, 2010, 02:01:03 PM
Hi FootballDAD
My friend, I have been reading your story with great interest, your a nice and honest person, and this is the reason that you have missed all the scammer signals from the begining.
Ukraine is a poor country and many people resort to alL kinds of scamming and prostetution, please dont take this for all I am not accusing everyone but this is true and I have seen it, so most of these agencies are scammers and they have staff that reply to the letters of clients AND READY TO DO ANYTHING.
First if you get to meet someone, have you seen their girls, they are gorgeous and its doubtful that they are single..second when you want to meet them there are always reasons to escape by them, and the girl you get to meet is selected by the agency with a preset plan to dry you off and take as much money from you..
and im sorry to say it in your case, but probably shes done it to many other men..its like protetution..
this woman used you and took advantage of your generosity...you took her on an adventure she couldnt dream or afford, and when she found you had serious intentions she had to run coz for sure she has someone in her life...I know of many cases and ive been there myself on vacation and visit of some friends, i once dated a girl when i was in ukraine things were going ok untill i told her i was serious then she admitted she already had a boyfriend...
so my friend dont use these services any more, all of them are scams, and faces for other deals, and if you insist on meeting a ukrainian girl, you go the country yourself spend a vacation there long one and meet someone yourself, if not at least make friends, im sure you will find someone nice ,
I wish you the best and you will get the person you deserve its a matter of time...
Title: Re: FootballDad's Trip Report - Summer 2008
Post by: Bruce Lee on November 09, 2010, 09:44:16 AM
Hi FootballDAD
My friend, I have been reading your story with great interest, your a nice and honest person, and this is the reason that you have missed all the scammer signals from the begining.
Ukraine is a poor country and many people resort to alL kinds of scamming and prostetution, please dont take this for all I am not accusing everyone but this is true and I have seen it, so most of these agencies are scammers and they have staff that reply to the letters of clients AND READY TO DO ANYTHING.
First if you get to meet someone, have you seen their girls, they are gorgeous and its doubtful that they are single..second when you want to meet them there are always reasons to escape by them, and the girl you get to meet is selected by the agency with a preset plan to dry you off and take as much money from you..
and im sorry to say it in your case, but probably shes done it to many other men..its like protetution..
this woman used you and took advantage of your generosity...you took her on an adventure she couldnt dream or afford, and when she found you had serious intentions she had to run coz for sure she has someone in her life...I know of many cases and ive been there myself on vacation and visit of some friends, i once dated a girl when i was in ukraine things were going ok untill i told her i was serious then she admitted she already had a boyfriend...
so my friend dont use these services any more, all of them are scams, and faces for other deals, and if you insist on meeting a ukrainian girl, you go the country yourself spend a vacation there long one and meet someone yourself, if not at least make friends, im sure you will find someone nice ,
I wish you the best and you will get the person you deserve its a matter of time...
Hi and welcome Alec tiphat

I also read this thread a short while ago and admire the OP's sincerity however, I feel you could predict the ending quite some way in advance! Its a well written thread and a story that many here can sympathise with!

Sadly FootballDad has come and gone on this forum, it doesn't look like he has logged on in over a year! Hopefully he found the success he was looking for!