I had a fantastic time! A four month adventure, travelling through twelve countries over 7000 miles and meeting many women along the way.
The two months in Russia were a highlight. Russian women were all I had heard about and more. Warm, passionate, educated, strong, beautiful, young, affectionate, with traditional values. I found love and friendships and was so impressed that when my 28 day visa ran out, I nipped across to Estonia to renew it.
The van was a great idea and made the trip more adventurous. The mode of travel was inspired by Steinbeck's book 'Travels with Charley'.
I used Fiance, AFA and several other agencies on the ground since I wanted to make sure the women were 'live'. I found that having the agency arrange the meeting was better than just buying telephone numbers for 2 reasons. 1. They may be out of the city. 2. They may not speak English well enough.
I met three women through interpretors and this was very successful. I could relax rather than wrestle with language.
Many Russian men do not respect women and I came to believe that most of the ladies are genuine. There are more women than men. So men are irresponsible, spoilt, drink too much, can be aggressive to their partners, suffer high unemployment and there are just a lot more high quality woman and low quality men.
One other point. I had thought the most beautiful women in the agencies would not be interested in me since I am not from the land of plenty. However, they seem to prefer men within Europe... at least that is what they told me.
I have much more to tell about Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Poland and Czechoslovakia as well as Russia but will hold my water. Very busy catching up with work etc..
One word. Go. You will not regret it.
Just to make it clear. I did not drive in Russia. left the van in Estonia. Can't speak the language.. can't read the road signs.. can't see any road signs! I'm not completely mad. :-)
I have invited her over to Portugal for the New Year, with her daughter. She is now checking on visa requirements and flights. Has been quoted 100 dollars by a travel agency. Ouch!
NOT living in the land of plenty (USA) has the distinct advantage, if you're in europe. Being close for her relatives to visit or viceversa is a very important thing for women who come from closely knitted families.
I do have a dog. 'Benson' .. a Welsh Springer. Unlike 'Charley', Steinbeck's French poodle, he is a coward in towns and cities. Would have been too stressful for him.