I wouldn't go without first making contact. That would not preclude me from any venue. If I got burned, then the first date with another woman for me might be anywhere. I was not the one griping about money or an interpreter. I have actually befriended one of my interperters and had she not had children with lives established in there native city, she would likely be the one. She was in fact, not the "Third Wheel" on the 10 dates during the week, but in fact jealous. Sometimes we forgot we were not alone.... But duty has taken priority...... For now. And as long as I say Dolma, I won't be hungry
I didn't write/explain it very well, my previous post was not directed at you but for viewers, perhaps first-timers to FSU whereas they would be phucked if left by themselves such as one 'boy wonder' who has returned to this forum in recent days. A couple of years (ish) ago he was a cocky little brat, he still is, he knew it all, the women were going to be dropping at his feet ..... until he made an emergency 'help' call to this forum, he been dumped, hadn't eaten for a couple of days, and needed our help.
Pointing him in the right direction, in Odessa, he complained about the price of food, he didn't complain aqbout the $50 the prostitutes charged, he only complained that they smoked and wanted to kiss him. :)
One important benefit that especially a "newbie" will get is that the agency will likely not abandon him in an unfamiliar place without the experience to move about. On my first trip I traveled to Sumy by car, the price was higher than what an experienced person might pay for a private car, but not by much and much cheaper than in the west. They acquired an apartment for me and that was 35 dollars per night. Less than a hotel. I paid a flat service fee and yes I got burned However, I was introduced to many other women and never charged an interpreter's fee. It was a great adventure and I learned a great deal. If it was orchestrated from the start, it was a grand concert and well worth every penny I spent. I do not believe that I was over charged and I was well cared for by a staff that has a vested interest in receiving me and sending me off. That is all they can provide, what is in a persons heart is out of their control. If I had been burned as a "newbie" by an internet scammer, it would have been more expensive and an ordeal to get home.
One important benefit that especially a "newbie" will get is that the agency will likely not abandon him in an unfamiliar place without the experience to move about. On my first trip I traveled to Sumy by car, the price was higher than what an experienced person might pay for a private car, but not by much and much cheaper than in the west. They acquired an apartment for me and that was 35 dollars per night. Less than a hotel. I paid a flat service fee and yes I got burned However, I was introduced to many other women and never charged an interpreter's fee. It was a great adventure and I learned a great deal. If it was orchestrated from the start, it was a grand concert and well worth every penny I spent. I do not believe that I was over charged and I was well cared for by a staff that has a vested interest in receiving me and sending me off. That is all they can provide, what is in a persons heart is out of their control. If I had been burned as a "newbie" by an internet scammer, it would have been more expensive and an ordeal to get home.
I agree with rodan that a 'newbie' will benefit from using an agency. It is better to have someone 'watch out' for you in unfamiliar terrain. Of course it is also to the agencies benefit. But think of someone taking their (husband, wife, kids) very first trip to Europe doing a four country tour - just as a tourist. They rely on the travel agency who provides translators etc. Sure a dating agency is in it for the money. But I found it invaluable as a first time traveler to Ukraine. After two weeks I learned a great deal. Second and third trip I made all the arrangements myself.