OK folks I said I would write what happened and here it is. First of all if anybody has any info about that taxi/railway stuf in Kiev please cough it up.
Ok here we go.
My theory was to go with some telephone numbers in hand having established a couple of email relationships before I went. Then there is the agency who I paid $850 to for a combo 'tour'. This was a great deal. It included 10 nights accomodation, a cellphone, an interpreter for 5 days, all the women I could meet and insertion of a private ad in a newspaper of some kind.
Quite a deal.
I had to pay extra for the interpreter when her time ran out and an extra 4 nights for a apartment. A real bargain if you ask me.
I arrived on the Sunday night (09/04/05) I was completely buggered after traveling for about 150 hours nonstop. Believe it or not that very night they wanted me to meet my first lady. She was very keen to meet me and had delayed a trip to Lvov to meet me. I said forget it and passed out.
They picked me up off the floor, said there there and arranged for me to meet her the next day.
After a cup of ovaltine and a shower I felt much better and was raring to go the next day. I met the said lady and she was indeed delightful. Unfortunately she was 42 and wanted a baby. God she was cute though. Also a bit of a religious person and I am not at least in a serious way.
Next was in the afternoon and she was also beautiful and wanted a baby. She was 31 and it was very hard to talk to her with those womenly atributes hanging out.
"If you are selling those puppies miss I'll take the one with the pink nose"
It went on like this tuesday, wednesday. Then Thursday I caught a break - my first Ukraine bitch. It broke the monotony. She was awful. Plain rude and had suckered some poor guy in Pennsylvania into a K1 and a trip to the USA just to basically see if she liked it. What is the word I am looking for oh yes I remember 'arrogant bitch'.
Even my interpreter thought she was an A hole. 'Scuse my French she said with a cute Ukrainian accent :))
I even had a date with a woman 21 years my junior - totally against my own rules!! I make 'em I break 'em. :))
Then finally we got to Friday of the first week. At this point both myself, Natalya and my interpreter were resorting to prayer and some strange Ukrainian rituals to get me a lady.
Apparently it worked !!!
I was sitting at the John Howard Pub outside on the sidewalk terrace when this angel walked up!!!
"This is your 11 O'clock Steve" said my interpreter. Ok said I cancel all my other appointments and reschedule next weeks.
Her name was/is Elena and you could color me gobsmacked!!
She was beautiful. Tall, great figure, 35, tall, beautiful skin and hair and tall.
We had lunch and then went for a walk. I spent more time with her than any one of the others. After that I was just going through the motions in the evening and I saw her both Saturday and Sunday during the day with other dates in the evening. I was done though. On the Monday I told her I only wanted to see her from now on and she burst into tears and ran into the restaurant.
Now what did I bloody do????
No matter what you do you you screw up!!!!!!!!
Nope my interpreter said that she was so surprised and happy she was crying. I was happy because I hadn't pissed her off !!
From then on I just spent my time with Elena, or as I like to call her Lofty. She is amazing. I am 2 inches taller so it is ok and she said she wants to get shoes that are not high heels so we will be even more even. We are real good together.
God those legs!!!!! But enough of that.
There were no vodka incidents, no arguments no miserable daughters and no amazing sex. Ahhhhh but the night is young. I go back in November for a encore.
Now I want to talk about my patent method:))
Ok anybody old here knows what stupid Izi did earlier this year and I am not going to repeat it.
Basically it was choosing one lady and writing, getting emotionally attached without neeting her and then going to see just her. Not a good back up plan and no way out.
I got screwed (but in a nice way::))
I rethought mu whole method.
Decide on a city (in this case Kherson on recommendation from my friend), pick some ladies from EWM and Fiance and write to them. Then the crowning glory go with an agency who were also recommended and mix and match!!
It worked.
Writing achieves nothing, neither do pictures. Before I left I hooked up with 2 women from EWM. One was the amazing Svetlana. She was 43 and sent me pictures that would knock your socks off. I thought this woman could not be 43 with a 21 year old son. She is beautiful. Well she probably was 10 years ago. I met her and she was a bit rough, still not bad looking by American standards maybe an 8. Not for me though.
So I saw Tanya - 40 no kids or previously married. Attractive pictures and fluent English. Well she did have fluent English I will give her that. Definitely a 6.
The 3rd I had I didn't even bother calling. Likewise with the agency. I met one woman who looked like she had just stepped off Miami Beach. Older lady done up to look 25. Hair, nails, too much makeup etc. Very nice woman but not for me again. I didn't have Nas's luck with the older women unfortunately and God knows I did try. There were about 7 or 8 in all I think. Only 2 struck me as cute and one of those smoked.
The there is the baby problem. I am not like Toad even though we are the same age. he was happy to have more kids and I do not want to be responsible at 70 for a 15 year old. Most of these women including Lofty wanted another child or at least one. The old fashioned way no matter what the age. This shocked the shit out of me.
Elena wasn't too bad because she already has a beautiful little boy of 3 and a half and I said I want the best for him not to spread my meager resources around. She immediately agreed vigorously. So no problem.
Well that is all I can think of for now except to say I am going back in November and if things work out I will return with a K1 application form signed.
Kherson really is the city of brides it isn't a joke. Also there really are about 3 women to every man there. When I took Elena dancing in the park I would see other ladies in twos and threes at other tables with no men. We would get up to slow dance and I would catch them looking at me. Sometimes they would get up and dance when the faster stuff was playing. Looking at me - a middle aged (past my best) man with a bit of a tummy. I am nobody if I was 10 years younger I could have had a model for a wife. Don't get me wrong Elena looks like a model also but - I am digging a hole so I will shut up - you know what I man.
Later
Izi
What is the advantage of a tall lady? Is it just an attraction thing or is there some universal understanding that I'm not privvy to, like they make wicked omletts or something.
Personally, I like women who are shorter, like 5'7 - 5'0.
Well Izzi when you going in november :) I broke up with mine have been hunting since and am hitting Kherson in November... lets talk man! Oh and Im bringing my mom for her Bday.. dont ask me why but she wants to see Ukraine LOL!
I will be there for allmost ALL of November... so let me know if you wanna talk maybe meet... Be nice to see a fellow Fiance.commer there :)
Thanks for the report, Izi. I totally agree; writing letters is pretty much worthless. It's OK to write one letter saying "I'll be in your city in two weeks; would you like to meet me?" But beyond that, writing letters for months on end is just a waste of time and energy.
BTW, how was the apartment from the agency that you used? Did you stay in the Ukranian style apartment, or spring for the extra $15/night for the Western apartment? Any other comments about the agency in question? How was the office support, interpreter, etc...?
Free
Absolutely. I will show you Kherson. It will take aproximately 5 minutes :)) There really isn't anything to see there or the next town over or anywhere else for that matter. It was freely admited to me that it was Kiev and Crimea and that was it. Then we can have some of that superb Ukrainian beer in the sidewalk cafes. I will drop you an email.
VNV
Couldn't agree more. Writing is a complete waste of time other than to say I will be there on this date give me your phone number. Anything other than that is a self inflicted set up.
As for the apartment, I stayed in 3. The 1st was beautifully done up. It was really nice and I was quite comfortable there. It was $50 a night. The second was more the usual Ukraine apartment for $40 a night. No ac, no sink in the bathroom and no satellite tv etc. The 3rd was much better and also $40. It had a better everything but was not as central. That is an issue because apparently they are doing up central Kherson and this includes street lighting. As you walk away from the nice cafes the lights disapear. By the time you get to this last apartment it starts to feel very threatening. It also isn't helped by the sidewalk which is booby trapped. Easy to end up on your arse if you have indulged and don't have a flashlight. So anyone going to Kherson remember to bring a decent flashlight. It is not a joke you will be glad you did.
Shark
My ex was 5' 1" and it caused problems. I know that sounds stupid but it did. Elena is 5' 8" and we walk at the same speed and look right side by side. I am 5' 11". So we are about right even when she wears heels. Much of the time I also wear heels so we are even. Before the jokes start I wear cowboy boots and Cuban boots. I broke my heel bone last October and it gives my foot support and as an added benefit they look good. :)).
very nice story :) so, love tours work much better than all these correspondence stuff and tons of photos. I will tell my friends about it... By the way... don't know why, but I like girls who are a little bit taller. If any of you can be interested there is a kind trainer device, I got 2 cm taller during 4 weeks :)
This is getting more and more serious. I don't think I am going to be in this forum much longer. I have a very, very strong feeling that my searching days are done !! I go back to Kherson on 9th Nov. I am definitely taking the train from Kiev to Kherson and i am starting to really look forward to the train ride. I just spent about an hour with Sergey, he said the only thing he really misses about Russia and Ukraine is the trains!! So with a sandwich in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other I shall board the Orient Express and bugger off to Kherson. I shall give a full report on that train ride when I return in late November. Just have to muddle through October burbling to you rat bastards as someone I know calls you!! Ribet.
No doubt in my mind and esxcuse me's to those I offend but I agree with Nas and Maxi. I think these Ukraine women have it over the Russians. I think I am sort of in a position to be a judge now. I have had one of each:)!!
Now I have to work my way around Asia.
Izi
Hello "Old Boy" Rat bastard No: 1 here :-)
I agree (of course I would say this) I have also had one of each. But - my Lena is actually Russian raised. Probably like most Ukraine people. I think it is more of a case that the Ukraine people are a little more open minded and look outside the square. Also because of there newish independence status - they are more acceptable to trying different things and location (like NZ) :-)
Is that train trip a day or night trip ??? Hope you don't end up having to share your cabin with a few beauties I have seen on those overnighter trips. They (ticketing people) don't sort the boys with boys either. Its like a lucky dip - excuse the pun !!!! Good Luck !!!
VNV
1. I am going to be actually on the ground in Kherson from Sat 12th Nov to Fri 25th Nov.
2. I am going to do both. I would make a trip to coincide with the interview in iev. Then, providing it was successful, we would travel back to Kherson overnight on the train and have a wedding in Kherson. Traditional Ukrainian affair BUT without signing any papers. Need to work on that one. Then we will return to the USa with K1 in hand. The timing has to be perfect. In the states we would officially marry.
I don't think I would financially be aqble to swing a trip back to the Ukraine after we got married in USA for 3 peple and all the expenses involved. The financial fuel guage is already starting to point in the downwards direction.
Lastly I was just joking about Asia.
Maxi
The train is overnight and I better not get a woman to share the compartment with. I don't think that would be a very good idea at all !!
Thanks Sailor. All will be well. My life is in the hands of my God and he will dictate if this is to be successful or not. Too many times I have stretched myself out and wondered where it will end or where will the resources come from and every time they have been there. Every single time. I am not worried just interested to see what will happen.
Happiness is there all you have to do is have the courage to reach and own it. Rarely does it drop off the tree into your lap, you have to work for it. :))
I have a story about a Ukraine train trip that might amuse you.
Lena and I were on our Lvov - Uhzgarod leg of our western Ukraine look around.
When we boarded the train (it was like the Bull Street run you see on TV) Lena and I got separated. I had both suitcases with me and got jammed into one end of the wrong carriage. (this was a 7 hour day train trip)
Before we boarded the train – I joked with Lena about “if this f~~kng thing does not have ventilation, I getting off)
Well – train takes off – and I standing at one end of carriage in 40c+. Cant move because the train is jammed full like the ones you see on TV in India.
I wait – thinking Lena will arrive to me and then help get me and cases back to our ticketed A Class cabin.
No Lena.
Then THE “ticket lady” arrives. Oh boy. I had no tickets – no money – no passports – no nothing in the form of identity or $$$ - except two Bloody great bags !!!!
I tried to explain – and of coarse she not understand one word of what I trying to say. She goes away and comes back with this beautiful young women. She spoke reasonable English. I explained to her and she helps me to the A class seating where she also was sitting.
When I explained my fiancée had ALL my papers – money etc – her eyes rolled back in her head and I could tell exactly what she was thinking. (here is another fleeced Westi)
I leave my bags with her and go for 2 full length walks of train (approx 13 carriages) The heat in the carriages was incredible. I was soaked with sweat. No Lena.
Suddenly – I had this huge realization of my predicament overwhelm me. Then I started to think all sorts of bad things about what had happened to Lena. My first horror thought was she had been pushed under the train as the 500 - 800 people pushed onto it. Then someone told my young assistant that she was probably robbed and thrown off the train as we left.
I felt sick !!!
My young rescuer asked if Lena had a cell phone. I say “yes” but I not have number. Then I remembered I had her mothers number in a letter that was stored in my Laptop.
So I out with the Laptop – and suddenly felt a million eyes focused on me. Probably the first Laptop ever been Booted up on that train.
If you remember – the “mother in-law” and us were not on talking terms at that stage. I prayed she would not hang up. Olena (the young girl) rang her – thank god – she gave here Lena’s cell number. We rang Lena and she was in Police part of Train station trying to decide where I was and what to do
Why she hoped off that train – I still not know – but she panicked and thought I had left not only the train but also the platform.
So – all was good. The young women was actually on the train for a free ride with her mother who was a stewardess in our carriage.
The next 6 hours of the trip was great. All the staff (all women) crowded around and watched pictures and Video on New Zealand and we talked non stop about all sorts of things. The mother of this young beauty tried all the tricks in the book to get her daughter and I hooked up. Talking with Olena was really good and I learnt a lot about life and ways out in the poorer areas of Ukraine. It turned out Olena was only 19. I thought she was 23ish. Very intelligent and mature girl.
Lena ended up getting a Taxi all the way and was waiting for me on the Uhzgarod Platform when we arrived. It only cost her $70US.
So – what turned out to be the start of a nightmare – turned into a very rewarding and memorable trip. That is how you get to know these people – get in amongst them -literally. They are so friendly and generous.
I tried to give Olena money for Cell phone calls and drinks – but no – she would have nothing to do with it. The mother was definably disappointed to see my Lena waiting in Uhzgarod when we arrived.
So – Izi – you wont have the same rush and bustle on your train – it will be far more civil and organized. But I don’t think your Lena would be happy if the same happened to you on your arrival into Kerhsen.
OH MY GOD!!!!!
What can I say!!?? I hope that doesn't happen to me or any permutation on it. :))
I think it should be straight forward. Guy waiting at Borispol airport with a sign. Grabs me and we jump in taxi to train station. At 7pm the train leaves for Kherson - what could go wrong??
Yes I know famous last words. ANYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG WILL GO WRONG. !!!!!!!
I have had pretty good luck so far hopefully I will avoid being either pushed from a window or falling on the track in the usual Ukrainian tradition of not so much lining up but herding in a vague direction!!!!!!
I shall need a sheep dog and a shepherds crook.