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Author Topic: To the Pearl of the Black Sea  (Read 84553 times)

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Offline rw_recruiter

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« on: August 27, 2017, 05:47:56 PM »
My tickets are booked, I leave in a week to Odessa, Ukraine to meet a woman I met on Anastasiadate. I fly through Vienna from Miami.

Ticket was quite cheap at around $700 RT. Accommodations were booked on Airbnb and prices very reasonable at around $50-60 per night. My second week this rate is for a 3 bedroom home on the Black Sea.

Last minute shopping for gifts, and wrapping up work here before I head off.


Offline Steamer

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2017, 06:23:45 PM »
Sounds great! Enjoy yourself and don't forget to take pics.
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Offline southernX

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2017, 06:34:45 PM »
Quote
To the Pearl of the Black Sea

that would be crimea /yalta imo

SX
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Offline BillyB

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2017, 06:35:56 PM »
In another thread, Bo put up a link to Neo's trip report to Odessa using the same agency. Make sure to read it and process that info. Hopefully you find love but be prepared to deal with unpleasant and unexpected situations. Sounds like you got a good deal on tickets this time of year. I may see a ticket as low as $800 in the middle of winter with a layover in Turkey after they had a plane go down due to terrorism or from the war next door in Syria. Of course Also I travel further than you since I'm out of Seattle.
Fund the audits, spread the word and educate people, write your politicians and other elected officials. Stay active in the fight to save our country. Over 220 generals and admirals say we are in a fight for our survival like no other time since 1776.

Offline rw_recruiter

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2017, 06:40:27 PM »
that would be crimea /yalta imo

I am told Odessa is the Pearl of the Black Sea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odessa

Offline Boethius

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2017, 06:43:01 PM »
that would be crimea /yalta imo

SX

Yes, Yalta is the pearl of the Black Sea.

There's a Soviet song though, where Odesa is described as "a pearl beside the sea".
After the fall of communism, the biggest mistake Boris Yeltsin's regime made was not to disband the KGB altogether. Instead it changed its name to the FSB and, to many observers, morphed into a gangster organisation, eventually headed by master criminal Vladimir Putin. - Gerard Batten

Offline msmob

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2017, 09:54:23 PM »
Sure are a LOT of 'Pearls' by the Black Sea ;)

http://tourguides.viator.com/sightseeing-tours-russia-krasnodar-2689.aspx

"Sochi – the Pearl of the Black Sea" ...  !


Offline rw_recruiter

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2017, 10:02:05 PM »
Sure are a LOT of 'Pearls' by the Black Sea ;)

http://tourguides.viator.com/sightseeing-tours-russia-krasnodar-2689.aspx

"Sochi – the Pearl of the Black Sea" ...  !

Yea, I had to take a look myself. Seems a pretty loose term for various cities on the shores of the Black Sea. My thoughts were that Odessa was on the largest Imperial Cities and since built by Catherine with European architects would be considered the Pearl of the Black Sea. Maybe I am wrong though....

Offline msmob

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2017, 10:35:03 PM »
Seriously, you can't be 'wrong' about subjective viewpoints !


Offline Anotherkiwi

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #9 on: August 28, 2017, 06:16:28 PM »
I'm with you, Moby - I liked Odessa a lot, but I loved Sochi!  :blowkiss:

Offline msmob

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #10 on: August 28, 2017, 09:48:38 PM »
I'm sure the Black Sea has lot's of 'Pearls' in the form of  Scenic spots - like the Swallow's Nest, etc and sun-kissed beauties ..I simply can't claim Sochi has great 'sandy' beaches... ))

Offline rw_recruiter

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2017, 12:31:18 PM »
I finally arrived in Odessa, Ukraine.

Grueling hop over the Atlantic and I picked one of the shorter routes available via Vienna. Unable to sleep the night before and sitting behind to yapping Bulgarian girls left me with no sleep at all.

The guys in the UK and EU have no idea how much easier this is for them.

First impression landing was how old and patched up the runway is. It looks like a patchwork of quick fixes with tar and asphalt. The buildings are very old and a few old Soviet planes off to the right. There is a brand new terminal, but you need to take a bus to get to it. Passport control was quick. The two ladies in the booth gave me a once over, smiled at each other and said "Welcome to Ukraine" in broken English.

While waiting for luggage I was sandwiched between two beautiful slim blondes. Not sure if just plain rude or jockeying for position to speak to me.

I exit the baggage claim and my crazy adventure begins....

« Last Edit: September 04, 2017, 12:54:25 PM by rw_recruiter »

Offline mhr7

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2017, 12:40:07 PM »
I exit the baggage claim and my crazy adventure begins....

Mobbed by taxi drivers I assume.
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Online 2tallbill

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #13 on: September 04, 2017, 12:56:23 PM »
Yea, I had to take a look myself. Seems a pretty loose term for various cities on the shores of the Black Sea. My thoughts were that Odessa was on the largest Imperial Cities and since built by Catherine with European architects would be considered the Pearl of the Black Sea. Maybe I am wrong though....

No worries, there is a highway in North Dakota called the Enchanted highway.
I would describe it more like a stretch on Ganymede the largest moon on Jupiter
where the Daytime temperatures are in the range of -113C (-171F) to
-183C (-297F). However, those wacky if North Dakotan's want to call it enchanted
then who am I to pop their bubble? 

My main recommendation is to have a backup plan. ADate doesn't have the best
reputation and Odessa has an entire industry designed to help lighten your wallet.

I wish you the very best of luck and success!

Bill

If things go sideways (I hope they don't)
http://www.igorkalinin.com/index.en.html


« Last Edit: September 04, 2017, 01:02:29 PM by 2tallbill »
FSUW are not for entry level daters
FSUW don't do vague
FSUW like a man of action. Be a man of action 
If you find a promising girl, get your butt on a plane.
There are a hundred ways to be successful and a thousand ways to f#ck it up
Just kiss the girl, don't ask her first. Tolerate NO excuses!

Offline Trenchcoat

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #14 on: September 04, 2017, 01:08:25 PM »

The guys in the UK and EU have no idea how much easier this is for them.

First impression landing was how old and patched up the runway is. It looks like a patchwork of quick fixes with tar and asphalt. The buildings are very old and a few old Soviet planes off to the right. There is a brand new terminal, but you need to take a bus to get to it.


Last year the old terminal building was still in use which is what I used, it wasn't that bad, had the basis but was a bit aged, kind of more like a bus terminal station than an airport one, lol. I noticed the new one off to the side, all glass and looking like it might be a while before it opened so good that it has I guess - It still looked kind of small for an airport terminal building from what I recall. Taxi drivers are a pain in the arse there, even the official taxi's seem to charge a higher price from the airport. Then there was this 'unofficial taxi' old geezer who would just not bugger off, last thing you need when you get off a flight. I went with some other taxi guy in the end. Worse there for getting a taxi at a decent price than Kiev I think unless you really know what you're doing. Possibly Uber or Ukrainian variant might do something there but those apps can be iffy and need internet access. Fun drive through the streets off Odessa to hotel though which all the trams and terrain on the way. Lovely city to visit for dating in I think, more relaxed than Kiev though a bit of an 'industry' there for it and not always I hear in a good way.  Anyway, good luck RW, hope you enjoy it there and keep us posted ;D
"If you make your own bread, then and only then, are you a free man unchained and alive living in pooty tang paradise, or say no and live in Incel island with all the others." - Krimster

Offline rw_recruiter

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She is absolutely stunning...
« Reply #15 on: September 04, 2017, 01:12:03 PM »
As I exit into the waiting area I walk around a bit, and yes, I am bombed by men with purses asking me if I want a taxi. I grab a bottle of water at a little hokey side bar and sit down to check cell phone. I shoot out a quick text to the airbnb host and check the local Uber rate. Looks like it is only about 98 Hrivnas, so $4 USD to the downtown.

I look up for a quick second and see a tall thin blonde walking towards me. She is with two other people and they keep staring at me. At that moment it hits me that this is the girl. I jump out of my seat and walk over to meet them.

This woman is beyond stunning. Long flowing hair past her waist and the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. High cheekbones frame her face and her features are very delicate.

I do have some initial concerns meeting her in person now though. More questions in my head than when we were chatting. She certainly does not look 21 years old. And why bring her parents to meet someone she has not met herself yet? Am I being setup in some way? Thoughts race through my head and I think of one other thing that was hard to overlook. Not sure how I will approach that delicately?

I will admit it is quite awkward, my Russian is non existent and both women speak broken English. The man speaks none at all. He grabs one of my bags and ushers me outside, a short walk towards what looks like the old terminal.



« Last Edit: September 04, 2017, 05:05:47 PM by rw_recruiter »

Offline rw_recruiter

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To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #16 on: September 04, 2017, 01:13:42 PM »
Last year the old terminal building was still in use which is what I used, it wasn't that bad, had the basis but was a bit aged, kind of more like a bus terminal station than an airport one, lol. I noticed the new one off to the side, all glass and looking like it might be a while before it opened so good that it has I guess - It still looked kind of small for an airport terminal building from what I recall.

The new terminal feels like a bus terminal even... haha. No ramps to planes even. Just several large rooms basically. Customs was not even working.

Offline BillyB

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #17 on: September 04, 2017, 02:47:27 PM »
She certainly does not look 21 years old.



Remember the agency you're dealing with, AnastasiaDate? They aren't know for honesty and they photoshopped girls photos to make them look younger and more beautiful than they actually are.


And why bring her parents to meet someone she has not met herself yet?



That is unusual but it's possible. Most girls prefer to meet the guy to make sure he's good enough to introduce to the parents.


Am I being setup in some way? Thoughts race through my head and I think of one other thing that was hard to overlook. Not sure how I will approach that delicately?



Don't ask suspicious questions yet. When and if you get to see her parents house, ask if they have a family photo album that you can see. If they don't invite you to visit and prepare you a home cooked meal, they may not be her parents.


How did they get there? By their own car? Did they ask or hint it's polite to pay them for picking you up and giving you a ride?
Fund the audits, spread the word and educate people, write your politicians and other elected officials. Stay active in the fight to save our country. Over 220 generals and admirals say we are in a fight for our survival like no other time since 1776.

Offline rw_recruiter

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #18 on: September 04, 2017, 03:14:46 PM »
How did they get there? By their own car?

I am escorted out to an older Nissan. A model I have never heard of, bags are tossed in the trunk and we are off. It is apparently her fathers car. The steering wheel is on the wrong side which I find unusual since we drive on the right side of the road like in the US.

I am whisked through the city and we battle traffic. The streets are congested and buildings along the way old and dilapidated. We try to have a conversation, but it does not flow smoothly. I sit in the back with her mother who turns out is an English teacher, but struggles with the language. It is enough to understand snippets here and there though.

During the drive I go back and forth with the apartment owner. The number he gave me for Whatsapp does not work, he asks me for a local number (which I obviously do not have) and we try to find out how to meet. I ask her mother for a local number, but she does not seem to want to provide it. I eventually just text him back and forth. Seems that is forwarded right through Airbnb.

We arrive downtown about 30 minutes later. The city is full of life. People walk everywhere, cars parked on the sidewalks, and it is bustling. Not as busy as Manhattan, but a fairly active city, nonetheless.

The apartment owner is nowhere to be found so the ladies push me into a small store to buy water. I have yet to exchange currency and the girl buys water and a few minor necessities. The exchange counter is closed, that will have to wait.

As we walk out I bump headfirst into the Airbnb host. An Israeli it turns out. He speaks English and takes us to the apartment. It is located on 5 Katerynynska Street. There is a small park in the courtyard and he tells me the Opera house is a block over. Several small cafe's ring the fringes of the park and it is dotted with mature trees.

The city and location is quaint, with a very European feel to it. Many beautiful old buildings in need of someone to restore them to their former beauty.
« Last Edit: September 04, 2017, 03:24:41 PM by rw_recruiter »

Offline treadmilldude

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #19 on: September 04, 2017, 03:49:07 PM »
DragonKid, thank God you did not use a SCAMMER like Mamba, VK, Eduard from Florida,  or Mila Lobunko from Kharkiv. Rather, you had the common sense and good instincts to use a 100% legit, honest, trustworthy marriage agency with an impeccably reliable track record like Anastasiadate. Millions upon Millions of American Men (At last count ADate has 19.873426 Million successful US – Ukrainian marriages under their belt) have successfully met their loving, caring, dependable Ukrainian Wives through Anastasiadate. I cannot recommend ADate highly enough, words cannot even express how much I admire and respect that genuinely honest company. Anastasiadate is truly  “The Good Guy” in your corner, looking out for YOUR (The Western Man’s) best interest at all times while you are in Odessa. As soon as any scammer in Odessa finds out you are with ADate, that unscrupulous woman will instantly give up and realize she has no chance of successfully scamming you since you are with the ONE marriage agency who truly cares about your happiness - Anastasiadate. 

I have no doubt you will be very successful in meeting the Future Mrs. DragonKid there in Odessa since you are using the ONLY marriage agency you can trust in Ukraine, Anastasiadate.

Offline rw_recruiter

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #20 on: September 04, 2017, 04:17:23 PM »
We walk up to a large and heavy metal door. A secret number code unlocks it for us and we are inside. I just lugged heavy baggage from parking several blocks over and it seems elevators are a luxury in these old buildings. Up the stairs we go to the fourth floor.

Past a heavily dead bolted door we enter the apartment. It is small but cozy. Taller ceilings. Furniture and kitchen with an Ikea or formica look to it. A Persian carpet on the floor. It is clean and was very cheap until I move into the home on the beach later in the week. Location is steps away from everything I am told.

The woman's mother walks in behind us carrying several large bags that were in the trunk. I had not noticed in my drowsy state.

The landlord leaves and the girls start to chatter excitedly. I must be hungry they say.

Hard salami is placed on the table. Bread, and several types of grapes and tomatoes as well. One of the varieties of grapes is called  "ladyfingers" and has an unusual shape I have never seen before in my life. I later find out the produce was grown in the woman's fathers yard. They are very proud that it is "organic". The flavor is certainly there.

Peppers stuffed with what appears to be rice and veggies are heated up. Potato salad with peas placed on the table, and a bottle of champagne is pulled out.

The activity is overwhelming to be honest. I speak no Russian and we try to communicate but it is difficult. I am in an uncomfortable position and tired at this point.

But toasts ensue and I am force fed. Sleep begins to call my name and I feel like a two by four has whacked me in the head. I am drained.
« Last Edit: September 04, 2017, 04:49:55 PM by rw_recruiter »

Offline rw_recruiter

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Pounding on my door
« Reply #21 on: September 04, 2017, 04:56:10 PM »
I am awakened by a pounding on my door.

After the heavy meal and champagne I tried to tell my guests as politely as possible I needed rest. Several ill pronounced words in Russian and hand language they said farewell and I was able to get in a much needed nap.

More pounding.

And the keyhole seems to be blocked.

Not sure if I should open it at night, but I cannot have someone banging on my door all night. I slowly open it a bit and put my weight behind it in case I need to force it shut again.

There is a tiny blonde girl smirking on the other side. And behind her is the girl I came to see. Apparently I have had enough rest and need to get out.

Offline BillyB

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #22 on: September 04, 2017, 04:59:27 PM »

Just a heads up. Sometimes agency employees read this forum and will make sure a customer of theirs gets good treatment hoping they receive good reviews in exchange.  Always let your big head do the thinking.
Fund the audits, spread the word and educate people, write your politicians and other elected officials. Stay active in the fight to save our country. Over 220 generals and admirals say we are in a fight for our survival like no other time since 1776.

Offline rw_recruiter

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #23 on: September 04, 2017, 05:02:11 PM »
Just a heads up. Sometimes agency employees read this forum and will make sure a customer of theirs gets good treatment hoping they receive good reviews in exchange.  Always let your big head do the thinking.

And her parents would be involved in that as well? In any case, I learn more about agencies in my next few posts.....

Offline BillyB

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Re: To the Pearl of the Black Sea
« Reply #24 on: September 04, 2017, 05:10:03 PM »
And her parents would be involved in that as well?



Money can get most anybody involved. Also make sure you're dealing with the parents. Would be nice to see a family photo album. ;)
Fund the audits, spread the word and educate people, write your politicians and other elected officials. Stay active in the fight to save our country. Over 220 generals and admirals say we are in a fight for our survival like no other time since 1776.

 

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