First Evening in Lviv & Chernivtsi

[JensenHealey907]

ARGH! After many hours of car, train and air travel I have arrived in Chernovtsi. My lady friend is as expected very good looking and seems very nice. I flew into Lviv where my lady friend had arranged a car with a driver who was supposed to know english well enough to translate for us. This part only worked so-so as the driver was hit or miss on translating stuff. He could do barely OK with translating her russian into english but he had real problems understanding me when I tried to ask a question. An example is when I arrived in Lviv and we all walked outside I discovered there was about 4 - 5 inches of snow on the ground. So I asked him three times how to say "snow" in russian and each time he could not grasp this simple question. Each time based on his response he seemed to think I was asking him if there was snow. I am now thinking perhaps I am just speaking too fast for him or some other problem. I tried asking my lady friend to let us use Vasyl who others from the starting-out had recommended but for some reason she has not taken to this idea. She had called Vasyl earlier in the week

Anyway the 4+ hour drive from Lviv to Chernovtsy was interesting. There was icy roads in spots and at one point on a hill where a whole bunch of big semi trucks were stopped due to their inability to make it up the hill my lady friend and I had to get out and push the car!!!! It was funny since she had on her stylish russian lady outfit complete with fur coat and high heel boots. Since the road was very icy she at times almost slipped and when she would she made this little cute squeak sound sort of like a big mouse. Anyway the driver finally got the car up the hill but left us down the hill and we had to walk up to where he was waiting. So since it was slippery I held her hand and put my other arm around her to help her up the hill. All in all it was quite an adventure.

Now I am here in the apartment by myself and for the life of me I cannot figure out how to turn up the heat so I am sitting here in my coat. My lady is supposed to show up again tomorrow morning after she makes a brief appearance at work.

[BillyB]

Now I am here in the apartment by myself and for the life of me I cannot figure out how to turn up the heat so I am sitting here in my coat. My lady is supposed to show up again tomorrow morning after she makes a brief appearance at work.

You don't like sleeping in a refrigerator? What kind of heat does the place have? If it has radiator heaters that allow hot water to move through them, make sure the valves are on.

[ML]

You have internet but no heat?

Illustrates how screwed up the world has become.

[JensenHealey907]

Yeah, the place has hot water radiators. I think there is something in the kitchen that might be a gas fired furnace to heat the water but I have not found any sort of temp adjustment means as of yet. The hot water for sinks is is a separate system that is an "automatic" gas fired system rather than a hot water heater tank.

[ML]

Yeah, the place has hot water radiators. I think there is something in the kitchen that might be a gas fired furnace to heat the water but I have not found any sort of temp adjustment means as of yet. The hot water for sinks is is a separate system that is an "automatic" gas fired system rather than a hot water heater tank.

There are no real temperature regulators on the water radiator systems they have there in Ukraine.

You need to look at the entire length of the pipes and find the shut off valve . . . and then turn it on to let the hot water start flowing into the radiators.  A big problem will be if there has been an air bubble build up in your pipes.  In that case you have to find a drain valve and run off some of the water to get rid of the air bubbles.

Anyway, as I said you can't control the temperature of the radiators . . . which means opening windows if it gets too hot.

Another alternative (which is actually better) is to get naked in bed with a naked gal and let the body heat keep the two of you warm.  It's amazing the heat that is produced by two bodies in contact.

[BillyB]

Yeah, the place has hot water radiators. I think there is something in the kitchen that might be a gas fired furnace to heat the water but I have not found any sort of temp adjustment means as of yet. The hot water for sinks is is a separate system that is an "automatic" gas fired system rather than a hot water heater tank.

Hot water to heat apartments come  from a boiler in the building that delivers the water to all apartments

Usually there is a door panel in a wall in the bathroom or kitchen that holds pipes and valves. If you feel a tiny bit of heat on the radiator heater, then the valves are probably on but the pipes and radiator may have so much corrosion on the inside that hot water can't move through them very well to deliver enough heat. I've been given electric plug in heaters when the radiators aren't performing.

There is another option that turns the water on or off to your apartment the manager has access to in case one doesn't pay the utility bill. Check with the person you rented the apartment from about turning up the heat. Put pressure on them demanding your rent money back if they can't get the heat turned on.

[JayH]

BB is on the case.
Often the temperature is being kept low to save on costs.Maybe less than 18C inside.
Others can comment on suitable temperature-- I come from warm climate and all this really cold stuff eludes me !

I do know Ukrainians are wearing a lot of clothes at home to keep warm .

Trying to get temperature changed with apartment owners can be met with disbelief to not interested!

Now ML--in a hotel -- heat is often adjustable and you have a way to direct action !!

[JensenHealey907]

Went to lunch at Kwinto in center of Chernivtsi, had good food and spent the time "chatting" with my lady friend using the translator app on my tablet since the restaurant had WIFI access. The food at Kwinto was very good and service was fast but no english was spoken and the menu was not available in english either. Afterwards we walked to the Chernivtsi National University where my friend had arranged for a guided tour of the University with an english speaking guide.

The weather changes a lot from one hour to the next. When we walked to the restaurant it was raining. When we walked from the restaurant to the University it was no longer raining but still a slight brisk wind. When we got done with the tour at the University we walked back to the Apartment in snow flurries.

Anyway, things seem to be going well between my friend and I. I have my fingers crossed as we continue to press on with this even with the lack of communication.

Does anyone know a female interpreter in Chernivtsi? My lady friend seems to be reluctant to use the service of Vasyl Kuzyk (ace-interpreter.com) for some reason which I am not understanding.

[Gator]

Does anyone know a female interpreter in Chernivtsi? My lady friend seems to be reluctant to use the service of Vasyl Kuzyk (ace-interpreter.com) for some reason which I am not understanding.

 

Is there a university in Chernivtsi?  If so hang out there n talk with the "starving students."  Some will speak English and maybe are interested in earning some money as an interpreter or direct you to someone else. 

[Gator]

Regarding the heat, is it possible that Ukraine has implemented an energy conservation program considering the weak economy. 


In the old days in Russia and Ukraine, room temperature was regulated not by adjusting the radiator valves heat but by opening and closing windows.   

[Gator]

 

All you have said about your woman is she is good looking and nice.   What are your more specific impressions? 

I easily could be wrong, yet detect some reticence,  more than the lack of English would suggest.   


I suggest you be patient with your woman.  It is impossible to resolve even a modest disagreement without an interpreter.  Heck, it is difficult to resolve disagreements even when they speak English.  

Keep trying different approaches  but don't be forceful.

[Faux Pas]

Quiz her further on Vasyl. He has thus far afaik enjoyed a good reputation as a good terp. You may just be having some misunderstanding about him?

The translators are good and helpful but not the end all for language barriers.

[Boethius]

Quiz her further on Vasyl.

Perhaps she knows him or worse, is related to him.  Chernivtsi is not a big city.

[Larry1]

 

Is there a university in Chernivtsi?  If so hang out there n talk with the "starving students."  Some will speak English and maybe are interested in earning some money as an interpreter or direct you to someone else.

There is a university there. It was founded during the time the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled the area.

[pokerintherear]

My lady friend seems to be reluctant to use the service of Vasyl Kuzyk (ace-interpreter.com) for some reason which I am not understanding.

This is good. The interpreter you mentioned seems to have a good reputation on 2 forums but in the real world not so much. May I ask what dating site you used to meet the lady? He has a strong presence on the Ukrainedate site. In a way he seems to manage the women's profile on that particular site and more. It is a possibility she has already been contacted by him to help arrange meetings. She probably sees the motive.

Her not wanting to use him is either a sign she is serious and genuine about a relationship or doesn't want to split the money she can scam. Choose wisely.

[Boethius]

The interpreter you mentioned seems to have a good reputation on 2 forums but in the real world not so much.

I know four people who used him for genealogy tours and research.  All had very positive things to say about him.

[pokerintherear]

I know four people who used him for genealogy tours and research.  All had very positive things to say about him.

Then everything is fine. There should not be any problems if your friends say so.

[JensenHealey907]

My lady friend is originally from Nikolaev, and moved to Chernivtsi for a job. This lady is serious about relationship, not out for scam. I first started corresponding with her a long time ago (more than three years) from elenasmodels site. She is affectionate and has a nice sense of humor.

We went bowling tonight and then after that we shot some billiards on a russian style pool table. The russian style pool table is much larger than even a 9 foot american pool table. The pockets have a much narrower entrance and the balls are larger in diameter. This makes it a more challenging game I think. But the game is more flexible about what ball gets hit with what ball. i.E. the cue ball is not always the same ball.

[ML]

There is a university there. It was founded during the time the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled the area.

Ochka said the university buildings were very interesting and impressive.

[Trenchcoat]

Sure OP but is there the chemistry there?

I think what Gator was getting at is possibly she might not want to get too involved if the chemistry isn't there just have a nice time. So nothing heavy. An interpreter would bring up a lot more info than she might care to share. So basically avoid leading you on too much. She would probably feel bad sending you off after coming all that way.

Then again if there is affection who knows. Enjoy you're time & see where it goes.

My thoughts on interpreter is perhaps she knows him but doesn't want her dating activities to become known in the area as its personal. Doing genealogy interpretation & relationship interpretation aren't exactly the same thing. So who knows if his spliting the difference on relationships.

So are you paying her taxi driver interpreter friend much?

[Boethius]

Interpreting what a person is saying is interpreting.  The purpose doesn't matter.

[Noch1]

Chernovtsi is around 250,000 people, not that small that everyone knows everyone.
English is a little more sparse, but you can ask her to find a translator.
Or if done right, translating can be fun, if you both have patience.
and translate a few things that make you laugh.
Some wine, food and warm apartment, can make for a fun evening.
Few very good restaurants in the city core.
Also has the 2nd largest Bizarre in Ukraine. ( it is huge)

[jone]

I take it that you paid for the bowling.  Would you mind sharing how much it was?

[ML]

Also has the 2nd largest Bizarre in Ukraine.

WOW . . . that's just bizarre !!

Or maybe their bazaar really is bizarre.

[mhr7]

I take it that you paid for the bowling.  Would you mind sharing how much it was?

I went bowling in Poltava a year ago, it was only 200grn/hour.

[JensenHealey907]

I take it that you paid for the bowling.  Would you mind sharing how much it was?

Sorry, I don't recall exactly. I know it was for bowling for three of us and one hour of billiards for all three. I will have to ask the driver guy tomorrow since I don't remember exactly.

[JensenHealey907]

This evening we went to an organ recital at one of the churches near the center of Chernivtsi. This was a paid event where you stop at a little box office to purchase tickets before going in. If you like any sort of classical chamber music, this is a good thing to do. Afterwards we went to a restaurant in the city center called Kwinto. I cannot say enough about how helpful the waitress was since for both visits we made here she was instrumental in helping me deal with getting the free wifi working as well as being very attentive while serving the food. This place is slightly below street level and the food is very good and not very expensive from my standpoint based on the current dollar exchange rate for Ukrainian currency. This evening there was a three piece string ensemble playing that added to the dining experience.

[JayH]

JH  --did you resolve apartment temperature issues?
I have a little more that may or may not be correct-- higher floors (levels) may be cooler than lower.
Keeping temp down is a usage and cost saving issue.

[JensenHealey907]

Yeah, everything seems fine now. It may have just taken a while for the radiators here to warm the whole place up. The ceilings are pretty high too.

[Noch1]

WOW . . . that's just bizarre !!

Or maybe their bazaar really is bizarre.

That you so much for correcting my english.
What would I or the forum do without your
quick and superb skills in english. 

[JensenHealey907]

The other day when my lady friend and I went to see an old fortress in some other district, during the drive the guy with the car stopped at a roadside reststop and showed us this BIG bear in a cage. He says he stops there all the time and feeds the bear hard candy or apples. This is the first time I ever got to see such a huge bear this close up. I have been trying to get the driver guy to tell me the nme of the town the old fortress was in but his english is not great and all I am getting is something about "long stone".  Anyone have any idea what I am talking about? He said the town had been occupied by Poland, Turkiey and Russia during it's long history.  I have attached a photo of the outside of a church that is a polish catholic chuch now but the tall tower outside is supposed to be a minaret from when the town was occupied by Muslims from Turkey in it's past.

[JensenHealey907]

Ah Ha, I figured out where the old fortress was that we visited the other day. It was the Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle in city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. Unfortunately the driver guy is the only one who took pictures here so I hope he is able to get me the photos at some point.  The castle was pretty good sized and was situated on this island that was surrounded by a series of gorges carved out around the place by a river. We walked around for quite a while and I did the usual tourist thing of buying souvenier junk at some stalls setup inside the castle. So I basically fullfiled my obligations as a silly american tourist.

[Boethius]

To clarify, the churches were converted to mosques.  They weren't built as mosques.

Much of Eastern Europe has a long history with Muslim invaders.  That history is why they aren't too thrilled with taking in Muslim refugees these days.

[JensenHealey907]

To clarify, the churches were converted to mosques.  They weren't built as mosques.

Much of Eastern Europe has a long history with Muslim invaders.  That history is why they aren't too thrilled with taking in Muslim refugees these days.

Ah! I see/ Thanks for the clarification.

[Gator]

To clarify, the churches were converted to mosques.  They weren't built as mosques.

Much of Eastern Europe has a long history with Muslim invaders.  That history is why they aren't too thrilled with taking in Muslim refugees these days.

Europe is taking in more immigrants from Africa than Muslim refugees from Middle East.

[Boethius]

I was referring to the reticence to take in Syrian refugees.  Plus, a lot of Africans also are Muslim.

[jone]

We should rename the forum, 'In Search of Circassian Slave Girls'.   That was the true Muslim influence - the intentional raiding of the Northwestern Caucasus.  It is amazing that through the years, we can look back and see that even then the Ottoman Empire saw the great beauty and spirit of the women we seek.

[Noch1]

I have been to that Fort.
It was original built by a Lithuanian King.
If you looked from the fort out into the fields.
It had one very large stone, surround by 6 smaller ones.
It was called the Peace stone. After battle the leaders of each army
would meet there to discuss the battle.
The thing about the fort, that impressed me most.
It was totally self sufficient.

[Slumba]

I was referring to the reticence to take in Syrian refugees.  Plus, a lot of Africans also are Muslim.

How many are actually from Syria, though?

Of course, the underlying reason for this tidal wave of immigration is Coudenhove-Kalergi, not succoring the innocent.

[Boethius]

I believe the EU asked Eastern Europe to take Syrian refugees. 

[Slumba]

I believe the EU asked Eastern Europe to take Syrian refugees.

Given that at least one of the passport-issuing Syrian government buildings was taken over and hundreds to thousands of blank passports stolen; and that Syrian passports are openly sold on the black market; any claim of being a Syrian national is automatically suspect, however.

[Boethius]

True. However that's not the basis of East European rejection.

[LAman]

That must have been long drive from Chernivtsi to KP, 4-5 hours? That castle is cool, did you spend some time in city center walking around and through the wooden bridges? What about Khotyn? It is on the way to KP. Would have been great to spend an overnight there.