Care package

[wallm]

Chances are you've been brought up on local 'crap' - as many FSU chocs - like Roshen - taken from PoROSHENko - have higher chocolate content than many popular western brands ...

Yeah, that Roshen. It sucks. Like Cadbury, Nestle.....

There is no one size fits all fellas. We all have our own faves and tastes.

I am not looking at the cost of this as much as sentimental value.

I will checkout Billy's recommendation.

If it will make you all happy, I will wait for a few months and take a suitcase full with me.

[mhr7]

"Лучше б деньгами".

My ex in Ukraine used to say this which was fine with me it's easier to send money.

[msmob]

Yeah, that Roshen. It sucks. Like Cadbury, Nestle.....

Irrespective of subjective taste - you are showing ignorance as most Cadbury / Nestle 'Chocolate' offerings have much less actual chocolate than Roshen......   

As you are now dating one UA lady, she will probably not appreciate 'our crap' ..although she may be too polite to say so.

Luckily, SC hates chocolate ( sweet stuff ) full stop

[GQBlues]

...There is no one size fits all fellas. We all have our own faves and tastes.

I am not looking at the cost of this as much as sentimental value.

Good attitude! Follow your instinct. It isn't the content as much as it was the gesture to reach out anyway. At least now you know about this little tidbit.

Since she liked snickers, may I suggest a few rolls of ROLOS and a few Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Maybe even a nice (travel/Points of Interest) book about the city you live in, etc...

[2tallbill]

I am not looking at the cost of this as much as sentimental value.

I will checkout Billy's recommendation.

If it will make you all happy, I will wait for a few months and take a suitcase full with me.

The cost/time of shipping largely negates the gesture. What I did was to develop
a network of helpers/secret agents. I had several mutual friends of Angel Eyes
and myself, I would send them $50 or so via Western Union and tell them to buy
her flowers or whatever. Some of my secret agents were tenacious shoppers and
I was constantly surprised how many flowers or candies they would get for my
buck.

Your girlfriends friends will all want to conspire with you (if they like you) to
do romantic things for your girl. Next time if you haven't done so already
exchange FB accounts or email addresses.

Udachi!

Bill

[jone]

The cost/time of shipping largely negates the gesture. What I did was to develop
a network of helpers/secret agents. I had several mutual friends of Angel Eyes
and myself, I would send them $50 or so via Western Union and tell them to buy
her flowers or whatever. Some of my secret agents were tenacious shoppers and
I was constantly surprised how many flowers or candies they would get for my
buck.

Your girlfriends friends will all want to conspire with you (if they like you) to
do romantic things for your girl. Next time if you haven't done so already
exchange FB accounts or email addresses.

Udachi!

Bill

A VERY smart guy!

[msmob]

Quite ..

'secret network'.. I use those, too

Took 'em all out for a meal to say thanks, last time ..

[BillyB]

I am not looking at the cost of this as much as sentimental value.

Sentimental value is important. Should you two live the rest of your lives together, you want her to have good memories of her first gifts. Hershey's chocolates aren't considered by those in the FSU as memorable. See's candies will. Made with real ingredients and when I bring a second box on a later visit, all the ladies eyes light up. They know the gold box full of truffles when they see it.

We recommend giving gifts from the country you're from. If you're living in America, buy gifts made in America, not France, Germany or China. Gift giving is making a statement. My wife told me her favorite gift out of the variety of first gifts I gave her was a scenic book of the state I live in. A lady can imagine why a man gives her that book. He's giving her a hint that he wants her to live there.

[Anotherkiwi]

We recommend giving gifts from the country you're from. If you're living in America, buy gifts made in America, not France, Germany or China. Gift giving is making a statement. My wife told me her favorite gift out of the variety of first gifts I gave her was a scenic book of the state I live in. A lady can imagine why a man gives her that book. He's giving her a hint that he wants her to live there.

Second that!  On my first trip, I gave the lady I went to see a scenic picture book of New Zealand, plus beautiful Merino woollen gloves for her, her mother and her daughter.  Even though the relationship went nowhere, the gifts were really appreciated.  She did something similar in return - a photo book of her city.

[whynotme]

Second that!  On my first trip, I gave the lady I went to see a scenic picture book of New Zealand, plus beautiful Merino woollen gloves for her, her mother and her daughter.  Even though the relationship went nowhere, the gifts were really appreciated.  She did something similar in return - a photo book of her city.

Walm was talking about sending something every few weeks on regular basis, not about gifts to bring with.

[Anotherkiwi]

Walm was talking about sending something every few weeks on regular basis, not about gifts to bring with.

I realise that, but all relationships have to start somewhere.  Bringing gifts on the first trip (nothing huge), and seeing her reaction to them, can be a good indicator as to what may happen in future.  Wallm is a lot further along the track than having a first visit.

[wallm]

Second that!  On my first trip, I gave the lady I went to see a scenic picture book of New Zealand, plus beautiful Merino woollen gloves for her, her mother and her daughter.  Even though the relationship went nowhere, the gifts were really appreciated.  She did something similar in return - a photo book of her city.

I didn't give her any gifts when I went. .

Seriously, if this "relationship" survives till say June/July when I go back, I might take her something/s. In the mean time, I will be sending her flowers & candy for her birthday next month. Jeez, this is getting expensive. (I am channeling Trenchcoat here. )

[JayH]

Shit. I didn't give her any gifts when I went. Fuk.

Seriously, if this "relationship" survives till say June/July when I go back, I might take her something/s. In the mean time, I will be sending her flowers & candy for her birthday next month. Jeez, this is getting expensive. (I am channeling Trenchcoat here. )

You will get dizzy trying to stay on top of special occasions and days !! Take my pm advice-at least after next visit or during if it is all working out!

[calmissile]

Second that!  On my first trip, I gave the lady I went to see a scenic picture book of New Zealand, plus beautiful Merino woollen gloves for her, her mother and her daughter.  Even though the relationship went nowhere, the gifts were really appreciated.  She did something similar in return - a photo book of her city.

Agree with both Billy and Kiwi.  Overdoing the gift giving has the appearance as trying to impress them with your relative wealth.  Some are even offended but still take the gifts.

It's my experience that not all FSUW expect continual gifts.  Billy's idea of bringing something made in America has more influence than an expensive locally purchased gift. Some maps and books about the USA not only made a good impression, but her friends were anxious to read them as well.  After your both "in love", it is more appropriate for more expensive and personal items.   Just my 2 cents from experience.

Edit:  Also a movie clip made while driving around my city, including shopping centers and the inside of supermarkets was also something that she and her friends seem to consider very appreciated.

[wallm]

Edit:  Also a movie clip made while driving around my city, including shopping centers and the inside of supermarkets was also something that she and her friends seem to consider very appreciated.

Good idea. I had been sharing pics of these things on Viber. Video next I suppose. Don't want to overdo it. Since her English is weak, I don't want anything get lost in translation and offend her.

[calmissile]

Good idea. I had been sharing pics of these things on Viber. Video next I suppose. Don't want to overdo it. Since her English is weak, I don't want anything get lost in translation and offend her.

Don't know why she would be offended.  I even went so far as a complete video inside and outside the house.  I figure if she had doubts or issues it is best to learn them early.  Also, anyone that has never been here is curious about where they will live.  It also spurred a lot of questions such as how far is the market, can I walk.  How far is a park, how far is school for my daughter, etc. Getting all this stuff out of the way early seemed to show my seriousness and also provided comfort in her future living conditions.  Don't know why she would be offended.  Also, we used various electronic translators which were good enough to convey questions and answers.

[msmob]

Good idea. I had been sharing pics of these things on Viber. Video next I suppose. Don't want to overdo it. Since her English is weak, I don't want anything get lost in translation and offend her.

Walllim,

If she's in to you, don't worry about 'offending' her .... Translations can be REALLY dangerous, sometimes - but she'll query it - if it doesn't sound like what she expects you might think.


 

[GQBlues]

I didn't give her any gifts when I went.

Seriously, if this "relationship" survives till say June/July when I go back, I might take her something/s. In the mean time, I will be sending her flowers & candy for her birthday next month. Jeez, this is getting expensive. (I am channeling Trenchcoat here. )

You guys spend way too much talk and energy in this pursuit.

It's no big deal, and never should be, that you'd like to send her a care package now. The thought will always outweigh the 'content'. Even back 10 years ago, *I* received care packages from 3 of the women I was corresponding with, guys...received 2 cards from another 2.

You guys are the 'men', and supposedly better off economically but you nickel and dime yourselves all the way to Timbukto.

Don't be such woosies about this. You get involved in so many rules and laws to a point you can no longer recognize your own selves.

If any of you cannot find the balance between being 'stupid' and being 'sane' at this age and stages in your lives, chrissakes man...stay the f@c#ked home and leave these *unsuspecting* women alone.

[wallm]

You guys spend way too much talk and energy in this pursuit.

It's no big deal, and never should be, that you'd like to send her a care package now. The thought will always outweigh the 'content'. Even back 10 years ago, *I* received care packages from 3 of the women I was corresponding with, guys...received 2 cards from another 2.

You guys are the 'men', and supposedly better off economically but you nickel and dime yourselves all the way to Timbukto.

Don't be such woosies about this. You get involved in so many rules and laws to a point you can no longer recognize your own selves.

If any of you cannot find the balance between being 'stupid' and being 'sane' at this age and stages in your lives, chrissakes man...stay the f@c#ked home and leave these *unsuspecting* women alone.

Ever heard of tongue in cheek? Look it up.

[msmob]

Ever heard of tongue in cheek? Look it up.

You are coming across like Trench - when 'busted' - it always a joke ..

[wallm]

You are coming across like Trench - when 'busted' - it always a joke ..

I am busted.

I have a chance to build a life with a gorgeous, smart and classy lady. I am pursuing her. That is all there is to it. I don’t care about uninformed opinions.

[Boethius]

I have to agree, Roshen candies are not that great.  Hershey sucks too.

The best FSU candies are from the Red October factory.  Their candies, and mishka kosolapi, are the only ones my kids would choose in the candy bins at the Russian store.  Personally, I prefer local artisanal chocolate.

[wallm]

Does a letter take weeks to get there sent by USPS? It has no declared value of course since goods are not being shipped.

[JayH]

Does a letter take weeks to get there sent by USPS? It has no declared value of course since goods are not being shipped.

8 -14 days

Be careful of content being obvious.

I have posted(mailed)  and it arrived in Kyiv quicker than connections I can make ( at absolute best) inside of 20 hours-- then took 3 weeks ! On average -about what I indicated above - so better is possible  -- & worse !