Its Time To Step Up To the Plate

[smilingjake]

Greetings to everyone ---

I have been a member of the site for nearly a year with only a few posts. In that time I have just been "soaking in"
all the great information that has been made available to all of us who are wet behind the ears.

I have been corresponding with Latanya from Dneptrovosk for about six months. I met her on the Lucky Lovers site and we began letter correspondence. She is looking for the man with serious intentions. We have progressed to talking on the phone and also send instant messages.

The first time I heard her voice on the phone I just said "Wow", what a beautiful voice. Although her english is not very good we have managed to muddle  thru and make a connection, along with lots of laughs. Tonight I will write her the "detailed" letter.

I had previously told her I was unsure about when I would be able to come for a visit, the U.S. economy being in the toilet and all. She then wanted to know what the US economy had to do with creating a family, as "A woman has a head, hands, and can work."  That simple statement floored me, how refreshing. I said to myself -- Jake you better get your butt on a plane and go and meet this gal.

I left work early today to go to AAA to check on airfare to Dneptrovosk. The cost from my part of the world, Pennsylvania -- from JFK to Kiev, then to Dneptrovosk is $ 1,200.00 round trip. it is thru Aerosvit Airlines. I'm not familiar with them and would appreciate anyones thoughts regarding Aerosvit.

I would still have to set  up my accomodations for my stay but first will consult with Latanya to see what suggestions she may offer. I will leave the first week in October and be there for my birthday.

I am sure this will be the adventure of a lifetime for me as I have never traveled overseas and the only russian word I know is nyet.

I am no spring chicken, older than most guys here I am sure. I am 53 years old. Latanya is 43 and is DDG in my eyes.(Drop Dead Gorgeous). I am so looking forward to  this and will use the next two months getting my act together for this journey.

Jake

[Kuna]

Jake,

Very cool story and a nice introduction.  Congrats on the decision to take the big plunge and make your first trip.

It sounds like you've read much here so I won't repeat all of the obvious cautions about taking things a step at a time, etc, etc.  I would encourage you though to keep posting here and to become an active member as the benefits are well worth the effort.  The support you will receive from other members will be a big advantage for you in your search.

When your trip gets closer and you want more info on Dnepropetrovsk drop me a PM or ask questions in here.  Several members have wives from there (including me) and you'll find many willing to help.

Cheers,

Kuna

[Jumper]

Jake-
good luck!

Like Kuna-   My wife is also from Dnepropetrovsk.
 
on Aerosvit..
 *blah*
certainly not my favorite airline..
but its not  the real important part of your trip anyway!

I think several airlines have direct flights to Dneper from NYC?
but i can't remember which....
austrian air ? /delta?
that might be worth looking into.

I'll try to get some decent photos up of Dnepro..

[groovlstk]

I don't believe there are any direct flights from US to Dnepr, when I was traveling there I always used Lufthansa/Austrian which runs JFK-Vienna-DNK. The fun part is that depending on which day you return, you may have to overnight in Vienna. Austrian will put you up at a pleasant hotel so you can grab the metro to the city and spend the day touring on the cheap.

[viking]

Groov

I had that experience coming back from Bulgaria. Some great places to see in Vienna. But...between the ice cream and pastries..well almost 2 pounds more in less than a day!! There is a tram that can take you around the center of the city. Nice ride.

[smilingjake]

Thanks for the replies in this post. I would like to add that it became apparent to me that my local AAA service does not book an abundance of flights to the Ukraine. The agent asked me numerous times concerning my obtaining a visa.
I told her that to the best of my knowledge, the Ukraine does not require a visa, only a passport. I advised that when traveling to Russia however a visa is required. (One of the benefits of obtaining knowledge from this site)

Perhaps a different flight itinerary would have been available to me if I did not wish to depart mid week. My thought process is leave midweek, and be rested and ready to rock and roll for the weekend. I know that the gal I am going to see has off weekends, so we can have a real quality weekend together.


I also found it interesting that the AAA travel agent advised me that one half of the cost of the flight travel, $600.00 is for taxes and surcharges, amazing!!!


Jake

[steviej]

Jake - taking that first step onto that plane - that's great - way to go!! I would say, let it all hang out, open your heart and experience everything with your lady, without inhibition, ... EXCEPT ... for two things: don't use the actual words "I want to marry you" and don't start any K-1 visa while you are there !!      

Otherwise, you are primed for something real good it seems. And, if for some reason during the first 30 min the whole thing falls apart (I've read some TRs where that happens), you still did the right thing, and your quest will continue in some other fashion.

[smilingjake]

Nothing Ventured --Nothing Gained ---

Who knows what will happen? If things go south quickly, well, I would look at it as just a life experience. Its still better than wondering, what if? or Why didn't I ?

As far as popping the question or starting the paperwork, trust me, thats not happening right out of  the chute.
I  proceed with the intention of having a very nice vacation in the company of a wonderful lady.

I love history and hope to see some Museums and get a first hand look at some of the World War 2  history that occured in this part of the world.

Jake

[steviej]

Nothing Ventured --Nothing Gained ---

Who knows what will happen? If things go south quickly, well, I would look at it as just a life experience. Its still better than wondering, what if? or Why didn't I ?

As far as popping the question or starting the paperwork, trust me, thats not happening right out of  the chute.
I  proceed with the intention of having a very nice vacation in the company of a wonderful lady.

I love history and hope to see some Museums and get a first hand look at some of the World War 2  history that occured in this part of the world.

Jake

I'm a history buff too. Russian history is endlessly fascinating ..

[Jumper]

groov-
yeap i've had that over night /hotel layover in Vienna many times!!

and agree there doesnt appear to be any non stops to Dneper from NYC.

(Delta has a NYC to Kiev non stop)



Jake-

i've seen quite  a few flights in the fall time frame for about $1,000 -$1,300 R/T

Austrain , Delta , LOT or  Luthunsa
good airlines and thier *one stops* are typically  in prague ,warsaw , vienna, kiev, frankfort , amsterdam
all *pretty decent * airports to  navigate to the connecting  flight.


 

[kryten41]

I flew on Aerosvit from JFK to Kiev, and on to Simferopol in June. I was quite pleased with the airline, especially the JFK to Kiev leg. The airplane could have used a little more legroom, but you can say that about any airline in economy class. Aerosvit showed several movies, with sound available in Russian or English, and the headphones were provided without charge. Drinks (including beer and wine) and meals were provided at no additional charge. I was impressed with how quickly drinks and meals were served after the cart came down the isle. When they serve drinks, food will be served shortly, so don't drink your drinks until the food comes, or you will be eating dry. They served two meals on the flight, and they weren't bad. If you are going to try to sleep, bring earplugs and something to put over your eyes, as someone is sure to open the blinds at midnight and let the sun shine in.  Also, if you want something, get up and ask the flight attendant, they don't come when you push the call button.

Be sure and pack everything that is absolutely essential in your carryon, just in case you arrive in Kiev a few days before your luggage.

Also, if you haven't started learning Russian, you still have time to learn enough to help you. I spent about two months with Pimsleur's Russian I--Conversational Russian (16  one-half hour lessons on 8 cd's), and felt much better about the trip knowing that I can say key phrases such as "excuse me, do you speak English?", "I would like to buy", "where is the toilet", "thank you", and many more.  the Lonely Planet phrasebook (available at many bookstores and online booksellers such as Amazon) is helpful.

One more piece of advice about your trip--bring wetwipes and keep some with you at all times. A lot of public toilets are "squatters" (seriously--two footprints and a hole!), and some don't have toilet paper provided.

One more thing. If you get the chance to eat shashlik, DO IT!

Enjoy your trip!  I wish you all the best with your meeting.

[smilingjake]

Hi Kryten ----

Thanks for all the tips and the information regarding Aerosvit. I feel better after reading your opinion and insights.

Jake

[SANDRO43]

Also, if you want something, get up and ask the flight attendant, they don't come when you push the call button.

Hmm, sounds like a cheap airline :

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMA2WSBMnvc[/youtube]

[msmoby_ru]

Hi Kryten ----

Thanks for all the tips and the information regarding Aerosvit. I feel better after reading your opinion and insights.

Jake

Hey Jake,

Thanks for sharing your great news !


I have flown Aerosvit several times into Kiev from Cyprus, Kiev - Moscow, and Hamburg-Kiev .. Once had a fault on an elderly Boeing that meant we had to stay overnight - but they put us up in a first class hotel ...  We were treated well.

Just a little thought.. for me it is part of the "experience" flying to a country using one of their national airlines ....

It seems Aerosvit even got into the elecronic age and their web site was regularly allowing booking online !! .. http://www.aerosvit.ua/eng.html

Crikey !!! $2600 for a return ( JFK- to her city ) ... May be Austrian, etc, might be a better bet ...

OR

consider flying into Amsterdam ( returns under $300!  ) and flying Ukraine International http://www.ukraine-international.com/eng/uk.html

However you get there, Good luck to both of you.

[GoodBrew]

Jake,

If you haven't ordered tickets try these sites to see if you can get a better deal.

http://www.asaptickets.com/
http://www.globetravels.com/
http://www.consolidatorwebfares.com/


GB

[groovlstk]

groov-
yeap i've had that over night /hotel layover in Vienna many times!!

AJ, did they put you up at the Fischemend Hotel near the Vienna Airport? That's where I usually stayed on my return trips from Dnepr. There's a sleepy, beautiful, and quaint village about a mile down the road, home to a really nice beer garden. I used to walk there for dinner in the evening and drink a bushel of beers and pig out on sausage and schnitzel, knowing and not caring that the next morning's long flight would be all that much more awful!

[Mamma D]

If you don't remember anything else.....

"Best friends make the best huisbands/wives......"

Pushing 60 years and still best friends!

Mamma D

[CCowboy]

Hi SJ,  I'll be in Dnepropetrovsk (DNK) from September 19 to October 21.  It'll be my second trip to DNK.  I've arranged my travel with USAir and their partner Turkish Airways.  Turkish Air flies directly from Chicago and New York to Istanbul and then on to DNK.  I've flown with them on 3 other ocassions and never been disappointed.  On the Istanbul to DNK leg, it's only available on Tuesdays and Fridays so you would need a Monday or Thursday departure from the U.S.  No overnighter on the way over but there is one on the return.  Normally it's about 16-18 hours.  Turkish Air will put you up a close by hotel, but you do have to buy a visa for $20.  I stayed at the All Seasons.  It's definitely not the Four Seasons but the rooms are clean, there's a mini frig, AC, TV, and two single beds.  There's a nice buffet breakfast included.  Also, shuttle to and from the airport is included.  Depending on your own schedule, on your departure you may be able to fly into Istanbul on a Friday and leave a few days later.  I did that on one of my trips and really enjoyed exploring the ancient city.  Keep in touch and we can meet up in Dnepropetrovsk.  Take care and good luck.     

[smilingjake]

Greetings Everyone ---
Well this morning I received the "detailed letter". Latanya is thrilled that I am coming to make our initial meeting. I had inquired to her as to what type of living accomodations I should obtain. She told me that I should lease an apartment for the week and that she would be happy to help me with this. Any idea of what I should expect to pay?
Also, how would a lease agreement work, must the entire time be paid in full prior to arrival? or is a deposit only required to hold the apartment until arrival.
I found it interesting that she had to be reassured that my "desires are clean". I guess they have the same feeling towards sex tourists as we do towards scammers.
I am still working on a flight confirmation. Hopefully I will get that detail completed by the weekend.

Jake