September/October meeting

[phantom]

The girl that I was introduced to, she speaks English and we've been web-chatting on cam about every day.  Was in the automotive, then GM's mess.    She suggested Cuba, becuase of the economy.  Any ideas?

[groovlstk]

If you're an American you need to be careful about visiting Cuba, you could get into trouble w/the State Dept. upon return if your passport is stamped.

Why not visit the Caribbean, places like Jamaica are very easy (Russian people pay $20 for a visa while passing through customs).

[phantom]

I had not thought about that possiblity, as the president was talking about relations with Cuba, but I'll forget that idea and look at the carribean.  Jamaica sounds nice, what about the Bahamas?

[Sculpto]

If you're an American you need to be careful about visiting Cuba, you could get into trouble w/the State Dept. upon return if your passport is stamped.

Why not visit the Caribbean, places like Jamaica are very easy (Russian people pay $20 for a visa while passing through customs).

they dont stamp the passport itself..they apply the stamp to a seperate removable piece of paper.  Tens of thousands (or more) of Americans have been to Cuba via Mexico and Canada.  Again, it is all about risk aversion..

[kievstar]

Phantom,

What country is this girl from and what does she do for General Motors?  They have a small presence in Russia and Ukraine and the jobs are OK.   

I have been to Cuba but sometimes they will stamp your passport for the fun of it.  This is true.  If that happens, when you leave Cuba to either Canada or Mexico make sure you lose the passport in Canada and Mexico.  Go to embassy in Canada or Mexico and get a new one.

Remember September / October is hurricane season in the Carribean.  You may want to try turkey / Egypt. 

[phantom]

Hello Kievstar,

I should have been more clear, sorry.  I worked in automotive, for a plant that made parts for General Motors cars.  When they filed bankruptcy, we went down.  She's from Russia.  I wasn't aware of those times being hurricane seasons.

Thanks for letting me know about Cuba.

[jdk1963]

The girl that I was introduced to, she speaks English and we've been web-chatting on cam about every day.  Was in the automotive, then GM's mess.    She suggested Cuba, becuase of the economy.  Any ideas?

Panama is pretty nice and not too expensive.  No Hurricanes!!

[UTRO]

Don't forget The Dominican Republic. Beaches in Punta Cana far outshine Jamaica. Lots of Russians there. Sveta and I were in Punta Cana in mid October last year, quiet, no rain and luckily no hurricanes Were also there in December 2007 and sat through Tropical Storm Olga. As has been mentioned on this Forum many times, avoid any flight connections in the USA or you will not be meeting her anywhere. Transit through European airports... Paris, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt. Flights to the Dominican and Jamaica, from Moscow, are cheaper than flights to Cuba.

[phantom]

I never considered those possibilities, as she had suggested Cuba, so it was something that I was thinking about.  I'll discuss the other places with her.  When things improve, I'll go to Russia.

[HiTech]

I can also recomend Punta Canta, Enjoyed it very much.

Dale

[phantom]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check out those and talk with her about it. 

[MatryoshkaMan]

Punta Cana is awesome. Better beaches than Cuba (Varadaro) but the country itself is not as exotic. I saw and heard lots of Russians in Punta Cana. Great place and beautiful resorts and beach. Plus the airport just has to be seen!!

[kryten41]

I'd skip Jamaica.  Unless things have changed drastically for the better in the past year or two, it is not safe.  A friend went on a cruise that stopped there, and the passengers were told to stick to the group, and take no jewelry (not even wedding rings) with them.

[phantom]

Jamaica does not sound appealing then.  I'll look at Panta Cunta.  Might just do Russia.

[Faux Pas]

Jamaica does not sound appealing then.  I'll look at Panta *snip*a.  Might just do Russia.

You should do Russia. You've never been. Maybe it's time to see what all the fuss is about?

[phantom]

Strongly considering it.  It's mind over matter and I'm mentally preparing.