Ulyanovsk, Russia

[TexasBoar]

On the Volga, VERY south of Moscow. Like Houston is south of Chicago. 

Anyone been there? Local contacts, recommendations, apartment rentals, getting there from here, anything?

Long lead time, still.  But any info anyone has would be appreciated.

Thanks, Boar

[TexasBoar]

From the Travel Channel online guide:

Ulyanovsk is a forgotten communist backwater and visiting is like stepping back in time. This is a must for those wanting to experience a Russia untouched by the West.

Oh boy. 

~Boar

[catzenmouse]

Actually, that sounds pretty good. How better to get a real look at a big piece of the background/situation that many of these ladies grew up with?

Ken

[TexasBoar]

Another review, from a couple who adopted a child from an orphanage there, compared it to "stepping into a grainy black & white newsreel." 

And so far, there don't seem to be any agencies or rental apartment listings . . . those could be good things, too, I suppose.  Half full, half empty, you say tomaTOE, I say . . . heh heh heh. Hotels are more expensive that SPB's low end/B&B accomodations, though.

It's right on the Volga river, though, and is supposed to be a beautiful area.  Got to be some kind of low cost dachas for rent, or something, that the locals use.  But it looks like my penpal and her family will be my only contacts there if I end up visiting.

~Boar

[Gator]

Boar,

Please be careful about going to backwater towns on your first trip.  You will probably depend upon your woman for almost everything.  If she dumps you (or you her), you are stuck with few options for quickly salvaging your trip.

You do not seem like a big city sophisticate (no insult intended) so I would not recommend Moscow or St. Pete or Kiev.  Yet, there are many cities (1 million population) where an agency can provide you transfer, apartment, interpreter and introductions.   

And I do not know whether you have the budget and time for multiple trips.  If you do, go over the first time with the purpose of learning and having a good time and finding 2-3 women to visit again.

Personally I would go to Ukraine.  Not having to obtain a visa will save some money and time, and traveling is less of a hassle (e. g., passport control is quicker and no Ukraine airline has charged me for excess baggage yet twice in Russia the jerks at the counter played games with me such as adding the weight of carryons).

Also, short correspondence (3-4 letters) should suffice for such a trip.  A meeting is worth 100 letters.

Good luck. 

[beattledog]

Gator

I read your post with much interest.  I am coming out of a relationship with a lady from Tashkent. I have decided to try the Ukraine, just because  the visa is not required.  Like you, I think there will be less of a hasle in traveling to that country.   The woman are stunning beauties from the photos that I have seen.

Beattledog

[TexasBoar]

Good thoughts, Gator, but . . . Ulyanovsk is where she lives.  And next summer is when I can travel (teachers can't take that kind of time off during the instructional year).  So, if by next summer we're STILL corresponding . . . that's where I'm headed. 

My thought is that if I fly in to a major city and take the train there, I could easily take the train BACK early, and have an agency or personal contact/circle of friends "Plan B" already in place, should it be necessary.  Tver, or Rostov, or Volgograd or someplace like that.

The correspondence thus far is . . . well, it's kind of incredible.  What amazing souls these women have! Not to get all schoolboy crush, keyboard Romeo about it, but I'm awfully impressed, and we seem a very good match despite the 18 year age difference. Only time together will tell, of course, and a lot can happen between now and June.   I'm keeping my heart out of it at this point . . . but there's a definite feeling of possibilities afoot.

Anyway, as I get closer to leaving, I'll ask her what's there. Bound to be someplace close by that's nice.

~Boar