T-minus 1 week to Siberia (Kemerovo)

[DKinSD]

Well, the months have passed and my trip to Kemerovo is almost here! (next Wednesday, 9/27)

For background info see:
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=2284.0

Got a decent flight out of San Diego for $1200 (including taxes, etc, etc)  and get there about as fast as you could hope - about 24 hours with stops in Chicago, Frankfurt, Moscow and, finally, Kemerovo. I'll be gone for a week, which translates to 5 actual nights in the city.

While Elena and I have enjoyed our 4 month correspondence, we are both VERY excited to get to meet face to face and see if the virtual spark turns into a real one.  We have hardly missed one day of e-mailing in the past 3 months and get on the phone and/or webcam at least once a week as our schedules permit.

Against some of the better advise of the RWD faithful, this is going to be a WOVO.  My admittedly half-hearted efforts to setup other opportunities in the area did not bear fruit.  Frankly, she has quite a bit planned with her and her parents that I doubt I would have been able to sneak away for any other meetings.  I'm looking forward to meeting the "Colonel" (her father) and hearing about his experiences flying for the Russian (Soviet) Army.

I will certainly keep a good journal and take tons of pictures for a TR when I return.  Kemerovo is only 80 years old, so don't expect too many pictures of 16th century architecture!   For those that haven't already looked it up, Kemerovo is a very industrial city and in a region (Kuzbass) that contains the largest coal deposit on the planet.  It is situated on the Tom River and surrounded by forests.  Seems like a beautiful area from the pictures I've seen.

Wish me luck!

DK

[Vaughn]

DK,

 Well, you split this into two separate threads, so I'll respond to
only this one. I want to wish you good luck and a very enjoyable adventure. In 2001, I journeyed over WOVO and things went very well for us. On one hand, it was a calculated risk, but I really went over just to enjoy myself on a first trip to the FSU. As jb wrote in the aeronautics thread, "Taking off is optional, landing is mandatory." For the time you've corresponded with her and the family, I'd say meeting is mandatory, and marriage is optional. The backround information you've provided lends evidence that this woman is apt to be one of quality. If her "old man" ever piloted into East Germany in the early 70's - I may have listened to his voice on HF frequency. Doubtless he's proud of his career and will tell you all about it. Ask about the "for-SAZH" - as every MIG (17, 19, 21 or 23) had an afterburner.

1200 bucks from SD and back? Not bad. What I find hilarious
after reading your posts for some time is that I now realize you're in San Diego, and not South Dakota!

I wish you and Elena the happiest of meetings!

Vaughn

[DKinSD]

Vaughn,

Thanks for the well-wishes.  It's defintely a calculated risk and I'm used to making the best of things in life, so no worries if she's not all I hope her to be     I will take good notes on her fathers' experiences....should be facinating to say the least.

I was wondering how many may have been thinking "South Dakota" rather than SD.  With apologies to those in that part of the Midwest,  Kemerovo to South Dakota may be a little more of a horizontal move than Elena is hoping for

Groove,  (from the other thread)

Received and understood.  Thanks!

All,

Sorry for the double topic post.  When I hit "post" the first time, I got an error and assumed my post didn't make it on the board.  The second version was a just-in-case but is dead now.

DKinSanDiego

[BillyB]

Against some of the better advise of the RWD faithful, this is going to be a WOVO.  My admittedly half-hearted efforts to setup other opportunities in the area did not bear fruit. 

Buy some contact info of other Kemerovo ladies on bride.ru or other agencies. In case there is no chemistry with the lady you're visiting, at least you could hit the internet cafe and tell the ladies you're in town and would like to see them. Bride.ru gives you phone numbers besides e-mail but don't be surprised if you get hung up on.

Good luck and hope you report back DKinSD .