Congatulations to Groovlstk & Polina....

[Todd]

I'm not sure if someone has already done this as I've been in the KSA for the past two weeks and this site is blocked there.  However, I know that this week Polina will be moving to NY to be with Groovlstk, and I want to wish them both a hearty congratulations AND the best of luck.

Todd

[Michelangelo]

Yes, Groove~ you did it!  You took your time and made numerous trips to the FSU, not settling for the first pretty face but keeping trekking until you found your ideal mate. 

Your way is a model for those who follow.

Way to go!

[prince_alfie]

Good job, Groove guy!

[groovlstk]

Thanks for all the good wishes!

We arrived last night and despite all my hopes for a quiet, romantic first evening together, it was a complete bust! There was a computer glitch so all the computers used for immigration processing at JFK were down for 30 minutes so the lines were hellish, then when we finally got through, our luggage was missing. We had 4 large bags, 3 1/2 of which contained all of Polina's most important docs (original birth certificate, diplomas, etc.).

Anyway, after a good night's sleep and a phone call to Czech Airlines (our bags got stuck in Prague but will arrive today at JFK), things are perfect.

She loves my neighborhood and apartment, and was especially happy when we were waiting in line at immigration to see that there were so many people from so many different countries. One of her worries was that her lack of perfect English would make her stand out (read: people will assume she's stupid) but now she's feeling much more comfortable.

[Photo Guy]

Welcome home! I'm sure it will be 'cozy'.

You are lucky. You have a fine woman and a great town for a variety of activities, ranging from
museums to the circle line cruise to Broadway shows to the best food to...  etc.   -doug

[wiz]

Groov

Congradulations and my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with Polina.

Wiz

[jinx13]

 Congrats man, I don't know your whole story, but from what I remember you've been around the block a few times, glad to hear you found what you were looking for.

 I also recall that you were looking into meeting Russians already living in New York, and dated a little while, but than you met your fiance. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, how did you do the K-1 so fast? Just curious.  - Dave

[Turboguy]

Jinx,  I too was amazed at the speed of Groov's visa.  He came in right after the massive delays and snags of IMBRA and was lucky enough to be using the VT center. 

I was even more surprised floating around VJ yesterday to see a timeline for someone that made Groov look like a snail.  Meanwhile back at the ranch I watch my mailbox with anticipation waiting for my NOA-1

[prince_alfie]

Can't wait to see some pictures, Groov. U the man 

[viking]

Groov is with his honey exploring NYC today.I am sure Times Square will rock her boat. Both of them are most likely 10 feet off the ground by now.

[Louie]

Congratulations and the very best of luck to both of you

[Muj]

Good going .

[groovlstk]

I'll try to write a full TR once I get back to work in the new year and have some free time

Things are going great although we're both still a bit jetlagged. My fiancee is catching a nap now, hopefully today we can stay up until midnight or so and get ourselves adjusted to US time.

On Thurs. I took her to Ground Zero, Wall St., South St. Seaport, and then to Rockefeller Center, where we admired the Christmas tree and then took the elevator up to the observation platform for the amazing view of NYC. She couldn't stop oohing and aahing, and couldn't believe how clean and beautiful everything is. She phones her parents every day and, amazingly, tells me that so far she doesn't miss her friends or family and is happy she left Russia to be with me. I'm guessing once the glow wears off this may change, but I expected to nurse her through homesickness when she first arrived.

Her biggest problem is that strangers talk too fast for her to comprehend, and every time we meet with my family or friends she's stressed because she thinks they'll tag her as "stupid" due to her less-than-fluent English. I've learned to slow things down when we're talking with others and it helps a lot. We're planning to enroll her in ESL classes in January, but now she wants to start immediately. Anyone know of any online ESL courses available?

Last night we went to a bar and played billiards, it was funny watching the local guys talking trash to each other while watching her out of the corners of their eyes, hoping to impress. She's asked me a number of times why young American men talk so "loudy" and act like boys. 

 

[Jumper]

first congrats groov!

One of her worries was that her lack of perfect English would make her stand out (read: people will assume she's stupid) but now she's feeling much more comfortable.

same here at first,
especially the bolded part

  i had assuered her that there were whole districts of chicago far less fliuent than she was in english..
 but it took some time to realize that and then things were much easier for her as her confidence got back to normal quickly.

[KenC]

Groovdude,
I am happy for you two!  Get used to other guys trying to impress your woman too.  It will never stop.
KenC

[wiz]

Her biggest problem is that strangers talk too fast for her to comprehend, and every time we meet with my family or friends she's stressed because she thinks they'll tag her as "stupid" due to her less-than-fluent English. I've learned to slow things down when we're talking with others and it helps a lot. 

Same here with Sofia but slowly she is starting to get used to it.

She has no problem talking and understanding me and my family members but when meeting other people she gets a bit flustered......which is natural.

I think it takes a little time to get used to it.

When I arrived in UK in 1970 I had small problem to, despite that I was speaking very good English. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the sound of local accents. Watching TV was the best help and breakthrough the barrier. One day my ear clicked and that's it!

Good luck groov

Happy New Year.

[Rags II]

Congratulations Groov & Polina. I'll have to dig back into the trip reports to catch up on your journeys but it look like it all paid off in the end.

Catch your breath and slow things down for a bit until your lady can get her bearings. Coming from Moscow I'm sure that she will take to the Big Apple with the advantages of the availability of familiar foods and the ability to find others that speak her language.

You did shock me with the "how clean it is" comment but then I flashed back to my trips to Moscow and my adjustments coming from California. Best wishes and good luck.

I am a little dismayed that you missed the long wait and anxious moments getting her a visa like most of us did but I guess things even out. One of my coworkers just waited nine months to bring his WIFE here from Brazil.

[Rags II]

Congratulations Groov & Polina. I'll have to dig back into the trip reports to catch up on your journeys but it look like it all paid off in the end.

Catch your breath and slow things down for a bit until your lady can get her bearings. Coming from Moscow I'm sure that she will take to the Big Apple with the advantages of the availability of familiar foods and the ability to find others that speak her language.

You did shock me with the "how clean it is" comment but then I flashed back to my trips to Moscow and my adjustments coming from California.

I am a little dismayed that you missed the long wait and anxious moments getting her a visa like most of us did but I guess things even out. One of my coworkers just waited nine months to bring his WIFE here from Brazil.

Best wishes and good luck.

[jj]

Congratulations and what a great way to start a  new year.  May you have many happy years ahead!   -jj