Anyone going to be in Ukraine or Russia March 1 to April 15?

[Taz]

Hi all,

I am considering returning to either Russia or Ukraine sometime between first week of March to maybe sometime in mid April. No,I won’t be staying that long but probably a 2-3 week period somewhere in there. I am leaning more toward the first few weeks of March as the airfares are quite low and weather isn’t terrible unless you are used to Florida.

I plan on renting a car again as I prefer the freedom it gives me and I don’t have to rely on train timetables. Quite often I want to make a detour somewhere and the trains don’t go there. So in general it can be more fun to travel with someone if there aren’t a dipstick if you know what I mean.

I do know both Russia and Ukraine pretty well and if you haven’t read some of my posts then you don’t know I can speak the language pretty well. At this point my itinerary is wide open but I am definitely leaning toward Ukraine. I get tired of paying the ridiculous visa fees for Russia and all the extra hassle that goes with getting it registered and the cops shaking you down or at least trying too. In general I think the Ukrainian police tend to be easier to deal with.

So if someone is interested in sharing costs and having a pretty interesting trip send me a PM. If I had to pick a general area I’d most strongly consider middle to eastern Ukraine. I think some of the best places to go if you are serious about a wife would be Mariupol, Zaporozhe and Lugansk. I, OTOH, am planning to take a nice well deserved vacation unencumbered by my friend JD.

If I meet someone interesting then great but it isn’t the main purpose of my trip. I don’t mind helping someone else out with finding a few agencies or getting around. It could be a great opportunity for someone who has never been over and wants someone to show them the ropes.

If you are interested send me a message and we'll see where it goes. I'd prefer someone who doesn't smoke and isn't a raging alcoholic or drug addict. I don't smoke, never did drugs and rarely drink. In spite of a lack of those vices I tend to have a remarkable time.

If you already have plans just drop me a note and maybe we can meet up for a pint or a cup of coffee/tea/etc.

[Daveman]

Hey Taz, if everything goes as planned I'll be in Simferopol for most of the month of March.  If you think you'll make it down that far south, we'll hook for dinner or coffee or whatever and shoot the breeze a bit.. I'm a smoker but you won't have to live with me. 

Anyone else going to be in the area?

[2tallbill]

I don't do drugs 'cause I find I get the same effect just by standing up really fast.


I am not making any travel plans as of today, but I couldn't help putting that joke in there.

Take care,

Bill

[Taz]

If I go to Ukraine, I'll likely end up in Crimea. I can't seem to stay away whenever I am there. I love visiting all the ruins there. PM me off list with your email address and I'll send you mine. I am definitely leaning more toward Ukraine than Russia as if I go in March, I wouldn't have much time to get a visa.

Actually if I were to plan a trip totally on my own I'd go Kiev-Mariupol-Sevastopol-Sudak and then wherever I felt like going. The last 2 cities would put me in Crimea and driving right through Simferopol. I'd probably hit Alushta while there and I wouldn't mind a detour to Zaporozhe on the way down or back.

[Wayne]

I went to Crimea in Feburary 2001.  The weather was much warmer than I thought it would be.  A visa was required back then.  I flew Chicago to Istanbul, then to Simeferopol.  The airport there is totally out of date.  I hired a driver with private car and we went to various places.  That was my first trip.

[2tallbill]

If I go to Ukraine, I'll likely end up in Crimea. I can't seem to stay away whenever I am there. I love visiting all the ruins there. PM me off list with your email address and I'll send you mine. I am definitely leaning more toward Ukraine than Russia as if I go in March, I wouldn't have much time to get a visa.

Actually if I were to plan a trip totally on my own I'd go Kiev-Mariupol-Sevastopol-Sudak and then wherever I felt like going. The last 2 cities would put me in Crimea and driving right through Simferopol. I'd probably hit Alushta while there and I wouldn't mind a detour to Zaporozhe on the way down or back.

Taz, I am interested about the ruins you talk about (I am an amateur history buff) maybe you can talk about them more (or start a new thread if you wish)

Take care,

Bill

[Swisskid]

Hey Taz,

I was planning on a trip to Odessa area in May but I am flexible with dates and itinerary.  I sent you a PM.

Kevin

[ISORW]

Taz I will be in Kherson for 4-5 weeks starting around the middle of March through the middle of April.  If my g/f and I decide to go to Crimea (quite possible) we could meet up.  I'll PM you shortly.

[mark2353]

Taz,
I was thinking of going in mid-april but you idea sounds to good. I do have a lady already in Volgograd that I have to check out so...(primary reason for trip). However I might be free if that does not work out so.. Let me see on a couple of other things it is a definite possible thing. Personally I would love your company since my russian is "0".
as for the drinking/smoking you would not have to worry about either. So lets stay in touch maybe we can make it work.
Mark

[Sort]

im here to 5'th of March

[liquidtexas]

I will be returning to Ukraine in mid-March. I will be in Lugansk for a bit.

[AkMike]

My wife and I will be kicking around Ukraine from Kiev south to Krim from 4-8 til 5-12 leading a group of friends and family around on a tour.

[mark2353]

This is a dream come true all these people going there at this time will be fantastic. I have to admit it is my first time and little scare to say the least. you are going to have to stay in touch prior to!!
thanks

[Eastguy]

Wow this sounds awesome.

I been curious about Ukraine for a while now have been studying it almost as much as Russia itself..

Too bad I have committments and not much leave time at all.

take lots of pics for me <Especially girls> pleeeaaasee.

[AkMike]

LOL, I've already grabbed the brass ring and have no need to do much more than peek once in a while at the other lovely ladys or else...