Off to Ukraine

[Ridersfan]

 
   Dnied,
 
  Good luck during your trip. Kiev is a great city.
 
  They should give you the custom forms on your flight before you get to Kiev. Fill out both halves the same.
 
   After you get through passport control and before you get to the baggage area look for a free map of Kiev on the racks around the pillars.
 
  I came across this site while net surfing. It seems that you enjoy music so thought you might be interested. I have never dined there so can't do a proper review.
       http://www.jazzclub.kiev.ua/index.php?lang=en

  If you have some free time I would recommend two museums. The National History Museum near St. Andrews church and The WW2 museum. If you like architecture, I would recommend a walk around the Lypky area, which is east of Bessarabka market and south of Independence square.

  Let us know what neighborhood you are staying in and maybe some of us can direct you to grocery stores, restaurants etc. I know the area around Tolstoga metro, Mandarin Plaza, fairly well.

 Enjoy your trip.
 
      Rob

[dneid]

Well, this is probably the last post while I am still in the US.  I'll jot a few thoughts down on the flight over (they will probably be a little on the panicky side ). Once again, you guys have come through!!!  I really appreciate all the comments and the mild kicks in the behind.  Gator, I really appreciate your last post.  Words of wisdom.  Now that I have finished the last minute shopping and packing, I am ready.  Cheese Whiz, Taco Seasoning, Shirka CDs (know I spelled that wrong), a couple of bottles of perfume (Jador is awesome!), a couple of decent affordable MP3 players, DVDs, T-shirt for Anastasiya's boy (Hook 'em Horns!), a couple inexpensive baby outfits for Sveta's now pregnant sister, peanut butter, a couple of CDs of MP3s for the ladies, what else?  I think that is it.  I know I forgot a few things, but the bags are straining so we are done.

I am now at the point where I am sitting on the back porch smoking an Arturo Fuente 58, enjoying a nice glass of Cabernet, and just chilling.  Still get those occasional "WTF" moments, but over all I am ready to go.  Let's see what this is all about.  Hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  It is funny.  I had dinner with a couple of lady friends tonight and they really started pushing the "Why are you going all the way over there?  There are great ladies here!"  Now, don't get me wrong, these are good friends, but it is interesting the way woman here toe to the "corporate line".  Guess I am just a male cretin after all!!!

BTW, for all the newbs reading this, Pavel in Kiev has been awesome!  Yaroslav in Nikolaev has been just as good.  So far, everything is falling into place.  Now, all I need to do is to ensure the right head is doing all the thinking, don't sweat the small stuff, and just listen and be myself.

Start2, Gator, KenC, Groov, Simoni, Dale, wxman, Ridersfan, Sandro, 2tallbill, BillyB, Jet, and so many more.... THANKS!!!  I appreciate the time and advice.  Riderfans, thanks for the link!!!  I like the place and will plan on heading there while I am in Kiev.

Plan on having lunch with Pavel either Thursday or Friday and just learning from him and getting to know him over a few beers and sandwiches.  Just so excited.

Well, guys, this is the nervous rambling stage now.  I'll e-mail if things turn into a train wreck.....  keep your eyes open for the signal flares!!!

[Jet]

Go on, git outa here already! 
Have some wine with your meal on the flight and *try* to get a little sleep.
No matter how the trip goes, this is something you'll remember for many years to come...

Seriously, Good luck man!

[dneid]

You know, I just went back and reread this entire thread.  Damn, you guys have been so much help.  I have learned so much from you all the last few months.  I can not imagine doing this without this forum.  Jet, your last post just left me falling on the floor laughing (ok, so it was not that funny, chalk it up to nerves).  The wine is kicking in, just finished the last file updates at work, bags are set..... off we go.
You know, we need to start planning on an RWD "conference".  You know, get everyone together someplace in the middle of the country and hang out for a long weekend.  Maybe this fall or next year.  What do you all think?  I'll plan it (ok, with help) and we can get a bunch of us together.

Well, this grasshopper is calling it a night.  I need to get some sleep..... maybe

[KenC]

dnied,
One last thing now that I remember you are using Pavel and Yaroslav.  (Not trying to start anything as this has been a touchy subject here in the past.)  Remember, these guys work FOR YOU.  They are not your buds as they charge you by the hour for hangin with you.  Make sure they keep YOUR BEST INTERESTS a priority!  Use them and don't let them use you.
KenC

[dneid]

Yeap, Ken.  Read you loud and clear.  Pavel has e-mail me quotes on everything and I understand that any time we "hang" together he is on the clock.  You know, it is kinda fitting that your's is the last post I read before shutting down and heading to bed.  And firm post it is.  Gotta love you, guys.  Watch for the OTG TRs (On The Ground TRs).  Give me a kick if and when I need it.
Later, guys...... shoulda drank the whole damn bottle and not just a glass.

[FredC]

I don't know if its too late for this one or not, pack a Polaroid camera. That way you can take photos with your ladies and leave some for them. I know on my trips that when I had photos to leave behind it was appreciated. I hope this helps someone. Have a great time. I can't wait til I can go back this summer.
Fred

[Faux Pas]

Later, guys...... shoulda drank the whole damn bottle and not just a glass.

Now what good is that Cab going to be when you get back? I could have done a whole bottle with a good Fuente. 

Good luck and enjoy!

[MaxxumUSA]

Dale,

Be sure to post a link to your T/R in this thread so I can catch it.

Looking forward to reading about your first trip.

- Maxxum

[UTRO]

Gotta love you, guys.  Watch for the OTG TRs (On The Ground TRs).  Give me a kick if and when I need it.
Later, guys...... shoulda drank the whole damn bottle and not just a glass.

Ya right one glass!! Maybe a 28oz glass!!! 

[Ridersfan]

     I see that they have set up a stage at Independence square and brought out the porta-potties. You may get to see a free concert.

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