Kuterem, Russia?

[Killer-B]

Anyone know ANYthing about Kuterem and how best to get there - or where to stay etc?

Google nets me next to nothing

http://www.chinci.com/travel/pax/q/538265/Kuterem/RU/Russia/0/#

Cheers -

[Kineo]

 
It looks like google showed you everything.
 
 

[Vaughn]

Killer,
Google Кутерем to access Cyrillic sites.
The place looks way out there.
Maybe catch a train or flight to Izhevsk, then hire a driver from there ?

[Vaughn]

...  OR - fly into Kazan, and from there by bus to Naberezheniy Chelny (Набережные Челны), and from there by bus to Neftekamsk (Нефтекамск), which gets you very close.
The rest of the distance by cab, cross-country skis or bobsled.
She must be the Holy Grail of RW, Killer.   
 

[camachinist]

 I'd take Aeroflot to Ufa (airport code UFA) and hire a driver or take the bus to Kuterem. According to Google, it's about a three hour drive (227km).

Presuming you're going way off the beaten path to visit someone in particular, I'm sure she can arrange an apartment or room-stay for you locally.  Same with things to do.

Safe travels

[Vincenzo]

It's a small village of 1,000. I doubt that it has a hotel.
http://maps.yandex.ru/-/CBwNa0J3

You should go the way that was suggested earlier.
Fly to Moscow, fly to Ufa.

At the airport take a taxi to the Southern bus station.
It has a website in Russian: http://avufa.ru/booking/?fromName=%D0%A3%D1%84%D0%B0+%D0%AE%D0%B6%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9+%D0%90%D0%92&toName=%D0%9D%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA&when=22.11.2011
Ride to Neftekamsk for $10. Buses departure almost each hour until 8pm.

Find a hotel in Neftekamsk. Take a bus, marshrutka, or taxi to the village.

[BillyB]

It's been awhile KillerB.  Welcome back. If your lady hasn't asked you for any money, I would suggest sending her some to meet you in a major city and then you both can take the train to her city to meet the family. Should cost $100 for her train ride. If she doesn't show up, at least you're stranded in a major city instead of the middle of nowhere.

[Vincenzo]

Neftekamsk is a major city, 22 km from Kuterem.
There is no direct train from Ufa to Neftekamsk, the way around will take more than 24 hours.
A bus trip will be 4 hours.

[Killer-B]

I knew if anyone could sleuth this one out, it'd be you lot

Thanks to you all for your research, suggestions and hard work... You got allot further than I did! Very helpful, I sincerely appreciate it...

@Vaughn - I didn't think to try the Cyrillic route - Will search around Izhevsk and Kazan and see what that nets me - I kinda stumbled into this one... and wow, I had no idea! Does seem bobsled is the best choice right about now She said it snowed last night LOL - Oh my, what am I getting into! (she is your typical unspoilt 'village girl') - May be worth the trip? We'll see.

@camachinist - I try to avoid Aeroflot at all costs (simply b/c I prefer to live!)   - but seems under these circumstances - I'll have no other option... Will check out Ufa... Seemed to me, that was the best option (again, had limited info at the time) Will pour over all this more tonight...

@Vincenzo - Ah - excellent info - Thanks for that additional help!  Needless to say, this is my first venture into this part of the world - Things are gonna have to be all pointing north and solid before undertaking this journey - Never even heard of Neftekamsk - but seems that would make for a good "home base" to operate from... Cheers for the help.

@BillyB - Good to see you again mate... Yeah, it's been awhile - Been overseas, and dealing with a family health 911 ... but am back now, and time to step back in the game - Stupid me, did 2 years with an AW (abroad) (how's that for messed up?) and I thought it'd be different? LOL - never... Anyway - She has not asked for money - we're still early days here.... just sussing out my options... I've been in UA - and thinking about going back - Thought crossed my mind to have her come there (or go to a major city in RU and connect there) - but she's pretty shy and protected - Doesn't help that her old man is only a few yrs older than me (gulp!) ... This is backwoods stuff... and I've never been nervous about her or a trip before... but this one has me concerned a bit (not b/c of her - simply b/c it's so remote) ... No backup for literally hundreds of miles (if not thousands?)

Either way, the train suggestion is a good one... Not that $100 is allot compared to what this venture is gonna cost me, is it really $100 for train to say Ufa or Perm?

I've asked her a few times about Perm (for to me, that seemed to be the closest major city) - she kinda laughed, and said it was like 600km away - so I guess that was a stupid question for me to ask LOL - Augh!

Well, seems I have my work cut out for me... 

BTW, this place being so far east, would it be better to fly west via Seattle and enter eastern Russia? or is Moscow still the best way to go -

Thanks again for all the advice -

KB

PS: The site we met on, after about 8 letters, she removed her pix from the site - I asked why she did this? she told me she didn't want to be disturbed why we talked - Wow - We still talk via private mail, and on the site (for free, now that I bought her info) I left my pix up - she's yet to say anything - but can tell she's expecting me to reciprocate (suppose I should eh?) - Based on that, I don't think this is an agency scam - as I'm dealing with her direct now- Next step is Skype and phone... I can tell I'm pretty much the 1st AM she's 'met' .... been a very different experience than what I've previously had - hence the willingness to break my back to get to her in BFE - Could be interesting Ta

[Killer-B]

PS: Scratch that last "east to west" question... Definitely closer/easier to go via Moscow - So will research that.

@Vaughn - Just saw your 'holy grail' comment LOL - You know what? - ironically, she's really not - In fact, she's the exact opposite what I'd normally go for... She's pretty average as far as RW beauty goes - but she ticks all my other boxes - Teacher, good with kids, very kind, respectful, family-oriented, a bit shy - not hanging off a strippers pole in stilettos (not that there's anything wrong with that) - just seems to be good wife and mother material - we'll see eh?

I am laughing out loud here - It literally does only have 1100 people! Wow - Hey, at least they've added 51 since 2007! LMAO! Wow - what a wild ride this would be!

http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BC

(that's supposed to be Kytepem in Cyrillic - dunno if it'll work?)

OK - First rail snag; 73 clicks to the closest station.... Bobsled it is!

Nearest railway / railway station (Yanaul): 73 km

[Chicagoguy]

If it were me I would try a little harder for her to meet you somewhere. Does't she have any ideas or suggestions ?  It is her her country and she should know more than you.

[ML]

Teacher, good with kids, very kind, respectful, family-oriented, a bit shy - not hanging off a strippers pole in stilettos (not that there's anything wrong with that) - just seems to be good wife and mother material - we'll see eh?

Not to be disrespectful, but you really don't know if she possesses these qualities.
Yes, you maybe know if she is a teacher  . . . but not all teachers are automatically good with kids; some are very miserable in and with their jobs.  And you haven't seen all possible pics . . . so might be awhile before you see the pole pics.   


We'll see eh . . . yes, this is yet to come.

There are many threads here advising about the situation of putting all ones eggs into one basket regarding a trip to see one woman.  All of this applies triple to your situation given the isolated area.

Best of luck.

[Killer-B]

If it were me I would try a little harder for her to meet you somewhere. Does't she have any ideas or suggestions ?  It is her her country and she should know more than you.

Hi CG -

Kinda like I mentioned, we're still early days here... but I am a 'planner', so here I am, asking inane questions   We have started talking about just the concept of 'meeting' this weekend, so it's pretty fresh to me (and I suspect her) - Now that I've actually taken the time to locate this place and sort all the logistics, most likely safe to say she's not met anyone else - this is a huge plus in my book... and makes it just that much more appealing to me (vs. meeting someone in Moscow or Kiev) if that makes any sense?

We are 13 hours apart - so connecting is a bit of an issue right now - complete opposite schedules - but will ask her tonight about "options"...

I think it's GREAT that I now have this info - so I can present her with 'options' (and actually sound like I know what I'm talking about - somewhat!) and then we'll see what her response is - I know meeting the family is a big deal - so we'll see what her thoughts are on that - Her 'answer' to that bit, will tell me allot about where we're at -

Thanks,

KB

[Vincenzo]

If you pay $100, you should be able to hire a taxi from the airport in Ufa to her village or Neftekamsk. Especially, if you call the phone number of one of Ufa's taxi services. You can ask somebody who speaks Russian to do it.

But the cheapest way is: a taxi to the bus station -> a bus to Neftekamsk -> a taxi to the village. If you ask the girl, she should give you information about marshrutkas, how they travel to the village, etc.

I would prefer to fly the whole route by Aeroflot. Then you won't have problems in case of delays.

[Killer-B]

Not to be disrespectful, but you really don't know if she possesses these qualities.
Yes, you maybe know if she is a teacher  . . . but not all teachers are automatically good with kids; some are very miserable in and with their jobs.  And you haven't seen all possible pics . . . so might be awhile before you see the pole pics.   


We'll see eh . . . yes, this is yet to come.

There are many threads here advising about the situation of putting all ones eggs into one basket regarding a trip to see one woman.  All of this applies triple to your situation given the isolated area.

Best of luck.

Hi Manlooking - Thanks for the reminder and advice...

I'm not one for OWW or WOVO - and of course, I've not shared 'everything' here, so you're not privy to our conversations - This was more of a 'logistics' Q vs. a relationship one.... but nonetheless, I appreciate all (sane) feedback, and yours is no exception - I appreciate the advice and reminders...

I don't think I've met you? - nor you me - So just as a little background, I've been on RWD pretty much since Dan started it - Even used to mod some of the boards back in the day... Also been 'searching' since 2001 - so this is not my first rodeo (that is not said as a brag or boast, just sharing a little of my background) - Still much I need to know and learn, and so that is why I come to RWD to get advice, and use you all as sounding boards to make sure I'm not stepping into some bear trap (pun intended )

RE: Pix - She is not some hottie stripper (based on her town, I doubt she'd have any clientele!) LOL - but you're right, those pix may yet come - though I doubt it - Her mum is 39 and she has a 2 yr. old sister now... and that's all she talks about - helping with her sis, and the hours she puts in teaching at school - she's a bit of a bookworm (as are most RW) - but the titles tell me allot - Pretty deep stuff for someone under 30 ...

[Killer-B]

If you pay $100, you should be able to hire a taxi from the airport in Ufa to her village or Neftekamsk. Especially, if you call the phone number of one of Ufa's taxi services. You can ask somebody who speaks Russian to do it.

But the cheapest way is: a taxi to the bus station -> a bus to Neftekamsk -> a taxi to the village. If you ask the girl, she should give you information about marshrutkas, how they travel to the village, etc.

I would prefer to fly the whole route by Aeroflot. Then you won't have problems in case of delays.

Hi Vincenzo - Thanks for that ... My 1 hour lunch break, has now turned into a 3 hour trip to all these sites and maps and Googling around researching all you have shared...  I have 12 windows open ATM, and was floored about no train going there... but we'll sort something out - If it's meant to be, it's meant to be - If not, well, lesson learned   I'll also ask her tonight what she thinks would work best - it's already 5AM there... so she'll be up in an hour - Would be great to compress all this info into one succinct "plan", and mail that to her to see what her thoughts are ... Cheers.

[Killer-B]

It looks like google showed you everything.
 
 

Funny! - I just did search again, and my post - only 24 hours old, is already ranked #4 in Google LOL!

I did find some Panaramio fotos... wow, stepping back in time... Hmmm - No 5 star resorts here!

[Vaughn]

Funny! - I just did search again, and my post - only 24 hours old, is already ranked #4 in Google LOL!

My guess is that you might be the first Western man to set foot in the village. You might become a flash-in-the-pan celebrity. If you actually spend time in the home, knocks on the door are to be expected. All the neighbors will find reasons to visit so as to get a look at you.
I poked around po-russki for a few hours tonight. Many links to the area have gone away, expired. Info is scant. There are about 9 hotels in Neftekamsk, none have their own websites. There is a Saint Joanna something or other special devotion in the village of Kuterem. A bishop showed up recently to conduct a ceremony involving a cornerstone and the blessing of future construction. I also noticed at least one regional website that offered Bashkir, not English, as an optional language. When you get out that far you will probably hear a local dialect or two, especially in trains or marshrutkas that are heavily populated with locals.
There IS a twice a day train to Nefte, but only to/from Yanaul, a short 1 hr 22 min ride.

[Killer-B]

Hi Vaughn - Your assessment is too funny, and spot-on.... The more I research it, the more fun I think it would be "A celebrity in my own mind"

I also agree, based on what little I can find, that Neftekamsk seems to the the key here - It's about 12km from Kuterem - and I've just asked my girl for her thoughts on it all - I did not see the hotel you mentioned, but found a 300 room place called Hotel Kama - I had to write them for their rates.... but judging by the "VIP" suite alone, OMG - makes Days Inn look like a 4 Seasons!

http://en.hotel-inn.ru/neftekamsk/kama/

I did find one site that quoted pricing - but was like $114 a night... Sorry, if that's true - I'll find a flat somewhere / somehow... we'll see

In looking at the airports around - It seems we have it surrounded - Perm to the north, Ufa to the southeast, Izhevsk and Naberezheniy Chelny to the west as already mentioned....

Ironically, I found direct flights on Turkish Air that completely bypass Moscow, and hub thru Turkey that service Ufa!? - it's then only 129 miles to Kuterem from Ufa - Hertz has an office there.... $459/wk to rent a Ford Focus - so that's another option too... Actually, it's 24 hours to fly from Colorado to Ufa - and 2-3 hours in a car - it's not as bad as I first imagined - Of course I'd insure the sh!t out of the car LOL - as I doubt it'll come back without bullet holes or hubcaps!

Thanks again to everyone for the help!!

Woot - Getting excited now

KB

[Olly]

Hotel Kama in Neftekamsk http://www.translate.ru/siteTranslation/autolink/?direction=re&template=General&sourceURL=http://hotel-kama.ru/

One-person Standart room - 500 rbl (not good :-) )
Suite: 2000 rbl.
Lux: Spacious one-bedroom room, in a bedroom a wide double bed, in a drawing room convenient upholstered furniture. A bathroom with all conveniences. 2500 - 3000 rbl.
VIP: 4500 rbl.
In hotel:
Business center
Restaurant, Bar
Hairdressing salon
Tour agency
Laundry
Taxi call
Parking place.

[Vincenzo]

Why would you rent a car and have problems with policemen?
If it's a village, you'll need an SUV.

Otherwise, there are numerous marshrutkas, buses, and taxis. Your girl will give you the directions.

Check the hotel Oskar, from $30.
It has a room for Americans.

[GQBlues]

WOW! That's really going to the ends of the world Killer-B! Hats off to you...
 
 
I'm with Vincenzo here that maybe meeting in Ufa (first) is a good thing...but the call is of course, yours...
 
I usually use VirtualTourist before to get great travel insights by both the traveling community and the native folks themselves. Unfortunately, Kuterem doesn't even hit anyone's radar. There is however write-ups for Ufa and there's 11 members living there that may prove useful to get info about your final destination.
 
 
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Russia/Respublika_Bashkortostan/Ufa-543436/TravelGuide-Ufa.html
 

[Killer-B]

Hey guys-

The 'car' idea, was just that, an idea... Already spoke with Hertz and Avis, and neither has any SUV's down there - and based on the pix I saw of Kuterem - seems like I'd need one!!! esp. if I go in the winter (which seems likely) - not exactly a mecca there....

I'm a member on VT too, and that was one of the first places I checked -- and yup, there's not allot about Kuterem pretty much anywhere - (which kinda makes me feel better about the whole pole dancing scenario!) --

The other good thing about flying in via Ufa, was that I searched my site, and there are a couple dozen women online that would serve as good backups if things don't work out in Kuterem - So that's good too...

My biggest challenge right now, is sorting out "what to do" for all that time in a 1-horse town in the dead of winter!? - My thoughts were to take her somewhere nice and warm - but then we fall into several traps / problems with that... I like to see a gal operate on her home turf first - just to see what she's like vs. a "vacation" where things may feel forced... Agree that Ufa would be good common ground for a first meeting - but not sure papa is ready to let her travel there, alone yet... we'll see!

Cheers,

KB

PS: She has 2 smokin' hot friends there, that are in the military.... I just stumbled across her - having no idea she was this remote... Looking forward to this one now...

[Killer-B]

@Vincenzo - Oh, and thanks for the Hotel Oskar link - Looks a heck of allot better than the VIP at Kama! (thanks Olly) - Do you have a link for that Vincenzo? where'd you get that pricing?


Wow - this cracks me up! Should I wear my spurs to bed? L

Cheers

[Olly]

Hey guys-

The other good thing about flying in via Ufa, was that I searched my site, and there are a couple dozen women online that would serve as good backups if things don't work out in Kuterem - So that's good too...

MY GOD