From the Beginning; A Trip to Siberia in Winter

[kmin]

[I will update as the trip unfolds]

For the purpose of finding a wife I set out on the adventure of dating abroad.  This would be a new experience for me in many ways, for I have traveled abroad, but needed a passport to travel now.  I have never been married, but hoped one day to be.  I have never been to Russia or Siberia.

I did not know what to expect when I started out, but I was able to find this site, which helped me to avoid the obvious and sometimes not so obvious pitfalls of this sort of endeavor.

For the most part I am your average guy, not to old, not to young, average height, weight, and I make good income, but not rich.  I can afford to pay the bills and have a little spending money for fun.  I am a good guy looking for a good girl.   

Using a recommendation from someone on this forum I posted by profile on freepersonal.ru  I also did a search and sent out 10 messages.  I received 10 back, 5 from those I sent messages to and 5 from those who didn’t.  After communicating with 3 of them for a while, I really started to connect with one and started a series of “get to know you” skype conversations.  We talk daily about 2-3 hours each day.

Skype is an invaluable tool when trying to date long distance.  For example you can actually see the person in video, hear their voice, and it is basically free to use.  By watching her facial expressions I was able to understand her better and get to know what made her laugh and what she was shy about.  This brought a level of connection that doesn’t exist in letters themselves.

As it turned out both of us started looking during the same week and neither were using an agency.  They say the best things in life are free, and being able connect with what could be you future wife is definitely one of the best things that can happen to a man.

After a while of communicating it was apparent that we just didn’t have a few things in common, we had many things in common.  From how we like to spend free time, thoughts on marriage and raising children, music, movies, our style, food, and money issues.  One vital shared interest was getting married and raising a family.  If you are not serious about eventually making a commitment, than things are not going to work out.

Eventually we began to date long distance in an exclusive relationship.  I planned for a trip to see her as soon as was practical.  For this I would need a passport, visa from Russia, airplane ticket, warm clothes (this is Siberia in January remember), flat to stay at, transportation, and mobile phone access. 

Recently I have applied for a passport.  This is somewhat easy to do.  First I had to get a certified copy of my Birth Certificate.  Cost some money if you don’t have a copy handy, but it takes less than a week and mine cost about $30.  Than you have to get information together for the passport form so you are able to fill out the whole thing accurately.

Accuracy is very important; you do not want your passport being rejected because you have the wrong birth dates for your parents.  Also I went to a larger sized government center.  At the larger centers the attendants are experienced and should catch any errors you may have made to ensure the application is filled out correctly. 

I decided to do the expedited process which ran about $220 with all fees.  Average process time is 2-3 weeks. 

I have received approval from work to leave on the trip and I have purchased airline tickets with the departure being 2-3 weeks past the amount of time to get the passport and visa completed.  If for some reason it takes longer I can move the flight dates for a fee of $250.  My tickets cost a total of $1600 round trip.

My itinerary will allow me to have about 30 days in the city with her.  I figured this would provide ample time to get to know her, her family, and her city.  As this is the person I hope to marry, the more time we can spend together the better.  I was also able to line up arrival for the 30th of December so I could celebrate New Year’s and Christmas with her and her family.

Both of us are excited, worried, and anxious to see each other.  We both like each other very much and we both feel a strong connection even though we have never met.  In some ways I think this process will help us build a strong foundation of integrity, trust, and endurance, most couples don’t get the chance to develop.

I hope things will go well and I will update this forum as things develop.

[GQBlues]

Siberia seem to have a great rep for the married folks here. So good luck with your pending experience.
 

....Skype is an invaluable tool when trying to date long distance.  For example you can actually see the person in video, hear their voice, and it is basically free to use.

Absolutely. It'll also help her immensely with her anxiety and homesickness after relocation. Additionally, a good smartphone (iPhone..) will carry skype and she (you) can literally speak with (her) relatives anytime anywhere she is. Wifey was jolted to realize when her parents one time called and spoke with her while she was driving on the freeway (bluetooth). Then when she got to the beach, she called them back and was even able to show them where she was at through the camera. They were elated to see "their" favorite beach 'live' all the way from Novo...

[Olly]

WOW! on freepersonal.ru are real and serious guys!!! it pleases and gives hope 
i wish you good luck Kmin!!!

[Kineo]

kmin,
 
I wish you the best on your endovor. I found freepersonals.ru to be a good place for me also. I met several very nice women including the woman I believe to be the one.

[Globetrotter]

That's where I met mine, also from Siberia!

[Gator]

Siberia!  Hip Hip Hooray! (based on personal experience)
 
IMO probably anywhere in Ukraine and Russia can be good, real good.

[kmin]

Ok here is the weekly update;

So far we have been talking on Skype for an average of 3-4 hours a day, every day.  At the end of our conversations we both want to continue talking, but there is work and sleep needed in life.

I think she is wonderful woman with a great personality.  She is equally into me and my personality.  It appears that we have almost everything in common and both look forward to meeting.

The trip will be a great time I am sure.  I will be Krasnoyarsk for New Years, Christmas, her mom’s birthday, and old New Year’s celebration.  For those who don’t know much about Krasnoyarsk, please look it up, it is a great community that really knows how to celebrate the holidays.  Also the Stolby National Reserve is located next to the city.  Stolby is the mecca for rock climbing in the world with rock formations that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.

We have plans to celebrate together the new years and meet her family and friends.  I am hoping to make a good impression on her mother by following proper etiquette that is normal in her city.  I have received good advice from some of the members here on the do’s and don’ts in regards to meeting her mom.

The timing for the trip is perfect.  She now has to work many hours, but when I arrive her work will be slow and she will have two to three weeks off of work when I arrive.  The last week she will only have to work a few hours a day and then we will have the rest of the time together.  For me I happen to be in a job that pays enough money to afford the trip, have the ability to take a whole month off, and I have been saving up money for the last year so the trip will not be a burden for me to make and at the end of it I will still have money saved up for my nest egg.

We met at the perfect time for all of this to fall into place and can’t help but think about how rare it is for us to have this wonderful opportunity.

So far I am waiting for my passport to come, which should be at my home in the next week or two.  Then I will apply for visa from Russia which I understand to take about 3 days to 2 weeks.  She and I will feel much better when these two items have been taken care of.  I have already bought a round trip flight and she is lining up the flat to stay in.  She will pick me up from the airport and both will travel to the flat so I can clean up and get some rest from the 26 hour flight.  All being said once I have the passport and visa all major hurdles will be completed.

I am now using Rosetta Stone to learn Russian and in 4 days I have been able to complete half of the level 1 course.  It is my goal to be in level 3 by the time I travel (in 32 days) so that I can at least carry a decent conversation in Russian.  I have never used Rosetta Stone before to learn a language, but so far I am very impressed by the program.  It is easy to use and keeps your attention. 

So far we both like each other very much and can’t wait to have time together.  If things work out well for both of us when we are together it is our mutual plan to get married as soon as possible.  Our combined goals are to find a wonderful person with common interest to be with for the rest of our lives.  I somehow have a feeling that when we get together, the feelings we have for each other will intensify. 

Both of us are keeping our fingers crossed that things work out well for us.  We are motivated to find the one person to spend life together and feel like we may have.  The true metric will be when we get to be together and really get to put our words to action with deeds of love and kindness.

As a side note, I have never been into long distance relationships before.  I would not even consider dating a woman who was in another state let alone in another country.  However I feel such a good connection with this wonderful woman, I must travel to see her.  I am happy to be her long distance boyfriend in an exclusive relationship and would be happy to wait as long as it takes if we really hit it off on my trip.

[GoodOlBoy]

GOB is a "little" jealous! 
Enjoy yourself man.
My wife is from Omsk (Siberia).
If you have any travel questions, just ask.
 
GOB

[I/O]

Mrs I/O is another from Omsk. Spent time in Kras years back - the local flora is just fine IIRC.

[CanadaMan]

Spent time in Kras years back - the local flora is just fine IIRC.

Translation for the Russkies here:

Spent time in Kras years back - the local women are smokin' hot if I recall correctly!

[Vincenzo]

I recommend you to create a detailed plan for these 30 days.

You should show yourself as an intelligent, sophisticated, and interesting person.
Thus, ask her about theater performances, interesting museums, sport events, concerts... What about skiing or skating or dancing together? What about shopping for a Russian fur hat and hand-knit mittens?


Bring appropriate stylish outfits for these events.
Somehow, Russian women can see from a mile that a suit has the label Made in Italy.

Plan to enjoy wonderful time with the wonderful woman in the wonderful city.
Don't plan to marry her, it's too early.

[kmin]

I recommend you to create a detailed plan for these 30 days.

You should show yourself as an intelligent, sophisticated, and interesting person.
Thus, ask her about theater performances, interesting museums, sport events, concerts... What about skiing or skating or dancing together? What about shopping for a Russian fur hat and hand-knit mittens?

Thanks for the recommendation, we already have many of the items you listed planned out.  Her brother is a performer at the theater and he is going to get us choice tickets for free  .  We also plan on spending a weekend in the mountains to do some skying, and other activities planned, including the wide range of Museums.  However I think for the first couple of weeks we will be living it up during the Krasnoyarsk 14 days of holidays. 

And Yes I do plan on buying a number of the "fur hats" as a few of my family members have requested as gifts when I return.

I have found the internet to be a good source to find out about all there is to do in Krasnoyarsk and its history. 

[kmin]

Quick Update;

A big step is now done.  I have my passport now.  Went into the government center on the 19th of November, and requested a passport on the expedited service.  I received it yesterday the 30th of November only 11 days later.  The state department has a fast turnaround on passports these days.

I am glad that I now have this taken care of.  I did not think there would have been a problem, but it is nice to have it in hand.  Now I have to apply for the Russian visa.  If things go well than I should have the Russian visa by next week.

In talking to my girlfriend we have figured out great gifts for mom and brother.  I was also able to figure out what she would like too.  So far all of the gifts are small unique items of significance from my state or country.  I am bringing true Minnesota Wild Rice (for all of you who live in other places and even many in my own state have never had true Wild Rice, if the rice is just solid black in color it is Paddy Rice.  MN wild rice is larger, brown, white, and some black on the grain and there is a big difference in taste and texture), Maple Syrup (real maple syrup, native to N. America, and in particular was made by the Ojibwa Nation who are Native Americans from where I grew up), Honey from Ames Farms (Single source honey from MN), Wisconsin Cheese assortment, and a couple pieces of pottery for her and her mom. 

We are still communicating 2-4 hours a day on Skype and are getting along great.  I think she is wonderful and nice woman.  I can’t wait to see her in person and be able to spend this special holiday together.

Still working on my Russian, I think it is starting to sink in now.

[Faux Pas]

kmin


Obviously you are infatuated with this lady and you likely have every right to be. She's probably a wonderful woman. I would caution you to slow wayyy down a bit on the marriage plans, thoughts of love and everything else. Why? You don't "know" this lady yet. You think you do after all the phone calls and skype hours but, you really don't. You sound as if you have done all your due diligence and this is good but, often, more often than not probably, the physical face to face chemistry sometimes just doesn't show up. Prepare yourself for it.


Also, you mention you'll be there for 30 days. Keep in mind that is the duration of a tourist visa. Take extra precaution and insure your requested visa dates match your arrival and departure dates. Sounds like you are pushing it really close and you don't want any hassles coming or going.


Good Luck!

[kmin]

kmin


Obviously you are infatuated with this lady and you likely have every right to be. She's probably a wonderful woman. I would caution you to slow wayyy down a bit on the marriage plans, thoughts of love and everything else. Why? You don't "know" this lady yet. You think you do after all the phone calls and skype hours but, you really don't. You sound as if you have done all your due diligence and this is good but, often, more often than not probably, the physical face to face chemistry sometimes just doesn't show up. Prepare yourself for it.


Also, you mention you'll be there for 30 days. Keep in mind that is the duration of a tourist visa. Take extra precaution and insure your requested visa dates match your arrival and departure dates. Sounds like you are pushing it really close and you don't want any hassles coming or going.


Good Luck!

Thank you for the advice, yes we both have strong feelings for each other and yes we are moving way to fast, we both realize this.  We also realize that when we get together one or both of us may not feel romantic toward the other.  If this is the case we are both prepared to be friends and just have a fun time in Krasnoyarsk.

I will actually be in country for 29 days and have sent my flight itinerary to the agency who is helping me with passport.  Also the agency has been doing these visas for 25 years and is recommend by the Russian Consulate.

Weather or not it works out for us as a couple, it will be a fun trip and worse case I will have a great friend from Krasnoyarsk.

[kmin]

Note on Zodiac Signs;

Never put much faith in them but found our combination interesting and right on the mark;

Taurus Woman and Cancer Man

The relationship between a Taurus woman and a Cancer man will, more often than not, lead to lasting love. Her tenderness, softness and compassion will keep his mood swings away for a long time. He will appreciate the comfort and warmth she provides and will repay this with his loyalty. There will be no dearth of romance between the two and they will always stand by each other. Simplicity is the keyword for both the signs and they love to be around family members and a few close friends. In brief, one of the few excellent matches!

and

Taurus Cancer Compatibility

Taurus Cancer Compatibility, have the potential to be called the ‘soul mate’ couple. This duo has the ability to make other couples jealous!

Taurus Cancer Relationship is a great combination with various elements in common. Valuing the home and family, working towards financial security and stability, interest in food and cooking are to name a few similar elements. Where there is a Taurus-Cancer couple, there is a natural comfort zone.

To build a comfortable home is one of their priority and they take a lot of effort and interest in it. As partners they are very loyal and affectionate and understand each other’s needs and genuinely try to provide them!

The Taurus and Cancer couple provides an exceptional emotional depth to their relationship that is very captivating and flattering!

There is a huge amount of trust between these two partners, and if they establish harmony at the very beginning of their relationship, they have all chances of spending the whole life together.

The Taurus and Cancer partner do not like to socialize a lot and prefer to stay at home and spend quality time with each other. They are an affectionate and sensual pair and enjoy the touch and feel of each other. If you are in one such relationship, just don’t let it go, because this one combination is more or less perfect and very harmonious.

If you go to search for negative aspects in this relationship, you will find very few. Both the Taurus and the Cancer partner can be jealous and possessive about each other. Both being stubborn, always want to be in control of the relationship. But then again, both of these partners are so naturally loyal, sincere and affectionate towards each other that any big issue is very unlikely to manifest.

[Chicagoguy]

Thank you for the advice, yes we both have strong feelings for each other and yes we are moving way to fast, we both realize this.  We also realize that when we get together one or both of us may not feel romantic toward the other.  If this is the case we are both prepared to be friends and just have a fun time in Krasnoyarsk.

I will actually be in country for 29 days and have sent my flight itinerary to the agency who is helping me with passport.  Also the agency has been doing these visas for 25 years and is recommend by the Russian Consulate.
Thats the right spirit to have ! With this atitude I am sure you will have a nice and interesting visit. Write when you return with a report 


Weather or not it works out for us as a couple, it will be a fun trip and worse case I will have a great friend from Krasnoyarsk.

[SANDRO43]

Note on Zodiac Signs. Never put much faith in them but found our combination interesting and right on the mark.

Unfortunately, too often one tends to see what one wants to see in them .

For one thing, Taurus tends to concentrate on the present, while Cancer often dwells on the past. At the very least, you should also consider your respective Ascendants,  they usually account for about 30% of the overall picture .

[Kineo]

Note on Zodiac Signs;

I am curious, what is the source of this information....

[kmin]

I am curious, what is the source of this information....

Google search

[Faux Pas]

I can certainly be classified skeptic on anything horoscope related but, I have found that I can read any of them on any day and they all "could" pertain to me

[kmin]

I can certainly be classified skeptic on anything horoscope related but, I have found that I can read any of them on any day and they all "could" pertain to me

Yes they are kind of like the fortune cookies today.

Many of the fortune cookies don't even have a prediction any more they are like "when walking in the weeds don't step on the snake"     

I thought it would be funny to have fortune cookies like  "QUICK DUCK"  or   "LOOK OUT, HIDE"   or just blank.   

[I/O]

we are both prepared to be friends and just have a fun time in Krasnoyarsk.

There are some nice surrounds to Kras but trust me, it ain't the most riveting place to waste a month if this thing goes pear shaped. I'd do a little research on other options in case you want to exit stage left at some point.
 
BTW, the airport is a crap long way from central so make sure you have your ducks in a row. 

[d62]

Good Luck with your trip and I'm sure you will meet many warm and friendly people.!
Just returned myself from 2 weeks in Irkutsk near Lake Baikal. Siberians are great folks! When it hit -23C they agreed its getting chilly out now looool.
If out and about and need language help, look for the young university types and ask them. Chances are they are studying English at school.
 

[JR]

I recommend you to create a detailed plan for these 30 days.

You should show yourself as an intelligent, sophisticated, and interesting person.
Thus, ask her about theater performances, interesting museums, sport events, concerts... What about skiing or skating or dancing together? What about shopping for a Russian fur hat and hand-knit mittens?

How about just being yourself? It'll save on all the disappoinment when she finds out you fart, scratch your butt in public and hold your balls while you watch football )))
If she can luv you, er the real and not what you're trying show her, you you've got a keeper