Davai! Davai!

[noelscot]

Ok...so unless my manager won't approve my vacation days tomorrow (which I cannot foresee happening), I'll be in Kiev 3-9-12 through 3-11-12, then on to Odessa from 3-12-12 until 3-23-12, then head back to Kiev to depart 3-24-12. This all happened rather quickly, to say the least. I spoke with my lady friend on the phone yesterday, and she said, "Why don't you just visit me in March if you can't wait until June?" So today we decided that March would be cool, literally, for a visit, and she volunteered to meet me in Kiev. I am so stoked about going! This actually works out well, because it segues with my move to California and I will miss all of the soccer crowds in June.


I'm admittedly going the WOVO route, so, God forbid, if I get burned, I'll have plenty of time to stare at the apartment walls. Actually, no. I never would waste time stewing. If it doesn't work out, then I will find something fun to do like a grown man, not a child.


I'm reaching out to Jack to help me with a lot of stuff, so I do not feel any anxieties about lodging, transportation, etc. All in all, I think it is going to be a great trip, and I will post lots of pictures and write a trip report if all goes according to plan.   




 





   

[TheTraveler]

i hope all goes well !!!

[ML]

Don't wait until it is 'needed' to get started on a back up plan.

When you are there, on the ground, and things blow up on you, it will take you 3-4 days to get organized and find some other gals on the dating sites, if you just start from scratch.

Get started now.  Record these URLs.  Go to the websites and set up profiles which are free. Learn how to work the various search engines so you can find gals in the two cities you will be in.  Work  through the mechanics.

Jack can probably help you also with 'last minute' dates in these cities.

Good luck.


http://singles.ru/
http://www.luckylovers.net/
http://www.rbrides.com/
http://www.ukrainedate.com/
http://www.allsinglerussiangirls.com/
http://freepersonals.ru/
http://bride.ru/
http://fdating.com
http://www.1vipdating.com/
http://freeukrainianwomen.com/
http://okfreedating.net/
http://luckylifepartner.com/
http://www.weblovefinder.com/

[Patagonie]

ML is right it's time for you at least :
to have a look on trustable agencies in Odessa  as backup
Contact some girls with free or cheap sites prior your travel, and if possible continuing to give them
some news EVEN during your travel.

As it seems to be that you haven't yet travelled in FSU and you are going for a long time. So  it will be a shame to be stucked in the country so many time if your WOVO doesn't work. You need to rebound, in case of.

The lady is right, better for you to show earlier than later.

Good luck

[Gator]

Noelscot,
 
When developing your backup plan, take care not to contact one of her friends.  That would create a "shit storm."

One backup option is to have nothing more than the telephone number of a reputable agency.  Another is to contact only Kiev women if her residence is Odessa.

[Hammer2722]

Good luck Noelscot, I hope your meeting with your special lady turns out for the best. I've always enjoyed my trips to Odessa. Even the unsuccessful ones.

[Daveman]

Odessa was my first trip too.  If you have an interest in WWII Great Patriotic War history, the catacombs are pretty much a must see.  Ahh, too many things in Odessa to list.  While certainly not kickin' like in the summer months, March should bring opportunity to enjoy exploring the city/area without posterior ice cracking. 


Good luck!

[noelscot]

Ok, so it is official. Got the ticket from KLM to-day for an absurdly low price. Now I'm coordinating everything else.
What about a back-up plan for the back-up plan for the back-up plan.........?
Oh my.
I will trust in God and roll with the punches. Whatever will be will be.
But I will also trust in the brain that God gave me and the wisdom of others.
All advice is taken seriously and I thank everyone for steering me straight.




   

[mendeleyev]

Noelscott, I don't know if you collect frequent flier miles but KLM awards only 1/3 miles to non-European residents on international flights on standard/economy tickets, if that is important to you. You can buy the very same ticket thru Delta, at the same price offered by KLM and the very same schedule and collect ALL the miles because Delta is a SkyTeam partner with KLM and a US based carrier and you a US citizen. Just so you know if miles are important to you...

[mendeleyev]

NS, love your use of Russian in the post title! It shows that you are learning. You are using Давай! (Dah-viy) which depending on context can mean "come on" or in some cases "give" or "lets go."

A similar word is пошли (paSH-lee) meaning "let's go/let's get moving."

Often written as Пойдем but correctly as Пойдём (pye-dom) is another word meaning "come" but often used in the content of "come on/come along/let's go." The letter ё is in seldom use these days and usually written as e.

[noelscot]

NS, love your use of Russian in the post title! It shows that you are learning. You are using Давай! (Dah-viy) which depending on context can mean "come on" or in some cases "give" or "lets go."

A similar word is пошли (paSH-lee) meaning "let's go/let's get moving."

Often written as Пойдем but correctly as Пойдём (pye-dom) is another word meaning "come" but often used in the content of "come on/come along/let's go." The letter ё is in seldom use these days and usually written as e.

I learned the word from a Serebro song, what can I say? I study day and night.
 
Re: Delta sky miles. Delta had higher prices. Way higher. This is all helter skelter, thus the "Davai! Davai!" title of the thread, so I did not have time to look at every angle like I should have. I have a Delta AmEx, and I sure as heck hope I'm not going to get only 1/3 of the miles, because I thought KLM was an affiliate of Delta.
 
I'll post trip report real soon. Now I must sleep. Dasvidaniya.

[mendeleyev]

First, keep up the great study!

because I thought KLM was an affiliate of Delta.

Delta and KLM/Air France are affiliated but Delta is not under common ownership as are KLM/Air France so each can offer different promotions and prices. However because they code-share and co-operate routes, Delta will offer the same schedule, same route on KLM, at KLM's price but you must have Delta issue the ticket for you to get the full mileage. I do this every time I go back and forth.

Make sure to use your Delta frequent flier miles number instead of Sky Blue number--you can accumulate all your Sky Team affiliate miles under one airline no matter which carrier you fly.

Just for grins tonight I did a Phoenix-Moscow-Phoenix via KLM and then via Delta. I started online and then had an operator verify. Don't worry if the Delta ticket price is a bit higher (often is) as Delta must give you the KLM price no matter who issues the ticket. As you can see there is a big difference in miles earned.


KLM Economy ticket:


Pheonix-Moscow-Phoenix via KLM

(Total miles: 3731; price $1,596)

KLM uses a formula which includes your country of residence and your class of ticket purchased to determine how many miles you receive.



KLM fares: Business Class

8078 Total round trip miles (Price over $9,000)


Same flights issued on a Delta Economy ticket:

13626 miles round trip

(Delta first quoted $1,686 but when informed I was using a KLM route the operator promptly matched the KLM code-share price of $1,596 without batting an eye.)

Delta uses a very different formula to calculate flier miles: The number of qualifying segments (airport to airport) and total miles flown, plus a bonus if you are a frequent flier. I didn't give her my Skymiles number so no bonus is reflected in the 13,626 miles.

[noelscot]

First, keep up the great study!



Delta and KLM/Air France are affiliated but Delta is not under common ownership as are KLM/Air France so each can offer different promotions and prices. However because they code-share and co-operate routes, Delta will offer the same schedule, same route on KLM, at KLM's price but you must have Delta issue the ticket for you to get the full mileage. I do this every time I go back and forth.

Make sure to use your Delta frequent flier miles number instead of Sky Blue number--you can accumulate all your Sky Team affiliate miles under one airline no matter which carrier you fly.

Just for grins tonight I did a Phoenix-Moscow-Phoenix via KLM and then via Delta. I started online and then had an operator verify. Don't worry if the Delta ticket price is a bit higher (often is) as Delta must give you the KLM price no matter who issues the ticket. As you can see there is a big difference in miles earned.


KLM Economy ticket:


Pheonix-Moscow-Phoenix via KLM

(Total miles: 3731; price $1,596)

KLM uses a formula which includes your country of residence and your class of ticket purchased to determine how many miles you receive.



KLM fares: Business Class

8078 Total round trip miles (Price over $9,000)


Same flights issued on a Delta Economy ticket:

13626 miles round trip

(Delta first quoted $1,686 but when informed I was using a KLM route the operator promptly matched the KLM code-share price of $1,596 without batting an eye.)

Delta uses a very different formula to calculate flier miles: The number of qualifying segments (airport to airport) and total miles flown, plus a bonus if you are a frequent flier. I didn't give her my Skymiles number so no bonus is reflected in the 13,626 miles.

This is great information. Thanks! In the future I will plan things more carefully. Maybe.


Several other rookie questions for anyone who knows:


1) What about maps of cities (Odessa and Kiev) in English, using a handheld GPS, etc. for walking around? I think it'd be cool to save my safe house location in my GPS, then be able to wander freely without too many worries of getting lost etc. I have a Garmin GPS.
1(a) Kiev, if I'm not mistaken, has 3 metro lines. Is there a good website in English with maps, stops for each line, listings, etc.? And how is the public transportation in Odessa?


2) What do you call a Barber in Russian? How do you ask for "shave and a haircut" in Russian? I shave my head religiously, but I think I'll probably run out of Headblades while I am over there. So I don't want to look scraggly.


3) What is your favorite supermarket chain in Kiev on the main drag? Same for Odessa on the main drag? Do any of them have steam tables for the deli that are particularly good? I figure I'll just say "ya hochyu" and point at what I'd like.


4) What is the paranoia surrounding "unofficial taxis"? Will they gouge you? I reckon so, but what is the best way of identifying an official taxi? I figure if I write the address of where I want to go and hand it to the driver, he'll be able to take me so long as it's legible and block letters. "Skolkoi stoit hrivna?" is what I need to know in Russian to square up on what I owe. I guess.


5) Hockey games. Tell me what teams are fun to watch.


6) Can the Ukrainians make a good dry gin martini, or should I just stick to horilka and beer? Are there any beers that are super strong that I just have to try?


7) Hospitals. God forbid something happens, is there some sort of temporary health insurance you can get for international trips? Or should I just pay in cash? Do they have the equivalent of a doc in the box in Ukraine?


Restaurants in Kiev and Odessa which are hidden gems that the tourists just do not know about, but the food is down home Ukrainian food. (Do they make anything close to southern USA cornbread in Ukraine? I reckon I'll have to make my own iced sweet tea, and there won't be any grits for the duration of the stay unless I can bring grits past customs.)


That's about all I can think of for now. I won't post a trip report until I'm actually in Ukraine. That'll be 3-9-12.

[LAman]

I know much more about odessa.....
 
Getting around walking wise is simple in centre, you cannot get lost. Taxis are easily identifiable but you will be gouged on price. From centre to half hour away should be 50-60 uah at most but i am sure price will start over 100. The older taxis are cheaper. If you put your hand out hip level someone will stop to 'taxi' you...need an address and 'skolka', have a paper and pen handy for writing. My gf used to text me a location or address she was at and I would show driver.
Have the girl take you to arkadia to see.....it is closed till summer.
In afena mall( close to deribasovskaya) there is a very good market in bottom with most everything you need but not like home!!!!
I have my favorite restaurants there are 99 and Japanese down street from each other on rishelevskaya. There is a bowling alley and dolphin show. Try to get out to the huge outdoor market if not too cold.
Forget the mixed drinks...I have never had one close to what is at home.....though last time I saw a bottle of Malibu and asked if they had pineapple juice!!!!!!
BTW...Where are you staying at in odessa? How are you getting from Kiev to odessa?
 
Hope some of this helps...

[Kunstkammer]

Hockey in Ukraine?  None of those teams are fun to watch, hockey is dying there and the new PHL and all 8 of their teams are a joke.  The only club worth a damn in Ukraine(Donbass-Donetsk) has joined the KHL, but has been forced to play in the KHL's minor league VHL until they can provide an arena up to KHL standards.  HK Donbass-2, the junior varsity team for Donbass played this season in the PHL and dominated, taking the 2nd seed.


Regardless, it is the playoffs at the moment, and besides Donbass, the other 3 teams in their playoffs are from Kiev.


Oh and if you are going to point at something you want, it is better to say mozhno (можно) instead of "ya hochyu"

And yes there is travel insurance available, but I couldn't tell you anything about Ukraine hospitals since I live in Russia, so the deductible might be higher than the cost for treatment, I don't know.  Travel insurance is usually pretty inexpensive though.

[mendeleyev]

7) Hospitals. God forbid something happens, is there some sort of temporary health insurance you can get for international trips? Or should I just pay in cash? Do they have the equivalent of a doc in the box in Ukraine?

Kyiv medical, scroll do page past Moscow medical info:
http://russianreport.wordpress.com/come-to-russia-get-a-visa/medical-care/


You can purchase an inexpensive travel medical policy as your private insurance in most cases will be iffy, unless you live in the EU. Get one that also transports you home in case of something very serious, and a policy that pays the hospital directly so that you can leave the country without having to pay first.

3) What is your favorite supermarket chain in Kiev on the main drag? Same for Odessa on the main drag? Do any of them have steam tables for the deli that are particularly good? I figure I'll just say "ya hochyu" and point at what I'd like.

This is the world of small specialty markets in most residential areas. To find a superstore or truly Western supermarket you'll go to the outskirts of most cities. The beautiful thing about the markets is that each has a unique charm.

4) What is the paranoia surrounding "unofficial taxis"? Will they gouge you? I reckon so, but what is the best way of identifying an official taxi? I figure if I write the address of where I want to go and hand it to the driver, he'll be able to take me so long as it's legible and block letters. "Skolkoi stoit hrivna?" is what I need to know in Russian to square up on what I owe. I guess.

Of course you'll be gouged if all you can do is hand the driver a piece of paper. Likely you'll become accustomed to the little vans that run specific routes.

The Kyiv underground Metro system is good as well. With your study of the language, use this as an opportunity to immerse yourself in situations that help you use and expand your language ability.

This is of the Moscow Metro but it is almost the same in Kyiv: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/come-to-russia-get-a-visa/moscow-the-metro-city-transportation/

Kyiv info: http://www.gokiev.info/subway.php

A town of any size will have taxi mini-vans (Маршрутка/marshrutka) which drive specific routes, generally starting at Metro stations. The price is the same for everyone so you won't be gouged. They typically seat 10 to 12 riders and you can request a stop at any time. This would be the driver to show your written sign. 





Each van has its own route so watch the numbers on the side of the van and you'll figure out the system in no time. Pay upon finding a seat by passing the fare from person to person up to the front. If your amount is wrong the other riders will tell you. Riders will often help you make correct change.

Odessa transport: http://www.odessaportal.com/transportation_ukraine

2) What do you call a Barber in Russian? How do you ask for "shave and a haircut" in Russian? I shave my head religiously, but I think I'll probably run out of Headblades while I am over there. So I don't want to look scraggly.

That has been covered, complete with terms and photos, here: http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=14065.msg281033#msg281033

[Daveman]

.. I reckon I'll have to make my own iced sweet tea, and there won't be any grits for the duration of the stay unless I can bring grits past customs.)

Yep, you'll make your own sweet tea.  Be sure to use the bottled water and not the water from the tap.  Many drink it without seeming consequence after boiling, and yeah you can do that in a pinch during an earthquake or something to stay alive, but otherwise use bottled water.  Not many iced tea drinkers over there.  Try McDonald's because their coffee is great (really) so they may be able to quench your iced tea craving whilst you're out and about.


And take grits with you. They'll be a hit!  especially if you get the magic ones from the same guy who sold Jack his beanstalk beans! 

[Daveman]

A town of any size will have taxi mini-vans (Маршрутка/marshrutka) which drive specific routes, generally starting at Metro stations. The price is the same for everyone so you won't be gouged. They typically seat 10 to 12 riders and you can request a stop at any time. This would be the driver to show your written sign. 

Yes, they seat 10-12 with a total sardinecal operational capacity of roughly 50-52 at any given time.   


Once you learn the routes of buses/marshrutkas you just can beat them... 2 hrivna to go from one side of a city to another on marshrutka, the big avtobus is even less.  Find a station and hopping to nearby cities is dirt cheap too though buying your tickets may be a little tricky for you the first couple of times.


If you haven't done so, learn to read Cyrillic well.  That simple step will help you more than anything because you can then identify cities, many food labels, supermarkets, parks, theaters, cinemas, metro signs, internet cafes, etc etc, much more easily than you think.   

[Faux Pas]

Yep, you'll make your own sweet tea.  Be sure to use the bottled water and not the water from the tap. Many drink it without seeming consequence after boiling, and yeah you can do that in a pinch during an earthquake or something to stay alive, but otherwise use bottled water.  Not many iced tea drinkers over there.  Try McDonald's because their coffee is great (really) so they may be able to quench your iced tea craving whilst you're out and about.


And take grits with you. They'll be a hit!  especially if you get the magic ones from the same guy who sold Jack his beanstalk beans! 

Further, make your own ice from bottled water. I've never caught any bug but the info from those who have say Montezuma's revenge is a walk in the park compared to what you can get in Ukraine or the Eastern Block.

Insure and be careful of any water you put in your stomach as it is very easy to forget.

[alex330]

  Restaurants in Kiev and Odessa which are hidden gems that the tourists just do not know about, but the food is down home Ukrainian food. I reckon I'll have to make my own iced sweet tea, and there won't be any grits for the duration of the stay unless I can bring grits past customs.)

In Odessa try Hutarok down by the dolphinarium or Dacha off French Blvd. Dacha may be closed that time of year though as most seating is outdoors. There is also a decent restaurant downtown which is split in two. One side serves Russian food, the other Ukrainian. The restaurant name escapes me at the moment.

[SteveOR]

 
Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 
Travel insurance is a must.  I don't think that any US insurance will work in Ukraine.  Travel insurance is inexpensive and usually provides evacuation coverage (they fly you home).  Allianz and Travel Guard are two of the larger ones.  A Google search will bring up many more options.  If you chose to purchase the insurance that was offered by the airline when you purchased your tickets you're probably already covered.
 
Bring a couple of pens and some small note paper.  Standard size post its maybe or a small note pad.  Paper for writing notes comes from old receipts and other small, thin scraps.  It's best to have your own paper for writing addresses for cab drivers and the like.

There is a Western style "supermarket" (it's small) in Kyiv near the TGI Fridays.  I think it's called "Billa" and is an Austrian chain.  There may be others like it but it's the only one that I'm aware of.
 
Have an excellent trip.  Looking forward to reading your trip report. . .
 

[BC]

Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 
Travel insurance is a must.  I don't think that any US insurance will work in Ukraine.  Travel insurance is inexpensive and usually provides evacuation coverage (they fly you home).  Allianz and Travel Guard are two of the larger ones.  A Google search will bring up many more options.  If you chose to purchase the insurance that was offered by the airline when you purchased your tickets you're probably already covered.
 

Check with your major credit card companies, travel health coverage is sometimes included.. might be just a 'platinum' thing though.

[Kunstkammer]

Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 

Never done this, never been sick.

[Jack]

Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 

Never done this, never been sick.

I did,  and I did.   


Yep, only happened to me twice and once was making the mistake of brushing my teeth with tap water.   Never again.   Now I will only brush my teeth with bottled water.


Good advice Steve.

[Hammer2722]

This is a medical clinic (American Medical Centers I believe its called) in Kyiv which services the American Embassy. They also will provide healthcare to any retired military with Tri-care coverage. :
American Medical Centers
1 Berdychivska Street
Kyiv
tel: 4907600