mc3's Intro

[mc3]

Hello RWD members ..
I am new to this sight and looking forward to reading all your post and learning
about My ladies Country. Wich is Ukraine .  A little about myself .
I am 42 almost 43 . I live in United state Tennessee in fact .. I am a D.o.D.
contractor I am in the telecommunication field i travel for a living...
I met a Ukraine women on a dating sight.. And we are very fond of
one another We havent met in person yet . But in the first part of November i am traveling to her town wich is Krasnodon.. I will be flying into Donetsk
Ukraine and then taking a bus to her town ..
Does any one know anything about Donetsk airport is it hard to get thru customs there? And any info about Krasnodon would be helpful to?
I am a little worried about custums I was thinking about buying my lady friend a laptop and bringing it to her but after reading some other posts im not sure if i should.. And is it alright to bring my own laptop? Are they goin to charge me for having it ? And if i came thru custums with two laptops what would they think ? If any one had some info on all this i would be grateful if they would share it!! I may just try to buy her one in her home town eletronics store.. I dont know anything about them. Are they the same  brands as in the states? And whats good mid grade one cost? If any one might know? Well that all for now i look forward to hearing from you guys ..
mc3 

[Daveman]

Heya m3c,
I split this post off so it wouldn't get lost inside another thread.


My wife is from Donetsk.  You won't have any problem with customs - with or without a laptop. It's absolutely normal to travel with such.  As to whether or not to give such gifts at a first meeting, well, that's up to you.  Most would suggest not doing such as this really is a long commute of a first date.   The computer would be a little more expensive over there, but, it's already in Russian, etc etc.. I'd suggest just buying it there should you decide to. 


The Donetsk airport is rather tiny by comparison to any major western airport.  The only way you could possibly get lost is if you were to fall out of the airplane door, down the portable stairs and onto the tarmac.. suffering a concussion in the process.. otherwise, there is one way to go.. through that same door everyone else is going through..   


and 

[Faux Pas]

Hello RWD members ..
I am new to this sight and looking forward to reading all your post and learning
about My ladies Country. Wich is Ukraine .  A little about myself .
I am 42 almost 43 . I live in United state Tennessee in fact .. I am a D.o.D.
contractor I am in the telecommunication field i travel for a living...
I met a Ukraine women on a dating sight.. And we are very fond of
one another We havent met in person yet . But in the first part of November i am traveling to her town wich is Krasnodon.. I will be flying into Donetsk
Ukraine and then taking a bus to her town ..
Does any one know anything about Donetsk airport is it hard to get thru customs there? And any info about Krasnodon would be helpful to?
I am a little worried about custums I was thinking about buying my lady friend a laptop and bringing it to her but after reading some other posts im not sure if i should.. And is it alright to bring my own laptop? Are they goin to charge me for having it ? And if i came thru custums with two laptops what would they think ? If any one had some info on all this i would be grateful if they would share it!! I may just try to buy her one in her home town eletronics store.. I dont know anything about them. Are they the same  brands as in the states? And whats good mid grade one cost? If any one might know? Well that all for now i look forward to hearing from you guys ..
mc3

Welcome to RWD mc3!

It'd probably be a better idea to buy her a laptop on the second trip instead of the first one.

[mobob]

Hello and welcome mc3,

What Daveman said! Of course, if you do take a computer, you'll want to carry the laptops WITH you, and any other important/valuable items, not in your luggage. Kinda common sense, but sometimes folks don't think about that. Otherwise, again, what Daveman said about a laptop already having Russian on it. For my wife, it was a little more expensive, but she got exactly what she wanted, an Acer, that automatically switches (mostly) among Russian/Ukrainian/English depending upon what's being done with the keyboard.

I haven't been through the new terminal yet, but customs is usually pretty easy at DOK. So is immigration, which you'll probably do first. When they ask where I'm staying I just show them a luggage tag with my wife's address on it, in Russian. Much easier than trying to explain. When you get to customs, take the green line - no declarations.

You said you're going to Krasnodon by bus. Is she going to meet you at the airport or are you going to find your way to her city? It would be best for you if she can meet you at the airport, take a taxi to the bus station, then hop on a bus. Less chance of getting lost that way. Especially since you're looking at a few hours on the bus and possibly bus changes. Maybe so, maybe not. A taxi to the bus station would be about $10 - 80 grivna, give or take, depending upon the current exchange rate. I think it's about 7.98 these days. Bus rides are very inexpensive. I don't know the distance to her city, but when I've gone from Donetsk to Mariupol, it was than $9. Speaking of bus rides, something to keep in mind - they can be crowded, which can make for difficulties dragging suitcases and stuff. My first trip I made with a small bag that fit in the overhead in the airplane. Lucky for me since it sat in my lap on the bus.

I've never seen (didn't go looking for it) an exchange booth at DOK. But there are several by the bus station that are convenient.

As for gifts, there's plenty of good advice already written here. Of course, it all depends upon your specific situation. Mom, dad, siblings, kids? etc. I do highly recommend that if you bring gifts, they be suited to the recipient. A little forethought goes a very long way.

I'm heading through DOK soon to bring my wife and son back. Maybe we'll cross paths.

Oh, btw, Daveman seems to know a great deal about the decent restaurants and other places to see/things to do in Donetsk. Pump him for all you can. I'm hoping to make my way to a steakhouse he recommended, provided my wife will let me. Something about 'her cooking is better than any old restaurant.' I tend not to argue. (and she doesn't read this forum, I think)

Again, welcome and nice to meet you.

John

[BillyB]

Welcome to the forum mc3
 
I've taken 2 new laptops through Kiev and wasn't asked any questions. They don't open the bags of most people who travel through airport.
 
If you buy a laptop in the states, you will need to do a few things. You can change the language and keyboard operation to Cyrillic which can be done in Windows but you need to buy a few stickers for the keyboard.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RUSSIAN-CYRILLIC-KEYBOARD-STICKERS-TRANSPARENT-YELLOW-/330414181379?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4cee384c03
 
Voltage is different but laptops sold here can work off Ukraine's electricity but you will need a plug adapter which can be bought at an electronics store or internet.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Samsung-US-USA-to-Euro-Adapter-Plug-American-European-/251091249351?pt=Travel_Adapters_Converters&hash=item3a763468c7
 
A good woman may take offence you trying to win her over with expensive gifts or she may see this as desperate action by a lonely man. No matter how great skyping with her is, she can drop you after a first date if she doesn't like what she sees in you. Try winning her over with yourself and if you guys are a couple near the end of your visit, you can buy her a laptop there. I hope you didn't promise her one yet. General rule of thumb is to buy her gifts made from the country you live in. Take her a photo book of the beautiful scenery of Tennessee. The book is more than just photos, she will understand you have thought about her living there someday.

[mc3]

First of all i want to say thanks to all you guys, for all the advice and suport!
I am waying all my options at this point and will consider all your advice..
I was planning on only taking a carry on bag and maybe a laptop bag little as possible
I also found a tour guide / translator to meet me at the airport to help me get to the motel and to the bus station the next morning .. She is going to make sure i get on the right bus and all !! I think you guys are right about the laptop i probably will wait and buy it there if all goes well after a week or two .. I was just worried it might be very
expensive and might not be able to .. cause i can get  decant one in the  states around
350 to 400 so but i think you guys are right it would be better to wait!!And easyier for her .. I want to ask another question. I have read this a few times but want to ask
for my self .. I've read i do not need a visa.  This correct right ? Just a passport?
And once im there do i need to get any other stamps or paper work besides what i get
at custums ? I am just trying to make sure i dont get any unpleasant surprises I want to be prepaired for every thing before i get there!!
So thanks again for the warm welcome and advice!!
mc3

[GoodOlBoy]

I am a little worried about custums I was thinking about buying my lady friend a laptop and bringing it to her but after reading some other posts im not sure if i should.. And is it alright to bring my own laptop? 

Welcome to RWD MC3 
 
I have never been to Ukraine, but no problem in Russia with 2 laptops.
Just a word of advice though.
You may want to hold off on giving it to her until you are leaving (just leave it in your suitcase).
Give her some perfume or something else nice when you arrive.
Believe me, you will know whether or not to give her the laptop by the end of your visit. 
 
GOB
 
PS... Are you near Knox?

[Patagonie]

My advices :
1/First book an appartment and NOT a motel. Get perhaps a TWO bedrooms (with two bedrooms, because in ukraine a two rooms have generally only one bedroom). So you can manage time and spcace with this lady or an other.

2/ Bring your computer (a small one). Because if this woman is not your you will need a computer to restart searches.

3/Try to prepare right now your backup, preselect profiles on free sites, perhaps contact them few weeks before you go, see which agencies are not so far (normally DOnetsk is your city) and record their adress and phone numbers.

3/ Forget to bring her a computer because you don't know her, and you are just PENPALS. Just bring little gifts from your country and ask her if she needs a perfurme or offer something else , but NOT EXPANSIVE. Remember the average wage is around 300$ per month in Ukraine. Hey fellow remember this : 300 $ PER MONTH. You got it ?
It is important for you to remember this information (for restaurant, appartement and alls others expenses).
What do you think if a girl comes to see you from Switzerland, and after the airport she ran to a garage because she has bought in advance a car for you of 10 000$ ? What would you think  ? Weird no ? So your idea of bringing a laptop of 400 $ is weird as the idea to meet a girl who would have bought you a car of 10 000$.

Get a relationship before thinking of buying ... Begin to know her

Questions (to protect you)
What will be the price of your appartement, size, bedrooms ? (drop the idea of motel you are screwing up your chance to know intimacy with your lady) ?
What is the price per hour of your interpreter ?
What is the name of the site where you have found your lady ?
Which age does she have ?
Why you don't have any others contacts ?
For how long will you be in Ukraine ?

Nice you take a plane.

[GoodOlBoy]

3/Try to prepare right now your backup, preselect profiles on free sites, perhaps contact them few weeks before you go, see which agencies are not so far (normally DOnetsk is your city) and record their adress and phone numbers.

MC3, you are the Commander of your own ship.
However, be very careful about having "backup women" in your itinerary.
You can ruin a really good thing with your lady by following this kind of advice.
Believe me, she will find out!
 
There is nothing wrong with a backup plan (agency, Mila, Sterlitz, whatever).
But having another lady(ies) waiting in the wings....... 
 
GOB

[mobob]

mc3, Yup, passport only, no visa required for your entry to Ukraine. Beware, though, stops en route. ie: if you have to go through/change planes in Moscow, most likely you'll need a transit visa. The airlines will tell you a transit visa isn't required if you're only transferring planes and not staying, but from the stories I've read, and almost suffered, you actually exit one part of the airport to enter another, thereby entering the country, which requires a transit visa. Others here will know better and will tell you what's currently the right story. Otherwise, no other stamps or paperwork. Based on experience, I would recommend you check your passport after immigration is done with it to ensure the dates are readable, both when you enter and when you leave. One of mine wasn't very legible, as the last time I arrived, it took a while to get figured out since what little Russian I know sucks and the immigration guy spoke no English.

Are you aware of the current labor problems with Lufthansa? I usually get the 11:15 from Munchen to DOK. With current strikes and more threatened, I'd consider going through Vienna or even Istanbul on a different airline.

As for a hotel/apartment in DOK, that's totally up to you. If all you're doing is the overnight and don't want any possible hassles getting an apartment, by all means rent a hotel room. It might be a little more than an apartment, but all you're wanting is a place to sleep and wash up before the bus ride the next morning. However, if you're going to be there more than one night, definately get an apartment. Usually they're nicer, cost less, and in many ways more convenient. Of course, it all depends upon your schedule, your comfort level desired, and possibly any guests you may have. Same goes for any other place you might stay. Apartments are usually much better. This is an area the person you're going to see can help. You might get a better deal on the flat, or at least with good translations they shouldn't be any misunderstandings. Perhaps your translator has some suggestions.

About the bus ride. How long a ride to her city? I might take some heat for saying this, but I'd really recommend taking it easy on the breakfast, especially not to overdo any liquids. Until you've made a trip a few times over the same path, you won't know the location or quality of the toilets en route, or if you'll have/get the time to use one if needed. Take some tp with you. Yes, it is available in stores, but two grivna doesn't buy you very much at a public toilet. I've yet to see any babushka hand out more than the equivalent of three squares. Ever. I can say the suspensions on 'some' transports in Ukraine leaves much to be desired, which can make for an uncomfortable to horrible experience, especially if you desparately need a trip to the loo.

Looking at a google map, Krasnodon appears to be about 200km from Donetsk. If you're lucky, at an average of 50kph with a 'few' stops along the way, you might get there in about five hours or so. If you do have to change busses, it might be a good idea to have a few things already translated into Russian to help keep you on your path. Or even something to hand to/remind the driver where to push you out, I mean where to let you know you need to get out/change busses.

If you're coming back to the states after your trip you'll most likely have to overnight somewhere.  I'd recommend staying in a Yotel in either Amsterdam Schiphol or London Heathrow. Technically they are 'in country' as you have to leave the international part of the airport, but they're both inside the terminals and relatively easy to find, so you never really go outside. I reserve them through Booking.com and save about $20-30 compared to Yotel's site. Flying out of DOK usually puts you in the room in AMS or LHR right around 9 pm local. They'll let you pay for a few extra hours to stay in the room so you don't have to gate wait for hours and hours. Also, each location is right next to a restaurant, though I've never eaten at either, always had enough food with me. You can get a good idea of what they've got on their website, Yotel.com. I"m not trying to violate the TOS here, just that they were recommended to me and I've had great success with them.

I tend to write too much, sometimes. Sorry. It's only one person's advice based upon personal experience. You've got to do what's right for you. The people here are and want to be helpful.

Good luck,

John

[Anotherkiwi]

About the bus ride. How long a ride to her city? I might take some heat for saying this, but I'd really recommend taking it easy on the breakfast, especially not to overdo any liquids. Until you've made a trip a few times over the same path, you won't know the location or quality of the toilets en route, or if you'll have/get the time to use one if needed.

+100
 
I can't find the post I made which covers this topic, so I'll recap - my first bus trip in the FSU was from Kazan to Naberezhnye Chelny (230 km, just under four hours).  There was a stop about 2 1/2 hours in, and I needed to use "the facilities."  Being totally unused to squat toilets with no doors I changed my mind, and was able to hold on until I got to the "real" toilet in my apartment.
 
A few days later we took a bus trip to Izhevsk (again, about four hours).  We had a comfort stop at a place called Mozhga and I've honestly never seen anything so foul - two open holes in the ground, with mounds of excrement radiating outwards!  Only those who were incredibly desparate went near them.  I was dreading the return trip, but it was a different bus company which stopped at a cafe with a proper restroom - very nice!
 
My tip - always try to get rid of as much as possible before you leave your apartment.
 

Take some tp with you. Yes, it is available in stores, but two grivna doesn't buy you very much at a public toilet. I've yet to see any babushka hand out more than the equivalent of three squares. Ever.

I managed to grab a whole roll when one wasn't looking!  But otherwise I totally agree.  Even good quality toilet paper is very cheap (and there's nothing to stop you taking a roll or two from home, anyway).

[LAman]

After reading some of the responces here...I wonder if  people really read what is written or just don't comprehend??? 
The OP is staying overnight in donetsk..till morning to leave for bus trip!!!! A 2 bdrm instead of motel ??? For what? I think he meant small hotel....
From what I gather it is a ~200km trip in about a 4 hour  trip maybe a little longer in bus.
My question is why the OP does not want to meet girl in Lugansk? Since bus  will go through this city on its way.
Maybe even a meeting point since it is less than an hour from Krasnodon? Just a thought!!!
Also there is a company that flies from Kiev to Lugansk!!! Just some alternatives.....

[mc3]

Hey guys thanks for the info and addvice .. First off i want to say
there will not be other ladies waiting in the wings ... I want this to work
with my lady friend and don't want to jepordize the relationship before it
even gets started if she found out .. So plus im just not like that..
I am not to worried about the buss ride my tour guide will get me lined
out staight .. I hope Its an adventure it will be fun .. I was mainly
worried about custums .. And you all asured me it will be fine so ...
I did not understand at how little money most people made there..
wow!! I am not rich by any standards but wow!! 3to 400 a month..
sad.. Whats the price of food and stuff and say the rent of a flatt?
So Ill definetly keep that in mind while im there ... I can kinda undedrstand
why there is so much corruption there then people are just trying to get by..

My lady friend just started a new job recently and i would not ask her to take
off work .. Besides i  like the thrill of the unkowing  I just want to be prepaired
that all. And yes my stay is only one night in donetsk so a motel is all i need.
I will definately gets some TP for my trip .. Ha i have seen these sqat toillets
before on a trip to Okinawa I was not brave enough to try it.. It could have made the rest of the day crappy... So i will heed the warnig oh thanks about the breakfast info to i didnt think about that.. I will eat little and not drink much cause that could become a problem ..  Well got to go thanks again every one for all thje support.
Oh what abouit money i was thinking of bringing like 500 u.s in cash then use my bank card to gert more money later .. Any addvice on how much to bring on the plane and about using a debit card to get more cash and to pay for stuff with?
Look forward to reading your post..
mc3 

[Patagonie]

Hey guys thanks for the info and addvice .. First off i want to say
there will not be other ladies waiting in the wings ... I want this to work
with my lady friend and don't want to jepordize the relationship before it
even gets started if she found out .. So plus im just not like that..
I am not to worried about the buss ride my tour guide will get me lined
out staight .. I hope Its an adventure it will be fun .. I was mainly
worried about custums .. And you all asured me it will be fine so ...
I did not understand at how little money most people made there..
wow!! I am not rich by any standards but wow!! 3to 400 a month..
sad.. Whats the price of food and stuff and say the rent of a flatt?
So Ill definetly keep that in mind while im there ... I can kinda undedrstand
why there is so much corruption there then people are just trying to get by..

My lady friend just started a new job recently and i would not ask her to take
off work .. Besides i  like the thrill of the unkowing  I just want to be prepaired
that all. And yes my stay is only one night in donetsk so a motel is all i need.
I will definately gets some TP for my trip .. Ha i have seen these sqat toillets
before on a trip to Okinawa I was not brave enough to try it.. It could have made the rest of the day crappy... So i will heed the warnig oh thanks about the breakfast info to i didnt think about that.. I will eat little and not drink much cause that could become a problem ..  Well got to go thanks again every one for all thje support.
Oh what abouit money i was thinking of bringing like 500 u.s in cash then use my bank card to gert more money later .. Any addvice on how much to bring on the plane and about using a debit card to get more cash and to pay for stuff with?
Look forward to reading your post..
mc3

I know that many use a credit card, but ... if it doesn't work. What are you going to do ? Does it worht the cost  and take the risk to screw up your travel ? I never took this risk. My credit card is only a backup.

[The Natural]

Welcome mc3. I'm also going to Ukraine, in fact tomorrow, but down to Crimea. I guess all is covered here as far as needed advise. Just a small tip upon arrival and immigration control. Write down the address you will stay at or perhaps print it out if you reserved it from home. The officers at the airport prefer to have an address to write down when you arrive, even if it's just for the first day.

I know that many use a credit card, but ... if it doesn't work. What are you going to do ? Does it worht the cost and take the risk to screw up your travel ? I never took this risk. My credit card is only a backup.

Yeah, especially as he can bring US dollars with him. It's a little trickier here as I need to do that at the airport in Oslo and just hope I have enough time. I always bring cash as well as 2 cards. Should all this fail though, we have the option of getting someone back home put money into my girls dollar account. Only that it takes a few days to get the sms from the bank when the money arrives. There's always a way.....

[GoodOlBoy]

Oh what abouit money i was thinking of bringing like 500 u.s in cash.....

MC3 I don't know about Ukraine, but Russia requires PRISTINE U.S. dollars.
I am talking about money that has no marks whatsoever, no bends/folds, fresh, crisp bills.
We always take $100. bills.
I can't over emphasize the importance of this sir.
If Ukraine is different, some others will come along and tell you so.
 
Good luck!
 
Please post a TR (Trip Report) when you return.
 
Pictures (your lady optional ) make it really nice.
 
GOB

[Muzh]

I'd like to report my wife's experience with credit card usage in Kharkov this summer. The majority (99%) of vendors taking credit cards will do so ONLY if you use your PIN. If you have not set a PIN for your CC, tough luck.

The problem with using your PIN is that the vendors will charge the transaction as CASH. IOW, you are withdrawing cash from your CC. Check with your CC bank what are the fees for withdrawing cash from them. (Hint: That's the reason I have NOT set a PIN for our CCs)

The only places she could use the CCs were at the supermarkets.

[mobob]

I've used debit cards to get cash at atms -  Банкомат (Bankomat) in several Ukrainian cities and villages with no problems. The only slight issue was the amount I could get from a machine. My card had a $1000 daily limit, but each machine I tried would only let me get the equivalent of $400. That was quite enough. I do have a separate account and card I use for my trips, but also take my main card in case there's a problem. So far it's all been good. I've only made one purchase using it as a credit card, at an electronics store - фокстрот (Foxtrot) in Mariupol. They swiped it, transaction approved. For the most part, though, cash is best and usually easiest.

Yes on clean, uncreased and no marks on the bills. Hundreds. Fifties are ok, too. Just to see if it would work, I exchanged a $20 at the domestic terminal in Kyiv. No problems there, either, but I really wouldn't bring anything smaller than 50s. Just seems easier that way. Make sure they are the new style; no need to confuse the exchange transaction with old bills, even if they are in good shape.  As I mentioned earlier, there are several currency exchanges just up the street from the bus station in Donetsk. They always seemed to have the same rate as the airport. You will have to show your passport. You'll need grivna for the bus trip. And it would probably be a good idea to have enough grivna when you arrive in her city to pay for the apartment, dinner, etc. IMO $500 is enough to take with you. You'll be able to get cash as you need once you arrive to her city. Others take more, I usually go with much less. I've found I usually can't spend it all, even if I try really hard. And of course, with all international travel, inform your bank of where/when you're traveling - all the countries where you might spend money.

Flat rent can run  from super cheap to super expensive. Mid range seems to be $50-75 a night, less per night if you stay longer. This is the area your lady friend might be able to help you get a good place for a decent price. It's also not unusual to stay at one place, then decide to move to something more convenient. That all depends upon your expectations and needs, and what the economy is like in her city. Have you checked any apartment rental sites?

Food prices depend on what you want to do. If you cook in your flat, it can be very economical, and romantic, if that fits the bill. Shopping for meals together is a good way to get to know each other and observe the local culture. Get some candles. Restaurants are like anywhere - different prices for different quality and service. I've only eaten at one cafe, a little place in Donetsk, on my first trip. The meal for both of us was 80 grivna, about $10. It was tasty... and it's been the only time I've had any 'problems' with the food. Even though the meat (pork) was cooked, the quality and/or storage/length of time in the display case was not what I was accustomed to. Next day I paid for it, dearly. Thankfully I had Immodium.

More about cooking/eating. Most Ukrainian women I've crossed paths with prefer to cook for their guests. Unlike here, where people go to a restaurant to celebrate, they'll cook a big meal in their home. It's a great time to make new friends, talk, experience new foods, and talk, talk, talk. Have you heard about the horror of salo? It's one of those things you'll either be ok with, or it'll totally turn you off. Personally, I like it. Good with vodka, or like my last trip, Wild Turkey 101. Samogon is best.

Speaking of the drink, that's an issue that you have to decide for yourself to what level you'll participate. I'd read horror stories before my first trip. For me, the stories were interesting but didn't apply. Yes, we drank some vodka, but in the manner my now father in law proscribed -toast, first one to health, then chat, eat, repeat. Yes, we did empty 'a' bottle, or two, but it wasn't a contest, just an enjoyable time, even with sometimes confusing translations. Second and subsequent trips, I've become accustomed to the previously mentioned samogon. In fact, of what I've had,all hard liquore pales in comparison. You'll hear good and bad about it. But above all, if you get the opportunity to try it, ONLY accept it from someone you or your lady friend trusts. There is a quality issue. Same for vodka. Preferably, start with an unopened bottle. And, when a bottle is empty, be it liquor, beer, wine or even soda, it is placed on the floor, not back on the table. Custom and good manners.

Speaking of customs and good manners, read up on them for Ukraine. No whistling inside. Don't hand anything across a threshold. Take slippers to wear inside a flat. 'Proper' clothing - don't dress loud like you're on vacation, even if you are. Lots of 'rules'. They're online somewhere here and others can better clue you in than I can remember. Ah, one important one - take a digital camera and take lots of photos. But, big but here,  check with your lady friend before you start snapping. There are many, many places photos are not permitted. Most times people won't mind, if you ask first, but if it's a place where it's not ok, things can get nasty really quick.

As usual, I've written a novel. Wife's biggest complaint is I make any story long. Again, all this is based upon my experiences only. Others will have different opinions and experiences, especially about salo and samogon. 

Good luck!

[mobob]

Here's some photos I tried to add previously but was having an inordinate case of operator error. This will give you a an idea of what you'll see at/around the bus station.

5194 bus station in Donetsk. On the right side is a small kiosk that sells sandwiches, beer and soft drinks. Several kiosks on the left, on the way to the ticket window, that sell all sorts of stuff, drinks, cigarettes, candy bars, etc.  5193 ticket sales office. Grivna only. No English, at least that I know. You should get a printed ticket with your bus number (staging sign), destination, seat and departure time. Hang on to it. Sometimes a clerk or the driver will check it before you're allowed on the bus. 0125 & 5195 McDonald's is half a block uphill from the bus station, same side of the street. 5197 Currency exchange. Across the street and uphill from McDonald's. Exchange rate is a little less  now, I think. There might be some other exchanges close by. 5510 & 5512 Other side of the bus station. If you're seeing these, directly behind you is a public toilet. There's another public toilet in the park across the street from McDonald's. It's underground and sometimes lit only by candles.

[moe]

i have  not been to this site in years.  i live in kharkov..and have for almost a year.  i am just curious about the laptop...did you actually give a woman you have never met, a laptop at your first meeting?


did she ever see you again?


i would never, in a million years, even if i was a billionaire, give any woman a laptop for any reason, at a first meeting.