Trip Report - London - Prague - Odessa (and points beyond)

[BoozeBaron]

Also steer clear of those vendors on the streets and sidewalks. I once bought what looked like a hotdog from a stationary van vendor near the city garden. Man, did I pay for it that night and all the next day!!!! 

Good to know I'm not the only one to fall victim ... Thought for sure everyone would ride me about the few drinks Also wish I'd seen that throw-up smilie before - Heaven knows that's exactly how I look and feel!

[LAman]

Sorry I forgot to mention you in the credits mate So many have been offering up such great advice - kinda lost track...   sorry... If all ends well there, I'll credit you for that and the steakhouse - Fair?

RE: Prawns... It was a roll of the dice... I knew it then... and am paying for it now...   Ah well, live and learn Bread and cheese for me from here on out LOL!


BB

PS: Been corrected

Just teasin Booze!!!!!
BTW, only time i ever got sick there was smokin the hookah pipe at my friends restaurant for just a short time...but that night my stomach felt queasy and I was in apt all day......yuk.....

[BoozeBaron]

Captains Log : Day 5

"Ah Houston, we have had a problem..."

Just another quick update for those assisting and offering advice... or just following my saga here...

Talked over the 'situation' last night with "J" from the board here (brilliant guy, and would highly recommend him to anyone before going on your trip and/or after you've arrived) ... He patiently listened to my tale - and had also been reading about things here - and this is what we agreed to do.

We set up ideal scenarios with Girl #1 ... Kinda Plan A, B, or C - His UA wife was kind enough to try and call her on my behalf to discuss these plans - I did have to press hard on Girl 1 to get her to even take the call, as she just could not fathom why this needed to be done (despite me having explained it 100x now) ... So finally she agreed - and said she'd call in 20 mins... Well, no answer - wait 20 more - No answer ... Wait 20 more - No answer (this is like 10PM local) ... Rinse and repeat basically - No answer.

So, "J" called me back - and told me they got no result - and asked if I was sure I sent the right info etc., etc., etc. - and this is where things got interesting.

I'd always had Girl 1's info both in English and Cyrillic - but never really had any use for the Russian variant - Nor had I ever used Google.com.ua (vs. the UK or USA versions) Same front end, but VERY different backends!

So, I thought since J's wife was Ukrainian, I'd copy and paste Girl 1's name and number and send it to her so she could see her exact surname... Funny thing was - right then - for some reason in my gray matter, I simply decided to drop it into Google - but in Cyrillic and on the UA site... Well, it's kind of a common name and came back with loads of Facebook and Radaris and VK results - but none were her (that I could see) - So I then clicked Google 'images' - and jackpot - 2 or 3 images of "my girl" popped up about 2 pages down... Clicked one of them... and it pushed me to Radaris.... Face checked out - Name checked out - DOB checked out... Clicked that link and bingo, I won the lotto - went straight to her vk.com account... and much to my surprise (not really, as we all knew this was high risk) but there was her profile pic (and about 20 others she'd sent me) and then more that are of her and her BF - She is indeed in the Kherson area - so that too checked out (based her in the pix) but the listing says "Moscow"... which I found kinda interesting -

Anyway - I shot that link over to J's wife - and they looked at it and agreed it didn't look promising - as the photos do date back to right about the time we met (or longer) - so, "done, done, onto the next one"...

2 interesting things I'd like to point out - When "J" here posed my situation to his UA wife - she happened to agree that parents (who care) would indeed insist on a family member accompanying her to meet a stranger for the first time... Both J and I were kinda surprised by this revelation (so lesson learnt there) - So, she didn't think that request was so unusual - The other curious bit, was J (the eternal optimist - bless!) said that sometimes UA gals keep their local BF, till 'something better' comes along - which, I think has been proven true here on this board over the years based on what I've read here - but, of course, it's the principle of the whole thing we're talking about here... Why they lie? and this was an elaborate one - is beyond me (of course there was a long game/scam involved) - but she played it very well...

The good news is, my gut didn't let me down when the red flag started waving - and came here to get confirmation - I think we all agree this had stink written all over it - But just how best to proceed - This is where J and others really excelled - by offering to still have her come, but meet with my terp present (this was before my VK find of course) ... as that would kept her happy - and protected me as well, for she'd see that she couldn't lie about anything - simply because J's wife was standing guard  

And so we move on... Surprisingly (to me) I don't feel all that bad about things - Rather glad I found out BEFORE rather than AFTER.. and heaven only knows what her 'cousin' had in mind  ... But I can't 'what if' this thing anymore - I have my answer - and no damage done (or money lost) and guess they're out of their seaside holiday!

Funny - She just wrote me - to say she fell asleep last night - and is why she couldn't take the call... Wants to know what the plan is ...?

As tempted as I am to really crucify this chick for not playing nice... I just have to let it go and move on ... and turn any negative energy, into positive as I press forward to the next...

The 2 ironies here are these I think:

When she found out that I came in early to Odessa by a week, she F'n read me the riot act and accused me of all sorts - especially 'you are seeing other girls!!' routine.... Wow! "Hello pot, meet kettle!" - I think there's a special place in hell for people that lie like this... The other, is on her VK profile - it lists her areas of expertise ... Wait for it... wait for it... "Linguistics and Foreign Languages!" Hahaha... She has understood every word I've ever said... That would also 'explain' why her written English is really excellent - She's just biting her tongue when we talked and playing dumb... Ah well, live and learn boys and girls...

No regrets - Just glad we were able to suss this one out in advance -

Any advice as to how to handle the 'agency'? - Not really in the mood for just a few 'credits'... Think this one deserves a bit more - Also do need to still 'answer' Girl 1 with why we're not gonna meet... Any creative ideas about what I should/could say to her are welcome 

Onto Plan B - Already talked to the one that was doing handstands to meet - but - funny thing, with all this downtime I've had waiting - Odessa has kinda grown on me... and am liking it more and more... so may fish the local waters with the help of some non-online agencies - TBD.

My eternal thanks to J and his wife and others who helped me sort this one out... You're on my x-mas list for life!

And (also) for those that expressed concern over my health whilst I battled that food poisoning, your concern and offers to assist are greatly appreciated! I gutted it out - and am feeling MUCH better today... At least I'm not green any more

Now where's that horse? Time to saddle up! 

Cheers,

BB

[Patagonie]

This is when the story become very interesting in my opinion.

Captains Log : Day 5

"Ah Houston, we have had a problem..."

Just another quick update for those assisting and offering advice... or just following my saga here...

Talked over the 'situation' last night with "J" from the board here (brilliant guy, and would highly recommend him to anyone before going on your trip and/or after you've arrived) ... He patiently listened to my tale - and had also been reading about things here - and this is what we agreed to do.

We set up ideal scenarios with Girl #1 ... Kinda Plan A, B, or C - His UA wife was kind enough to try and call her on my behalf to discuss these plans - I did have to press hard on Girl 1 to get her to even take the call, as she just could not fathom why this needed to be done (despite me having explained it 100x now) ... So finally she agreed - and said she'd call in 20 mins... Well, no answer - wait 20 more - No answer ... Wait 20 more - No answer (this is like 10PM local) ... Rinse and repeat basically - No answer.
The gal felt the tempest arrive ! Professionals interpreters are right (and choice especially and old "matrone" (matron) is possible !) "outlaws" girls don't feel comfortable when they are confronted to a native russian speaker aware of the international dating scene.

So, "J" called me back - and told me they got no result - and asked if I was sure I sent the right info etc., etc., etc. - and this is where things got interesting.

I'd always had Girl 1's info both in English and Cyrillic - but never really had any use for the Russian variant - Nor had I ever used Google.com.ua (vs. the UK or USA versions) Same front end, but VERY different backends!

So, I thought since J's wife was Ukrainian, I'd copy and paste Girl 1's name and number and send it to her so she could see her exact surname... Funny thing was - right then - for some reason in my gray matter, I simply decided to drop it into Google - but in Cyrillic and on the UA site... Well, it's kind of a common name and came back with loads of Facebook and Radaris and VK results - but none were her (that I could see) - So I then clicked Google 'images' - and jackpot - 2 or 3 images of "my girl" popped up about 2 pages down... Clicked one of them... and it pushed me to Radaris.... Face checked out - Name checked out - DOB checked out... Clicked that link and bingo, I won the lotto - went straight to her vk.com account... and much to my surprise (not really, as we all knew this was high risk) but there was her profile pic (and about 20 others she'd sent me) and then more that are of her and her BF - She is indeed in the Kherson area - so that too checked out (based her in the pix) but the listing says "Moscow"... which I found kinda interesting -
When you come in her city, you narrow her chances to game you ! 

Anyway - I shot that link over to J's wife - and they looked at it and agreed it didn't look promising - as the photos do date back to right about the time we met (or longer) - so, "done, done, onto the next one"...

2 interesting things I'd like to point out - When "J" here posed my situation to his UA wife - she happened to agree that parents (who care) would indeed insist on a family member accompanying her to meet a stranger for the first time... Both J and I were kinda surprised by this revelation (so lesson learnt there) - So, she didn't think that request was so unusual - The other curious bit, was J (the eternal optimist - bless!) said that sometimes UA gals keep their local BF, till 'something better' comes along - which, I think has been proven true here on this board over the years based on what I've read here - but, of course, it's the principle of the whole thing we're talking about here...
Yes absolutely right. This not curious this is absolutely normal.
 Why they lie? and this was an elaborate one - is beyond me (of course there was a long game/scam involved)
Ask yourself the question : what they have to earn to tell you the truth ?
- but she played it very well...
Women play usually very well, and FSU women better than AW. She plays and keeps her options open.

The good news is, my gut didn't let me down when the red flag started waving - and came here to get confirmation - I think we all agree this had stink written all over it - But just how best to proceed - This is where J and others really excelled - by offering to still have her come, but meet with my terp present (this was before my VK find of course) ... as that would kept her happy - and protected me as well, for she'd see that she couldn't lie about anything - simply because J's wife was standing guard  

And so we move on... Surprisingly (to me) I don't feel all that bad about things - Rather glad I found out BEFORE rather than AFTER.. and heaven only knows what her 'cousin' had in mind  ... But I can't 'what if' this thing anymore - I have my answer - and no damage done (or money lost) and guess they're out of their seaside holiday!

The problem of this fantasy is that you pay TWO roudtrips to allow her to come incognito (you pay her the high price to help her to be NOT TOO long missing in her city, helping her to not get troubles with her official boyfriend).

As usual when you meet her not in HER city, many problems of logistic occurs or can occur. And it is always the guy who takes risk (risk for his money, risk for his time).

Funny - She just wrote me - to say she fell asleep last night - and is why she couldn't take the call... Wants to know what the plan is ...?

total BS

As tempted as I am to really crucify this chick for not playing nice... I just have to let it go and move on ... and turn any negative energy, into positive as I press forward to the next...

fine  , you can send her also the link of vk, and ask her "how is your bf",just to tell her that your are not stupid.

The 2 ironies here are these I think:

When she found out that I came in early to Odessa by a week, she F'n read me the riot act and accused me of all sorts - especially 'you are seeing other girls!!' routine.... Wow! "Hello pot, meet kettle!" - I think there's a special place in hell for people that lie like this...

You need to put a lot of people in this special place. What you need to know is that women naturally play men, but they hate when men do the same like they do. Men and women want the power, but they try to practise it in different manner (Mars and Venus attitudes).

The other, is on her VK profile - it lists her areas of expertise ... Wait for it... wait for it... "Linguistics and Foreign Languages!" Hahaha... She has understood every word I've ever said... That would also 'explain' why her written English is really excellent - She's just biting her tongue when we talked and playing dumb... Ah well, live and learn boys and girls...

No regrets - Just glad we were able to suss this one out in advance -

Any advice as to how to handle the 'agency'? - Not really in the mood for just a few 'credits'... Think this one deserves a bit more - Also do need to still 'answer' Girl 1 with why we're not gonna meet... Any creative ideas about what I should/could say to her are welcome 

Onto Plan B - Already talked to the one that was doing handstands to meet - but - funny thing, with all this downtime I've had waiting - Odessa has kinda grown on me... and am liking it more and more... so may fish the local waters with the help of some non-online agencies - TBD.

My eternal thanks to J and his wife and others who helped me sort this one out... You're on my x-mas list for life!

And (also) for those that expressed concern over my health whilst I battled that food poisoning, your concern and offers to assist are greatly appreciated! I gutted it out - and am feeling MUCH better today... At least I'm not green any more

Now where's that horse? Time to saddle up! 

Cheers,

BB

[ML]

Already stocked up with bottled water and only order that at restaurants Thanks...!

Just one slight addition  here.

Don't drink even the bottled water at the restaurants if the bottle has already been opened when it is given to you.

Quite easy for them to refill the bottles from the kitchen sink.

I have peeeeed off quite a few FSU folks in romantic and business situations over this.  A couple of times, I even left  the restaurant, bought a bottle of water from the kiosk on  the street and returned to the restaurant.

Yes, sounds stupid and overboard to some . . . but ask BB how it felt to be tied to toilet, etc.  It's also a good test of the woman with you to determine how  much she  REALLY cares about your well-being.  i.e. helping you with the water in restaurant situation.

[BoozeBaron]

This is when the story become very interesting in my opinion.

Thanks Patagonie - I think all your comments are good ones and spot-on...  I'm gonna hold back on torpedoing her 'fantasy' a bit longer though, as I'd like to collect a bit more data from her - just so there's no argument from the agency once I blow the whistle on her - for all they'll do is toss me a few quid, and remove her profile... I want (need) to collect some data from our early mails first before they pull it - and save the screen etc etc to warn others - as I'm sure she'll not stop here once the agency dumps here.

[Hammer2722]

Good luck getting any money out of any of these agencies back. More than likely they'll want to give you more credits! LOL

[BoozeBaron]

Just one slight addition  here.

Don't drink even the bottled water at the restaurants if the bottle has already been opened when it is given to you.

Quite easy for them to refill the bottles from the kitchen sink.

I have peeeeed off quite a few FSU folks in romantic and business situations over this.  A couple of times, I even left  the restaurant, bought a bottle of water from the kiosk on  the street and returned to the restaurant.

Yes, sounds stupid and overboard to some . . . but ask BB how it felt to be tied to toilet, etc.  It's also a good test of the woman with you to determine how  much she  REALLY cares about your well-being.  i.e. helping you with the water in restaurant situation.

After the week I've had - Nothing would surprise me anymore ML - and suppose you're right on this one too...

At the hotel/flat I'm staying at - I went out for my morning cup of tea - and some bloke was loading the 'machine' with water that was boxed and wrapped - plastic safety seals, he said 'dobry' to me - and finished loading up ... so that I'm sure is good... (as sure as anyone can be in this country) - but agree the stuff they serve you in restaurants - Who knows? I started ordering "Vettil" (sp?) water... as that too is plastic sealed - Just know a bit about this from biz - and is hard to reseal those .... But appreciate the tips!

BB

[BoozeBaron]

Good luck getting any money out of any of these agencies back. More than likely they'll want to give you more credits! LOL

I know, I know - Hence my "I'm not gonna hold my breath" comment .... Blood from a turnip right?

That said, I did fly to the agency this summer before joining - and we had a mini-come-to-jesus chat before I signed on the dotted line... and the 2 times before that I ran into someone 'disingenuous' - they did credit me back several hundred in credits (as that costs them nothing #doh - it's like mobile companies wanting to give you free mins in lieu of cash) - So, I'm keenly aware that hell most likely will have to freeze over first.. but am hoping that my trip there (asking, What if this happens?) now that 'this' HAS happened - hope carries a bit more weight now - We'll see... but am not gonna hold my breath - and to be honest, have 2-3 new local dates I need to focus on now and  get ready for!!

Cheers -

BB

[ML]

I want (need) to collect some data from our early mails first before they pull it - and save the screen etc etc to warn others - as I'm sure she'll not stop here once the agency dumps here.

Hey . . . remember what you are in Ukraine for . . . to meet women.
Stop spending your time playing detective.

Go to those dating websites noted in the "Pursuing FSUW 101" in Starting Out section and start contacting.  Expand beyond EM which usually has few women in each individual city.

Many of  those dating websites allow you to search by city and on some of the sites you will find a thousand or more Odesa women in the age range you  select.
Do it !!!

[BoozeBaron]

Hey . . . remember what you are in Ukraine for . . . to meet women.
Stop spending your time playing detective.

Go to those dating websites noted in the "Pursuing FSUW 101" in Starting Out section and start contacting.  Expand beyond EM which usually has few women in each individual city.

Many of  those dating websites allow you to search by city and on some of the sites you will find a thousand or more Odesa women in the age range you  select.
Do it !!!

See my note above your post (and my original)  - already on it mate (we were typing at the same time - so understood) - but I'm outta here in 1 hour for what should be a great evening! I still haven't let #1 know yet though that we're not meeting yet... and I do want to protect my fellow RWD'ers... if I can - I played 'detective' for 3 days, to cover my arse and wallet - beyond that, buyer beware.

Cheers -

BB

[newjason]

Booze
Oh my how things have changed in just a few days!
I am still keeping my hopes up for you and the handstand girl.

As for what to do about girl 1, forget about her. Understand that she is most likely a pro at this. So, best just not to waste any more time and energy on her.

Good Luck

Jason

[BoozeBaron]

Captains Log - Supplemental ...

Appreciate Jason and others checking up on me... Means allot ...

Not much to report right now (not allot of time really) - Am feeling allot better these past few days, and things are progressing forward on several new/different fronts - Will try to write more about all that once I wrap things up here next weekend ...

So, stay tuned!

Cheers -

BB

[LAman]

See my note above your post (and my original)  - already on it mate (we were typing at the same time - so understood) - but I'm outta here in 1 hour for what should be a great evening! I still haven't let #1 know yet though that we're not meeting yet... and I do want to protect my fellow RWD'ers... if I can - I played 'detective' for 3 days, to cover my arse and wallet - beyond that, buyer beware.

Cheers -

BB

Hmmmmm...that was 3 days ago.....maybe it was a 'great' three days....
BTW Booze...did you hit the large outdoor marketplace yet?

[calmissile]

Fascinating story.  I think the 'terp' arrangements are one of the easiest giveaways.

As one poster noted, it is quite normal for women to want to have someone they know with them at the first meeting.  However, it should not be her private paid terp. Also, when she brings along a friend for security, I make sure we are not going to an expensive restaurant.  I can save that for when we are alone.

Also, I have found it normal for them to want to meet in a public place.  It is not much different than meeting someone new in the US for a first meeting.

Good luck on plan b,c,d, etc.

[BoozeBaron]

Plan B is going brilliantly ... Waiting for day 3 to begin here... Erm now! More to come...

[Shadow]

Just one slight addition  here.

Don't drink even the bottled water at the restaurants if the bottle has already been opened when it is given to you.

Quite easy for them to refill the bottles from the kitchen sink.

I have peeeeed off quite a few FSU folks in romantic and business situations over this.  A couple of times, I even left  the restaurant, bought a bottle of water from the kiosk on  the street and returned to the restaurant.

Yes, sounds stupid and overboard to some . . . but ask BB how it felt to be tied to toilet, etc.  It's also a good test of the woman with you to determine how  much she  REALLY cares about your well-being.  i.e. helping you with the water in restaurant situation.

And after that display ordering a fresh salad washed in tap water, using ice cubes made of tap water and eating home-made ice cream containing the same tap water.

After the week I've had - Nothing would surprise me anymore ML - and suppose you're right on this one too...

At the hotel/flat I'm staying at - I went out for my morning cup of tea - and some bloke was loading the 'machine' with water that was boxed and wrapped - plastic safety seals, he said 'dobry' to me - and finished loading up ... so that I'm sure is good... (as sure as anyone can be in this country) - but agree the stuff they serve you in restaurants - Who knows? I started ordering "Vettil" (sp?) water... as that too is plastic sealed - Just know a bit about this from biz - and is hard to reseal those .... But appreciate the tips!

BB

Not to scare you but I have seen often enough in Turkey how they filled the bottles from the fire hydrant.... then sealed them.

[ML]

And after that display ordering a fresh salad washed in tap water, using ice cubes made of tap water and eating home-made ice cream containing the same tap water.

I also do none of the above.

[newjason]

Booze,
I figured you would be further along with your reports.
I'ts been 2 weeks.
I have traveled to Moscow and back,
New York and the east coast had the
worst hurricane in history...
What's up?

I hope you have been successful.
If you haven't been, that's ok too.

at least wave and say you are ok.
Kinda worried about you.

Of course you did drop off the radar for 2 months
after the last natuaral disaster.. 

Best wished to you  man.

Jason

[BoozeBaron]

Am back in London now after a week in Warsaw... I have a trip report (continuation) written up in Word that I kinda pecked at from the airport last week - but am having 2nd thoughts about posting it here...

I need to process what's happened - and what's happening - My return ticket isn't till April 2013 - so don't assume this was a 1 week deal... However, I do have a meeting in Toronto that I thought would hold till next year, and turned out it can't - so off I go... Leave LHR in the morning - then will spend (part) of the hols in the States... Rest you'll just have to wait to hear about! 

Appreciate your concern - Gotta run.... But more is coming...

BB

[newjason]

Am back in London now after a week in Warsaw... I have a trip report (continuation) written up in Word that I kinda pecked at from the airport last week - but am having 2nd thoughts about posting it here...

why is that?

I need to process what's happened - and what's happening - My return ticket isn't till April 2013 - so don't assume this was a 1 week deal... However, I do have a meeting in Toronto that I thought would hold till next year, and turned out it can't - so off I go... Leave LHR in the morning - then will spend (part) of the hols in the States... Rest you'll just have to wait to hear about! 

Appreciate your concern - Gotta run.... But more is coming...

BB

<sigh>
Well I am glad you are ok.
Thanks for checking in.

With the depth and frequency of your posts, such a long absence seemed very odd and out of character, thus I was naturally concerned. 
Not that I could have done much if something had happened to you, but
My thoughts are with you.
Happy Holidays

Jason

ho ho ho

 

[BoozeBaron]

Hi Jason -

Back on terra firma this morning (3AM) after 22+ hours of travels... Am glad to be back in my own bed.... even if it's just to do a load of laundry and turn it around to Canada -

Sorry about my cryptic message and 'mood' before ... I was a bit annoyed yesterday (well, the past week) at some things that had transpired since I left Ukraine - Chalk it up to jet lag - travels - and my head spinning off a bit... Been a few years since I've 'done this' (Ukraine) and I'd forgotten how bad some aspects can be - Also, being sick (majorly) didn't help matters any either ... Things always look 10x worse when you're not feeling well.... right? :-/

As for my "I'm not sure I wanna post" comment - That stems from my long-term battle here on RWD - and is my problem to sort... Nothing to do with you lot here...

I've been coming here on/off since 2004 ... and think there's a lot of good that can come from those that genuinely want to assist and help and offer sound advice... Those that are not walking in your shoes, and just wish to tear down an individual for whatever reason (e.g. trolling) - Usually, I even have the patience to deal with them too - but right now I'm really knackered - really trying to suss out "what just happened?!" (or is happening) and what my next steps are... You'll see why I'm feeling this way, as I disclose more of the final days of my trip... Which I will do here most likely over the weekend...

So sorry about being MIA - Part of that was me "having fun" (as I did have a blast in the end) - and part of that was just travels - and a little pit stop in Poland (which I referenced in my WORD Doc that I've yet to post) ... but more on that later as well...

Till my next update -

Cheers,

BB

[newjason]

Hi Jason -

Back on terra firma this morning (3AM) after 22+ hours of travels... Am glad to be back in my own bed.... even if it's just to do a load of laundry and turn it around to Canada -

Sorry about my cryptic message and 'mood' before ... I was a bit annoyed yesterday (well, the past week) at some things that had transpired since I left Ukraine - Chalk it up to jet lag - travels - and my head spinning off a bit... Been a few years since I've 'done this' (Ukraine) and I'd forgotten how bad some aspects can be - Also, being sick (majorly) didn't help matters any either ... Things always look 10x worse when you're not feeling well.... right? :-/

As for my "I'm not sure I wanna post" comment - That stems from my long-term battle here on RWD - and is my problem to sort... Nothing to do with you lot here...

I've been coming here on/off since 2004 ... and think there's a lot of good that can come from those that genuinely want to assist and help and offer sound advice... Those that are not walking in your shoes, and just wish to tear down an individual for whatever reason (e.g. trolling) - Usually, I even have the patience to deal with them too - but right now I'm really knackered - really trying to suss out "what just happened?!" (or is happening) and what my next steps are... You'll see why I'm feeling this way, as I disclose more of the final days of my trip... Which I will do here most likely over the weekend...

So sorry about being MIA - Part of that was me "having fun" (as I did have a blast in the end) - and part of that was just travels - and a little pit stop in Poland (which I referenced in my WORD Doc that I've yet to post) ... but more on that later as well...

Till my next update -

Cheers,

BB

Interesting that you have had problems here before.
My experience is not nearly as long as yours here, but  I have not had any sort of problems like you talk about.
I think these problems you are referring to are what you make of them.
If you give trolls attention, they keep coming for more.
Don't feed them and they get bored and go elsewhere.
Every time I have had someone trying to derail things, I just give them a    if you don't like it , don't read it.
haven't had any conflicts at all really.
I've noticed others however, they handle things differently and give traction to what gets spewed around here at times, and begin to take things personally and get upset and all bent out of shape.
Sticks and stones...
Anyway...
I am kinda disappointed , not with you , with myself.
The tale you were telling was just beginning to get interesting and I think I got a little too vicarious with your story.   lol
I am usually not like that. I swear  lol

I was really hoping to hear how you and handstand girl hit it off, or not on your first  meeting.
I was even more curious how you finally handled language expert girl from herson.
I know being sick really bites, and it bites twice when you are not at home and far far away from something familiar.   10x worse , yeah, probbably.
I think can relate. when sick, I go into "me " mode, and just everything and every body just best stay away. 

I am happy to chat with you on this thread Booze. Even just to say hi.
You are one of the guys that make this place worth coming to and participating in, and are in short supply.  A sense of humor about things, a realistic attitude, and just a generally cool man.

I hope you didn't end up with the man in the next room in Odessa out of sheer boredom. 
but it did sound like he was having a lot of fun. LOL
Nah,  I'm just kidding.
Er, no i mean, I really hope you didn't ...
 

looking froward to your report Captain.. 

Cheers
Jason


btw if you get close to the pacific north west state, pm me.
 

[BoozeBaron]

(Sorry this is so late in posting... Been sitting on my laptop for a week - Still recovering from 'whatever' it was that made me so deathly ill - and - am now back in the USA for the Hols - and jet lag and altitude are my new enemies - that, and pissed off clients for being MIA for 2 months!) Not good! ...

So, we now return you to your regularly scheduled programme - already in progress... (I will update more over this coming weekend) as this is allot of 'fluff' and introspective thinking - Will get into specific Q&A more (asked above) when I have the time...

Captains Log – Days 5-14
Odessa, Ukraine :: “Gangnam Style” (saves the day!)
Dateline: Warsaw, Poland… 6:25AM

Sorry to everyone for the delay in posting… Am sitting here at the airport in Warsaw after a fab nights sleep at the downtown Marriott here (highly recommend) … as I’ve just left Odessa yesterday (afternoon) en route to London – and then onto the States for the hols - then Toronto, as I have a meeting that just can’t wait… Had hoped to push it off till 2013, but hey, duty calls… but will be back to Ukraine, soon!
As you can see here, I have this terrible tendency to ramble… and I do apologise for that… I suppose it’s more a way of me collecting my thoughts on paper here – and/or – thinking out loud really… Anyway – the past 5 days… well, the past 2-3 weeks, have been an interesting ride to say the least… So, please allow me to make some quick bullet points/observations to myself – so I can kinda keep track of the million thoughts running through my head right now…

#1) Czech chicks are hot…

#2) Polish chicks are smoking hot!

#3) Ukrainian women are lovely… inside and out… but geography and ‘family’ play a massive (massive!) role in all this… (as it would anywhere in the world…) [Note to self, Have no clue why I said this to myself??? Am sure delirium had set in at this point!] LOL

#4) Need to invest in dark(er) “Euro” wardrobe (another note to self)

#5) Trust no one…

#6) I love pretty much all of Europe… Pluses and minuses to every place and every city in the world… but do not care for Ukraine – I’ve been going off and on (north/Kiev/Russia) for the past 8 years – and each time, hope it gets better… This trip, albeit skewed by ‘illness’, was probably the worst I’ve ever had, from an airlines, travel point of view (POV) – but hey, that’s my problem to sort – and has nothing to do with anything really… Had fun despite it all.... but more on that later...

#7) But carrying on with that theme – AeroSvit SUCKS! I’ll never fly them again – and if anyone is in need of a Odessa to Munich ticket – just hit me up – as I’m sticking with LOT / Star Alliance from here on out and threw my AeroSvit return in the trash! …

The old saying that ‘you get what you pay for’ is truly, true!! Interestingly enough, my ‘excess baggage’ (no, not emotional LOL) from Prague to Odessa, was a WHOPPING USD$485!!! Oh, and is it any surprise, it was CASH only??? At the gate? BULLSH!T – I know whose Christmas fund I just supplemented … Look, I know it’s ‘pay as you go’ down there… and cash is king, but come’on… there’s crazy, and then there’s insane… That’s just insane… (my ticket was only $198 R/T!) – So, as just said, I tossed the other half/return in the trash – and booked direct to Warsaw on LOT and sat in First (didn’t request) as I’m Premiere with United, so guess they saw that – I dunno… I have 4A back to London again this morning  -and didn’t request that either – but I’ll take that, over the back of the bus and the f’n NIGHTMARE of endless transfers in Kiev – Oh my…. I’d forgotten all about that (Kiev)… Either way, ‘next time’, I’m flying direct into Kiev – and meeting there… (no, not gonna give the ending away, just yet… but hey, at least you know I AM going back LOL)

OK – As Paul Harvey would say, “And now, for the rest of the story”…

Last we left off – I was basically dying in my hotel/apartment room… Can’t say that any of that has changed… For those that skipped over/scan-read things… I got TERRIBLE food poisoning… and I do mean terrible (explosive) – We’ll leave it with that adjective for now… I think that explains all you need to know for now… Haha… and heed the travel/food/drink advice given above from others…

Now, I must confess, I have travelled every continent – so am no stranger to life abroad (22 States, 5 Countries lived in) – so this isn’t my first rodeo – and yeah, I’ve been ‘sick’ before whilst travelling… but nothing like this… Even now, what, 14 days later? I’m sitting here sweating like a stuck pig waiting to board… Oh, it’s 4*C outside and probably about 15*C inside… yet I’m baking… I just looked at all the pix I took with my DSLR Camera (Odessa) and I look like death waned over… Ghost white… Peakish… Lost 14 lbs.! Anyone looking for a crash diet, just eat dodgy shrimp! Hahaha

So, where was I? Oh yeah, my ‘meetings’ – Gosh … where to even begin…? (Quick updates as we're about to board)

Girl #1 ? – Think we kinda sorted most of that in my earlier posts… Got my USA agency involved, and let’s just say they were/are pretty f’n useless… I’ll disclose the who/what/where/when more over time – but for now, just wish to stick to ‘my plan’ (suicide or not:) - but I did finally bust her on VK - She still denies denies denies (even as recently as today) ... but has now removed all the 'offending photos' as her agency (and mine) cracked down on her pretty hard I guess... She was not happy with me about that needless to say... but hey, it's either you or me - Hate that it's you... but such is life - As I said long ago - there's a special place in hell for ppl who try to pull stunts like that... But I digress...

Girl #2 (aka "handstand girl" as many are now calling her)  …  We did finally connect for 3 days.… But think it’s worth sharing how and why – as well as who helped orchestrate it all - But that will have to wait till my next update - It was 'interesting'... Learned allot... Still digesting/processing our time together... Terps... Also interesting... especially when they're tired, cranky, and not 100% on your side ... Not saying she was against me - but didn't really do allot to help my case.. Ah well, such is life... Me and #2 are plunking are way thru it all - despite the terp... even today....

Did I mention Polish chicks are hot? Uhmmm – yeah… they are…

Well, time to board! – So will have to leave things there for now

More to come!
 
BB


As a PostScript of sorts - This is a bit dated - as I've just arrived back in the USA, and settling in the for the Thanksgiving holidays before heading of to Canada next week - but I will do my best to 'fill in the blanks' I've left here ... as I know many have/had  some specific Q's I still need to answer... Just pressed for time and energy at the moment ... For all my American mates, have a good Holiday week Geesh - Just realised I already said all this in my opener lol - Ah well... Old age is setting in

[newjason]

Booze. I missed this post somehow. Probably because of T-Giving and being  away from home and with family and friends and all.

Holy Sheet!
14 lbs.  is borderline to a hospital stay. You probably should have had an IV to get your fluids back up and get your sugars to higher levels. But as I am typing this, I realize how retarded that sounds and I would never go to a hospital in Ukraine and let them put a needle in me. No freaking way.  So, ya I understand riding the storm out.
Not Last janurary, but the one before, I had a double whammy of Diah....  and pneumonia infection in my lungs. It almost got me. It was the perfect storm because the water was just passing thru me, I couldn't hydrate and pneumonia phlegm has to have lots of water to expel and for the lungs to clear. That was not happening, so the cough became so painful I would go into states of hallucinating and shock, where in I literally thought I was going to the great  beyond, and begging for it all just to end.
I could not breathe or catch my breath, and was constantly ghost white.
If there is a hell, for me , that would be the closest I can imagine it being like.
I can't imagine being that sick in Europe, wow dude. I'm glad you made it.
LOL Air travel well..  you said it all.

Czech chicks are hot… damn straight they are.   

Polish chicks are smoking hot!   Indeed, maybe more so than any others.   

Ukrainian women are lovely…   Well said. Of the 3,  I prefer the chemistry with Polish women absolutely.

#4) Need to invest in dark(er) “Euro” wardrobe (another note to self)
LOL when I travel, in Europe I wear a long black Lambskin Duster with a cape.

#5) Trust no one…    paranoid, but very sound advice


Thanks for the update Booze

have a happy holiday season.

Jason