First timer headed to Ukraine

[lonedrake]

  I was a little reluctant to write a trip report knowing the feedback one can take.

 That being said, I have decided to write the trip as it goes.  Some on here have said that the best place in here is the trip reports. I know for a fact that I would never be going to Ukraine if it was not for RWD. The advice I have gained from this site has given me the confidence to make my trip a reality. So if things turn out good.....its only because of this site.

 Now if they turn out bad???   

 I have read a good number of trip reports and some do not have much follow up. It seems super easy to write a trip report after you get home if the trip goes well. Much harder to talk about a trip that was a disaster.  The next 11 days  will tell me whether FSUW are a possibility for me or not. I hope they are....but I have been wrong before.

 I hope to be able to share my story as honestly as I can. The seasoned veterans can sit back and critique my plan and what I am doing wrong and what I am doing right. Hopefully it will also be beneficial to newcomers and myself. I will probably have seemingly random thoughts that I will share. Part of that will be to have a record of how I felt at the time so I can look back on it later and see if it was true or not.

 I am headed out of Minneapolis/St paul airport at 4pm fri.  Never been overseas so I am not to excited about the traveling part. There will be a 4 hour layover in Chicago and then a transfer in Istanbul. I am scheduled to arrive in Donetsk at 8:20 pm and then catch a taxi to Lugansk. Who know how that taxi trip will go?

 I had originally planned on going to Lugansk and meeting 3-4 women. Now I have veered off the "tried and true" coarse by just meeting one woman. I do have back up plans however.

  We will call her Anna. She is 8 years younger than I and has a young daughter. I have skyped with her twice. She knows a little English. Enough that I believe we will be able to communicate. I am not sure what to expect. We have emailed short messages each day for over a month. She always answers and when I talked to her she seemed giddy....but its weird. I did tell her that I only wanted to meet with her for a couple of hours initially but I changed that later on and we going to meet and eat and then go shopping. It is like she does not want to say to much because it might scare me away( at least that what I tell myself) I did tell her that if things go good the first day I would like to meet her daughter and parents. She was fine with that.

  I decided not to learn any Russian or use any interpreters. I have packed very lightly. Everything will fit into a carry on bag. I will be wearing plenty of warm clothes as it appears the temperatures are fairly close to what is the norm in Minnesota. I did not bring any gifts but I did tell Anna that when we go shopping I want to buy her a gift and another for her daughter. I will let her choose as I generally dislike gifts that people buy me( If I had wanted it I would have already had it) I figure this way I can see what kind of gifts she expects. Maybe the wrong attitude on my part but thats what I am going to do.

 This trip puts me so far outside my comfort zone it not even funny. I still think I am half-crazy for doing this. In fact.....I have not told any family or friends of this trip. I may tomorrow...but not sure. My younger brother did go to the Philipines and meet his wife there. They have been married for two years and I guess all is well.....but I have my doubts.

 I did buy a Macbook Air and I will be renting a phone in Lugansk.

 Oh and one more thing for me to worry about is last week I went down to Arkansas duck hunting. One evening I was gathering some firewood for a campfire and I must have grabbed some poison oak or ivy. Anyways I must have rubbed my eyes as the next day they were swelled shut and my finger and hands were infected with it. So now after putting cream on eyes and hands for the last three days my face is cracked and flaking and my right eye is black and blue and my hands are welted up. Not really a great way to make a good first impression but...the show must go on. I think it will be better by Saturday afternoon!


  I

[calmissile]

Lonedrake,

Some food for thought....   Since you plan to write a journal type report with frequent updates, you might want to consider putting your daily trip report into the 'No Comments" thread.  Having hundreds or thousands of 'advice' and comments makes a trip report rather awkward to read after the fact.  If you choose to do so you can then start another "Parallel Trip Report' in the public section where all the comments (including your respones) can go.  It keeps the clutter out of the story telling and makes it a lot easier to read later on.

To evaluate the differences you can refer to my last trip report in the Sans Responses section entitled  "Summer/Fall trip to Ukriane"
Started by calmissile « 1 2 3 ... 5 »  and see the difference after it was moved to the sans responses section. 
The parallel trip report in the public section is entitled  "Parallel to Doug's Summer/Fall Trip to Ukraine
Started by ML « 1 2 3 4 »
It's up to you, but wanted to make the suggestion before you got too far into it.
Your a brave man to be going in the winter. At least you aren't a keyboard romeo that never get's on a plane.  Good luck to you and I will be following your story.

[DKMM]

Even if it does not work out, it being your first trip abroad means you will gain a boat load of life experience from this.  Pretty gutsy move to travel abroad for the first time to a place like Ukraine.
If I could give some advice it would be to buy her a gift here and bring it with you.  She will likely expect one.  A great thing you could get is a picture book of the Twin Cities or Minnesota.  Your bookstore will have tons but even the airport has a good selection.  Even a small one will do.
The hardest part of your trip will be: jet lag, language isolation, and trying to figure out if you should keep pursuing her or cutting it off (in that order).

[I/O]

buy her a gift here and bring it with you.

LD: I tend to agree with this - a gift from home, no matter how small is more significant. Other than that, Istanbul airport has some great little shops and plenty of them - it is airport prices but not to the ridiculous level and it's an excellent airport to transfer through, simple as.
 
FWIW, steer away for saying you'll buy her something or take her shopping, or whatever, just do it. Deeds vs words etc...............

[Brillynt]

Lonedrake,

I have been in Lugansk since the 30th and I have enjoyed it very much. There has been a good amount of snow the last few days, so I hope that does not impact your taxi ride.  You will have some company in Lugansk for a few days, as CC3 and I are currently in town until the 13th.

I too was concerned about writing a trip report, so I have been doing it offline. I may post mine when I get home.

Have a good trip and have fun. I am glad to see you are getting on the airplane.   

[JayH]

LD-- some good advice above and I will repeat some of it!!

Go shopping for nice gift for her and her daughter  absoloutely do that-- forget about scam crap--just do it. I would definately take a small gift for her and her daughter-- small soft toy from US -- something like that for her daughter. Even chocolates is better than arriving empty handed. Buy flowers before meeting .
Dougs advice(Calmissile) about TR is excellent-- you can come to forum when you are there for info-- this could be invaluable to you at your inexperience level( goodonya for getting on a plane btw). For all the flaming forum can do it can be balanced by the help available-- remember- other guys have been in your position and there are guys here with a lot of time on the ground in Ukraine. Do not be afraid to ask specific questions on forum--if you read there are guys who have made plenty of trips still asking questions here-- forums can really help you.
     It was mentioned above--this will be a huge learning curve--treat it like that and you will enjoy the experience. Being half crazy is probably not enough!!

Hope the pi clears up!!


 

[Jack]

lonedrake,  you have not made arrangements for your driver/taxi at this time?     I have driver that makes the Donesk to Lugansk run for $80.   I think the taxi could be close to $90-95. Maybe even a $100.   If you want help with a driver to meet you at Donestk airport and take you to your flat feel free to PM me and send me your flight information, time of arrival.

Are you staying in flat or hotel?    Your lady is probably going to feel better seeing you at a flat as compared to a hotel.  Few ladies will spend night, stay late or arrive early at Hotel.   But if your going to go that route, the hotel, try Hotel Druzhba.  See if room 513 is available.   Wonderful room, long balcony and discounted price over what you would get on second floor where they put foreigners who do not know to request a certain floor.

If you want a nice flat, in the center of the center, $40 a night.

Should the one woman you are going to see does not work out as you would like feel free to PM me.  I know a lot of fine ladies, quite beautiful ladies, who are not with any agency but would like to meet a good foreign man, as well know many fine ladies with agencies.

I have two clients in Lugansk at this time. If you would like to meet up with a couple of other American men in Lugansk holler at me and can try to  introduce you.

[Belvis]

  I am scheduled to arrive in Donetsk at 8:20 pm and then catch a taxi to Lugansk.

I wander how come the men go in Lugansk avoiding Donetsk in their search. Both cities are placed in the same region of Ukraine but Donetsk is two times larger.  Is there no MOB industry in Donetsk?

On-line reports are the best part of the forum.

[Brillynt]

I wander how come the men go in Lugansk avoiding Donetsk in their search. Both cities are placed in the same region of Ukraine but Donetsk is two times larger.  Is there no MOB industry in Donetsk?

I think it is due to visiting one, not many.

[Mila]

Hi lonedrake!Have a good time in Ukraine, I hope you will like the country and the people. I wish you good luck with your lady, let's hope for the best! We are waiting for your update. Don't forget to take warm clothes, as it is rather cold and lots of snow. 

[Patagonie]

Like others adviced you, i would avoid the shopping time and bring some little gifts from my city, or if you are in hurry, from the airport. Even a perfume (ask her before) will be highly appreciated.

[CDW]

Like others adviced you, i would avoid the shopping time and bring some little gifts from my city, or if you are in hurry, from the airport. Even a perfume (ask her before) will be highly appreciated.

We, you, me, Lonedrake shouldn't really expect to buy a perfume for her in the 1st meeting.  I always did, but I shouldn't really do that.   A souvenir would be the ideal to bring from USA/UK/Australia/Mars, etc.  Buy flowers on arrival.

[Larry1]

   I have driver that makes the Donesk to Lugansk run for $80.   I think the taxi could be close to $90-95. Maybe even a $100. 

Lonedrake, I suggest that you take Jack up on his offer to put you in touch with a driver.  I know a guy who got clipped for a $400 taxi fare from Donetsk airport to Lugansk.

[cc3]

I wander how come the men go in Lugansk avoiding Donetsk in their search. Both cities are placed in the same region of Ukraine but Donetsk is two times larger.  Is there no MOB industry in Donetsk?

On-line reports are the best part of the forum.

Some people don't like 1,500,000 population large cities. I like to visit Donetsk for night life, but I prefer to live in Lugansk...it's like a big village with city amenities (except for airline service).The beautiful women are abundant and there are hardly any foreign men to 'f...' things up.

[cc3]

lonedrake,  you have not made arrangements for your driver/taxi at this time?     I have driver that makes the Donesk to Lugansk run for $80.   I think the taxi could be close to $90-95. Maybe even a $100.   If you want help with a driver to meet you at Donestk airport and take you to your flat feel free to PM me and send me your flight information, time of arrival.

Are you staying in flat or hotel?    Your lady is probably going to feel better seeing you at a flat as compared to a hotel.  Few ladies will spend night, stay late or arrive early at Hotel.   But if your going to go that route, the hotel, try Hotel Druzhba.  See if room 513 is available.   Wonderful room, long balcony and discounted price over what you would get on second floor where they put foreigners who do not know to request a certain floor.

If you want a nice flat, in the center of the center, $40 a night.

Should the one woman you are going to see does not work out as you would like feel free to PM me.  I know a lot of fine ladies, quite beautiful ladies, who are not with any agency but would like to meet a good foreign man, as well know many fine ladies with agencies.

I have two clients in Lugansk at this time. If you would like to meet up with a couple of other American men in Lugansk holler at me and can try to  introduce you.

$80 is an extremely fair price for this transfer. I always take the bus or the 'elektrichka' for much less money, but they take 3+ hours and are very uncomfortable. The lowest taxi fare I have ever heard is $100.

[lonedrake]

 I am glad that I decided to post in this manner. I still have time to purchase a couple of small gifts before my plane departs.

 As far as the taxi goes......here is the story. I am hesitant to talk about it as I am sure its a small world in the commercial site of this business/industry. I paid 125 for a driver to meet me at Donetsk and drive me to my apartment(45 per night) My contact has been great with communicating everything and I have no problem with paying a few extra bucks. He emailed me the other day and said the roads are bad and his drivers were concerned. I should just get a taxi and have the driver call him to explain the situation. I would pay the driver and the 125 will be refunded or put to balance on room. I said no problem.

 Anna said the roads are bad and she is very worried about the taxi ride. So I believe the situation. Since I know the going rate...there is zero chance I will pay a penny over 100 for the ride. That being said....I will contact Jack. I can have someone waiting with a sign of my name with a taxi waiting for me...for the same price.

[Slumba]

You may find that both taking Vitamin C in large doses (say 2000mg/day) and applying a bit of aloe vera on the affected areas will speed the healing.

[Faux Pas]

I am glad that I decided to post in this manner. I still have time to purchase a couple of small gifts before my plane departs.

 As far as the taxi goes......here is the story. I am hesitant to talk about it as I am sure its a small world in the commercial site of this business/industry. I paid 125 for a driver to meet me at Donetsk and drive me to my apartment(45 per night) My contact has been great with communicating everything and I have no problem with paying a few extra bucks. He emailed me the other day and said the roads are bad and his drivers were concerned. I should just get a taxi and have the driver call him to explain the situation. I would pay the driver and the 125 will be refunded or put to balance on room. I said no problem.

 Anna said the roads are bad and she is very worried about the taxi ride. So I believe the situation. Since I know the going rate...there is zero chance I will pay a penny over 100 for the ride. That being said....I will contact Jack. I can have someone waiting with a sign of my name with a taxi waiting for me...for the same price.

It doesn't sound like anyone (your providers) are ripping you off. Even at $125 for that taxi ride might be a bargain. Depends on what you are riding in.

As mentioned upthread earlier, going with out gifts is a mistake, could be a grave one. They need not be expensive but showing up empty handed is frowned upon. Liquor, candy, wine, keychains or a number of trinket items. You can not take "too many" gifts. I would suggest you take at least one "something" to give to your woman that you picked for her and with her in mind. Give that gift some thought and on the low side spend at least 30-40 bucks on it, on the high side no more than a couple hundred. You don't want to be too presumptuous

[CDW]

$80 is an extremely fair price for this transfer. I always take the bus or the 'elektrichka' for much less money, but they take 3+ hours and are very uncomfortable. The lowest taxi fare I have ever heard is $100.

very good price considering they charge around $40 for transfering from Kiev Borispol airport to Kiev's City Centre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, from Donetsk to Lugansk, $80 is very good price for a taxi trip

[Wayne]

I suggest that you let a friend or relative know about your plans to go to Ukraine. Bring clean, crisp unmarked US dollars. Shop around, as the exchange rate varies. Istanbul is a modern airport, but what you will see in Ukraine is different.

[Muzh]

   I hope to be able to share my story as honestly as I can. The seasoned veterans can sit back and critique my plan and what I am doing wrong and what I am doing right. Hopefully it will also be beneficial to newcomers and myself. I will probably have seemingly random thoughts that I will share. Part of that will be to have a record of how I felt at the time so I can look back on it later and see if it was true or not.

Hi Lonedrake. Whatever you do, keep the intimate part private. PLEASE.

I did not bring any gifts but I did tell Anna that when we go shopping I want to buy her a gift and another for her daughter.

Actually, bring her something that shouts Minnesota. She'll love it.

This trip puts me so far outside my comfort zone it not even funny. I still think I am half-crazy for doing this. In fact.....I have not told any family or friends of this trip. I may tomorrow...but not sure. My younger brother did go to the Philipines and meet his wife there. They have been married for two years and I guess all is well.....but I have my doubts.

Consider yourself in good company. Many of us went there and brought back the T-shirt.

Oh and one more thing for me to worry about is last week I went down to Arkansas duck hunting. One evening I was gathering some firewood for a campfire and I must have grabbed some poison oak or ivy. Anyways I must have rubbed my eyes as the next day they were swelled shut and my finger and hands were infected with it. So now after putting cream on eyes and hands for the last three days my face is cracked and flaking and my right eye is black and blue and my hands are welted up. Not really a great way to make a good first impression but...the show must go on. I think it will be better by Saturday afternoon!

If you are asked what happened, tell them you got in a fight with a gang of vicious ducks. That will take care of them.

Good luck and wear your seatbelt.

[cc3]

I am glad that I decided to post in this manner. I still have time to purchase a couple of small gifts before my plane departs.

 As far as the taxi goes......here is the story. I am hesitant to talk about it as I am sure its a small world in the commercial site of this business/industry. I paid 125 for a driver to meet me at Donetsk and drive me to my apartment(45 per night) My contact has been great with communicating everything and I have no problem with paying a few extra bucks. He emailed me the other day and said the roads are bad and his drivers were concerned. I should just get a taxi and have the driver call him to explain the situation. I would pay the driver and the 125 will be refunded or put to balance on room. I said no problem.

 Anna said the roads are bad and she is very worried about the taxi ride. So I believe the situation. Since I know the going rate...there is zero chance I will pay a penny over 100 for the ride. That being said....I will contact Jack. I can have someone waiting with a sign of my name with a taxi waiting for me...for the same price.

 

For much less money and no road hazard worries, book an apartment for the night of your arrival in Donetsk (nice town) and take the elektrichka the next morning to Lug(h)ansk.

[cc3]

I suggest that you let a friend or relative know about your plans to go to Ukraine. Bring clean, crisp unmarked US dollars. Shop around, as the exchange rate varies. Istanbul is a modern airport, but what you will see in Ukraine is different.

You don't need dollars unless you are buying something which is only sold in $ or Euros, such as real estate. You'll get by fine with an ATM card; only use machines inside bank lobbies; call your bank to notify it that you are in Ukraine and the withdrawals in that country are being legitimately done by you.

[lonedrake]

 Well....the first part of the trip is slightly delayed.  My flight to Chicago has been delayed 3.5 hours. I had a 4 hour layover in Chicago anyways so no need for panic yet.

I was able to pick up some gifts. For Anna I have a Mpls/St paul photo tour book and a large heart of chocolates. For the daughter I have a Minnesota coloring book and a toy timber wolf.  It is so easy to buy for the daughter I had to stop myself from buying more.

 I did call my credit card yesterday and let them know where I am going. I also let my older brother know.

 One nice thing I found in the airport. Double whoppers are the same price and just as good

[I/O]

One nice thing I found in the airport. Double whoppers are the same price and just as good

The last supper?