Visa for Travel From Ukraine to Paris...Something Seems Odd...

[Admin]

Dan, it is possible to know who have choice the ignore "function"... it will be silly to reply question from someone who will never read the reply... Knowing who ignore me can allow a spare of time... only reply in case of false information but not in case of question...

Bruno,

I do not think there is any indicator to tell people who is exercising the 'Ignore' option on another party. In other words, who jb chooses to ignore, or who you choose to ignore, is purely that person's information and is not make known to the people being ignored.

In fact, I think that is the intent of it. Since some people just seem to have a natural toxicity for another - rather than allowing irritating comments to erupt into flames and conflagrations, the Ignore button allows a person to simply choose not to see what another person writes.

The hope is that it will allow the board to enjoy more civil (and productive) discourse.

- Dan

[BC]

I think the urge to 'peek' will be overwhelming.. LOL

[PeeWee]

That's funny.

Now if the man had asked how he might get a Russian g/f to Paris without sending a wad of cash first to a woman he has never met I would have gladly told him how to do it.

But, jb, $200.00 is far from a wad of money, unless you are including the ticket. But still I do believe that I have lost more betting the race horses than that and I have nothing to show for that either. At least he had some fun in Paris for his money. And she may show up.

Someone made a good point. She has communicated with him for 6 months or more and that was a lot of time and effort spent just to gain a trip to Paris and $200.00. I had suggested that he buy her ticket for her using a credit card so that if she did not show up he could get that portion of his money back. All he is out is the 2 C notes. So he shows up in Paris and she does not. Then what? He gets to an agency and finds a nice French lady and moves on with his life with her. French women are pretty hot.

Peewee

[Shadow]

Peewee... I guess jb has this in mind:

She shows up in Paris. They have 4 great days. Next holiday is in Egypt ( Malta, Cuba...). One great week. He applies for K-1.
Possibility 1 : she gets 'cold feet'. Possibility 2 : See story of Maxx.

[Turboguy]

Sure Shadow and possibly they get married and live happily ever after.  Life is a gamble.

[Infoman]

Guys...

I really appreciate the lively discussion here.  Plenty of things to think about, but far and wide, mostly you support what I'm doing here, and that is VERY much appreciated.  As it stands, we are just meeting to see each other face-to-face, and have a fun and romantic time in Paris for a few days.  Yes, it's a free vacation for her, but I really don't think that she is looking at it like that.  To be honest, I'm not going into this with intentions to make this long-term, just for two people to have a nice little getaway.  Who knows?  Assuming she shows, maybe we will have the time of our lives...maybe I'll regret it from second one, but I doubt it.  In any event, this is no way, shape, or form smells of a classic or creative Russiam scam.  $200 or 200 euros - a little more money, but she told me $200 US - it's not a lot at all, but for her and others like her in UA, $200 is probably a lot.  If this goes as well as I'm hoping it will, I am not looking at it as a free vacation for her; I see it as a chance for two people to meet and have some fun after daily communication for months.  OK, so Paris isn't cheap...but I'd rather meet her in the city of Romance instead of paying a lot more in airfare to meet her in Kiev.  I don't have a problem with Kiev, and as a matter of fact, she told me from day one that it doesn't have to be Paris....she didn't care where we met, including me coming to her...she just wanted to be with me and spend some nice time with me.  With that, and all other things considered, to me, that really doesn't sound like a true scammer.

Again, I appreciate the comments and advice.  And as I said before, I will update this post before and after the trip.

Thanks...

Steve

[PeeWee]

Peewee... I guess jb has this in mind:

She shows up in Paris. They have 4 great days. Next holiday is in Egypt ( Malta, Cuba...). One great week. He applies for K-1.
Possibility 1 : she gets 'cold feet'. Possibility 2 : See story of Maxx.

you are at the "is the glass half empty or is it half full" paradox. I don't care who you date the possibility exists for only two senerios. Either eventually you get married or eventually you break and move on. If one is worried about the expense of this adventure then he has two more options. Either he makes it a one week romance, thus cutting his long term dating expenses or he chooses the long term route knowing full well that it is going to be expensive and it may still not work out.
Either way it is a win or lose proposition.

I do some betting on the ponies from time to time. Win, place, or show. Same here. Or you can bet a trifacta. Three  horses to take first, second, and third. So you go to Eastern Europe, meet three, and then hope one is a winner.

Peewee

[PeeWee]

Guys...

I really appreciate the lively discussion here.  Plenty of things to think about, but far and wide, mostly you support what I'm doing here, and that is VERY much appreciated.  As it stands, we are just meeting to see each other face-to-face, and have a fun and romantic time in Paris for a few days.  Yes, it's a free vacation for her, but I really don't think that she is looking at it like that.  To be honest, I'm not going into this with intentions to make this long-term, just for two people to have a nice little getaway.  Who knows?  Assuming she shows, maybe we will have the time of our lives...maybe I'll regret it from second one, but I doubt it.  In any event, this is no way, shape, or form smells of a classic or creative Russiam scam.  $200 or 200 euros - a little more money, but she told me $200 US - it's not a lot at all, but for her and others like her in UA, $200 is probably a lot.  If this goes as well as I'm hoping it will, I am not looking at it as a free vacation for her; I see it as a chance for two people to meet and have some fun after daily communication for months.  OK, so Paris isn't cheap...but I'd rather meet her in the city of Romance instead of paying a lot more in airfare to meet her in Kiev.  I don't have a problem with Kiev, and as a matter of fact, she told me from day one that it doesn't have to be Paris....she didn't care where we met, including me coming to her...she just wanted to be with me and spend some nice time with me.  With that, and all other things considered, to me, that really doesn't sound like a true scammer.

Again, I appreciate the comments and advice.  And as I said before, I will update this post before and after the trip.

Thanks...

Steve

Steve, Paris is a nice town. Don't miss seeing the Louve and plan on a day there. Mona Lisa and many other famous paintings, Venus de Milo, the list goes on. If you get a chance go to one of the back alley cafe and drink a few shots of whiskey. One time I actually saw a couple dance the Apache', I think it is called. It's that dance where the guy throws his parnter all of the room. It seems like he is almost beating the crap out of her. You've seen this dance in some of those old movies from the 1930. Also if you get a chance spend the money and attend on of those high class strip shows where the guys sit around in their tuxedos and drink Champange. That is a load of fun too. I didn't think that Paris was all that more romantic than Hong Kong or Moscow or Zurich, or Copenhagen, or Madrid...or anywhere else for that matter. It depends more on whom you are with and the mood of the moment. Any time that you have night lights, water, and soft music you got yourself some romance going on.

Peewee

[groovlstk]

A year ago I met a Ukrainian girl in Warsaw. In order to get through customs, they told her she must have $300 cash to prove that she can provide for herself while in Poland and wouldn't be looking for a job. I WU'd her the $ and when she arrived at our hotel, the first thing she did was hand me my cash back. She told me the Polish customs officials counted it before allowing her through.

I had met this girl before so I didn't have any doubts that she was telling me the truth, however.

[Infoman]

Nice to hear that, groovlstk!

As you said, you did meet her prior to this, but nonetheless, that just gave me all the more hope that things will be fine.

Thanks!

Steve

[PeeWee]

Nice to hear that, groovlstk!

As you said, you did meet her prior to this, but nonetheless, that just gave me all the more hope that things will be fine.

Thanks!

Steve

Maybe a trip report will be in order when, and if, you return, Steve. Or pop us an email from Gay Parie when you have a minute. But watch out for those gay Parisians.

Peewee

[ronin308]

My fiance points out when I send her too much money for something.  As an example we went to Egypt in March, and as you might expect it's cheaper even after paying the $100 "American tax" to book through a tour agency in Ukraine than the US.  When I sent her the money, she tells me, you sent too much.  I then explain to her no, she needs to pay for the room in Kiev before I arrive.

I had another time where I miscalculated and when I arrived to visit she gave me the extra money.  It's an amazing difference between the honest ones and not so honest ones.

[PeeWee]

My fiance points out when I send her too much money for something.¦nbsp; As an example we went to Egypt in March, and as you might expect it's cheaper even after paying the $100 "American tax" to book through a tour agency in Ukraine than the US.¦nbsp; When I sent her the money, she tells me, you sent too much.¦nbsp; I then explain to her no, she needs to pay for the room in Kiev before I arrive.

I had another time where I miscalculated and when I arrived to visit she gave me the extra money.¦nbsp; It's an amazing difference between the honest ones and not so honest ones.

Hmmmmm...she be a good one. You haven't married her yet?

Peewee

[Infoman]

Pre-trip report...

Well, leaving for the airport at 5:00 pm today, and everything on her end has checked out - so far, so good.

NOW, the real test comes - will she arrive an hour after me on the plane that she is booked on?  If she arrives, will it be the same girl that I've talked to and seen many photos of?  Or will nobody arrive, and I have a 4-day weekend in Paris "a la carte"?

Stay tuned - will report back Tuesday.  Wish me luck!!

Steve

[Shadow]

Good luck infoman, and don't forget to report back

[Infoman]

I won't (forget to report back, that is!   ) , Shadow!   Thanks!

Steve

[PeeWee]

Good luck infoman, and don't forget to report back

Yes, don't forget to forget to report back and hopefully Clyde will not post one of his non posts in the meantime because is no longer posting anything anymore.

Peewee

[BillyB]

Infoman, If things don't work out with this woman and you try this again, then I'd suggest meeting a woman in her town first. It's not all about getting scammed or buying a vacation for a gold digger. It's about self worth. Are you capable of winning a woman's heart over without the benefit of a big wallet and/or romantic destination? No doubt she's going to love Paris but you better hope she doesn't love you based on you taking her there.

[Infoman]

Hi, Guys...

First - BillyB - thanks so much.  Points very well taken.

Second: I just got back from Paris, and I've been up for a day and a half straight.  I will update you all tomorrow.  Hang tight.

And get ready for the honest truth.

Steve (Infoman)

[PeeWee]

Hi, Guys...

First - BillyB - thanks so much.  Points very well taken.

Second: I just got back from Paris, and I've been up for a day and a half straight.  I will update you all tomorrow.  Hang tight.

And get ready for the honest truth.

Steve (Infoman)

Holy crap!  He went and came back already?!

Peewee

[Infoman]

Yes, PeeWee...I did....and for you and everyone else, here's the story....and I'll try to be brief...


The bitch never showed.


OK, for the one or two of you that thought that this was a scam, you're right.  My hat's off to you.  I thought I could smell 'em all out, and this one had me going daily for months - emails and calls - for what?  700?  Fine.  Call me stupid, naive, whatever...I was shanghai'ed and suckered, and I had plenty of alone time in Paris in my room to think about this ad nauseum.  Never mind the fact that it rained the entire time I was there - except for Sunday during the day, when I took a walking tour of Paris by myself...went to the Arc, Eiffel Tower, Louvre and saw the Monna Lisa...took 70 photos...walked around 15 miles...and my feet hurt like hell afterwards.  For those of you that haven't been, regardless of this situtation for me, Paris is an old, historical city.  I really think the "romance in Paris" thing is HIGHLY HIGHLY overrated, even if I was there with someone.  They have weird streets, little cars and scooters, no convenience stores or fast food places, they don't believe in coffee or ice, they have virtually no TV...they do have a million cafes where people sit out and eat and smoke and talk on their cell phones.  Again, this ain't America - or any other country - and I realize that.  The city?  I'm just real happy to be an American and that I'm home.

What have I learned from this particular incident?  And remember, these are my opinions only...

a) NEVER NEVER NEVER send any money to anyone that you don't know - period.

b) NEVER do a "3rd place" meeting like I did.  Like BillyB said, meet her in her own area, but make sure it's a woman that has been triple-verified by some legit agency to prevent a no-show THERE.

c) Not all Russian or Ukrainian women are bad, not at all.  My opinion has not changed.  THIS woman was the first one I met, and those means were other than through legit agencies.  And she is and has been and will be the ONLY one that I will have ever dealt with from "non-legit" sources.  NEVER deal with anyone that you may meet through anything but reliable sources.

d) I'm sure I missed some things, but you get the drift.

OK...I'm a chump.  Sucker.  Whatever you want to call me.  Even in these circumstances, I was too G. D. trusting.  I hate to have to learn another lesson, but that's what it is, and I can't change the past.

What CAN help me is a little advice on how to nail this bitch to the wall, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE:

- Western Union and/or Ukrainian Consulate (here?  there?)

Will either of these help in any way?  Or am I screwed as far as the money is concerned?

Well, I hated to report this.  I hate feeling used, not to mention all the time and energy I gave this )*(&%*(&(* .  I will get over this and move on.  Life goes on...hopefully I will be a little less trusting and a little more smart going forward from here.

Thanks...

Steve

[jb]

Infoman,

Steve, I'm having a very hard time refraining from the "I told you so's".  However, I predicted this and was slapped down by the cheerleaders of the board.  As I said, this is one of the oldest scams in the books.  It was also one of the reasons I started the poll for unmarried men asking if they would rather us old married men should stay out of the single men's business.

Oh, well,,, you live and learn.  Next time, older and wiser.

[BC]

Steve,

Glad you had 'nuff rocky mountain oysters to post the results of your trip.

In time, this post alone will maybe save a hundred others the same amount or more so consider your deed well done. No revenge necessary, the rest will take care of itself.

Let byegones be byegones and remember.. 'this too shall pass'

Don't be too hard on yourself.

Cheers!

[Infoman]

JB...

Yes, I know what you're saying.  And go ahead and tell me...you did say it was a scam.  I just didn't think that this one would put so much time and effort and LIVE SINCERITY on the phone (so it seems) for the purpose of scamming a little money out of me.  OK - so maybe that money is worth more there than it is here.  I feel bad enough about the whole thing, and I appreciate your input from the start.  I couldn't make the blanket division in it's a scam due to the particulars with this one.  Now, I can.  Live and learn is right.  A day later, a dollar shorter.  All I want to do is make her life a living hell, if at all possible.  The only solaice I can take was that the weather was miserable anyhow and I spent a hell of a lot less than I would have otherwise.

Thanks...

Steve

[Infoman]

Thanks so much, BC!

With a reply like that, I feel better already.  Nice to know that you guys are all decent and understanding in light of naievity and, dare I say, stupidity...no, make that TOO F'NG TRUSTING...on my part.  That just won't happen again.  Period.

Thanks...

Steve