Trip Report, Moscow April 30-May 7. Finally, I got it right

[wiz]

Wiz, that was well presented. I  have but one question. How the heck do you have the time to compose a retort like that? Mind you I am not questioning how you spend your free time but rather acknowleging that you post did require a significate investment of your time.

Peewee

Peewee

Thanks for your comments.

I have been following carefully Groovs posts, because I like his writing style and as you know, when you reach my age 61 you need very little sleep...4-5 hours is enough for me......No woman around to take my attention so what do you do when you can't sleep?

I am retired and only work from home. The amount of business I do is not a lot and my website is nearly automated......so plenty of free time in my hands, for the moment.

When I read his First post copied the text and highlighted the important points. 

I knew that at one stage I will open my mouth and say something.



KenC

His advice was simply sensible and nothing more than that. He acquired his experience, for which he has admitted and reading all his previous posts, by paying dearly.

I made this analysis of his posts just to emphasise the difference between his previous and last approach, which of course has paid handsomely for him.

Actually thinking about it, he nearly blewed when he insisted for her to sleep with him, which of course she did when she was ready, next day. Two hours walking in the cold and doing a lot of thinking brought him to his senses....Thank God for that, he will say now.

This business of speed dating via an agency, used mostly by your co-patriots, does not pay off and it is very costly. Nice little earner for the clever Russian and Ukrainian agencies. Not everybody has Groovs money or Turbos money to spend looking for a woman in FSU. Just look the results of many other travel reports and especially Turbo's. If he continue with this approach he will never find anyone. What is funny also is that he does not even get his leg over to somehow justify the expense and travelling time.

However Groove, going to Moscow, with his well prepared ground, he had 99% chance to succeed, and he did. The only thing he could not be sure was if Irina would take a fancy on him and find him attractive, which she did. The rest of the story was normal flow of events.

I have had only one unsuccessful trip, that was in St Petersburg in Feb 2004, but even so I was rewarded with plenty of sex from the first night! She was a very attractive woman and well educated in the proffession of sexual pleasures. Unfortunately she lied to me by not telling me she was still married and that I do not forgive.

When I go to Ukraine, I am well prepared and only meet 2 max 3 women. Of course I try to combine these meetings with my business trips so it is tax deductible.

Having spoken to women for long time, when we meet is like meeting an old friend. Of course it goes without saying that the sex follows very quickly and not in 4 days. If the woman finds me attractive and enjoy my company in person, we have sex sometimes the first night but never later than the 2nd night. Only one woman did not have sex with me during the past 2 years and that due to her monthly problem.

The reason that I have not found anybody yet, is because I am not prepared to compromise, when it come to good communication. They must speak good English as I want my relationship to last for ever.

[groovlstk]

Thanks guys, I don't profess to be an expert in anything, much less Russian woman. What I've learned is mostly through making mistakes. Sometimes you can read all the advice in the world, yet the only way to truly learn is to mess up and then deal with the consequences. I'd love to say that I post my experience and advice here soley because the milk of human kindness flows through my veins. Sure I like helping other guys, but there's also a selfish element to it. If I bring a Russian girl here on a K1 sometime in the future, she's going to have to deal with the usual skepticism from friends and people she meets who will immediately assume she doesn't really love me and came to the US to escape a difficult life in Russia. Each failure is yet another very public black eye to a venture that's already bloodied and disrespected, making life more difficult for couples who married with the best of intentions.

Racer is correct in that we've only spent a week together and it's too early to call my relationship with Irina a success. However, I plan on going moving forward in the same manner that's worked for me so far. Once I decided I truly wanted her, my only goal was to impress her enough that she'd agree to meet me again. That I far exceeded my goal only makes me more certain that my search is over. But much work remains to be done, and sure there's a chance things could blow up on me--I know, because it happened to me once already in a big way.

I was going to write about this in my wrapup, but I didn't propose to Irina nor did I even consider it at any point. Neither Irina nor I used the "L" word while we were together, even when we parted at the airport. (That changed after we were apart for a few days, but I thought it was healthy not to allow myself to get caught up in the moment and I'm pleased she felt the same. I knew a few days away from her would give me the perspective I needed. It did.)

[wiz]

Thanks guys, I don't profess to be an expert in anything, much less Russian woman. What I've learned is mostly through making mistakes. Sometimes you can read all the advice in the world, yet the only way to truly learn is to mess up and then deal with the consequences. I'd love to say that I post my experience and advice here soley because the milk of human kindness flows through my veins. Sure I like helping other guys, but there's also a selfish element to it. If I bring a Russian girl here on a K1 sometime in the future, she's going to have to deal with the usual skepticism from friends and people she meets who will immediately assume she doesn't really love me and came to the US to escape a difficult life in Russia. Each failure is yet another very public black eye to a venture that's already bloodied and disrespected, making life more difficult for couples who married with the best of intentions.

Racer is correct in that we've only spent a week together and it's too early to call my relationship with Irina a success. However, I plan on going moving forward in the same manner that's worked for me so far. Once I decided I truly wanted her, my only goal was to impress her enough that she'd agree to meet me again. That I far exceeded my goal only makes me more certain that my search is over. But much work remains to be done, and sure there's a chance things could blow up on me--I know, because it happened to me once already in a big way.

I was going to write about this in my wrapup, but I didn't propose to Irina nor did I even consider it at any point. Neither Irina nor I used the "L" word while we were together, even when we parted at the airport. (That changed after we were apart for a few days, but I thought it was healthy not to allow myself to get caught up in the moment and I'm pleased she felt the same. I knew a few days away from her would give me the perspective I needed. It did.)

Groove

Where is the final part of your experience so far?

Having studied your posts I can surelly make a bet with you that this is it! Jackpot!

Just don't be pushy, forget the macho approach, go gently, be helpful. Her mind is in a turmoil right now, her emmotions all over the place, she needs time to clear her mind and make the next step, which of course will be from her heart! I bet she sleeps badly right now..... try to sense it.

After you post the latest update, requested above, I am sure your next post will be entitled: " She is coming to NY with a K1"

GOOD LUCK!

[KenC]

Wiz,
With some of the goofy advice that appears here, I'll settle for "simple & sensible."

What is your measure of "success?" I cannot help but get the impression that getting laid is your major (only?) criteria. Are you truly looking for a spouse or are your fsu trips purely recreational?
KenC

[wiz]

Wiz,
With some of the goofy advice that appears here, I'll settle for "simple & sensible."

What is your measure of "success?" I cannot help but get the impression that getting laid is your major (only?) criteria. Are you truly looking for a spouse or are your fsu trips purely recreational?
KenC

KenC

In previous posts I have stated which are my minimum requirements of which top is  communication. With that in mind I eliminate plenty women who writes to me.

Then of course I continue my communication with those who I think looking promising to get to know them well. This goes on for sometime before I meet them, 4-6 months.

During this time I have the chance from not only writing to them but also talking on the phone and some on MSN. Of course there is no way that you can actually find out everything about their character until you meet and spend time together. More importantly is the visual aspect, if we fancy each other.

The reason I mentioned about the shorter time before we start having sex is obvious. When we meet there is not much personal information to find out and both of us naturally want to discover if we are compatible in the sex department. Sure they want to know too.

My measure of success therefore, is not how many women I have sex but with how many I continue and try to develop a relationship. Once you reach to this stage, then only time can tell if you will get together or not. Don’t forget that we have to meet several times before we take the big step. Here in the UK we do not have K-1 so is only one way to bring a woman here from FSU. At least with this approach I am not looking for a needle in a haystack and I can affort the travelling expenses.

During the past 2 years that I have been looking only 2 women continued our relationship. The other’s fell by the wayside. With one of them we have become good friends and communicate 4-5 times a week. Unfortunately she has a bad habit, talking to her self, which I don’t like otherwise she is an excellent character. The other married somebody after 2 months from our first meeting. That does not give me enough confidence in trusting them. Would you?

At 61 years of age I think I have only one chance to get it right so is very difficult finding the right person.

[groovlstk]

Day 7

I woke up and showered first. I had some coffee while Irina showered, then I put together the remaining sandwich items (God forbid I actually used the dreaded S-word!) along with some yogurt for Irina's breakfast. I rarely eat breakfast so I was ready to start my day.

I told Irina to meet me at the internet cafe across the street from our flat when she was ready. Like most women, she takes her time getting ready. This is something I made peace with long ago. One of the reasons many men are attracted to Russian girls is their femininity and the care with which they dress. This is not something that can be accomplished in 15 minutes.

I wrote to my family and friends and an hour later Irina showed up. We decided to take a cruise along the river. We took the metro for the umpteenth time (I think I blew through two 20-trip metro cards in a week) and then walked to the waterfront. The cruise cost 450 rubles and lasted about 30 minutes. I noticed there were dozens such cruise ships along the docks and figured many were party boats. As we cast off, we drifted by a lovable old cruiser painted rust brown. She was docked and all her windows were boarded up, but God love her she was seaworthy.

http://home.comcast.net/~marka136/boat.jpg

There were about a dozen other people onboard, all Russians, and most broke open bottles of champagne, wine, or vodka. We passed some interesting buildings, and I couldn't help but notice the huge disparity between the old Soviet-era apartment complexes and the newer luxury buildings.

http://home.comcast.net/~marka136/flats.jpg

I noticed the same thing walking along New Arbat. Every parked car was a Mercedes, Jag, Ferrari, Porsche, etc., and the place was awash in upscale malls. I'm sure people from the provinces are blown away by such showy wealth, but to me it was garish and ugly.

I had a bad moment when I didn't realize it was Friday already, for some reason I thought it was Thursday. I was set to leave at the crack of dawn on Sunday, so our time was growing short. As always when I'm in Russia or Ukraine I feel a bit of panic at how the world seems to rush by at hyperspeed.

There was a beautiful park near where our cruiser docked, and one section contained a small amusement park with booth games and games of chance that reminded me of carnies from my youth. We passed a booth for sharpshooters, and Irina tugged my arm and we walked over. There was a tall young man trying to ping some hanging spoons with a BB gun, while his gorgeous girlfriend cheered him on. He didn't have much luck, and soon it was Irina's turn. She proceeded to knock off about a dozen spoons, only one short of winning a big stuffed animal. I admired her poise and concentration--I mean, here is this beautiful girl in tight jeans, high heels, and a halter top--but beneath the lovely veneer she's tough as nails, knows her strengths, and loves to compete.   

We walked along holding hands and in late afternoon returned to our flat for some rest. We had dinner at a local Ukrainian restaurant, then sat on one of the benches in the courtyard outside our flat as the sun descended. Irina asked me question after question about what my family would think of her, about jobs in America, about how people in NYC perceived Russians, etc. I answered all her questions honestly, never speculating or asking her to elaborate on why she was asking me such questions. Our conversation was very comfortable and I think she liked my answers. I've met a good number of FSU women during my travels and I believe only a handful could successfully make the transition to life in my neighborhood. Irina has the attitude and skill to excel here, hands down.

As darkness descended we walked to our flat and called it a night.

[RacerX]

deleted by RacerX -

[wiz]

Groove

 

Getting better and better.....impatient to read the next episode (s).

I love succesful stories.......maybe one day soon you will have to read mine.

PS I have two hot irons on fire at the moment and one of them looks fits the cap..... have to wait 

[PeeWee]

Thanks guys, I don't profess to be an expert in anything, much less Russian woman. What I've learned is mostly through making mistakes. Sometimes you can read all the advice in the world, yet the only way to truly learn is to mess up and then deal with the consequences. I'd love to say that I post my experience and advice here soley because the milk of human kindness flows through my veins. Sure I like helping other guys, but there's also a selfish element to it. If I bring a Russian girl here on a K1 sometime in the future, she's going to have to deal with the usual skepticism from friends and people she meets who will immediately assume she doesn't really love me and came to the US to escape a difficult life in Russia. Each failure is yet another very public black eye to a venture that's already bloodied and disrespected, making life more difficult for couples who married with the best of intentions.

Racer is correct in that we've only spent a week together and it's too early to call my relationship with Irina a success. However, I plan on going moving forward in the same manner that's worked for me so far. Once I decided I truly wanted her, my only goal was to impress her enough that she'd agree to meet me again. That I far exceeded my goal only makes me more certain that my search is over. But much work remains to be done, and sure there's a chance things could blow up on me--I know, because it happened to me once already in a big way.

I was going to write about this in my wrapup, but I didn't propose to Irina nor did I even consider it at any point. Neither Irina nor I used the "L" word while we were together, even when we parted at the airport. (That changed after we were apart for a few days, but I thought it was healthy not to allow myself to get caught up in the moment and I'm pleased she felt the same. I knew a few days away from her would give me the perspective I needed. It did.)

When are you heading back to Moscow, sheepman?

Peewee

[wiz]

When are you heading back to Moscow, sheepman?

Peewee

Dissapointed on you. Are you trying to spoil it for him?

Groove ......wait before you go back. Give her the space she needs to think it over.

I am sure your telephone bill is going to be expensive next quarter....... but is worth it!


I bet Irina soon will start asking: When are you coming to see me again?
and of course then.....just go if you can.

[groovlstk]

Day 8

This was our last full day together, and Irina wanted to use it to show me her daily life. We took the metro and then the elektrichka to her apartment complex. I was surprised to learn that the elektrichka was free. It's fast and comfortable, and very convenient. While we were on the platform, some dumpy guy wearing an ill-fitting suit (and a tie that would have drawn the envy of Looney Skip Rooney of Uncle Floyd fame) and sucking on a big bottle of Baltica approached her and they had a brief conversation. The guy never looked at me while they talked, even though I had my arm around her. He left and walked to the other side of the platform, and Irina explained that he lived in her neighborhood, was married, and constantly tried to cajole her into having an affair with him. She said he was a fairly successful businessman but that he was harmless. We kissed and I made sure I didn't let go of her, and from the corner of my eye I saw Looney Skip Rooney watching us constantly. Get used to it pal, I thought.

Chuck let out a howl when I entered the apartment, all the while Irina scolded him in a no-nonsense tone. I tried to buddy up with him, embracing the ages-old edict of keeping one's enemies close, but each time I came near he'd howl like a banshee and back off. After showing me her spacious flat we took Chuck for a walk. We hiked along a path in the countryside for about an hour. On our way back, Chuck left the path and dove into a swamp that stunk to high heaven. Irina scolded him and immediately he jumped out and rejoined us. When we entered her building, the smell hit us: Chuck smelled like the proverbial 10 lbs. of poop in a 5 lb. bag. I helped her hose him off in the shower as Irina explained to me that he was normally very well-behaved.

After his shower, Chuck seemed to warm to me and I happily patted him on the head, thankful that he'd assumed his rightful role as man's best friend. While he was close to me, he shook off his wet coat, soaking my jeans in the process. Then, as Irina prepared tea for us, Chuck went to Plan B and started humping my leg at every opportunity. I tried everything to keep him away from me short of a kick, but when I'd pry him off my leg, he'd try to hump my arm. When Irina saw him in action, she scolded him in Russian and Chuck lost his ardor as fast as it had arrived. He spent the rest of my visit lying prone on the floor looking at me. I suggested to Irina that maybe she ought to let him mix with the local canine population so that he might develop a more healthy attraction.

We walked back to the elektrichka, and Irina pleasantly asked me, "so, how do you like Chuck?"

"He's delightful!," I lied.

OK, I know honesty is the foundation of any good relationship, but I also know that you never, ever insult a woman's pet, be it a goldfish, cat, parakeet, or horny dog. 

Besides, I figured that if things worked out and Irina came to join me in the US, and she insisted on bringing Chuck along... well, a single visit to a vet and some local anesthetic, a cut here and there, etc. and Chuck will be barking in soprano and would never mistake my leg or arm for the canine version of J-Lo again.

All kidding aside, I'm glad she has Chuck. While Irina lives in a safe area, she sometimes walks him late at night and I know that if someone threatened her, Chuck would tear him to pieces.

A quick marshrutka ride took us to Irina's workplace. She works in an enormous upscale furniture store, it's as big as an NHL arena. Each floor has a different focus, such as A/V stuff, bedrooms, kitchens, etc. She introduced me to a few of her colleagues, showed me her office, and then we went to a cafe that is part of the complex.

http://home.comcast.net/~marka136/store.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~marka136/store2.jpg

It was our last night together so I decided to splurge and take her out for a nice dinner. Her shrewdness had saved me money at every turn, and I was well under budget for this trip. We dressed nicely, and while in our bedroom I jokingly started putting on my pink, errr… I mean, salmon shirt. She let out an expletive and when I laughed she realized I was teasing her, which earned me a pinch in the ass. We walked to an Italian place that I'd passed during one of my late-night walks earlier in the week. It was the best Italian food I've had in the FSU, but I wasn't pleased at having to pay 1800 rubles for a bottle of pinot grigio. One of the things that irritates me about US restaurants is that they often charge triple or more for what you'd normally pay for a bottle of wine. I'm often amused when I order a bottle of cheap Beaujolais at a NY restaurant and the snooty waiter expects me to sniff the cork, as if some mass-produced wine that retails for $6.99 a bottle will go bad because it was sitting in the sun too long. Hell, you can probably boil the stuff, freeze it, thaw it out, and serve it and it will still have the same bland taste.

Irina had never had Italian food outside of pizza and pasta, so I told her I'd order for her. I knew she loved fish so I chose a seafood risotto. We shared a plate of misto di formaggio, and while most of the cheeses were pretty good, it's anyone's guess where they were imported from. Irina loved her risotto, and I explained to her about Arborio rice and its creamy texture.

We talked about our next meeting, I told Irina I could probably take a week off around the week of July 4th and she said it wouldn't be a problem. She wanted to meet somewhere with a beach. I suggested Crimea but she told me she'd been there so many times that it no longer held much charm for her. I suggested Egypt or Turkey, but she said the beaches are hot, crowded, and not so nice in July. In my mind I knew that, beyond July, I wanted to see her again in the Fall, and again for New Year's, but with seven previous trips to Europe in the last year my finances were feeling the strain. Crimea, Egypt, and Turkey are all relatively inexpensive... When I carefully explained this to her, she told me she fully expected to pay 1/2 of our bill. Dumbfounded, I asked her to explain again. "Don't worry, Mark. I have good salary, it's no problem. I know you spent much moneys to be with me in Moscow. It's no problem."

It was dark out as we left the restaurant, and we were slightly tipsy. We walked slowly back to our flat, and at one point Irina started crying. I held her and asked what was wrong, and she told me that she couldn't stop thinking that we had to part the next day and that she bitterly regretted going home at the end of our first three days together, as she wished we'd spent every available moment together. I talked to her for a few minutes and she recovered, and we resumed our walk home. When we turned onto our street, I had one of the strangest experiences of my life. I'm guessing the fact that it was Saturday night had something to do with it, but every person on the street was drunk as a skunk. And I'm not talking a few people, there must have been 30-40 people out staggering around. Young and old, fat and thin, alone or in pairs, people lurched up and down the sidewalks like extras from Night of the Living Dead. I watched a young couple walking and holding hands, and when the man lost his balanced and careened into a parked car, I thought, "Oh that poor girl!" But when he regained his footing and they began to walk again, she fell backwards on her butt in that sudden, boneless way that only babies and the truly drunk can accomplish. They were both laughing. I thought to myself: I love this place!

I had packed my bag the afternoon before, so there was nothing left to do but enjoy the rest of our evening together. As I drifted off to sleep, I was hit with a feeling of unreality, as I'm sure many men feel when they find a beautiful, tender, and affectionate Russian girl who treats him like he's God's gift to the world. I couldn't think of anything I'd done in my life to deserve it, but I wasn't complaining.

[Michelangelo]

Excellent trip report, Groov!

You proved that it takes many "at bats" to hit that home run.  And now you have!

You show us that persistence is important, and that one should not settle for an outside pitch...instead, be patient and wait for that perfect ball down the middle of the plate.  You did, and you scored.

Congrats!

It takes time...but the time is well worth the cost.  It'll pay off in the long run.

We look forward to updates from time to time.  I expect it'll take half a year, but you two will draw closer and closer together and will make it .

[wiz]

Day 8
When I carefully explained this to her, she told me she fully expected to pay 1/2 of our bill. Dumbfounded, I asked her to explain again. "Don't worry, Mark. I have good salary, it's no problem. I know you spent much moneys to be with me in Moscow. It's no problem."

As I drifted off to sleep, I was hit with a feeling of unreality, as I'm sure many men feel when they find a beautiful, tender, and affectionate Russian girl who treats him like he's God's gift to the world. I couldn't think of anything I'd done in my life to deserve it, but I wasn't complaining.

Groove

Excellent ..... you got it right my friend!

More dry wood in your fire.....she is serious and supportive. Not a frivolous and good time girl, approaches your relationship carefully and thoughtful.

Start pinching your self lucky .....

Why not take her to Greece... There are direct charter flights from Moscow to Kos island and also to Corfu island.

Sure you will find the Greek island uncrowded and romantic.

[PeeWee]

A nice report. I hope that I can even come close with my report when I return from Hong Kong. The photos were great and I noticed that you were careful not to post any of you or Irina. It may be a wise move on you part. I don't know.

Best of luck to you, Groover.

Peewee

[groovlstk]

Thanks Wiz,

We're thinking of meeting in Thailand over the July 4th holiday.

Peewee,

If you want to see more photos PM me your email addy. Irina doesn't know I post here and if she did she'd probably sic Chuck on me. Regardless, I'd never post her photo in a public forum even if she gave me permission.

[PeeWee]

Thanks Wiz,

We're thinking of meeting in Thailand over the July 4th holiday.

Peewee,

If you want to see more photos PM me your email addy. Irina doesn't know I post here and if she did she'd probably sic Chuck on me. Regardless, I'd never post her photo in a public forum even if she gave me permission.

I agree. I would not either. I will pm to you and what the heck I can share a few photos with you as well.

Peewee

[stoichman]

Groove-

Well I am glad you seem to have found the one.  As you know I have had my share of trips over there, and I am about ready to give up.  But the fact that you found such a keeper, it gives me hope.

I am going back this summer but I cut my time in Ukraine way back, now you got me thinking maybe that is not a good thing......

Great trip report!!!!!!

Scott

[Jumper]

Groove,
nice TR , thanks.


side note:
would love to see Thialand someday, so would the wife.

we once vacationed in sharm el sheik ,egypt - and it was a great place and great time. If worried about the july beach crowds there are plenty of inexpensive excursions offered for just a couple or two..to remote beach fronts..great scuba or snorkling as well.

also of the places you listed,
that are RW visa friendly,
there  is the Dominican Republic to consider as well ,
if you are vacation and beach oriented the next trip..
*shrugs*

[groovlstk]

Scott,

Thanks for your good words. If Irina and I make it to Crimea this Summer I'll definitely look you up.

AJ,

Unfortunately I nixed the Thailand trip because I read that monsoon season starts in July. I've heard Sharm is really nice, but didn't Al Qaeda attack one of the resorts there last year? It's just my luck to survive 9/11 by a hair only to get blown up by some crazy Arab 4000 miles from home

We're considering Turkey, Egypt, and Croatia, now. Honestly, I'd be happy to spend time with her anywhere.

[SANDRO43]

I've heard Sharm is really nice, but didn't Al Qaeda attack one of the resorts there last year?

Groovlstk, Egyptian location names no longer mean much : when 3 years ago I last passed through Sharm's airport on my way to Dabah, I noticed they were building hotels/resorts in the desert, miles from the coast.  So one might buy himself a holiday to Sharm and find he has to shuttle to crowded Naama Bay for a dip.

I would suggest you look into the more recently developed locations down on the Red Sea coast south of Hurghada, such as El Quseir and Marsa Alam. But then again, carefully check the proposed resort, they are not all equivalent in what they offer. Last year in Marsa Alam I was in a good resort with its own sandy bay lined by the reef, while some neighbouring resorts had the reef right to their beach and long piers to reach swimmable depths. 

By the way, being less crowded than Sharm or Dabah, they are less likely to attract would-be martyrs, and security is much better.

[Jumper]

I've heard Sharm is really nice, but didn't Al Qaeda attack one of the resorts there last year? It's just my luck to survive 9/11 by a hair only to get blown up by some crazy Arab 4000 miles from home

We're considering Turkey, Egypt, and Croatia, now. Honestly, I'd be happy to spend time with her anywhere.

Groove- yes there was some bomb attack out side of a hotel /resort in sharm
(not sure which one or if it was al queda)

and it would certainly be in anyones mind when traveling
only thing is the places you listed dont have any less history of such things as well..  (Turkey just had a fairly recent one?)

That was a *lone* incident in Sharm's "resort history"  i believe?
 NYC has more of a history of this type of thing , and on a much larger scale,  as unfortuntant as that is.

tourism in sharm el shiek and Egypt in general is way down over it
(and other things of course)   
so the rates are good for even the finest resorts.

anyway Sandro has some excellent suggestions regarding other places in Egypt! Down the coast of the red sea are many new places and they are extreemly nice.
 That trip we stayed at the Sharm Hyatt regency resort, it was right on the water, and had a decent beach head,with the reef close enough to snorkle on,.
but as SONDRO mentioned of course you want to look into wherre the resorts are actually located,and the lay of the reef in thier area,,..
as  the gardens reef does indeed come up right on the shoreline at some of the resort locations and  there isnt much usable beach..just a great view.
 One of the frequent RWG posters ,a Canadian married to a RW,
used to be a dive instructer in Sharm for a few years,,.
So, at the time, i had a inside line on where the best places where there.

For more *relative* safety Dominican Republic , Crimea ,, Krawkow , Prague ,Budapest, Bucharest..along with a ton of others,
are other RW visa friendly places??
 and heck its summertime ! St Pete?

like you said , its about spending time with the person .,not the location.

[PeeWee]

So many places to go. Lena and I are heading for Hong Kong this summer. After considering Egypt, Thailand, and Istanbul, Hong Kong is a place that I know my way around. I had thought too about Thailand but I also realized that the monsoons were in season. Heat and humidity are not my way of living.

I will be looking forward the goover's next trip report. They have proven to be most intertaining.

Peewee

[chivo]

Groove,

nice report and good luck in the future. now comes the hard part (and you thought meeting a good one was hard). as you know these type of relationships are ultra delicate. not to mention that Moscow is a hard place to leave for them. all one can do is give it his best shot and let the chips fall where they may. i wish you luck.

on a side note, ive been to the place where Irina works when i was looking for furniture, or at least i think its the one if its out past metro Rechnoy Vakzal headed to SVOII, not to far from the Ashan/Ikea shopping center. big place for sure.

as for Egypt, there was a recent attack in a smaller seaside resort (Dahab) about 40 miles south of Sharm a month or two ago as far as that goes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/23/AR2006052301666.html

for some perspective about it from Russians, my g/f said to me when i mentioned it (bombings in Egypt) before we went to Hurghada, "are you crazy, you have more of chance being blown up riding the metro everyday"  .

another funny thing, if you can call it that, is when the resorts do get bombed everybody leaves as fast as they can from the area, everybody that is except the Russians . maybe theyre just more used to it or maybe theyve spent their money and by god theyre going to party and have a good time no matter what. Russians do love to party  .

were thinking of Prague or Amsterdam for our next trip, im leaning towards Prague, great city from what i hear especially this time of year. peace out

Chivo

[KenC]

Groove,
I really enjoyed your trip report. Thanks for sharing it with us. When you wrote:
"As I drifted off to sleep, I was hit with a feeling of unreality, as I'm sure many men feel when they find a beautiful, tender, and affectionate Russian girl who treats him like he's God's gift to the world. I couldn't think of anything I'd done in my life to deserve it, but I wasn't complaining".
I couldn't help but remembering when I first felt that exact same way about my wife Lena. That was 8 years ago! And I still feel that way today. I wish you the same good luck as I have found.
KenC

[tim 360]

Just a really great trip report Groovstk, as usual from you but this was easily your best trip with the best results. There is one thing I hate to tell you though. Even if you have Chuck fixed he  could still be very romantic in regard to your legs. Its a dog thing. He will probably always love you in that special way.

Wine, corks and NY waiters. Thats a french thing. Years ago some French restaurants and vintners had a great idea to make more money. Some were just notorious. They would take an empty bottle of a well known good wine and pour in a cheap Algerian wine, put in a new cork and sell it. A very nice mark-up and scam. People whined when they discovered what was going on. Heads rolled and the guiotillne was reactivated. The legitimate producer then began to label their corks with the name of their particuliar wine. A trademark of sorts. This was then the buyers proof that he had a legitimate bottle of say pricey, Chateau Margeaux or Chateau Haut Brion and not Algerian. Soon everyone followed suit scripting labels on their corks. And restaurants in France had the waiters give the cork to the patron to examine. Of course,  your waiter is probably mindless of this since the employee manual tells him to do it and he does it. Someone who knows wine will know in a second by having the cork if the wine is good or bad. A good indicator. Just the smell will tell you if it is spoiled aka: corked. Probably 5% of reds from Europe change and spoil in shipping and you can taste it immediately. Ok, enuf whining Tim.