To the Pearl of the Black Sea

[Trenchcoat]

Acting unnaturally could promote a girl to do the same and bring on a false situation I guess. Thing is, is this girl for real anyway. Is there much eye flirtation from her? Chemistry? I've had girl who I got on well with and was a good hostess but there was no affection/chemistry I think she like me but that was all. Possibly girl your with could be being a good hostess and gaining your trust with the idea that if she looks out for you, you are more likely to be taken, i.e if she moved in straight off with nwedding money for this or that, shopping spree, etc then she may know from past experiences that doesn't work well. I'm guessing we can assume she has been at this game a while. Possibly some of the looking out for you moments may have been set ups or her exaggerating things. Personally when I was there I walked around quite perfectly with no weird situations being present at all.

As BillyB correctly states you can spend your whole week or so with a 'good hostess' and there be nothing there at the end of it. From my experience of the first girl I met while it makes for a nice holiday it is ultimately a waste of time in terms of finding a partner which is really the hole point of it all and amounts to a wasted attempt. The experience though can be useful. Probably the 'good hostess' girl is a common early FSU dating experience most of us have had here.

[BillyB]

She is passed out asleep in my bed right now while I catch up on work Billy.

I've had FSU women with boyfriends and husbands wanting to sleep with me without caring about what kind of person I was. Keep your big head in the game.

[JayH]

A couple of points -- I don't think I have ever met any FSUW that could not fire up-- and I mean -really fire up.My long term ex was generally as sweet & calm as a girl could be --but could change like a light switch!! My current lady is much the same -- and even when I am the source ( !!) gets over it in a few minutes.
Over a period of time I have witnessed what seems very aggressive aggravated conversations-- between couples,in stores etc-- it seems to be accepted as normal ! Many years ago ,in another country,I learnt that the emotion needs to be illustrated --or the risk is that you would be seen as not committed to your cause !
On checking the bill-- virtually every girl I have known has always gone thru the bill checking and some even doing all the addition.

Now -- I hope by now you have taken this girl to a restaurant or 2 !  If you go left out on the street there is a place just as you turn the corner -- open air on street that is ok. On Derybasivska St( cobblestones -semi -pedestrian only)  virtually opposite McDonalds is a nice place too.

On the supermarket -- the cashier was probably asking if you want a plastic carry bag --which you pay for ( and load yourself).I prefer to pay via CC as the alternative is to start collecting a pile of coins-- which is like a throwback to another era for me.

[ML]

I had been to Opera in Kiev and Odessa. Didn't understand one word.

Except for Sandro, most of us wouldn't understand one word . . . regardless of the city.

[ML]

The two ladies in the booth gave me a once over, smiled at each other and said "Welcome to Ukraine" in broken English.

While waiting for luggage I was sandwiched between two beautiful slim blondes. Not sure if just plain rude or jockeying for position to speak to me.

Your writing is a bit confusing.

Question 1: Did the booth gals speak as in a duet ?

Question 2:  So did either of the blondes actually speak to you ?

[rw_recruiter]

Question 1: Did the booth gals speak as in a duet ?

Both women occupied the same passport booth, each attending a different line. Basically backs to each other. When I walked up to the lady taking my docs the other one turned around and looked at me, looked at her coworker, nodded and smiled. The officer talking my docs proceeded to smile and say "Velcome to Ukraine".

Question 2:  So did either of the blondes actually speak to you ?

Nah, the one just slid up against me and the other blonde gave her a dirty look. No idea what that was about.

[ML]

First you write:  There is a tiny blonde girl smirking on the other side. And behind her is the girl I came to see. Apparently I have had enough rest and need to get out.

Then later you write:

Up early as not used to the time difference yet. I fear it will be a long day today because of that, but the woman cannot meet me till later in the day so a nap may be in store.

After pounding on my door and kidnapping me the two women wanted to show me around a bit. I have still not exchanged funds and had to inform them to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.

They said it's ok and said we can just go for a walk.

So again I am lost in your story.

The gal you came to see arrived with another gal.
But then she cannot meet you until later.
However she walked with you now and went to restaurant with you anyway.

[rw_recruiter]

I went out with two girls last night. After she left with her parents she showed up again with a little blonde. We walked around town.

Today I went out with only the girl I came to visit. She had errands to run, but showed up much earlier than expected and we went for lunch.

[rw_recruiter]

Now -- I hope by now you have taken this girl to a restaurant or 2 !  If you go left out on the street there is a place just as you turn the corner -- open air on street that is ok. On Derybasivska St( cobblestones -semi -pedestrian only)  virtually opposite McDonalds is a nice place too.

Besides the crepe stand that first night we have only gone out to eat once. It was for lunch today at the food court place below.



One of the places below on the right was where my bill posted earlier was padded.

My schedule is thrown off big time. Nap later in the day and wake up in middle of the night. I still have food in the fridge from her parents for a late night snack if need be. Tomorrow we are going to meet another of her girlfriends for dinner so will find a nice spot.

[wallm]

Was it the Afina center? Don't recall the particular place you ate at from the photo. Whats the deal with her friends tagging along?

[rw_recruiter]

Was it the Afina center? Don't recall the particular place you ate at from the photo. Whats the deal with her friends tagging along?

She said it is a new place. From where I am walk towards the Opera House, turn right on that busier road, past the wedding palace and down some blocks past a few outdoor cafe's. Behind that chandelier flooding my photo with light is a DJ stage on upper level. Behind us is a seafood booth, wine bar and a few more food stalls.

Must have been 9 or 10pm when the girls knocked on my door. Most places were closed at that point. I assume she did not want to meet a guy by herself right after just having met for the first time. Understandable in my opinion.

[rw_recruiter]

Odessa seems a very young city. Young people everywhere. The girl I flew to see says it is hard for old people to survive in the city.

[JayH]

Odessa seems a very young city. Young people everywhere. The girl I flew to see says it is hard for old people to survive in the city.

Good observation -- and I agree. That is the case across Ukraine.
I think-- the average life span is significantly shorter and the average age younger . As observed-- the economic situation dictates older people do not have the resources to be out and about.
Odessa city itself is a little distorted --more upmarket and expensive ,and many visitors.

What is to be  noted-- even at your age ( many who read here are older than you !!) you will be the oldest person in sight !!

On sleep -- I tend to sleep only short periods -- 3 hours or so --then I am wide awake ! It takes a few weeks for pattern to adjust -- and then you pay for it when you go home !

[Anotherkiwi]

My schedule is thrown off big time. Nap later in the day and wake up in middle of the night.

Don't take this the wrong way, but have you done much long-distance travelling in the past?

Those of us in New Zealand and Australia have often made our first LONG trips to Europe (especially the UK), with a 10 or 12 hour time difference.  It was drummed into me when I arrived that I should not go to bed until as close as possible to my normal bedtime, and aim to sleep through until the following morning.  I thought I did well to stay awake until 9 pm (my girlfriend managed to last about an hour longer), and was wide awake at 5 am.  From there I was instantly back to normal times, going to bed at 11 or 12 at night without a worry.  It was wonderful to find out that I didn't suffer from jetlag (and still don't)!    My girlfriend wasn't so lucky - it took her a few days to completely get over the flight.

I'm guessing that the time difference you're experiencing (between your home and Ukraine) is similar.  It may be too late to try this trick now, as you've already been there a few days, but perhaps bank it in your memory for the future.

[jone]

Second Kiwi.  Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.

When my gal went back to Russia, from California, she was a week getting back to her normal self.  And I had given her the same advice but she didn't follow it.

[rw_recruiter]

Don't take this the wrong way, but have you done much long-distance travelling in the past?

I have not, but managed to go back to sleep last night so should be fine now.

This morning while cooking breakfast I discovered the difference between milk and kefir the hard way. Kefir is not very good in coffee.



Eggs apparently come in packs of ten versus a dozen like back home. Missed that when at the store, so will need to go back soon as they are a part of my daily diet.

She has left the apartment and needs to run to dentist today. Offered to bring me if I wanted a cleaning, but I may pass on that experience in a foreign country. She said her Xrays yesterday were 120 Hrivna, not bad.

We may go to the 7 km market before we have a BBQ this weekend to do a shop.

[rw_recruiter]

On sleep -- I tend to sleep only short periods -- 3 hours or so --then I am wide awake ! It takes a few weeks for pattern to adjust -- and then you pay for it when you go home !

This is how I am. I do not need a lot and after a few hours I am up again. Maybe 5-6 hours a night is normal for me. No sleep in several days before the trip and unable to sleep on the plane did one on me though.

[JayH]

We may go to the 7 km market before we have a BBQ this weekend to do a shop.

7Km market is fun.It is huge . Much smaller versions exist all over Ukraine and they are the source of a lot of Ukrainian shopping .
Prices about 1/10th of  upmarket stores in Kyiv !!

Now if only a few others were taken shopping at the markets !!

[Trenchcoat]

I have not, but managed to go back to sleep last night so should be fine now.

This morning while cooking breakfast I discovered the difference between milk and kefir the hard way. Kefir is not very good in coffee.



Eggs apparently come in packs of ten versus a dozen like back home. Missed that when at the store, so will need to go back soon as they are a part of my daily diet.

She has left the apartment and needs to run to dentist today. Offered to bring me if I wanted a cleaning, but I may pass on that experience in a foreign country. She said her Xrays yesterday were 120 Hrivna, not bad.

We may go to the 7 km market before we have a BBQ this weekend to do a shop.

So main question, is there much chemistry between you two or is she just enjoyable company?

[rw_recruiter]

So main question, is there much chemistry between you two or is she just enjoyable company?

Apologies, you asked this a few times. Yes, there is definitely good chemistry between us.

[Trenchcoat]

Apologies, you asked this a few times. Yes, there is definitely good chemistry between us.

Well I hear even a fair few agency girls want to find Mr right and if and when they do they are prepared to for go the usual scamming carry on. Some men seem to think they will be the lucky ones this happens to and chance it with an agency. Rarely though I hear it pans out for them, they just get scammed. Assuming this is all on the level then perhaps you have been remarkably lucky. Success result I hear is very low at an agency such as you used, what possessed you to give it a go there?

[rw_recruiter]

Back home from a great night out. Good restaurant, nice lounge afterwards, great city to be in. Will post more about it in the morning but Anya is in the shower right now.

[ML]

Ooooops . . . that's a bad sign.

[BillyB]

Anya is in the shower right now.

Be careful what you say about an FSU woman showering. You're pretty much telling us she's getting ready for sex or just finish having sex with you. You just met her. Hopefully the quick move to the bedroom gymnastics are happening because you earned her respect and she realizes you have good heart, soul and is a true family oriented guy.

[southernX]

This morning while cooking breakfast I discovered the difference between milk and kefir the hard way. Kefir is not very good in coffee.

that is hell funny    see if you can find a kefir with honey , then you may like it on its own , but definitly not in coffee 

She has left the apartment and needs to run to dentist today. Offered to bring me if I wanted a cleaning, but I may pass on that experience in a foreign country. She said her Xrays yesterday were 120 Hrivna, not bad.

ime the dentist service in ukraine is good , quality is good and price is low compared to western prices

just be aware if you go take your lady [anna ] with you so she can make sure you dont get hit foreign prices 

jay mentioned before to not look like a foreigner ,that is true .     dress like the locals and you avoid alot of attention and move around with less hassles

SX