Something on the lighter side...

[Kuna]

This process is certainly frustrating at times (and my journey has only just begun), but every now and again something pops up that makes me chuckle for a few days.

On the weekend I had a chat on the phone with one of the girls I'm corresponding with and it was great.  Relaxed, a bit of laughter, some nervous giggles from her... just a nice comfortable chat.

She was asking when I arrive because she wants to take a few days off work to show me around.  I said it sounded like a great idea.

Later in the conversation she said she'd like to cook me dinner one night.  I said that sounded great too.

I said she can only cook for me if only I can cook for her on another night.  She said that'd be great, and she'd feel special because it's nice when someone cooks for you.  I agreed.

She was telling me about her apartment and the fact that all of her family is still back in Moscow. I said I was arranging my apartment at the moment but I'm still need to do more research...

"Maybe you can help me understand your city better before I book my apartment?"

The line wasn't the best but I could tell something was wrong.  She giggled, paused, giggled a little more, and I could sense the breath caught in her chest and a thousand thoughts flashing through her mind... THEN I realised she thought I said, "Maybe you could help and I'll stay at your apartment".

I backtracked to clear up the misunderstanding and she cracked up in an intense high-pitched squeal of relief. For the next few minutes she was apologising profusely and telling me that she wouldn't know how to explain to her family that a strange man she'd never met was staying in her apartment.  (Of course it was probably more about "the strange man") but it's something that just keeps giving me chuckles!

I'm glad everything isn't so serious because I'm sure keeping things relaxed will make "the journey" will be much more fun.

Anyway,  back to talking about relationship problems,  stereotypes and cultural differences!   

Kuna

[Gator]

Kuna,

Sharing lighter moments is a good sign.  You will encounter many of these moments because of different culture, different language and bad telephone connection.

It is a good sign that she wants to take off from work.  You and I discussed that earlier. 

It is aslo a good sign that she is not dictating what you do.  Some of these RW can be bossy and argumentative. 

But the jury is still out until she determines that you will meet other women.  Do not volunteer the info.  It will emerge.  I hope you can explain that you have saved some time at the end of the trip to revisit with her (or another is she is not fun).