Help for a trip to Dnepropetrrovsk Ukraine

[alarm_man]

I am now getting into full swing for planning my trip to Dnepropetrrovsk (Dnep) which will take place over a long weekend at the End of Feb or beginning of March with the possibility of a follow up a  few weeks later.  (Just to recap I’m an Englishman living in France for 20 years, I’ll be flying From Nice in the South of France)  I’ve had to change the dates as my No. 1 is away until mid Feb, so I’d like to get a couple more letters under my belt before flying to meet her.   I have some backups,  who I will meet if only briefly.  Plans B, C, D and E include going wherever I want and just popping into an agency to see what is on offer, I know that’ll be a long shot but who knows maybe I’ll meet the one….   

I know I'm supposed to take some presents but what kind of things are appropriate?  For not only the RW I meet, but also possibly their kids and or family.  Any advice here will be much appreciated.  I saw on one TR that some sexy outfit was well appreciated, but another article implied that woman might be a bit “prudish”.

I would be pleased to hear of any recommendations for independent translators, and or agencies in Dnep.

I would also like to hear of any recommended apartments, and aprox costs.

Any advice on how to get from Borispol(sp) ? Kiev airport to Dnep?  My choices are fly – more expensive, and have to change airport, or train possibly sleeper, I don't speak or read Russian  But that’s never stopped me travelling before......  I've had a gun stuck in my face in Lebanon, I don't expect to have bigger problems than that!  I can say that I am definitely a seasoned traveller but have zero knowledge of language in Ukraine.   I have the Pimsleur, but its slow going I have to do each lesson two or three times.  Are  there any recommendations for people to help me with my transfers?

For those that run agencies feel free to PM me or post, with prices and services but PLEASE, let me know you are an agency.

2TallBill’s trip report was very interesting for me I only hope mine is half as interesting!  I will definitely take a few coffee table books of the Riviera, and a set of photo’s of my home etc.  How many boxes of Chocolates to take?  I’m not sure about the laptop, it’ll make the writing up easy, but still its valuable.   Maybe I’ll just use my old faithfull, a book and pen, which will also help with the drawing of diagrams that 2TallBill suggested.

Also a big thank you to all those that contribute to this forum you have helped me greatly in deciding to take this on.

A bientot,
Andy

[Turboguy]

You can probably catch a flight where you only have to change from the Borispol International airport to the domestic one which is a few minutes walk to the left.   It would run you more than a train but you would have a taxi fare getting you to the train station which would balance it out.   

If you need to take a train you could probably get Pavel to pick you up at the airport, take you to the train station and make sure you get on the right train.   

[alarm_man]

Thanks for the info Turboguy, I thought I needed to change airports.  So it looks like I'll be flying.

Cheers,
Andy

[Gator]

Travel

The domestic terminal is a 200m walk from the international terminal.  Marked well - you do not need an agent.  There is an Information Booth. 



The price of a flight to Dnepropetrovsk is $28-40, one-way.  A taxi to the train station would cost more.  Book here:

http://www.eb2-quicktrip.com/VV/Start.do

These planes are old, very old, so I hope that does not alarm you.  However, they seem to glide well when the pilot loses engine power. 

Gifts

Sexy outfits would make a very bad message.  You can not go wrong with French perfume (fresh fragrance, not floral).  Clothing is tricky - size, fashion, etc.  For her mama, premium chocolates are appreciated.  Papa would appreciate cognac.  You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression.

Are you more English or French?  Meaning if you married, where would you live?  Accordingly, a gift of something special produced in France (other than cognac) or UK would be appreciated.

Gifts for kids.  Talk to your women about the children's interests.  Young kids usually have a movie hero.  Years ago the son of my woman loved Spiderman.  I brought him about 5 Spiderman things (he wore the pajamas until they burst at the seams from his growing in size).  Plus you do not wish to offend mother's wishes.

Dnepropetrovsk Services

Your woman (if you are WMVO) will probably meet you at the Dnepro airport (if not, something's wrong).  Did you meet this woman through an agency?  If so, use them to arrange transfers and apartments and interpreters in Dnepro for a fee (you did not mention where you will be staying).  If not, Cindy Agency will still do it.  Check their web page for details. 

http://www.cindyagency.com/index.htm

Just having the name and telephone number of such an agency is all you need for backup.

If interpreters are busy, first priority will go to men paying for meetings - so no guarantee of availability.  Your woman may know an interpreter - meaning you will not get any independent advice about your woman.


Andy, wish you the best for your trip.

[docetae]

Try to book online with aerosvit. you can get very low fare ... a box of chocolate and a book about where you live is enough as present. for children, construction toys (lego) are very expensive in Ukraine and will be welcome.

[El Rock]

Info Booth .
Watch out  , I remember a very  nasty  women  with no patience .

People in Ukraine can be a little cold and  , well .

All the  beautiful women  overwhelm most of the unpleasantness you might encounter

Travel

The domestic terminal is a 200m walk from the international terminal.  Marked well - you do not need an agent.  There is an Information Booth. 



The price of a flight to Dnepropetrovsk is $28-40, one-way.  A taxi to the train station would cost more.  Book here:

http://www.eb2-quicktrip.com/VV/Start.do

These planes are old, very old, so I hope that does not alarm you.  However, they seem to glide well when the pilot loses engine power. 

Gifts

Sexy outfits would make a very bad message.  You can not go wrong with French perfume (fresh fragrance, not floral).  Clothing is tricky - size, fashion, etc.  For her mama, premium chocolates are appreciated.  Papa would appreciate cognac.  You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression.

Are you more English or French?  Meaning if you married, where would you live?  Accordingly, a gift of something special produced in France (other than cognac) or UK would be appreciated.

Gifts for kids.  Talk to your women about the children's interests.  Young kids usually have a movie hero.  Years ago the son of my woman loved Spiderman.  I brought him about 5 Spiderman things (he wore the pajamas until they burst at the seams from his growing in size).  Plus you do not wish to offend mother's wishes.

Dnepropetrovsk Services

Your woman (if you are WMVO) will probably meet you at the Dnepro airport (if not, something's wrong).  Did you meet this woman through an agency?  If so, use them to arrange transfers and apartments and interpreters in Dnepro for a fee (you did not mention where you will be staying).  If not, Cindy Agency will still do it.  Check their web page for details. 

http://www.cindyagency.com/index.htm

Just having the name and telephone number of such an agency is all you need for backup.

If interpreters are busy, first priority will go to men paying for meetings - so no guarantee of availability.  Your woman may know an interpreter - meaning you will not get any independent advice about your woman.


Andy, wish you the best for your trip.

[Michelangelo]

Hello....Been there, done that... My girl is from Dnepr, so here goes....

I know I'm supposed to take some presents but what kind of things are appropriate?  For not only the RW I meet, but also possibly their kids and or family.  Any advice here will be much appreciated.  I saw on one TR that some sexy outfit was well appreciated, but another article implied that woman might be a bit “prudish”. Take candies and candles for the ladies, and DVD movies as gifts; for papa bring some French wine :-)  DO NOT give sexy clothes...too soon in the relationship..

I would be pleased to hear of any recommendations for independent translators, and or agencies in Dnep.Use the terps at the Cindy agency, they are good, and honest.
[/color]
I would also like to hear of any recommended apartments, and aprox costs.The Cindy Agency has nice apartments in great locations at a good price- $40-$60.

Any advice on how to get from Borispol(sp) ? Kiev airport to Dnep?  My choices are fly – more expensive, and have to change airport, or train possibly sleeper, I don't speak or read Russian  But that’s never stopped me travelling before......  I've had a gun stuck in my face in Lebanon, I don't expect to have bigger problems than that!  I can say that I am definitely a seasoned traveller but have zero knowledge of language in Ukraine.   I have the Pimsleur, but its slow going I have to do each lesson two or three times.  Are  there any recommendations for people to help me with my transfers?Yes, you should fly, flights are at 3:40 p.m. (small 20 passenger plane at 1 p.m.) Borispol (KPP) is an easy airpot; just walk from the International terminal to the Domestic terminal--5 mintue walk. 

2TallBill’s trip report was very interesting for me I only hope mine is half as interesting!  I filed a TR to Dnepr; about Octover 2005-I think it was called Dnepr Drama
Also a big thank you to all those that contribute to this forum you have helped me greatly in deciding to take this on.Good luck, Andy!

[Jumper]

My wife is from Dnepro--
the advice you've gotten and woulddiffinantly second.

The domestic airport is an easy walk..no worries.
and the flight is inexpensive..
aerisvit, ukraine air, or another couple small airlines offer
a few different daily flight i believe.

Just try to work out the times of arrival in borispol with time to get thru customs and over to your domestic flight.


you dint ask,
but for "date' resturants in Dneper i'd recommend Pastor'al, Peking, Charlies , etc

there are many others, a few right on the river..near the circus-
one is on a boat,, with kind of a pirate theme. interesting.

not sure 'id recommend Bartholomus(sp)..
but it is viewed as the swakiest ..

Labrynth is a happenin' disco..
 

For a very reasonable place to eat where you don't need to understand the menu.. there is a cafeteria stlye place about a block west of the mcdonnels on karl marx (town center /square area/market area )
 you can see/point to what you want and the size portions..lol
lots of students eat, or hang out there.


Good luck and have fun!

my old trip reports to Dneper were on RWG,,but  long enough ago not sure they are even archived..

[Jack]

Hey Andy,

First let me say I am an agency.

Now that we have that out of the way let me say you have received a lot of good advice in the previous post's.

Bartholomew's is a little expensive for Dnipper standards. If you got some cash and want to really entertain a lady or two it's a good place. If you are with a mid-size to large group of people it's also cool place to go.

The Labyrinth is a very different place. Four different types of music/disco/clubs under the same roof. You can go from Caribbean, to Hard Rock to Euro-techno music in a matter of three-four minutes if you can make your way through the passages. This is also a cool place to go if you have three, four, five couples and you get there early enough to stake out a good place.

Dnipper is a booming city with lot's of construction over the last four-five years. Many new ladies are coming into Dnepropetrovsk daily from surrounding small cities and villages as the big city has many more job opportunities than the rural area she comes from. And quite an exciting and different night life.

Having Zaporozhye 45 minutes due south, Krivoy Rog 1 hour 45 minutes to the west, Poltava 2 hours to the north makes Dnepropetrovsk a wonderful and logical headquarters to meeting a lot of fine ladies.

Andy I help on average about 25 to 30 men a year into and out of Dnepropetrovsk, including one of the more knowledgeable guys around here on Dnepropetrovsk who just posted, AJ.  Recently I was looking thru some e-mails of 4-5 years old and ran across some of the e-mails between AJ and myself as we were preparing for AJ's first trip to Ukraine and Dnepropetovsk. It's somewhat entertaining today in re-reading of our game plan, the setting of many meetings for AJ and working with local marriage agencies. I think AJ met his wonderful wife on his first trip.

Anyway Andy, if you want any help, if you want a nice hotel room overlooking the river, or a nice flat overlooking Karl Marx, meeting with the owner of a couple of nice marriage agencies in Dnipper (one of which has been mentioned), cell phone, help coming into or leaving Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk, feel free to PM me.

[alarm_man]

Wow,

Thank you one and all for all that info.  If there's something you think I should know or think about eg restaurant recommendations from AJ  please say it.  I am not too proud to know when to ask for help, (and this is the time)  if I can look that much better by suggesting a restaurant or visit to somebody having just arrived in their town, so much the better!  I tend to be a power dater not in quantity but quality, I might go out with a different girl every day but I put in the research on each of them and their interests before meeting (in France this is).   Much better to know where the best Jazz club is if their profile says they like Jazz music than suggest an RnB bar!

To answer another question I am an Englishman but my heart and soul are in the South of France, I love this place to bits.  Skiing is 40 minutes away and the beach  20.  Lots of people have done the ski in the morning, dive in the afternoon, just to be able to say they’ve done it.

Another question - electronic translators are they any good?  If they are worth getting, which model?  With or without voice pronunciation or voice recognition?

I can almost feel that I am there now with all this info. 

I used Cindy’s agency to meet the girls as it had already been recommended here. So it looks like I will get them to arrange the rest.   I will take you up on your offer though Jack and will PM later.

So off to the sales to pick up those scented candles, the chocolates will have to wait until closer to the time. If I get stuck I’ll probably buy a couple of small lego sets as standby’s!  As my area is renowned for its perfume’s I’ll also take some of those.

Gator that was a great idea about asking the Mum about their offspring – I should have thought of it, must be slowing down in my young age 

Andy

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
 Lao-tzu

[Kuna]

Thank you one and all for all that info.  If there's something you think I should know or think about eg restaurant recommendations from AJ  please say it.  I am not too proud to know when to ask for help, (and this is the time)  if I can look that much better by suggesting a restaurant or visit to somebody having just arrived in their town, so much the better!  I tend to be a power dater not in quantity but quality, I might go out with a different girl every day but I put in the research on each of them and their interests before meeting (in France this is).   Much better to know where the best Jazz club is if their profile says they like Jazz music than suggest an RnB bar!

Andy,

Sounds like you're off and running.  I agree with you wholeheartedly about the restaurant recommendations etc...  After you do your trip it'd be great if you could "review" the restaurants you go to etc. I intend doing the same on my trip which starts on Saturday.

Another quick point...  my friend in Dnepropetrovsk mentioned a venue her French employer took staff to for a party around Christmas.  It's called Bartolomeos and while I've read varying reports on it I can tell you she was VERY impressed her employer took the staff there because it's not a place they can normally afford to go to.  Here's the website http://gorod.dp.ua/eng/  You'll see the restaurants etc are not very expensive by western standards and for a special night out with a lady it might be a nice option.

Also... here's a link for a website I found on Dnepr.   http://gorod.dp.ua/eng/   It's got a great photo gallery!

Best of luck,

Kuna

[Michelangelo]

So off to the sales to pick up those scented candles, the chocolates will have to wait until closer to the time. If I get stuck I’ll probably buy a couple of small lego sets as standby’s!  As my area is renowned for its perfume’s I’ll also take some of those.

Andy, for the mother of the main girl you meet, plates make good gifts.  I'm talking about the souvenir plates that have something of your home country painted on it; the type of plate that is hung by older women as art :-)

[groovlstk]

Bartolomeos is overpriced and gaudy, almost in a Vegas way. If you want to impress an impoverished girl and allow her to think that every meal in her future will be similar, go for it.

If you want to be more responsible, try these venues:

-Pastoral: the only "real" Italian restaurant that I know of in Dnepr. The food is passable if slightly expensive, the desserts and coffee are excellent. It's a great place to grab tea and cake.

-Sparta: Reasonably priced and a stone's throw from Karl Marx St. on Moskovskaya. The rear dining room is quiet, one of the few places you can take a date (and interpreter, if needed) and not have to raise your voice to be heard.

-Reporter: The restaurant on the 2nd floor is overpriced but the cafe on the first floor serves awesome desserts and tasty appetizers.

-Iceberg: Also on Moskovskaya, a nice place to grab a drink before or after dinner.

-Celentano's: They have good prices, great coffee, and the music (mostly R&B) is a nice reminder of home. It's a high-traffic place (think Starbucks), very casual, perfect for a first meeting or morning pick-me-up.

There's an all-night market on Karl Marx St. directly across from the Hotel Ukraine, scout it out and memorize the location.

As far as having Cindy arrange an airport transfer, know this: They will send an interpreter to meet you at DNK. Don't think car service; the interpreter will simply grab a waiting taxi and accompany you to your flat.

Know this, also: Be polite yet firm with Cindy's management, don't allow yourself to let them set your agenda. Line up dates BEFORE you arrive. Use your own interpreter (if you need a recommendation, I have a friend in Dnepr who works as an interpreter).

[SANDRO43]

As my area is renowned for its perfume’s I’ll also take some of those.

Environs of Grasse (just curious) ?

[neigedesalpes]

remember that "fruits confits" (crystallized fruits) is a speciality of Nice...

please find one adress:
l'art gourmand
21 rue du Marché
Nice - 06300
Indications :   Vieux Nice, près de la place du Palais.

P.s i am working everyday with an Ukrainian woman from Kremenchug here in France... i can ask her for the gift, but how old are they?

[alarm_man]

Hmm,

Very good yes not far from Grasse, about halfway to Nice   I will defintly think about the crystallisedfruit - I don't eat it to try and keep my weight right.  The ladies wil be in the 28/30 age range, plan B includes 28-36.

Thanks for all this gents.

Ciao,
Andy

[Donhollio]

 Here goes,I used a  Taxi guy named Viktor number is cell # 80 973 38 07
I would recomend flying into Dnep.
You could take the bus from the Kiev airport to the train station look for the sign in the bus that says (M/F vakzal in cyrillic)  20 grev I was told.
If you go to fly into Dnep you will have to go to the other terminal, its a 2 minute walk once exiting the airport on the rt side. Better yet if your not wanting adventure ask a cabbie ,offer him 10-20grvn to get your air ticket.
You can try this place in Kiev its a tour company I hired for 1 afternoon. tel# 044 212 5840 thats how its on her biz card.

As for the strip clubs go to Laberynth  top floor and hold on to your $$$$ the girls will jump on you in seconds. Better yet stay downstairs and take in the scene and all the smoke !

One more thing if you go by train to Dnep,you need to go to the far end of the station,up the escalator and keep walking til you come to the end. Turn right I think it's kiosk #41or 44
She may as what class but they generally put foreigners in the same compartment.
 In the services section I posted a bit on a woman I used for her apartment rental. It was a very nice clean place ,I do't think you can go wrong with her.
 There is also hi-speed trains that run Kiev to Dnep, they are new,and the ride is 5 hrs.
 Hey ! have fun ,I wish I was going there to revisit .

[FunIndieBloke]

Hi alarm_man,

Actually, I'm kind of like you in reverse, I was born American, but I live in London and like it a lot!  I have no plans to live anywhere else.  The girl that I'm planning on visiting lives in Zaporozhye, but she proposed that we meet in Dnepropetrovsk airport, and take a taxi over to her town.  She used to work as a travel agent, so she's arranged a place for me to stay.  But thanks for asking this question (and everyone else for answering), as I will be going to Dnepropetrovsk from London, and direct flights to the airport on Austrian can cost over 400 pounds!  Flights to Kiev are much more reasonably priced.

I don't suppose anyone here has information on Zaporozhye?

Thanks,

[Michelangelo]

The girl that I'm planning on visiting lives in Zaporozhye, but she proposed that we meet in Dnepropetrovsk airport, and take a taxi over to her town.  I don't suppose anyone here has information on Zaporozhye?

I've spent a couple of weeks in Zap--nice town.  And I've done it both ways--flown into Dnepr and driven to Zap, and I've flown directly into Zap from Kiev.

Zap has a nice little museum, and a decent downtown central market.

Enjoy :-)

[Mir]

Kiev to Dinepro rtn will cost $127.80 inclusice of taxes

You can book online at

http://www.eb2-quicktrip.com/VV/Start.do;jsessionid=E72B755A8BA1AD122613A13EC5A123CF

Goodluck

[Michelangelo]

I will be going to Dnepropetrovsk from London, and direct flights to the airport on Austrian can cost over 400 pounds!  Flights to Kiev are much more reasonably priced.

Yes, Austrain from Vienna to Dnepr is expensive, but quality. 

There is a smaller, also quality airline that flies nonstop Frankfurt-Dnepr.  And I know you can get London/Frankfurt at a good price.  You might try that route....

[Jack]

Indie, the airport in Dneprop is south of the city, small airport in Zap, north of the city, probably a 35 minute drive between the two.  Daily flights into Dnipper, not always the case with Zap.  I would recommend flying into Dnipper and having your lady meet you there and then driving to Zap. 

[FunIndieBloke]

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for your help, it's great to know I don't have to spend an arm and a leg flying into DNK airport directly from Vienna.  I'll probably go with the Aerosvit or Ukrainian International airlines from Kiev, Michelangelo, do you know the airline that goes Frankfurt - Dnep?

Thanks!

[Jumper]

ive flown both the vienna to dnep

and frankfort to dnep
(sorry cant remember the airline, as it worked in conjunction with lufthansia? (trolean maybe?)

while i like austrain air and have flown with them often in the past..

one particular flight *vienna to dnep* they diverted (due to snow/eweather) at the last minute and landed in somewhat distant simferopol instead.(understandable)

they then informed the passengers, after we had got off the plane, to decide on staying in simferopol or going back to vienna
as the plane was going back as soon as it refueled.

it was snowing like crazy when we left veinna, they were closing off runways etc, and no real idea wether the airport was open there.
and the crew dint seem to have a soliod answer on that.plus the next flight for dneper (from vienna)was three days later.
 weird deal.
about 50/50 on who decided to return or stay..
they made no arrangements at all for the passengers that opted to stay in simferopol.
no advice even on trains, hotels, busses ,or other flight options..
to get to the original DNK destination.
and passengers were left basically stranded there, and on thier own on how to get to dneper, or have a place to stay ..

might be a good airline, but they really blew it on that one.

[FunIndieBloke]

Hi guys,

I am looking into booking flights now, and it seems that the Aerosvit flights are only once a day at a certain time, and my London - Kiev flight does not get there in time to make the Aerosvit flight the same day.  Therefore, I would have to stay in Kiev overnight to get the next flight to Dnep.  However, the hotel costs in Kiev are outrageous, the only hotels available cost like £200 a night!  I thought Ukraine was cheap!

It looks like I'll have to pay more to get the Austrian flights into Dnep, as the Kiev flights are £200 less.  However, I could buy my girl a flight or train from Dnep to Kiev, and just meet her in Kiev.  If I can find reasonably priced accommodation in Kiev, that is an option.  I will need two rooms, since this is the first time I'm meeting and we're not a couple ... yet.

Anyone here have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!