I'm a total newbie... but jumped on a plane to FSU anyway! I found a winner!

[MaxxumUSA]

Ok... I have a sense of adventure and also a true desire to be married to a good woman. Here's how this all started... I broke up with my AW girlfriend in October of last year. Soon after this a woman friend of mine here in the states advised me to seek a russian bride abroad. I laughed it off and forgot she mentioned this. One week before Christmas 2006 she calls me to ask how my search for a RW is going. I laugh and tell her to stop joking about it. She tells me she is serious and that she knows 4 or 5 men that are very happy with their russian wives. I think for a day or so and decide to give it a try. So... I start my research on Dec 23, 2006. I NEVER searched abroad for a woman before this. By dec 26 or so I decided to post a profile on a couple sites. I posted many photos of myself and talked a lot about my life in my profile. I also take about a week viewing profiles and bookmarking the ones I like. On Dec 28 I emailed all of those I was interested in my introduction letter I had translated to russian.

So... I received hundreds of emails and also many responses to my introduction letter. One of the responses to my introduction was Elena, a nice woman in Samara, Russia. She is 30 years old, attractive, and looks fun to hang out with. I am 38 year old from USA by the way. We started talking on Skype Jan 2. We exchanged cell and home numbers. She has a computer at home so we used skype most of the time. (We still use skype.. this is a great program IMHO)

We talked for 3 days and I decided I wanted to meet her in person. She was (pleasantly) surprised when I told her this. I wanted to come that weekend.. but a co-worker of hers was on vacation until Jan 31 so I had to wait until Feb 1 before she could take time off work. SO... FEB 2 I showed up in SAMARA! This was one month after our first skype discussion. We connected in every way. We had a lot of laughs, some serious conversations, and ... yes... simply amazing sex. We both commented that if we are as compatible in life as we are in sex we will have a wonderful life together! Hehe Anyway...

We had a wonderful time with each other, her family, and her friends. I speak no Russian so she had to translate to almost everyone. I talked with her mother in private using translate.ru with both of us sitting in front of the computer. This was cool. Her mother could see we fell in love in only a few days of my visie and she commented on this.

I am the first foreigner to visit her by the way... and she was on the site for almost a year. I was surprised about this because she is such a great catch.

I planned to return home to USA on Feb 6th but I extended one day and left on the morning of the 7th. The evening before I left we discussed the possibility of marrying. We both agreed we would like this with each other. So... we became technically engaged and agreed to marry but I did not do the romantic proposal yet. (Although I know what the answer is!)

I finished all of my K-1 visa paperwork and the attorneys will file this week... if anyone is wondering about this.

So... This post is simply to say that the russian women on the sites are REAL! I met mine from elenas models. I also tried hot russian brides but it is difficult (if not impossible) to get real contact information there so I cancelled my membership.

I traveled alone to Samara. I did not read any forums at all until after I visited Russia. I'm sort of glad I did it this way... because there are some real horror stories around and I might have been more cautious.

My story is true and is not a horror story. On the contrary. I am so very happy to have met this woman. We share similar family ideas, wants for our future, and we care very much for each other now. We talk daily and use webcams so we can see each other. Broadband Internet is expensive so I help her with a LITTLE money... but she NEVER asked me for money. Even when I visited she offered to pay for this and that but I insisted she not pay.

One thing I remember was my fear before I showed up in her home city and before I flew there. I was literally sick with fear and excitement. I was so nervous I could not sleep. When I ate I sometimes did not keep it down.  (Threw up)  I was a wreck. This is the only reason I wish I found a good forum before I left.  But.. all of my fears faded away the first time we were together when she picked me up at the airport. We kissed - on the cheek/lips sort of quick but nice. Later we focused on that! Hehe

SO... My next trip I will be there almost 3 weeks... the first three weeks in April (2007 of course). We both can't wait just to be close to each other. I don't want to say exactly what's happening just in case she reads this... but I am taking a little something I am sure she will appreciate! It rhymes with Bling! LOL

I just wanted to post my story where some people are going through or will go through a similar experience.

Also I want to encourage men that are interested to go ahead and "Get-R-DONE!" Use a reputable agency to find a woman... narrow the field to one woman... and go sweep her off her feet!  I made my decision to fly over only about 2 weeks after I first posted my profile!

I kind of looked at it like this:  It is the same as meeting a woman online that lives a state away here in the USA.  Only difference is the four hour drive is a day long flight that costs a bit more.  Other than that it is just two people meeting for the first time.

Be kind, romantic, take gifts, and enjoy her! She WILL love you for it. My darling Elena does!

I will give more details later in this thread if asked...  I was asked to post this by Kuna so here it is. 

I would love to answer any questions from others about my experience.. so please ask away.

[IAmZon]

WOW!  That sort of simplifies things?!?!

Congrats. Nice to meet you.

[Kuna]

WOW!  That is certainly different...

Dave,

Be ready to cop some criticism in here because it's generally frowned upon when some of the experienced members see someone racing over to FSU and getting "engaged" on the first trip.

As I was reaming your story I too was shocked when I got to the "unofficial engagement" part but I won't criticise you for it.  I WILL caution you though because I'm going through exactly the same thing at the moment and when my feelings started getting away from me during my trip I had to remind myself that I was on holidays and I might have just been in the middle of a Vacation Romance.

You certainly sound deeply in love with your lady and I'm sure she feels similarly about you.  What I always think of is what a relationship will be like when the initial adrenaline rush wears off.

How do our FSUW act in difficult times?  What are our opinions and values on things like religion, child raising, discipline, money and budgeting, healthcare, family planning, etc...

I think it takes time to do that and for me to feel comfortable I would need some time to experience my girl "inside of her reality".

The girls I met when I were away felt similarly and in fact the girl I am TOTALLY focused on now is "analysing" me as much as I'm analysing her.  She has a good job and a stable life at home and for her to immigrate it would take a high degree of confidence.

NOW... while I added the caution about I read one of your posts and read your TR and I had a sense that you were a serious and emotionally mature man.  Does making 1 trip and getting engaged make you less "serious" and less "emotionally mature"?  Some will say so.

I just hope for your sake, and the ladies sake, that the fast pace of your relationship is based on logical thinking not emotional fantasy.

Please don't take this as a criticism...  I am simply saying that the process of marrying a FSU woman is one of the most exciting and awe inspiring things any of us has undertaken but there is a reality that follows and compatibility isn't defined by that initial head rush we feel.

I truly wish you all the best and hope everything works out for both of you.

Kuna

[funkola]

I dated a girl for 6 years before we got married and we still got divorced. I guarantee you on a percentage basis his way will work as well as anybody else. The truth is half of the married guys on here are probably gonna get a divorce from their fsu wife.

[MaxxumUSA]

Kuna,

Me and Elena have talked about the serious topics.  The ones you mention and even more.  Basically...  I consider myself very mature for a 38 year old man.  I have custody and I am the sole provider for my 13 year old son.  I am the president of a corporation with many responsibilities and I rarely fall behind.

I am not seeking a woman just because she is from russia.  I didn't think I would actually want to visit...  but we just clicked and I wanted to meet her.  I am not limited by financial or geographical constraints the average man has.  I typically travel - somewhere - more than 50% of the weekends every year.  As a matter of fact I am surprised I am here typing right now.  I actually cancelled the hotel out of town I had reserved for tonight because a friend has a party locally and he reminded me about it today so I must show.  I will be leaving any second to hang out with him.

Damn I can run on.  Hehe

Keep in mind we had 3 weeks after I decided to fly there to talk about things.  Sometimes we talked about very serious matters...  but a lot of the time we have been just enjoying each other also  The same thing with my visit in person.  We enjoyed each other most of the time and talked about our feelings and very serious matters when appropriate.

I think she is extremely stable and I just got lucky that we are both in the same place in life as far as what we want in a relationship and a family.  And...  by the way...  She has a good life there in Samara.  She has fantastic women friends, a great family with syblings that are part of her life.  She has a good job, her own apartment, her own car, home phone, cell phone, modern computer with Internet access.  I have witnessed in person how she lives her life.  She is a good woman.  Basically she has a good life there, although a bit uncomfortable because it IS FSU.  She is no dummy.  She knows that even though her life is good there, it would probably be better for her and her children if she chooses to move abroad.

Now after she gets out of work she usually rushes home to contact me on skype or find out what I am doing.  Sometimes she has dinner out with friends and I am always welcome to call her cell and say hello to her.  Of course we will chat after she gets home regardless of her plans.   We talk every day for an hour or so.  10 minutes in her morning I wake her up and we talk before she goes to work.

I have dated many women.  Only a few in my life I wanted to get serious with.  I mean...  I have no trouble getting a woman in the USA.   And I don't mean only AW in the USA.  I have dated others from different countries during their school or work visa.  It's finding one that I want for serious relations and wants me for the same thing...  that's the issue.  When there were so many thousands of profiles I viewed from russia...  I figured my chances were pretty good of finding a woman suitable to be a soul mate and partner in life.  And...  I feel confident that she will be a good partner and stick with me through the hard times and the good.

We have had a few minor tiffs but no major arguments.  One noticable difference in her...  She OWNED UP to HER part of the argument!  Actually apologized!  So did I of course...  but I have not had an AW do this.  They might say "sorry" but they have never said "I'm sorry for... blah blah."  I am not saying this is typical for RW...  but this is my Elena and one of the things I like about her.  We both believe in resolving conflict.

Yes... I love her...  yes...  of course I lust her also.  Hehe.  Yes...  it is new.  No...  we are not really trying to take things slow.  We both want to be together.  All the time.  How else are we going to do that unless I move there or she moves here?  I will not move there because I am the president of a corporation and it just would make NO financial sense whatsoever.  Having said that...  I would be willing to do so if that was the only way we could be together.

I don't know what else to say other than...  My first wife was evil.  She was a pain when I met her.  But I thought that was normal so I put up with her for a few years.  Now I meet a nice and well put together woman...  I don't care where on earth she is from...  if she wants to be a part of my life...  I welcome her with open arms.  I have been waiting for a good woman all my life.

Ok.  Enough for now.  Tell me what you think.



- Dave

[Kuna]

Tell you what I think???

I think my initial assessment of you was spot on.  You sound like you have your head screwed on straight and I don't think you're a fool.

Of course we've all read horror stories of men that go racing over to Russia and marry the first woman they meet.  It almost always ends in disaster and afterwards they blame the woman.

Reading the boards here you'll see them referred to as "One Trip Wonders".

Even though you qualify for this title based on the "strict criteria" you sound like no fool and it only makes me wonder whether a typical "One Trip Wonder" would have still failed if he had waited 3 months, 6 months or 6 years?  Lets be honest, some people just can't FIND a realistic view of the world.

I congratulate you whole-heartedly and wish you all the best. 

I've met my own special girl in Ukraine and I'm currently wrestling with one or two thoughts that I may share here at one point soon...  but I commend you on your bravery, sound thought process and good luck.

All the best mate!

Kuna

[Muj]

Dave,

I read your posts and think you have the experience to safely follow your own decisions.  Hope all continues well.  The fun increases when she arrives at your home .   Good luck.

[Photo Guy]

Hello. I think you may have found a fantastic woman.
I recommend that you postpone the engagement until
AFTER the 'infatuation phase'. Right now, during this phase,
she will seem to be close to perfection. After the infatuation
phase, you will see each other more clearly, and that's when
you can truly judge your compatibility. You need to go
through some fights, trials and tribulations, to see
the reality of living with this person. Those trials may be
relatively mild- if you are compatible. Even if you do experience
tough obstacles together, the experience will point you in
the proper direction- closer together or off in different directions.

On the other hand, IF YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO PERCEIVE HER
INNER WORLD, and she yours, and you experience a strong
bond...  GO FOR IT!!

Sometimes two people can know a good thing when they see it,
at the very beginning.   -doug

[Mir]

'She has a good life there in Samara.  She has fantastic women friends, a great family with syblings that are part of her life.  She has a good job, her own apartment, her own car, home phone, cell phone, modern computer with Internet access.  I have witnessed in person how she lives her life.  She is a good woman.  Basically she has a good life there, although a bit uncomfortable because it IS FSU.  She is no dummy.  She knows that even though her life is good there, it would probably be better for her and her children if she chooses to move abroad'

Well the question is how she will react when she finds out that life for her is not any better when whe moves.
Yes she might have more money but she will lose her roots,her friends,her family and a lot of little things we don't realize till we lose them.
America is a concrete jungle,some adjest well there some don't but all immigrants have to give up a lot to take up what a new country offers.The question remains what is their motivation to move.I can understand the reason to move for those who have a bad life in their country but not for those who have a good life.
Yes she will realize that it will hard to give up what she has.The question is if she will be able to consol herself with your love and the few extra dollars she would have access to?

[funkola]

Well the question is how she will react when she finds out that life for her is not any better when whe moves.
Yes she might have more money but she will lose her roots,her friends,her family and a lot of little things we don't realize till we lose them.

So true. I have moved 26 times in my life. Oh wait, due to a recent house fire make that 27. I have never accurately imagined what life was going to be like somewhere. It is always different than I thought.

[IAmZon]

AND HERE IS THE RUB...

We only can know ourselves so well.  We can know others even less.  And the future is hidden from us all.

So, particularly men that are members of RWD, we try to use our right side brain to hedge, understand, and develop addition "likelihoods" of success.  I think this is the underlying attraction to this entire adventure for us all.

And, how do we answer the following questions soberly when we already have an objective in mind?:
Am I desperate; or am I not desperate enough?
I am suffering from biochemical  (and short term) infatuation?
Through my preparation, have I psychologically created an unrealistic expectations?

If two adults are physically attracted to each other; already open and seeking a committed relationship; and open to each other ... well, only the best foot is put forward.  Even when we try to be honest, it is honesty delivered on a silver plater. 
How can the GREEN lights not go on?

The real challenge, it seems to me is not prepration; or the search; but the sorting out and attempting to KNOW.  Once the commitment is given, that's it. 

If you are like me ... then you are hope for the good times; but there is always the possibility of hell - and it can be a long, long walk, *gulp*

Best of luck.

[MaxxumUSA]

Well the question is how she will react when she finds out that life for her is not any better when whe moves.
Yes she might have more money but she will lose her roots,her friends,her family and a lot of little things we don't realize till we lose them.
America is a concrete jungle,some adjest well there some don't but all immigrants have to give up a lot to take up what a new country offers.The question remains what is their motivation to move.I can understand the reason to move for those who have a bad life in their country but not for those who have a good life.
Yes she will realize that it will hard to give up what she has.The question is if she will be able to consol herself with your love and the few extra dollars she would have access to?

Wow...  I have been trying to find a way to sort this out Mir.

First...  I believe her life - any woman's life for that matter - will be much better in a relationship with me.  I'm always in a good mood, have some awesome friends and family.  I have a cozy home and I believe in adventure.  To call me boring would be far from the truth.  I am always planning my next excursion somewhere.  Oh...  and I'm hung like a horse.  Hehe

Yes...  she will have access to money.  But I don't see that as her motivator to be with me at all.  She does not know (nor did she ask) just how much money I really make.  I only told her I made enough to provide for her and our family.  As the founder and president of a successful (nationwide) corporation, I make MUCH more than that.  in any case... Well...  I am the man and I believe it is my responsibility to provide for my family.  Yes...  I said it.  I enjoy...  no...  I want...  no...  Hmmm...  I MUST provide for my family.  It gives me pleasure.

I said she lives well...  This is in comparison to other russian people and stories I have heard.  Also compared to the few RW I had emailed before deciding to stick with her.  Elena works at a prestigous beauty parlor.  She has regular clients that request her and she is well paid - for a russian woman.  But she works usually 10-12 hours per day - 6 days per week.  This means she does well but it still is not as good as her life can be here with me.  And I am not only talking about the money thing.

If she moves here I do plan on going back to russia with her 1 or two times a year to hang out with her family and friends.  They are good people and I enjoyed their company very much.  It seems like a no brainer to try to see them often.  Hopefully we can get them to visit here.  If the come I could help them with plane tickets.

Now...  This is all assuming things continue to work out.  I can say that we enjoy our daily conversations/webcam chats and we miss each other very much.

As for the feelings fading...  Maybe they will...  maybe one day she will say she realized that it was just the excitement that made her feel she loves me.  Maybe I will realize I don't want her.  Until this happens...  I will continue to sweep her off her feet....  and continue to give her my heart.

And maybe...  Hopefully...  this is the real thing...  and we will work hard to keep our love strong as we continue to live our lives with each other.

Maybe it is just old fashioned love and we will stay happy.

Thank you all for your input and good wishes!

- Dave

[DKMM]

So how much does she make?  That would be a lot easier to determine just how well she lives.  Its all relative I know.  Maybe that would seem to personal to answer but if she's moving here I don't see what it matters.

How does Samara compare to your hometown?  That will probably make a big difference.  Unless you live in the rust belt or Jersey, I doubt she will have a problem with where you live compared to Samara.  Don't mind Mir, he's a wee bit jealous of America.  I still never found a FSU girl or guy that lives in my neck of the woods (west coast) and ever wants to consider living back in the old country again so I wouldn't worry too much about that... Unless you are president of a pig farm or something.   

You seem to be pretty full of yourself and like your chances.  Most guys that are have a reason to be so I like your chances too.  Just don't overlook any red flags (there aren't any right?).   

[William3rd]

Make sure you give frequent updates on your situation. It is always nice to follow one of those 1% cases. Hope you make it!!!

[Jumper]

I'm sort of glad I did it this way... because there are some real horror stories around and I might have been more cautious.

trip reports arent a really the the pace for advice i suppose ,.,,.
and i'm not dogging you at all !! 
and in fact happy for you both! ..

may i just suggest that a little *caution* would not ruin your relationship,
 if you two are meant to be.

you are very successful, ,can travel and seem to have the time and means .. or at least can go many weekends?
to see her many times?
you are in a position to do so , that many men arnt.
why not use your good fortune to build the relationship further which could  benefit both you and her?
what would be the harm of seeing her for a longer period of time before proposing?

it may not help anything, that is true..

but there is little harm to learning a bit more about each other than a few months of correspondence and calls and very limited face time??

then again, even after filing the K1 you could make a million trips to get to know each other and that would work too..


but i would advise seeing each other face to face as much as is possible for you both,
and you seem to have the oppurtunity,  so i would really use it!


either way i wish you both good fortune and happiness!

Just for a little background -
We are very happily married and love each other very much..
I knew my wife for basically two years before marriage..
and many trips..
and yes i felt i wanted to marry her the first week..LOL!
but i went to visit as often as i possibly could.
I was cautious,  not for my sake ,but for hers.
she would be leaving all she ever knew and all her family,, and could not simply return to life as usual if things did not work out.
I felt i owed it to her and her family to give us the best chance possible of knowing each other well.
That and the fact she was cautiuous also LOL
and wouldbnt have married me anyway at that early time..
had to win her heart  and that took some time
   

anyway good luck!

[MaxxumUSA]

but i would advise seeing each other face to face as much as is possible for you both,
and you seem to have the oppurtunity,  so i would really use it!


either way i wish you both good fortune and happiness!

DKMM,

Her income is a fair question.  She makes about $1,200 USD from her work every 4 weeks.  She also makes extra money doing nails for girfriends at her flat.
As for my situation...  I make early to mid 6 figures.  Not bragging...  just the facts.  She has NO idea it is this much.  I will not reveal this until we are married.  I live far below my means as to not attract a gold digger amongst other reasons.  (Well...  maybe the toys I own give it away a little bit)

AJ,

Thank you for your input.

You are correct.  I do have the time and opportunity to visit her.  But I need to be careful an not take too much time off.  I am taking three weeks starting Mar 29 to visit her.  I will try skype in and skype out and take my laptop.  If I can work 1-2 hours a day effectively then I will be open to making more extended stay visits.

I just don't see a need for a long courtship.  Even if I met a woman in the states I would not wait two years to marry her.  This is one reason I broke up with my last girlfriend.  She wanted to just live together.  I wanted marriage and another child with her.  I also wanted a family life but she wanted to close down bars 4 times a week.  She also wanted to mainain her independence and not let me support her.  I did not discuss these things early on with her because we were together and we just avoided serious conversations because "It was too early to discuss."  I will not make this mistake again.

We are both serious about what we want in a partner, and in a marriage.  We both have been searching and hoping to meet someone with the same ideas for a long time.  I remember one serious conversation we had on my first visit.  We were telling each other about what we want out of life.  She stopped me about mid-way through our conversation as I was telling her my wants and looks me in the eye...  She says to me in a firm, almost demanding voice "I want child!"  she said.  I said ok because i would love more children (I have custody of my 13 year old son from a previous marriage.  Our conversations and time together so far have shown me she is an ideal woman - for me.  Also it seems I fit what she is looking for.

We are officially engaged however I will romantically propose to her on my next visit.  This will be after three months of knowing each other.  This is a bit fast but certainly not unheard of.

I don't plan on waiting 2 years before I fly her here.  By the time she gets here and we have the opportunity to marry we will have known each other for about 7-8 months and lived together for a couple months.

I do agree about thinking about her and her family before she flies here.  We have already discussed this.  Her comment - after I translated to english - was something like "There are no victims here."  All of her family is happy for her.  They are going to miss her...  but they have told her, and me when I visited, that they are very happy that she has met me.  They can tell by looking at her that she is happy with me.

And AJ...  just because I started the thread in trip reports does not mean I don't want advice.  I am 38 years old...  I have come a long way professionally and personally in life by requesting and digesting the advice of others who are more successful than myself.  So...  If you are in a happy and healthy relationship...  I want your input!  I will still make my own decisions...  but the decisions will be better with the advice of others.  Keep it coming and...  Thank you!

[Thor]

Cool story!! Many members at this board will tell you to be carefull because that there are so many scammers and golddigers here in FSU, and this is thrue. I meet my wife in November 2005, it was a short meeting, only 45 minutes. I went back in mars 2006 and stayed 9 days with her, I then knew that was the girl I had been looking for for a long time. I was back 3 weeks in April and 5 weeks last summer, and in November 2006 we got married. I am still very happy with my wife . Sometimes you have to listen your heart and follow your heart. When you live in the US and this girl in Samara you cant spend so long time before you make a decision about the future. Bring her to US and start building a strong relashionship in the US if you are shure that this is the girl of your dreams. It can be a risk, but only the men that take some chances will succeed, there are enough men that keep looking year after year for a girl here in FSU because they never can make a decision about what girl to start building a relashionship with. I wish you good luck and keep up the good work and post more posts at this board.

PS: We would like to see some photos from Samara....

[MaxxumUSA]

Thor,

Here are your photos.  Oh...  I'm the bald one.

And also...  I wore that hat in the one photo as a joke.  Underneat the TKB it states "Tappa Kegga Beer"  LOL

We had a few cocktails at the night club picture.  The only one time we were drinking.

The one in the fitness center was after a nice massage and sauna.

There is a restaurant photo...  the food was awesome.  I had a filet the size of a softball!  Very tasty.  Had dinner with her brother and his girlfriend.  The four of us had a good time.  The other girl is a translator so communication was good at dinner.

I'm leaving for the day...  I hope you all enjoy the photos.

[MaxxumUSA]

Here is second photo.

[Mir]

This is one reason I broke up with my last girlfriend.  She wanted to just live together.  I wanted marriage and another child with her.  I also wanted a family life but she wanted to close down bars 4 times a week.  She also wanted to mainain her independence and not let me support her.

Sounds like my last English girlfriend and fiancee!

[Lily]

Here is second photo.

The winter view looks like Samara, view on the ice-covered Wolga at Osipenko embarkment..is that right? 

[Thor]

Thor,

Here are your photos.  Oh...  I'm the bald one.

And also...  I wore that hat in the one photo as a joke.  Underneat the TKB it states "Tappa Kegga Beer"  LOL

We had a few cocktails at the night club picture.  The only one time we were drinking.

The one in the fitness center was after a nice massage and sauna.

There is a restaurant photo...  the food was awesome.  I had a filet the size of a softball!  Very tasty.  Had dinner with her brother and his girlfriend.  The four of us had a good time.  The other girl is a translator so communication was good at dinner.

I'm leaving for the day...  I hope you all enjoy the photos.

You look great togrether and she is a very beautiful girl. I am a bit impressed by a guy that just jump on a plane like you did and went to Samara in Russia. The winner takes it all!!!!! I wish you all the luck in the future, and please post a follow post from your upcoming trip in April!!

[DKMM]

When you know, you know.  Go for it!  Do post a TR of your next visit if you don't mind.   

[START2]

Got to admire guy that gets on a plane and goes. My respects. Kind of what I did ,but my first trips were to visit friends from Ukr. that I knew in Alaska. Hope all works out for you. When I eventually met my now wife, I went and lived there for awhile. Wasn't really interested in gettin married so fast. In my younger life I had several relationships that started out fast and furious and was glad when the time came to move on. Only you and her will decide your fate. Have a nice trip next month. My yearly trip comes around this summer. Can't wait. Ukr. is my second home.

[timothe]

I agree with Start2...Maxxum is the kind of guy I can respect.  Congrats!!  I hope you have a great life together with your ladyfriend. 

I might add that you will find out much more about your compatibility on the 2nd trip.  I might suggest that you try to emulate "home" life during this trip to make sure there is nothing about her that you can't tolerate.  I'm sure you'll use your intuition that you have applied to your corporation to the relationship. 

Since you may have a lot to lose if things don't go well, you might also want to protect your assets.  (But I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know) 

Good luck and keep in touch!  The board is a good resource.