Go Wide or Deep ...

[Simoni]

Watch your woman have her fortune told by a gypsy and believe what she says...

It is true that UA women like to have their fortunes told!  Fortunately for me, my Marina chooses to believe the good stuff and not the bad!  :-)

I like the part where they told her "you will meet an American man and marry him and have children and live happily ever after!"    LOL

[Simoni]

Dnepropetrovsk is one of the best cities I visited in Ukraine. The women are quite beautiful and friendly. I was able to walk all over the place without getting lost  .

My impressions after last being there three years ago -

1. Karl Marx street is a packed with activity and sight-seeing opportunities 
2. The central park has allot of amusement rides and is a great walk
3. The Dniper river is one of the widest rivers I ever saw - like the Mississippi
4. The tree-lined river walk is great in the fall
5. Large, above ground pipes snake through the city.
6. People seem friendly and helpful to foreigners.

Great post, Voyageur.  My wife Marina is from Dnepro, and she misses the Dnieper River very much....and compares all the rivers in the USA to it.  We have seen dozens of rivers here, and nothing compares.  In fact, most of our rivers are pitiful!

Folks in Dnerpr use that river-- jogging and skating along the embankment, swimming, and taking boat trips.  It's one of the finest rivers I have ever seen, and I've seen the Mississippi and the Amazon. 

Wide? Yes!  It' the largest river in Ukraine and the third largest in Europe (after the Volga River and the Danube River).

[Lily]

Gator, a very well compiled list of DO's

Let her fat cousin sit on your knee,

 

Is it her fat cousin sitting on your knee in the yellow shirt on the 1st photo? 

[Sculler]

Rivardco,

I will echo the statements that you just need to go. Once you have made the decision and picked a time frame (4-6 months out should be good) start writing to women and tell them you are planning to visit Russia/Ukraine at a certain time and then see how the correspondence goes. Once you have found one or two (or more) you wish to meet you can start to fill out your travel itenerary. This was my approach and no I am here and I am currently sitting in a bar in Ekaterinburg drinking Guinness waiting for the train to take me to meet the woman I have been writing to for the past 6 months. In the meantime learn as much as you can about the culture. I have been fascinated by Russia since I was a teenager and find I still know little, but ready to learn.

BTW -- Trip reports are forthcoming. Internet connections have been touch and go, but should be better once I get to St. Pete (hopefully not alone ) and have a connection in the apartment I rented. I have a few experiences so far worth sharing. Plus an actual photo with Lily!!

1x

[IAmZon]

OK, OK  ... perhaps I have gotten Smart enough.

New phase, new avatar.  I will go to Kiev and Dniper (we'll see about the other close cities around). I will travel in September.  I will not do just this, or just that ... I will try to do it all.  I would like to be creative in my approach so that I can enjoy something other than a simple primer experience.  Please note lads, that although, I have never set foot on the mother land, I have logged many, many days with FSU women. I have studied hard.  "O" would call me an A student.  "N" would give me an F ( she wanted a husband first, me - specifically - second.  sound familiar?)

I appreciate everyone's quality comments VERY MUCH.

I would say (not for myself, but for others) that buying tickets and travelling in response to an internet romance is NOT the very best thing to do.  Most people need to be motivated - that's why "Just Do It" was so successful.  I am NOT one of them.  In my life, I have "Just Done It"  too fast too often.  I am trying to grow up and be deliberate.

A "successful" trip may only open Pandora's box and bring much costs - financial and emotional.  And in the end, may not be "successful" at all.

To follow such a radical path (at least it is radical for me), one should be certain of the requirements.  To do this seriously. To do this with eyes wide open is not a small thing - not simply a vacation

So, now my goal will be to plan great trip that will serve as the beginning, not the end.

[Simoni]

Riv--I'm glad your maxwell SMART avatar is gone, and your new NIKE one says it all... just do it!

I think you are on the right path, Rivardco.  Good luck!

I am here and I am currently sitting in a bar in Ekaterinburg drinking Guinness waiting for the train to take me to meet the woman I have been writing to for the past 6 months.

Good luck to you too, Sculler.  And we look forward to your TR!

~Simoni

[Totoro]

Yes, Wx, I agree. If you go to Ukraine, you have to see Kiev.  And the Black Sea, too.
But first things first...find the girl.  Then travel to see the country... TOGETHER    LOL

Actually, that's what I'm going to do (sorry for barging in uninvited ^_^)
I've been exchanging mails (and SMS, and phone calls) with so nice I. from Belarus. We decided to meet on "neutral grounds" because her family and friends don't know about her internet search. So we'll spend 2 weeks in Ukraine together this summer, some days in Kiev and some in Odessa. I don't know if we're going to fall in love, but whatever happens I think I'm gonna have a hell of a summer! (in the good sense) ^_^

[Mir]

A "successful" trip may only open Pandora's box and bring much costs - financial and emotional.  And in the end, may not be "successful" at all.

Same can be said each time one sets foot outside the front door.

[IAmZon]

Mir - not nearly to the same degree.  My comment is not one of excessive caution. I think it is a well placed pause ... a deep consideration. 

I am the first to say taste life in all its forms.  ARRGH!  I may meet a person today at the gas station, post office, grocery store that may change my life - take everything into an entirely new direction.  That is serendipity. That is life.  That is natural.

There is a foreign element to THIS exercise that we ought to admit.  Something less natural ... there is a calculation at work.  It does not matter if you WMVM, WOVO; or power date; there is a "choosing" that is difficult to compare in the West.

The flip side of this benefit are the HIGH costs that are also associated.  Culture shock; language barriers; determining sincerity after years!  Read some of the unfortunate stories!  These are not simple stumbles, blood flows.

My point is preparation equivalent to the challenge.

[Wayne B]

September, would be a very good month to go......there will be more options on flat rentals....the weather is nice (Ukraine)   Kiev, is becoming very expensive to stay for to long.....  Air-fare is usually less during September

[MaxxumUSA]

OK, OK  ... perhaps I have gotten Smart enough.

New phase, new avatar.  I will go to Kiev and Dniper (we'll see about the other close cities around). I will travel in September.  I will not do just this, or just that ... I will try to do it all.  I would like to be creative in my approach so that I can enjoy something other than a simple primer experience.  Please note lads, that although, I have never set foot on the mother land, I have logged many, many days with FSU women. I have studied hard.  "O" would call me an A student.  "N" would give me an F ( she wanted a husband first, me - specifically - second.  sound familiar?)

I appreciate everyone's quality comments VERY MUCH.

I would say (not for myself, but for others) that buying tickets and travelling in response to an internet romance is NOT the very best thing to do.  Most people need to be motivated - that's why "Just Do It" was so successful.  I am NOT one of them.  In my life, I have "Just Done It"  too fast too often.  I am trying to grow up and be deliberate.

A "successful" trip may only open Pandora's box and bring much costs - financial and emotional.  And in the end, may not be "successful" at all.

To follow such a radical path (at least it is radical for me), one should be certain of the requirements.  To do this seriously. To do this with eyes wide open is not a small thing - not simply a vacation

So, now my goal will be to plan great trip that will serve as the beginning, not the end.

Hey Riv...

Many here know that I planned my first trip within 5 days of talking to my first RW.  I don't suggest this is the best route...   However...  Dude..  You're making too much a big deal out of this.

On one extreme you can think of this as a life changing and altering trip.  On the other extreme you can consider it something to do in place of a weekend fishing and it's no big deal.

ME:  I looked at simply as...  I like this woman.  If she lived a two hour drive from me would I drive?  YES!  So the only difference is it's a longer drive, the people don't all speak english, and the gas is more expensive.  In other regards it is the same as two people here in my area.  It's just a first meeting and hope for the best!

Just giving you some additional thoughts here. 

[ScottinCrimea]

Looking back on things, If it was me making my first trip to Ukraine, I would plan on two or at the most three places to visit.  Certainly Kiev is an obvious choice because it's easy to get to and gives you somewhere to start where you can draw women from nearby cities.  The downside of Kiev is that because it is easy to get to, many AM have been there, done that and left variable impressions.  The prices are also higher there. As an alternate I would consider either Dnetropetrovsk Kharkov or Lviv.  I've heard too many bad things about Odessa to consider it an option. To be n\honest, I would avoid Dnetropetrovsk just because I would hate to spend the rest of my life trying to pronounce it correctly.

My choice for an second site would be a city in Crimea, either Simferopol or Sevastopol.  It's more of an untapped resource, plus there is just so much to do there that even if everything fails you can have a great time seeing the sights.  I would avoid Yalta because it's overdeveloped and over priced.  Simferopol and Sevastopol are within an hour of everything on the peninsula so they give you the option of meeting any woman in Crimea.  Crimea also gives you a lot of options for spending time with your lady rather than just sitting in nice restaurants or walking hand in hand along the Dneper river.

Every city and region of Ukraine has its pluses, but if you are going to spend any reasonable amount of time there you need to be in a place or places where you have the most options to maximize your experience.

[Mir]

We decided to meet on "neutral grounds" because her family and friends don't know about her internet search.

Hmmm rather odd reasoning!

Riv

You are right, one must go prepared but my experience from various exams is that one never feel fully prepared.

[DKMM]

Odd reasoning indeed.  A lil flaggy there?

I've heard from a good source, that based on looks alone, Nikolaev has the best women in UA.  And Odessa 2nd.

[Mir]

I've heard from a good source, that based on looks alone, Nikolaev has the best women in UA.  And Odessa 2nd.

Maybe
However going by the photos on websites Lugansk seems to have the hotest ladies,not sure how many of them are real though

[Simoni]

Maybe
However going by the photos on websites Lugansk seems to have the hotest ladies,not sure how many of them are real though

Or perhaps they are real girls, but just not from Lugansk!  LOL

[IAmZon]

Maxxim:

I can see more clearly the correctness of those who say, "Just get on a plane and go."   I realize now it is ME and MY perceptions (perhaps overly romanticized perceptions) of Ukraine / Russia that made me feel I needed to get really buckled in.  I don't carry these cautions in my life in the US. I don't hesitate for a moment to travel to DR, CR, or Brazil. Experience without expectation.  No harm / No foul.

But the only women I have really fallen for ... the kind of women that you loose yourself in, have been from the FSU (at least in the last decade)  I could tell correspondence with other FSU women followed a similar path. So, I wanted to get a firm foothold. 

At the same time, I have been very active in other environments. wwwooofff  I will tell you if holding separate perceptions of one place versus another was correct in time.   I think if I met a sincere lady, attractive, intelligent and well meaning ... I was a one week wonder waiting to happen.

Scot:

Thanks for you comments.  You have created an illustration in my mind of your life in the Crimea as something of a story book.  It sounds like a WONDERFUL place.  I enjoy reading your posts particularly because of the warms and kindness your entries express of the place and the people.  However, I am with the understanding this area is rather "primitive"  without the support structures.  Love to visit.  I do NOT speak Russian, but was able to correctly pronounce Dnetropetrovsk with a little effort:)

[Jack]

Most beautiful ladies between Lugansk and Nikoalev?

Lugansk, and yes I'm talking about real women.

Nikolaev though is certaintly no slouch as making my top three best cities for the  number of great beauties seen walking about the city and attending the various night life locations.

[Totoro]

Yes, I know that the "neutral ground" could be seen as a red flag. But I have no reason to doubt I. so far. We both agree that until meeting we're only friends, and at worst we will both have a nice vacation together as friends. That's good for me.

[WmGO]

Totoro,

It is unwise to have a first or even second meeting anywhere
other than the lady's hometown or at least her own country.


FWIW. Good luck.

[Jack]

Learning how to pronounce Dnepropetrovsk should not keep anyone from going to this city to seek Russian ladies. It was hard for me at first as well, luckily I had a good teacher. Thanks WmGo.

Daa Knee paaa per trosk

Da knee paa per trosk.

Now say it faster, Da knee paa per trosk.

Dnepropetrovsk

[Simoni]

And it has that tricky, shifting sound in the middle... so I say it as....

Da-nip-pro-pet-trosk

or  Dne-pro-pet-rovsk when you get better at it :-)

But it's easier just to call it Dnepra.

At any rate, none of us can truly pronounce it like a native does.

And guys, Riv is KIDDING about the name of the city being a deterrent :-)

[Simoni]

Riv, I think you are getting some good advice here, and some I question.

I question those who tell you to include a wonderful city like Kiev or Moscow in your plans...someplace culturally interesting to visit.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR GOAL, MAN.

Your goal? To find your soulmate.

THEREFORE...

I NEVER agree w/guys who advise others to make a vacation out
of it. I think their motivation is a completely unconscious form of
recommending a guy to go w/ a backup plan--one that simply doesn't
involve the guy's original purpose. While I enjoyed seeing a lot of the
sites in places I visited, it was ALWAYS incidental and never my main
reason for being there...

So make your backup names of girls friends recommend you meet, or a list of profiles you like at a good agency.

But don't make your backup plan your vacation, so you can say "I bombed on the girl, but had a good vacation."

Instead, put 100% of your effort into your mission.

[Wayne B]

Riv, I think you are getting some good advice here, and some I question.

I question those who tell you to include a wonderful city like Kiev or Moscow in your plans...someplace culturally interesting to visit.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR GOAL, MAN.

Your goal? To find your soulmate.

THEREFORE...

I NEVER agree w/guys who advise others to make a vacation out
of it. I think their motivation is a completely unconscious form of
recommending a guy to go w/ a backup plan--one that simply doesn't
involve the guy's original purpose. While I enjoyed seeing a lot of the
sites in places I visited, it was ALWAYS incidental and never my main
reason for being there...

So make your backup names of girls friends recommend you meet, or a list of profiles you like at a good agency.

But don't make your backup plan your vacation, so you can say "I bombed on the girl, but had a good vacation."

Instead, put 100% of your effort into your mission.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Sorry, I have to disagree with you.....if one wants to meet a women from the FSU.....and one wants to inform themselves about a culture different from their own.....HOW could you tell newbies that 'History' (vacation) is not important ???  Kiev is over 1500 yrs old.....as a city.....Moscow....how old? what history is behind this city?.....If all you can do is stay on task about a woman....then what about 'her country' can you bring to the table?....when you are trying to have a conversation....One of you back up plans should include 'seeing the sights that the locals are proud of'.....and I can also tell you that there is far more emotion 'bloodshed' in their history vs ours  

[catzenmouse]

The way I look at it is this (and this is really for first trippers like Riv):

 Pick a place you want to go regardless of any woman.

 Write to women in that area so you'll have an interesting tour guide with bonuses a possibility

 Get the names of some local agencies just in case

 Go and enjoy your vacation with possible benefits

 - Alternative Plan -

 You've written to some ladies and one or two strike your fancy

 Plan your trip to that city or cities (do not try to do too many cities in one trip! AND try to keep them close)

 Get the names of local agencies

 Go and see what happens

FWIW + YMMV

 Ken