LenaC's trip to Tver

[Rvrwind]

Hey Ken...
Hooked up with Lena today. Told me today Hello for her so, uh Hello, LMAO!!!

[TigerPaws]

KenC,

 Something that has not been discussed yet is what I call the jealousy factor, my lady arrived in California just over 7 years ago and her first trip back was 2-1/2 years later. Everything you said was true, the apartments felt smaller and there was the rudeness factor, yes it was nice to see family and friends but many of them treated her like a tourist and with a sightly different attitude.

My lady has been back at least 4 times sense that first trip and most recently she and our daughter were in Moscow for the birth of her sisters first child a few weeks ago. Victoria's complaints were mostly about the prices, it seems that everything has become so very expensive, sure you can find almost anything now and Moscow has some big supermarkets but the prices of things is astronomical.

Victoria traveled to Saransk and Perm where some of her extended family lives, of course travel to those more rural areas is still difficult at best and life there has changed little except again for the costs. But that brings me back to how she was treated, maybe it was her perception but she felt in many ways like the outsider, someone who had managed to get away from the hardships of everyday life in rural Russia. She did not notice the issue as much in Moscow other than the occasional comment as to our cruising lifestyle which I can understand still there was a subtle undertone that she was so lucky to be out of Russia.

Just wondering if your lady experienced anything similar?

TigerPaws
 

[Mir]

I suspect any woman in this situation will encounter similar attitudes (including American women married to Americans etc)

[Thor]

Short update-
Unfortunately Lena has the flu and isn't getting around too much, but she did give me some interesting feedback.  She still has yet to see any very attractive women around town.  She says that the style of clothing has changed dramatically over the years.  No high heels and classy dressing any more but American style jeans and sport shoes prevail.  She is also put off by seeing many young (17 to 20) people walking the streets drinking open bottles of beer.

Maybe there are some differences between Russia and Kharkov, but I see hot and sexy girls walk around in high heels and miniskirts everywhere in Kharkov ken.

I also observe many youths drinking open bottles of beer in the streets. I a,not used to this sigth and dont like this at all.

By the way, very good TR Ken!!!!!

[KenC]

Tigerpaws,
Nice to see you contribute here.  Not too much jealousy displayed to Lena on this trip really.  More jealousy was evident years ago when she first came here and returned for a visit.  Could be that her friends have more accepted the fact that she lives in America or that their own lifestyles have improved.

I get a kick out of her stories when she meets with some of her male friends.  Lena has a nice way of deflecting romantic advances toward her in the past and making the gently rejected suitor into a friend.  Almost everyone of these male friends had a "woulda, shoulda, coulda" version of their past friendship.  As I have always advised Lena about her male friends (which I am not jealous about) is that of course they may just be "friends" but never think that they wouldn't jump at the chance for more.  This concept was very evident on this trip.  They were all very respectful and kind but they all made her aware that there also could be more available if she were interested.
Thanks, but no thanks.
KenC

[KenC]

Maybe there are some differences between Russia and Kharkov, but I see hot and sexy girls walk around in high heels and miniskirts everywhere in Kharkov ken.

I also observe many youths drinking open bottles of beer in the streets. I a,not used to this sigth and dont like this at all.

By the way, very good TR Ken!!!!!

Thanks Thor,
If you read further, you will see that Lena said it was a different ball game in Moscow.  The women were styling and profiling a lot more!
KenC

[Thor]

KenC,

My wife read some of the comments your wife had on the life and peoples in Russian she so agree with her. She says the same goes fro Ukraine. Here also peoples very rued . I can see her point, but if I where working 6-7 days every week in a shop and maybe 12 hours every day, I would not feel like I would all time be happy and in a good mood either. We must not forget that most peoples in FSU have a much harder life compared to us living in the west...

Yes I guess that the Moscow girls where fashion clothes and high heels. Maybe Tver is fished out because many of the most beautiful girls goes to Moscow or St Pet...The most beautiful girls are hunted by forreign men and also by rich FSU men so they have many options to have a better life. A good look in FSU is the ticket for something better .

But I really enjoy to see that also very beautiful girls/women in Kharkov can wear high heels and miniskirts too. Back home it use to be the girls you dont want to see where this outfit who walks around and belive that they are sexy...

[KenC]

Another thread reminded me that Lena told me that tipping is now very acceptable and expected in Russia.

[Rvrwind]

Maybe Tver is fished out because many of the most beautiful girls goes to Moscow or St Pet...

Tver is far from fished out Thor. If I could post pics without fear of them being removed I would but you can always check my website, lots of beautiful ladies!

[Thor]

Tver is far from fished out Thor. If I could post pics without fear of them being removed I would but you can always check my website, lots of beautiful ladies!

Ok,

I just read the post Rvwind . I guess that there is a lot of hot girls left in Tver!!

[Simoni]

I flew to ukraine July 1,,,Marina met me in Kiev and we took at afternoon flight to Dnepr. Having a great time here-and yes-the women are still VERY hot in Ukraine!  LOL

[Simoni]

KenC,
Is Lena still in Tver?

Was worried becaue of the big storm there today...38 houses destroyed, power outage....etc.

Also concerned for Richard and Bruce's family....

Any news?

[KenC]

KenC,
Is Lena still in Tver?

Was worried becaue of the big storm there today...38 houses destroyed, power outage....etc.

Also concerned for Richard and Bruce's family....

Any news?

According to Lena's Mom, there were golf ball sized hail, very strong winds knocking 100 year old trees down and they got a window broken.  They are OK though.
KenC

[DKMM]

I think I just realized why you've been a bit more aggresive on the boards lately Ken, you are sans your wife.  That's gotta be hard to do, why didn't you go with her?

[Rvrwind]

I'm Okay...Got caught in that storm & soaked to the bone!! The wife's fine as well, a little wet & pissed that she got her shoes soaked!! She likes her shoes, LOL. Hope we can salvage them once they dry.
We were without power for several hours. The streets were flooded & the trolley buses & trams stranded but we weathered it okay. Was strange for here as it only lasted about an hour but man what a wack of rain. The sewers couldn't handle it.
When it first hit I thought I was back home in tornado country, sheeesh, the winds were ferocious!!
Knocked down a lot of trees & power polls & lines. Still didn't have street lights on at 2 am this morning. Was a pretty dark city looking out my balcony last night.
They got the power on to the buildings though. I imagine they are still working at it today, left a hell of a mess to clean up.
Thanks for the concern. Hope everybody else's families weathered it as well.

[Simoni]

Ken and Richard:  Thanks for the update.  Glad to know all is well.

~Si

[BradSTL]

I'm Okay...Got caught in that storm & soaked to the bone

Were the reports of golf-ball size hail accurate?

[Rvrwind]

Were the reports of golf-ball size hail accurate?

In some area's, yes, Saw that on telivision news, but not where I was, stuck on a trolley bus not far from the main Post Office for about an hour.   Was in the center today & over to the inlaws, saw a lot of downed trees they are still cleaning up, billboards ripped down & a fw neon signs that felt the punch. Again last night we had no street lights accept in the city core, the rest of us were in the dark.
I see the clouds rolling in as I write this so we may be in for another blast! Hopefully not as bad.

[Gator]

The Tver storm hit Moscow as well with some hail, but smaller than a golf ball.

We were dining at an open air Uzbecki restaurant at the time it hit.  It was impossible to talk due to the noise of hail and heavy rain hitting the tin roof.  That, and the wind blowing the draperies surrounding our table, gave the kids a memorable experience.

Later, when driving back, the rain hit again, and it was equal to a good Florida afternoon storm.  Some young people were running.  However, many people caught in the rain ran for only a short while before giving up when even their underwear became soaked.  I wonder what the Russian expresion is for "F*ck It".

[Rvrwind]

I wonder what the Russian expresion is for "F*ck It".

Not sure LMAO, but I was using the English version!!

[KenC]

Here is a link to a group Lena saw in concert in Tver.  Tey are like a Russian Manhatten Transfer.



KenC

[catzenmouse]

Here is a link to a group Lena saw in concert in Tver.  Tey are like a Russian Manhatten Transfer.



KenC

That was pretty good! I love the accent too, especially when the girl says "fuggaboutit"! She could have been from NYC with that word.

Ken

[KenC]

Lena said they put on a great concert.  It went from 10 PM until 3AM!  Her Mom was able to score some great seats too as Lena sat next to the Mayor of Tver.

[Admin]

Here is a link to a group Lena saw in concert in Tver.  Tey are like a Russian Manhatten Transfer.



KenC

Slightly

Manhattan Transfer was my 2nd favorite a cappella group - behind The Nylons.

Anybody who ever saw The Nylons in concert were treated to a phenomenal show of individual voices, harmonies and enthusiasm. Saw them at Mackey Auditorium on the CU Campus some years back and it stands out as one of the two best concerts ever. The other was Harry Chapin in the Theater in the Round in Phoenix.  My ex-girlfriend copped a kiss at the end of the performance.

Anyway - your comment brought back a few memories - pleasant ones.

- Dan

[LenaC]

Hi everyone!
My name is LenaC. Many of you know me, as my husband KenC generously shared our life and relationship story on this board.  I am proud that through the years he inspired many of you about possibility of having strong relationships with Russian women.  I am also glad to know that there are people on this board who are disagree with him and can intelligently debate different issues; as we say in Russia: “the truth is born in a debate”.  I also understand that everyone has a different experience in life and has a right to stay for his opinion that comes from that experience. As long as we all can agree to disagree and allow the possibility that all of us might be wrong; the truly productive and constructive dialog is possible……….. And so I am ready for the dialog and may be a debate.  In my trip report I would love to share my observations and experiences of Russian life. I will talk about culture, food, music, television ,men and women, positives and negatives of Russian life. In other words, I will talk about everything that caught my attention on this trip. For the reason that I have so many observations and analysis to share I will divide this report on different segments and will try to post a new story every day. Please feel free to ask a question or share your story as my goal is to share the experience and may be have a constructive dialog. Have FUN!!
The Flight.
Flying Aeroflot was a surprisingly pleasant experience. Skeptical about Russian airlines I was only flying Delta on my previous trips. I always thought it was safer and more comfortable. WRONG!! The flight with Aeroflot was no less comfortable (I can’t speak about the safety, I am not the expert, but take off and the landing were very smooth). Customer service was the top of the line. The food was OK. I can’t stand the food that is served on any airline, so I always pack a nice meal to go before traveling. On the way to Russia the plane was half empty. I was able to take a nice snooze, so are the other passengers.
The interesting thing was that almost all passengers on the plane were Russians or Armenians or other Russian speaking people. Many of them became twelve hour talk buddies which is irritated some other passengers who tried to sleep.  There were a several incidents on the flight which were related to Russian moodiness, rudeness and impatience. Few guys almost picked a fight over the issues of disrespect. I barely held myself not to laugh thinking: “My God, I am not even in Russia yet, but I already have some free show to watch.” Typical Russian incident: two males can’t control their testosterone invoked behavior. No control over natural instinct to dominate one another. Barbarians!  )))))))))) But that is OK with me, I can be pretty barbaric myself if necessary )) At the end of the day we are all come from nature and as Freud suggested, we need to relief the pressure of society taboos, sometimes LOL. Anyways I enjoyed my flight and arrived to Russia exactly in twelve hours as it was estimated. The moment the plane landed people happily clapped ( typical for people of the cultures with the high uncertainty avoidance.  The do not take a safe trip for granted.)
To be continued…