Travel to Kiev and Day 1 BOTG (Boots On The Ground)

[dneid]

Today (8 Apr) was more fun than you could have with your clothes on.  I called Zoya this morning and agreed to meet her ar MacDonalds at 3:30PM.  Zoya is a charming young lady who is working with Kevin out of Kherson Girls.  She is a lovely lady and takes the time to understand what her clients are looking for (both men and women).  I would strongly recommend her to other newbs following in my footsteps if you are coming to Nikolaev.  Call her if you need anything at all.

So, I meet Zoya and I told her that meeting a lady face to face on this trip is not absolutely required.  I was more interested in establishing a relationship with an “agent” I can trust here in the Ukraine.  She did ask me about what kind of a woman I was looking for.  I gave her my requirements, which I will not repeat here for brevity’s sake.  If you really want to know, PM me.  Zoya took me to one of the apartments she has here for rent (I will definitely get a hold of her about this flat next time I come) to connect to the internet to search her DB.  We had been there for about 10 minutes when her boyfriend showed up.  Colin is his name and he had Bob from the UK with him.  We hit it off immediately.  It was nice meeting a face that understood English and was not interested in charging me by the hour.  I spent some time with Zoya and looked over a few profiles.  I decided I would look the profiles over tonight and tomorrow morning and send Zoya an e-mail.  Well, Colin and Bob invited me to go have a piva or two with them.  That turned into an adventure.  Man, am I glad I was able to hook up with them!!!

We left the flat and headed to a sidewalk café on the main street through City Center for a pivas.  Then we headed over to the park.  We sat and talked and got to know each other better.  We were sitting in the park proper when Bob returned from the restroom and said we really needed to sit down on the wall at the side walk for my edification and enjoyment.  Well, we moved and sat on the wall and watched the very lovely ladies walk by and talked.  I learned a great deal from them.  Much help and thanks, guys.  Not just the beer, but the education.  I appreciate it.  As we were sitting there talking an old guy (we later learned his name was Andrei) came up to us and just started to ramble on.  Well, this was the beginning of a 2 hour chat.  Me with almost no knowledge of Russian, Bob with his Queen’s English and a smidgen of Russian, Colin with a basic knowledge of Russian, and Andrei with his Russian and a little German and Italian.  All of us with many hand gestures (ah, the universal language).  We talked of many things.  The cold war, the Iraq war, the lovely young ladies of Nikolaev.  It was just way too much fun.  Andrei took a real liking to me for some reason (got a bit nervous for a moment or two).  All in all a very enjoyable afternoon.

I took Lady S and her sister to Dixie BBQ as I had already made the promise of a BBQ dinner.  The atmosphere was very American and they had almost no BBQ this evening.  Just pork chops with a butter sauce which was good.  I did learn that salads here are almost nothing like salads in the US.  Cabbage and mayo.  Man, you guys were right, they put mayo on everything here!!!  Now, don’t get me wrong, I like mayo to a limit and that limit has been reached while here.  I am going to go to the City Center grocery and see if I can find good old Thousand Island dressing or a good Balsamic vinegarette dressing.  That would taste so good right now.  And lettuce, iceberg lettuce to make a US salad from.  Dinner was fun and Lady S’s sister was really animated and enjoyed talking with me a great deal.  She asked me many questions and we had fun.  She told me that was getting much positive energy from me and that she and her sister (Lady S) really enjoyed spending time with me.  And they both were very sensitive to the cost.  We spilt a plate of pork chops, each had our own salad, and water.  I excused myself to go to the restroom.  As I climbed to the top of the stairs to use the facilities, I discovered a strip club at the top of the restaurant.  That explains the brass pole on the raised dance floor in the dining room.  When I returned I mentioned this and Lady S told me that on certain evenings they have strippers in the dining room.  Well, that adds a whole twist to BBQ dining.  “Come on kids.  Time for BBQ and boobs.”

Well, today is 9 Apr and I am waiting for the water to get turned back on in my flat.  Turns out there is a problem at the pumping station.  I have learned that this is not at all uncommon and I have actually been fortunate to have not had this happen to me before today.  I just really want to get a shower before I head out.  Need to get online and do some banking and check e-mails.  Maybe post this to RWD.  Colin and I are going to meet in awhile and go get some pizza.  He wants to show me this place as he says it is very good and very very cheap.  I also want to find a place to get borsch that does not charge an arm and leg for a bowl of soup.

[dneid]

Hey, Guys and Gals,
This has been my first day to read through the thread and all your comments.  Thanks for your time.  I'll try to respond to all in one post on the flight back.  So far, all of my expectations have been met.  My goal in coming was to explore this whole idea more and to explore Ukraine.  It has been quite fun and I met many people just on the sidewalks and cafes and I have been impressed.  Ukraine is a fascinating country with a rich history and wonderful people.  Stay tuned.

[Shadow]

When you can read this before your next meeting, be sure that Lady A. did not call off because of a flu.
As she understood you would not call off meeting others, she wants to wait the result of your trip before introductions to the family.

[dneid]

Trip Report – Nikolaev/Kiev – BOTG – Part5
Well, what an interesting couple of days.  Let me see where to start.  Let’s start with Wednesday.  The sun came out and it was beautiful here in Nikolaev.  I have met quite a few American men here.  2 at Dixie BBQ.  I cannot remember their names, but they were nice and told me what to order and what to stay away from.  The scenery was simply wonderful on Soviet Street with the sun out.  The ladies were dressed so wonderfully and all the folks seemed to be almost celebrating the day and the weather.  I decided to walk down to the park and get a sandwich and a piva.  I took my book and just sat in the sun and enjoyed the day.  Several babushkas were there and offered them a few UAH each.  Maybe the word is out that the crazy American is god for a few UAH as many came to me.  But they were all so sweet and the one from MacDonald’s came and refused my UAH and she just sat with me and we tried to talk.  I do not know how well she understood me, but she stayed with me for at least an hour.  At one point, a wino dude approached me and she took my hand and pulled me closer to her and just gave the wino the what for.  He slunk off and she looked at me with an almost motherly smile and patted my hand.  After about an hour, she stood, said to me dasvidanya, leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a pat on the face, and then she trundled off.  I swear she was sitting there with me like an old hen watching over her brood.  I tried several times to give her a few UAH, but she refused.  As she was leaving, I slipped 50UAH in her bag.  I wish her well.  These ladies just break my heart (see my upcoming wrap up).

So, I decide that since my little guardian angel had left, it might be a wise idea to leave myself.  I had heard of a good cantina off of Soviet Street that served good borsch and I struck out to find it.  Now the night before, I had told Lady S that I just did not feel a click on both our parts and I wanted to remain friends.  Well, she was not overjoyed with that, but she did accept it.  She did say that she would need sometime to think about all I said to her.  She wanted to reply to me and I left her and her sister at the bus stop with the impression that she would maybe e-mail me.  Well, as I was walking in my quest for the cantina, Lady S calls.  She asks if she can see me soon.  I told her I was looking for the cantina and she says, “I know the one you are looking for.  Where are you now?”  She says she knows exactly where I am and to just stop and find a bench and wait for her as she will be there in few minutes.  I found out later that she was outside my flat calling to ask if she could come up and talk some more.  So, she arrives and off we go to the cantina.  Turns out it was about 5 blocks away.  Man, these ladies do not walk; they run from place to place.  I swear I have actually lost weight from all the high speed walking I am doing!  Now, the conversation I am going to recollect here actually happened over two days, but it is easier for me to repeat it all as one single conversation, at least in my mind.  So, we arrive at the cantina, Lady S leads me through the line and selects everything I need for a good lunch of borsch.  We sit and exchange pleasantries as we start to eat.  Finally, I ask her want it is she wanted to speak to me about (she loves how direct I am.  That is how we have always communicated).  Well, she tells me that she was up all night thinking about what I said to her about the click and the fact that I am not sure she is interested in me and maybe it would be best if we parted as friends.  She said that she and her sister sat up most of the night talking.  It turns out her sister really likes me.  This is a turn around for her as she has always said that I am too old for Lady S and why is she even talking with me.  So, what she says is she really likes me.  She says she cannot say that she loves (of course not, it takes time), but that she so enjoys talking with me and being with me.  She says she feels very safe and secure with that and me she has always felt that she can be herself completely with me.  She says she does not want to stop “seeing” me and she wants to continue on to see if this is real.  Now, this leaves me with a great deal to think about.  Ken, when you describe how you Lena just talked and talked and became so close, that is what is happening here.  Is she young?  Yes.  Is she a charming lady who has never been anything other than honest with me?  Most definitely.  So, I tell her that I need to think some more and can we talk more later.  Well, we agree to meet the following evening (my last evening in Nikolaev) and discuss this more.  Again, please remember I am rolling both discussions into one here.  It is a little confusing to follow, but it works for me.

In the mean time I have a meeting scheduled with Lady O at Zoya’s flat at 5:00PM the last full day I am in Nikolaev.  I spend the day just walking around and enjoying the day even if it is colder and gray and wet.  The folks here are just pleasant.  I get another loaf of bread and a Coke and head to the park on Soviet Street.  My little guardian angel shows up and I give her a few UAH and a warm hamburger.  We just sit and never say a word other than Privet and spashiba and pazhlatsta (BTW, all Russian is in phonetic spelling as in Lonely Planet – thanks Jet!!!).  It is very comfortable to just sit with this little old lady and watch the world walk by.  I so wish it were not wet so I could have my camera and get a picture of her.  I still think she was watching over me.  Every time a wino came near she would get her back up and just glare at him.  I was never approached by a wino when she was with me.  After an hour or so of watching the world go by, I finally decide to leave.  My little babushka stands with me and gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and pats my hand and sent me on my way.

So, back to the flat to freshen up to meet Lady O.  I am also meeting a young lady for lunch that is just a friend.  Anna is her name.  I meet her and her friend and we had a good time chatting.  They both wanted to practice their English and we enjoyed it a great deal.  I taught them a few Texas terms they enjoyed learning and clarified a few words and phrases for them.  It was fun meeting both young ladies and they told me they loved my Texas accent.  Anna has amazing eyes and I will post her picture here when I get home.

Now, it is off to meet Lady O at Zoya’s flat. Lady O arrives and she is an attractive woman of about 34 with two wonderful daughters.  She has a degree in Electrical Engineering but is working as a “traveling hair stylist”.  She is so charming and such a delight to talk with through an interpreter.  We spent about 3 hours talking and chatting, which was 2 hours more than either of us planned on.  She asked me all the usual questions and I answered them fully and honestly.  Then I spent some time telling her about Texas and the life there (no breeding stories this time).  All in all, she is a delightful lady.  We agreed to continue our discussions as best we can. Lady O then offered to see me back to Soviet Street as it was on her way home.  As we walked along she was chatting away and I so wished I could understand her.  All I could do was smile when I thought it was appropriate.  Well, about halfway back, she takes my hand to get across a main cross street safely and we continued our walk hand in hand.  She really wants me to come back this summer and I hope I can.  I like her as well.  Geesh, who would have thunk (yes, I said thunk it) it, two or three charming ladies that seem to be interested in me.

I arrive at the little bar that Lady S and I agreed to meet at.  She has just arrived as well.  We greet and head inside.  Now, remember, I am blending two separate discussions into one, so bear with me.  We sit and order a drink and settle in to talk.  I tell Lady S that I do indeed think highly of her.  She tells me once again that she has always felt safe and secure with me.  She tells me how much she enjoyed cooking with me and how pleasant it was to just spend time with me.  She said that she was so pleased with our communication before I came and she is even more pleased with how well we interact in person.  She said she just loves talking with me and that she is so amazed at how easily I meet people and make them feel at home almost immediately.  BTW, I have met and made friends with numerous people with her.  She has said several times that she is so amazed at easily I do this.  Did I mention that I am very outgoing and easy to talk with?  She says that she has never met a man like me.  She tells me that she feels I am very intelligent, warm hearted, and I have a very strong personality that she likes immensely.  Well, I tell her my analogy of making a great soup and it is similar to making a great (not good, but great) marriage.  I explain all this to her and she loves it.  Are we in love?  No.  Do we like each other a great deal?  Yes.  As she says, cannot a great friendship be part of a great marriage?  Of course it can and in my mind, I want my wife to be my best friend, my lover, my partner.  Several of the American guys I have met here have met Lady S and all comment that she very mature for her age.  They are all quite impressed with her demeanor.  She is a charming woman.  After about 2 hours of talking I propose to Lady S that we agree to take a break from each other for a period of time and let us both think with no influence on each other.  I tell her that I want to communicate with the one other man she is communicating with even during this break.  This really surprises her.  She asks me why.  I tell her I want her to explore her options.  She tells me that while she tells me it is ok for me to communicate with other woman that she is scared for me to do so.  I ask her why the fear and she says she is scared she could lose me.  I tell that I may do so.  I tell her that life is like that.  That sometimes he who hesitates looses.  So, we finally agree to take a 30 day break (she wanted two weeks, I wanted 60 days).  She tells me that she is not sure she cannot communicate with me for 30 days, but I insist.  She agrees.  I tell her I am taking my profile down from the site due to costs.  She asks if it because I am not upset with her.  I reassure her I am not upset at all.  I have told her that I will no longer use any site to communicate and will instead rely on direct e-mails and MSN or AOL for any communications.  It is easier for me and much cheaper.

Well, that is it for now.  Tonight Lady S will take me to the train station for my return trip to Kiev and then off to the airport on Sunday to return home.  I’ll make one more post before I go wheels up.

[dneid]

Trip Report – Wrap Up
I will warn all who start to read this.  This is not a trip report about what I did with such and such a lady.  This is more of a philosophical wrap up.  My impressions of the country and the people.  Please forgive me for the ramble I am about to embark on but Ukraine left a lasting impression on me.  All of you who told me that once I visit, I would never be the same.  You were most correct, but I think for different reasons.  Ukraine has wormed its way into my heart and soul. Yes, the ladies here are simply wonderful.  They are fun, attractive, feminine, and oh so charming.  But it is the heart and soul of Ukraine that I have fallen in love with. Will I ever understand these people’s souls?  No.  Will I always cherish them and try to better understand them?  YES!!!  Whether I find my wife here or not, I will return as often as I can.  What can be learned here of the power of the human spirit cannot be put into words.  It must be experienced, it must be felt, and you need to sink yourself heart and soul into this culture.

This country has a very rich history and that history is reflected in the people.  The history is at once both charming and tragic.  This region was once one of the most powerful “city states” in Europe (Kiev Rus).  Even after it reached the pinnacle of its ascent and had begun to descend from that peak, it was still a powerful force in Europe.  Many children of the ruling Ukrainian nobles were married into the ruling families across Europe; France, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy to name a few.  This country’s recent past is at once tragic, challenging, joyous, and dreary.  Ukraine’s population was devastated by both Stalin’s purges and the Nazis, yet it survived.  Parts and populations of this country were utterly laid to waste during these times.  This country and its people survived under the fist of totalitarianism of the Soviet regime.  Then, just as freedom was taking root after the collapse of the USSR, there came a complete financial collapse where entire savings and pensions were completely wiped out.  One lady told me her father was paid in sugar and salt (look it up in your Bible – salt is precious) for over a year.  One look into the eyes of a babushka’s face shows the hardships these people have faced.  Each and every broken promise of the system can be found in each line in these babushka’s faces.  It breaks my heart to see these charming old ladies reduced to having to beg for the last half my MacDonald’s hamburger.  I always had a few UAH for the babushkas I saw on the street and I can tell you that I bought and gave away more than my fair number of hamburgers for these charming little ladies.  One even broke down and cried into my hand when I handed her a warm burger and 5 UAH.  I will be honest and tell you all that as I write this, I have tears in my eyes thinking of her.  I beg each of you, when you are here to give to the babushkas even a few UAH.  Smile at them and offer them a small ray of sunshine to be allowed into their otherwise dark lives.

Kiev has been laid to waste at least 3 times that I can recall during its history.  The countryside suffered just as well.  Yet, these people survive and prosper.  They just pick up their shovels or weapons and start to eke out a life.  Could we Americans rise to the same challenges?  I like to think we can, but we have never had an invading force sweep across our nation and literally level it the way the Nazis did here in WWII.  Yet, they fought on and survived.  And then, just as hope was returning, the Iron Curtain fell across the country.  Over 40 years of Soviet domination lay across this land.  Yet, these people survived.  They had families, they had hopes pinned on these very children just to be crushed over and over again by Soviet domination.  Then came the collapse.  Freedom!!!  Just as the taste of freedom was being sipped for the first time in generations, came the complete financial collapse of an entire nation.  Dear reader, stop here and take a moment to think about how you would handle such a scenario.  Could you survive these broken promises over generations?  Again, I like to think I could, but, by the grace of God, I have not faced such challenges.

And the purges of Stalin brought yet more heartache, death, and deep, deep fear into this country.  Read your history.  It is estimated that Stalin’s purges killed over 30 million people in the USSR.  How many from Ukraine?  I cannot begin to guess.  Then the untold millions who were marched at a muzzle’s point into the great battles of WWII with no ammunition to be fed into the Nazi/Soviet war machine.  Untold millions were lost.  Countless bodies buried in mass graves.  Fathers, uncles, sons, brothers all lost on many unmarked battlefields.  You veterans who come here, stand before a memorial to the Great Patriotic War and raise your hand in salute to these men who paid the ultimate price for their country.  Take a moment to reflect on the depth of the loss and the agony felt in far too many homes.  Whole cities reduced to rubble in just hours or days.  Can you imagine it?  Can you smell the cordite on the great battle fields?  Can you hear the screams and moans of death covering countless acres?  Whole families lost in the blink of an eye.  And yet, they survived.  They crawled out of the ash heaps to stand again and again.  Rebuilding not just lives and families and cities, but a whole culture and society.  Then these dreams where crushed under the iron fist of communism.

It is in the women here that I find the iron will to persevere.  For it was the women who bore the brunt of these broken promises.  They raised their children, often with no man to help her.  He was either dead, in prison, or he just gave up.  Drinking and alcohol abuse are an issue here with men.  Yet, the women rise each morning and face the day. And they have for generations immeasurable.  Somehow they instill a drive in their children to go forth into the future and survive.  Their stubborn pride is to be applauded for it is this very trait that raises up their iron will to see that their families survive.  These women are stronger than you can ever imagine.  Yes, they can be as stubborn as a Kansas mule (not to pick on Kansas).  They have a will that is just amazing.  Yet, they retain that subtle, feminine charm and sensuality that American women have struggled to throw off.  These women are simply beautiful, charming, witty, optimistic, and stubborn.  They will survive.  Their families will survive.  Above all else, it is the family that these ladies live for.  I now better understand the drive for a lady to have children.  I believe that these women possess the will to follow their men to hell and back as long as their men remain faithful and respectful to their wives.  Just the opposite from the US.

What does the future hold for Ukraine?  That remains to be seen.  Will Ukraine survive?  Certainly, it has survived far worse.  What will the future Ukraine look like?  That remains to be seen.  It is up to the generation that is just now coming out of the universities to determine this future Ukraine.  It is this generation that the torch will be passed to.  Either peaceably or not.  Do I see continued unrest here?  Certainly.  Do I think we will see violence in the political system?  Probably not.  It is up to this generation to educate themselves about the issues and to vote accordingly.  It is up to this generation to determine if corruption of the system will continue to be accepted or not.  All I can say is, it will be a fascinating journey to watch.

I wish the Lord would grant me the eloquence to word these thoughts better.  The ability to make you feel what these people feel and have felt.  Study the history.  This is a proud nation and rightly so.  Do they do things the “right way” here?  I cannot be the judge of that.  They do things their way and this has allowed them to survive. 

OK, that’s it.  I am done waxing philosophical.  Just my thoughts as I sit here on the balcony watching the world go by.  Feel free to comment.  Once again, to each and every one of you, thank you for your guidance and advice.  You all contributed to this journey of mine in ways you will never know.  My heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

BTW, the weather just sucked while I was here.  2 days of sunshine, but, oh those 2 glorious days!!!

[I/O]

 

I/O

[Simoni]

Great TR, Dale!

We enjoyed it very much, and both Marina and I think you got a lot out of the trip.

Personally, I had a number of trips like yours before finding the perfect girl for me.  So be patient, and run the good race.  And smell the roses along the way, just as you have been.

And BTW-- love at first sight is not good, IMHO.  So there may still be something there for you with Lady S.   That is the way it was for Marina and me--we met without fireworks but then got to know each other better and the second trip became magic.  So you never know.

Hey-- great job interacting with the natives in Ukraine.   You changed the image of Americans to many there, and I  for one appreciate that.

~Si

[Simoni]

Holy snickeys, Mikey!!!  If more AMs came here we could make this the 51st state!

I told you so....
A land filled with beautiful girls...

But Marina says you gotta go to Dnepr next time! 

~Si  (AKA Mikey)

[KenC]

dnied,
You said:

I wish the Lord would grant me the eloquence to word these thoughts better.

You did just fine, Champ!  There is just something about visiting that part of the world that touches your soul.  You did a great job trying to explain it!  All the best to you.
KenC

[tim 360]

An excellent 4 star trip report Dale.  You have really studied your Ukrainian history well.  The people of Ukraine are strong survivors, generation after generation.  And don't fear, your words were eloquent and had alot of depth and with a great communication and insight.  I'm confident you will do well, Cheers, tim360

[Faux Pas]

What a Sapp! (just kidding) 
Great TR dneid! Sounds like you had a great time and even found some additional need for self-reflection.  Also, an excellent job on the camofloged feelings for the ladies although you still come across as teary eyed and weak kneed. I do question how you left it with Lady S. Leaving them wanting more is always a beneficial tactic as is teasing. I say his because most all women wish to be pursued at some point. I can certainly understand keeping your composure in the face of temptation. But did you "out think" yourself on this one? Encouraging her to communicate with other men and not with you for 30 days is essentially a kick to the curb. What is your thinking here? I assume you do not wish to pursue her?

[Lit_1nce]

Excellent trip report ! .. Thoughtful, descriptive, insightful, intelligent, and open minded.. Are you sure your from Texas ?

(I kid,  my brother moved to Katy, TX years ago... me bashing on TX to him has become kind of a hobby.. all good fun)

[boltar]

''Man, these ladies do not walk; they run from place to place.  I swear I have actually lost weight from all the high speed walking I am doing! ''


Yea russian woman speed walk! Everytime on a date I'm like slow down girl, its not going anywhere. I refuse to speed walk. i like my weight... Just stick your arm out, they will instantly put their arm around yours and just stroll to wherever you are going.

John

[dneid]

Thought I would post this under my TR as quite a few here liked the analogy.....

A great marriage is like making a great pot of soup.  You start with a great stock made of 2 parts honesty and 1 part trust.  Let this stock simmer over a low flame over a period time.  Taste test frequently, you will know when it has reached the perfect point.  Now add openness and communication.  Stir well.  Next dice up a healthy portion of humor and patience.  Add to the pot.  Let this simmer over a low flame of getting to know each other.  Next add the spices of life (I love the line in Hitch.... "Life is not about the number of breathes you take.  Instead, it is about the moments your breathe is taken away.").  Season with love and passion and excitment.  Again, simmer over a low flame of deepening your knowledge of each other.  Season with those moments of disagreement (they happen and they do add spice to the marriage) and the moments of making up.  Now, dice up the meat of dreams and add to the soup.  Be careful with the heat.  Too high and you scorch the stock and soup.  Too low and the ingredients never come together.  Once the heat is set correctly, let it simmer as long as it takes.  Don't forget to stir with patience, understanding, and love.  Serve with love.  BTW, makes endless servings for two.

[KenC]

dneid,
OK, dude, before you get any more philosophical and go all "Mitch Album" on us, how about giving us some more details regarding the women you met?  Did you meet anyone that has any potential in your mind to become Mrs dneid?  Did you ever give that woman her "next first kiss"?  She seemed totally hot for you, any sparks from you side?  What are your future plans?  Inquiring minds want to know!
KenC

[dneid]

OK, Ken..... I am working on it as a final roll up right now.  I am taking some time to reflect and gather my thoughts.  And yes, she got her next first kiss from me.  Sparks... hmmmmm, no.  She is a lovely young lady.  Sweet and kind and honest.  But not for me.  She will be a good friend I think.  Need to let it marinade before I finally decide.

Now, Lady O in Nikolaev was fun.  She is older (40 if I remember right) and she was just so much fun to talk with even through a terp.  We laughed and joked and talked and walked and held hands and kissed and everything that makes me feel like a teenager.  Am I am in love?  No (or not yet).  Am I very interested?  Oh, yeah.  I now know what you guys mean by your first RW kiss.  Wow!!!  Can not be described.  It must be experienced.  Lady O told me she wanted me to have a kiss that would bring me back.  Well, that kiss certainly curled my toes....

[ScottinCrimea]

Great TR Dale.  It sounds like you got a taste of why I love Ukraine so much.  With all the frustrations that one must endure when living there, ultimately it's the spirit of the people that makes one put these things in perspective.  It's something that you have to experience and feel, not just read about.  As much as we want to talk about the problems in Ukraine today, just hearing my wife's stories about how things were in the not so recent past makes me realize that the country has come an incredible distance in a very short time.  I see the same spirit and strength of character in the young people that I met and taught there.  it gives me great hope for the future of Ukraine.

[dneid]

Trip Report – Final Wrap Up
So, here I sit in the airport in Kiev preparing to depart Ukraine after my first 10 days in Ukraine.  Why did I come here?  What was the purpose of this trip?  Was it to fall in love with one of the ladies here?

I came to see for myself what this country is about, to experience the culture and the people and the sights.  I came to meet 3 ladies that I have been corresponding with.  I came to just breathe it all in and see if this whole idea is “real”.  Was the trip worth it?  Certainly.  Did I fall in love?  No.  Did I learn about the people and the women?  Yes.  I learned that love is elusive anywhere in the world, but I expected that.  I met 3 wonderful women.  Lady A in Kiev was so charming and such a lady with a deep conviction about her spiritual life.  Lady S, who I have been corresponding with for 8 months was a wonderful woman as well.  Lady O was stunning and, even though she spoke no English, there was a certain click with her.  She is animated with me and fun to communicate with.  All the ladies were “legit” with no indications of trying to take me for a ride.  Lady S was always honest and direct with me.  Her sister is charming as well.  I feel fortunate that I was able to avoid so many of the traps so many other men fall into here.  Did I see men being led around by their wallets?  Yeap.  So sad to see a man following a woman around like a puppy.  I met many people here that I can now call friends.  Colin from St Louis.   Zoya from Nikolaev.  Pavel in Kiev.  Victor on the train to Nikolaev.  Oystein and Svetlana and Olga on the train back to Kiev. Tom from Nigeria in Nikolaev.  Lastly, my little guardian babushka in Nikolaev.

At this point, I need to sit back and just absorb all I have experienced.  I have written some of my more philosophical insights earlier.  What does the future hold for me and my quest for love?  That remains to be seen.  I feel I have started my pot of soup.  In fact, at least 2 pots of soup stock are on the stove.  Now it is time to let everything come together.  Lady S, Lady A, Lady O; all of them have left a lasting impression on me.  The women here are so wonderfully feminine and charming.  These traits are not completely lost in American women, but these are getting harder to find each and every year.

Will I return to Ukraine?  You betcha!  This country sure seeps into your soul unnoticed at first.  Then, suddenly something happens to make you realize what a profound impact this country has had on you.  For me, it was my experience with my little babushka.  She represents the soul of Ukraine to me.  The iron will of these people and the women especially.

So, what happens to Dale and his quest for love?  I will continue to correspond with Lady O.  We have started something in just a few hours that cannot be denied.  Does this mean we will be married at some point in the future?  It is too early to tell.  We need to continue to add our own ingredients to our pot of soup.

Will Lady S and I continue to develop our relationship?  That remains to be seen.  I think the break is as good for me as it is for her.  Is she attractive?  Yes.  I love her integrity and her stubborn streak.  She was and is as honest as the day is long.  She made a great deal of time for me in her schedule.  She was always honest with me and she can be counted on to be so in the future.  In fact, if anyone is looking for a good translator in Nikolaev, I can strongly recommend her.  She made sure I was safe whenever we went out and she never took advantage of me.  She argued with taxi drivers for me and she made sure I saw the Nikolaev she wanted me to see.  If anyone wants her contact information, let me know.  I will be glad to arrange an introduction to her.

Lady A and I will continue to talk as well.  She is a direct and honest lady as well.  Again, I feel so fortunate to have avoided so many mistakes I have read about.  I can only thank you guys and gals here at RWD for that.  For all the newbies coming behind me, listen to these guys.  They will save you so much aggravation.

Pavel is a wonderful man who has become not just a great guide, but he has become a dear friend to me.  He is simply a wonderful man to work with.  He watched over me like my little babushka in Nikolaev.  He called me every day in Kiev and every other day while I was Nikolaev.  I came to understand that Pavel has my back in Ukraine no matter where I am.  I realized after our second conversation when I was Nikolaev, that Pavel was my safe haven here.  If things had gone horribly wrong, I could count on Pavel to be there to get me back someplace safe.

Yaroslav in Nikolaev was a good guide, but I always felt he was angling for the next buck.  I got that “used car salesman” feel from him.  To be honest, I cannot recommend him to others (sorry, Dale).  Zoya was great and she helped me with numerous things.  She was such a wonderful hostess for my meeting with Lady O.  Sitting in her kitchen while meeting Lady O reminded me of my days as a child at my god mother’s kitchen.  Zoya, thank you for being such a gracious hostess!!!  Guys, strong recommendation for Zoya in Nikoleav.

Oystein from Norway was such fun to talk with on the trip back to Kiev.  Svetlana, his girlfriend was sweet and they shared their plates of cheeses and meats and we toasted all around.  Olga was so cute with my iPod.  She wound up going to sleep with it on and later told me she loved the jazz I turned her on to.  She kept apologizing for keeping it for so long.

Again, I wish I could be more eloquent here.  I cannot.  All I can do is just let it flow from my fumbling fingertips onto the keyboard and from there into cyberland.  It is now time for me to let the pots of soup simmer and see what happens.  All in all, this trip exceeded my expectations by a wide margin.  I am so glad I made this trip.  Looking for love here is as hard as it is anywhere else.  But, the women here offer something that is difficult to find almost anyplace I have been.  I love the strength and their iron wills.  Their stubborn streak is what makes them so charming.  Even Olga, who is happily married with 2 kids refused to let me make up my bed on the trip back to Kiev.  She just told me to go get dressed and she would ensure my bed was as comfortable as she could make it.  I guess the Beatles still sum it up best “The Ukraine girls really knock me out, they leave the west behind.”  But let’s keep this our little secret, ok guys and gals?

That’s it.  Time for travel home.

[tim 360]

Your trip report has been a great read Dale, one of the very best.  I think your positive attitude, charm and common sense has served you well and will continue to do so.  You must be one charming devil to be unleashed upon the ladies of Ukraine.

[I/O]

Dnied: A steady ship and a following breeze for the trip home. Rest up, you will return, you've been bitten..........and now for the bad news.....there is no cure.

I/O

[Serebro]

Excellent trip report ! .. Thoughtful, descriptive, insightful, intelligent, and open minded..

hahahahaha, I haven't laughed that way for a long time, I liked the historical part of the story, I especially liked about 30 mlns of people killed by Stalin....and babushkas with sad eyes asking for UAHs....did you learn history on your dates with ladies?!What about reading books?!
 
thanx, Dale, your story made my day...

 

[wxman]

Serebro,

You're having too much fun today! Your evil government doesn't allow RW to have fun. 

[Serebro]

[tim 360]

What SERIOUS books have you been reading Serebro?  You pick away at everyone with no cause.  Dale's Trip Report does not need your sniping.  You definitely have some problems and I find it generous that posters on RWD tolerate your ignorance and your bratty posts.  The new issue of Playboy does have some serious reading for you...if you can get by the pictures.  Have you always been such a bitter person or is it something you have very recently learned? 

I hope that the revelation that Uncle Joe was a butcher of humans does not offend your delicate little sensitivities...but Unk'l Joe was a paranoid schizophernic with delusions and more emotional and psyschological baggage and problems than you currently present with.  I think.  Actually 30 Mil is on the light side.  The exploits of Uncle Joe and his right hand man, Lavrentiy Beria and his NKVD were a huge systematic continual abuse of human rights; by any description anywhere in the world.  And it was upon his very OWN people...the Russians...the Ukrainians...the Uzbeks...the...  In fact, Hitler exterminated far less than Stalin (oopps Uncle Joe) and Beria and yet here in the west Hitler is the big devil.  Hitler was puny in comparison.  When it comes to killing Hitler was a weak little punk.  Unk'l Joe knew how to kill and he loved it.  Hitler?  Six millions or 12 millions is nothing compared to your Uncle Joe.  Case in point Hitler exterminated very few Germans compared to Unk'l Joe extermination of Russians.  Killing Russians for Unk'l Joe was a necessary expedience because they could be/might be/could grow to be...enemies.  Just a little paranoia goes a very long way.

Anyway, I'm done with you.  Since you think you know so much "serious" history and everything else; you must realize that you need to get yourself an education M'dearo.  You live in Russia and yet...you know squat about history, Russian history too.  I bet--- bet KenC will even mail you a copy of the new Playboy so you can read and examine the serious articles.  You need a little joy in your life Serebrooo, otherwise you'll grow up to be some lonely, bitter old lady with nothing else to do but post your bitterness on internet forums.  First thing.  Stop posting so much.  There was no reason for you to abuse Dale's Trip Report.  What is the matter with you? Get a life.  Is your life so empty and hallow that you need to stoop so low.  Maybe you spend too much time on the internet?  Step back.  Get away from your computer and have a little joy, maybe there is sunshine in Moscow today and a cool breeze---get out and take a nice long walk anywhere.  Think it over.  Serebro,  find a little joy in your life.

[Admin]

hahahahaha, I haven't laughed that way for a long time, I liked the historical part of the story, I especially liked about 30 mlns of people killed by Stalin....and babushkas with sad eyes asking for UAHs....did you learn history on your dates with ladies?!What about reading books?!
 
thanx, Dale, your story made my day...

 

Olya,

Dale has provided us with his opinions and experiences. He did so generously and with no ulterior motive or malice.

He is NOT deserving of your ridicule.

If you have any 'class', you will offer a sincere apology for your boorish behavior.

And just in case you intend to 'argue' with me - I will not allow this excellent T/R to suffer a de-railing.

- Dan