Introduction with Urgent Question

[Ben Armen]

Hello All,

I am Ben Armen here.  I am getting ready for trip number 6 to the Ukraine. I have a pedigree of several FSU countries although none are the Ukraine.  It has been similar trips.  Go to an agency, meet 5-10 women, find the needle in the haystack.  Instead of asking for $$, they have been very modest.  They ask for vacation, Egypt, Crimea, etc.  To me traveling to another city other than theirs is not a big deal the only added expense is her airfare.  Well after a great week in May, I am off to the Ukraine to see Tanya again.  She has asked for a trip to Crimea.  Is this common or a revision of the English Lessons, Grandma's Medical Bills, etc.  I was in Dnipro to see Sveta during the winter and we planned a trip to Egypt.  conversation was more focused on her vacation standards as opposed to our relationship, which turned out to be a failed relationship.  Is this too much to ask after a "friendly" week together?  Thanks for your help

[Blues Fairy]

If she's in Ukraine and the destination is Crimea, you will not have to pay any airfares, at least that is certain.  What's her living situation?  Work schedule?  Perhaps taking a vacation and getting out of town is the only way for her to grab some time off and some privacy.   

[GreginGa]

I personally don't think asking for a few days in Crimea is that big of a deal. It's certainly not asking for a trip to Vegas and a suite at The Wynn. The train ride from Kiev will be long and boring. What town on the Black Sea are you planning on staying? Of course Yalta is more expensive. Alushta is nice. I've stayed at both places. The beach at the Black Sea is certainly not Siesta Key or Destin. If you can afford the flight then I'd do that. Asking for a trip to Crimea is not asking too much in my opinion. Egypt,Cyprus or Monte Carlo on the other hand is another story.

[catzenmouse]

Whether it is or it isn't a new version of a pro dater scam is something you'll have to figure out as you go along.

I'm curious though... 6 trips and you still refer to it as "the Ukraine"? Hasn't anyone corrected you on that yet?

FWIW Good Luck.

[Ben Armen]

Thanks for the input, I was losing sleep on it.  I am a little gunshy since I have taken my share of lumps from both AW and UW.  She is a hardworking girl who has much stress on her job and wishes to escape.  After reading your expert input it will be a good investment of quality time and will see what happens from here...

BTW, if not "The Ukriane"  what is proper?  don't want to act like a tourist you know?  Take it easy on me 5 trips and 1 post, I do have some catching up to do 

[wxman]

BTW, if not "The Ukriane"  what is proper?  don't want to act like a tourist you know?  Take it easy on me 5 trips and 1 post, I do have some catching up to do 

It's simply called "Ukraine"  as in I went to Ukraine. Calling it "The Ukraine" is like saying "The France"   

[GreginGa]

If you stay in Yalta, I recommend Hotel Bristol. You can actually google Hotel Bristol Yalta and see the photos and rates of the hotel. We've stayed there twice and have been very satisfied. It's close to the beach, the rooms are clean, the breakfast is good and it's close to everything. Of course you can find less expensive housing not only in Yalta but everywhere down there. What city will you be traveling from? If you're going to do the train thing then reserve the entire compartment on the train. You'll be glad you did.

[Ben Armen]

I am in Ohio, home of THE Ohio State University...lol

We will be coming from Kharkov and going to Yalta, thanks for the great advice, I will look up the hotel.

[OlgaH]

Last summer my girlfriend went to Tunisia for her vacation. She said that it was less expensive than her previous vacation in Sochi, and sea water was more clear than in Sochi...   

[GreginGa]

The Ohio State University jeesh. I'm taking back everything I said. You're on your own. How's Maurice doing these days? LOL  It wont be that long of a train ride from Kharkov but I would still rather fly.

[UTRO]

I would say it depends on exactly How She Asked You for a trip to the Crimea? Were you discussing places to visit one another? Who brought up the topic of a Vacation away from her city? Was going on a Vacation something you were/are open with? I agree with GreginGA... Crimea isn't Hawaii and the Ritz.... it doesn't sound at all unreasonable. Actually, neither does Egypt..... especially when ordered through an FSU Travel Agency.

[steviej]

Actually, neither does Egypt..... especially when ordered through an FSU Travel Agency.

I'm not sure an American should go to a Muslim country at this point. Probably not anywhere on the North African coast ... for what it's worth I'd stay on the north side of the Black/Mediterranean sea

[Ben Armen]

Maurice is in the same cell as Michael Vick, enough of Ohio bashing from a GA sports fan. 

She made the proposal, I am sure it is reasonable.  I can tell yoit by the forumu she has a very stressful job.  I just wanted to run it by the forum just to be sure.  Great advice, thank you.

[Faux Pas]

Maurice is in the same cell as Michael Vick, enough of Ohio bashing from a GA sports fan. 

C'mon Ben lighten up. Just some friendly ribbing which is normally a widely accepted practice among college football fans. What is your problem with a Ga fan? BTW, Vick played at Virginia Tech.

[UTRO]

She made the proposal, I am sure it is reasonable.  I can tell yoit by the forumu she has a very stressful job.  I just wanted to run it by the forum just to be sure.  Great advice, thank you.

Ben, I see nothing wrong with her proposal. You met her in her city on your first meeting and now she'd like to go on a Vacation, with you, away from the stresses of her everyday life. Aside from meeting a nice Lady, it's always an adventure, a trip, a vacation, etc.. for you to get away to the FSU..... She doesn't get to share in that. Hey, it's summer and that means it's vacation time for Ukrainians too! Go enjoy

[msmoby_ru]

I'm curious though... 6 trips and you still refer to it as "the Ukraine"? Hasn't anyone corrected you on that yet?

Strange this.. someone here said the same to me, yet in all my trips to "The Ukraine" - no one their ever corrected me.. could we be used to saying "the" from what the name means .. The Borderlands ?!

[Ben Armen]

Hey I'm Light and I can bring it just like the best of the.  Michael Vick also played for the Atlanta Falcons... you must be from Michigan.

[Shadow]

Thanks for the input, I was losing sleep on it.  I am a little gunshy since I have taken my share of lumps from both AW and UW.  She is a hardworking girl who has much stress on her job and wishes to escape.  After reading your expert input it will be a good investment of quality time and will see what happens from here...

BTW, if not "The Ukriane"  what is proper?  don't want to act like a tourist you know?  Take it easy on me 5 trips and 1 post, I do have some catching up to do 

She wishes to escape ? In that case you might consider the possibility you are the 'escape plan' rather than the preferred partner.
'The' Ukraine is like a reference to Soviet times, and some might not correct you while others react strongly.

Is the trip only to the Crimea or does it include seeing her home environment ? If not, what reasons does she give not to show it.

[UTRO]

Is the trip only to the Crimea or does it include seeing her home environment ? If not, what reasons does she give not to show it.

Ben stated in his Introduction letter that he had already met Tanya in her Home Environment the last time he was in the Ukraine. (or is it forever now to be known as Ukrania?) 

[GreginGa]

C'mon Ben lighten up. Just some friendly ribbing which is normally a widely accepted practice among college football fans. What is your problem with a Ga fan? BTW, Vick played at Virginia Tech.

I think he knows I was joking. tOSU is a tough as nails program until the National Championship game. They do have a heck of a coach. I'm actually a Notre Dame fan so after a 3-9 season last year I cant rib too much.

[Faux Pas]

Hey I'm Light and I can bring it just like the best of the.  Michael Vick also played for the Atlanta Falcons... you must be from Michigan.

LOL... not even close. I am a Ga Dawg fan, bred and raised, although not an alumni. I've always thought Vick was a thug. It's just too bad he got his comeuppence at the expense of some helpless animals. But I do respect and enjoy the hell out of the OSU/Michigan rivalry. One of the best in the country, outside of the SEC of course.
 

Welcome to the forum Ben

I think he knows I was joking. tOSU is a tough as nails program until the National Championship game. They do have a heck of a coach. I'm actually a Notre Dame fan so after a 3-9 season last year I cant rib too much.

You have some bawls sir, to even admit to that. Your allegiance most likely isn't too popular in your circle of Ga friends I'm guessing?

[Ade]

Strange this.. someone here said the same to me, yet in all my trips to "The Ukraine" - no one their ever corrected me.. could we be used to saying "the" from what the name means .. The Borderlands ?!

When I go home I go to the UK. My girlfriend says, "Ukraine" but I'd say, "the Ukraine". I think it matters little except to those that are pedantic or are deliberately looking to be insulted.

I will ask my gf what she thinks.

[SANDRO43]

When I go home I go to the UK. My girlfriend says, "Ukraine" but I'd say, "the Ukraine". I think it matters little except to those that are pedantic or are deliberately looking to be insulted.

IIRC, nation and country names in English do not normally take a definite article unless they involve a national 'composite' (implicitly a plural) or an outright plural: hence the UK (but just GB, curiously ), the USA/US, the UAE, the Low Countries/Netherlands (but just Holland), the Philippines, the Bahamas, etc.

On the other hand, geographical names may occasionally take a definite article even when singular (here often implying an additional designation like area, district, region, etc.): the Crimea, the Sahara, the Voralberg, etc.

Since (the) Ukraine may be be viewed as falling under either case (nation/region), this may explain the double usage (and your G/F's language does not possess definite articles).

Now go ahead and insult me .

[Ade]

IIRC, nation and country names in English do not normally take a definite article unless they involve a national 'composite' (implicitly a plural) or an outright plural: hence the UK (but just GB, curiously ), the USA/US, the UAE, the Low Countries/Netherlands (but just Holland), the Philippines, the Bahamas, etc.

On the other hand, geographical names may occasionally take a definite article even when singular (here often implying an additional designation like area, district, region, etc.): the Crimea, the Sahara, the Voralberg, etc.

Since (the) Ukraine may be be viewed as falling under either case (nation/region), this may explain the double usage (and your G/F's language does not possess definite articles).

Now go ahead and insult me .

My girlfriend said that "the Ukraine" sounds strange to her but she then went and found this piece on Wikipedia (damn, why didn't I think of that  )

"Ukraine" is from Old East Slavic ukraina "borderland", from u "by, at" and the
Slavic root kraj "edge; region".[5] The territory was called this because it was
the borderland or "frontier zone" of medieval Russia at the time of the Tatar
invasion in the 13th century.[5] It was also known as "Little Russia", so called
by contrast with "Great Russia", when the medieval principality here became
separated from "mainstream" tsarist Russia as a result of the Mongol
invasion.[5] In the Ukrainian language krayina simply means "country." In
English, the country is referred to without the definite article, conforming to
the usual English grammar rules for names of countries[2]. Before the country's
independence in 1991, the country was often referred to as The Ukraine. The term
Ukraine rather than The Ukraine is now predominant in diplomacy[6] and
journalism
..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine

So there you go. 

[Mamma D]

DUMB question.....What is wrong with meeting her on her own turf? Meet her family, friends and then decide if you want to make another trip. it might take several before you are sure she MIGHT be the RIGHT one..... Remeber ROME wasn't built in a day, and neither is a good relationship!

This is unless you want to live forever in never, never land!