Trip Fast GApproaching

[smilingjake]

It is a little more than a week until I head over to Dneptropevosk (next Friday). Today I went over to AAA and ordered my currency, Hryvnia. I also purchased 100.00 in Euros in the event I may need some funds at the airports that are not in the Ukraine, Paris & Vienna airports.

I received information from the gal I am meeting that she found several nice apartments available for my one week stay, that will be available this Friday. The price is $65.00 per night. I wired her the deposit amount and included enough to stock the fridge with some staples, which will be nice when I get there.

I've also decided to purchase a phone with some time upon it when i arrive. When I stopped at ATT to discuss it with them they advised me they couldnt unlock my phone as it was still under contract. They also stated if I used my phone in the Ukraine, the cost is $3.25 per minute ---  well that tidbit of information was the icing on the cake and needless to say my phone will be in continuous off mode as soon as I am preparing to board.

AAA also gave me a website which I found useful www.tryukraine.com---- lots of good general information on there if anyone is interested in checking it out.

Jake

[Ronnie]

You wasted your time and money getting currency in advance.  As soon as you arrive you will see ATMs.  You may be able to unlock the phone yourself if it is triband.  Google "ATT unlock codes" you should find the unlock code for your phone.  Some guys sell the codes if you can't find it for free.

Once you manage to unlock it, you can buy a "starter packet" at any UMC or Kyivstar store...they're everywhere.

[ConnerVT]

I've also decided to purchase a phone with some time upon it when i arrive. When I stopped at ATT to discuss it with them they advised me they couldnt unlock my phone as it was still under contract. They also stated if I used my phone in the Ukraine, the cost is $3.25 per minute ---  well that tidbit of information was the icing on the cake and needless to say my phone will be in continuous off mode as soon as I am preparing to board.

Good idea.  Remember, even if you don't make a call, as soon as you turn on the phone, it will try to "phone home" to check if you have any voicemail messages, etc.  One of our forum founders ended up with a good size bill after his (first?) trip.

[smilingjake]

I'm not sure how getting currency in advance is a waste of time and money. Call me paranoid but the least amount of times I have to use an ATM in a foreign country is a good thing in my book.

[Ronnie]

There is no problem or reason to worry about using ATMs.  I never once had a problem and I must have used my card a hundred times over 2 years.  Just don't let your card out of your sight.

[felix8787]

Hey smilingjake

When I made my first trip over to Russia....I called my cell provider (sprint) and also bought a GSM/CDMA phone (samsung ace), basically I told them that I was heading over to Russia and that I needed a phone that can be used over there in case of an emergency, they were also cool enough with me, that after I got the phone, I had them "unlock" it after being under contract, so for ATT not being able to unlock IMO is bull...they can unlock it, they just don't want to. That following Monday when I got to Russia, I went over to the nearest cell phone place and bought a beeline sim card and it worked nicely  . But being there for almost a month and using sprint to call back here to the states, my phone bill was absolutely ridiculous    to the tune of 500.00 for an hour and forty minutes of calls (4.99 min)....but later when I got back to the states sprint was nice enough to credit me that 500.00 (maybe because that don't want to lose me as a customer?) Can I ask, what kind of phone you got? Also don't deal with customer service reps at the store, it is better to call up the tech dept and tell them your situation.

I also told my bank that I was heading overseas (fraud department is a pain in my a$$, if they see anything that looks funny, they put a block on it), but the only thing was that "Visa" didn't allow me to use any ATM's over there because of fraud, which really sucked and it was inconvenient for me, so everytime that I needed money I had to walk I think about 2 miles to get to the bank where I won't get hassled to withdraw money (I was there so much that they knew me  ) The only thing was that I had to keep track of the withdraws and where I used my card, international fees will add up quickly.

While being in Russia, I definitely had that thought in the back of my mind if I was going to get "shaked down" by the militia/police...for the 27 days that I was there and being out and about alone without my lady...not once was I stopped or much less looked at twice by them, matter of fact I went over to where my lady works (government facility) where there are a whole bunch of militia and I didn't get bothered at all. I always had my passport with my papers with me at all times just in case. I carried my cell with me also just in case...but my lady also told me to be careful of thieves and to keep it out of sight.

Have fun while your there and enjoy every minute your there with your woman smilingjake.

felix8787


 

[smilingjake]

I received an email today from my laddy friend today in Dneptropevosk. It is apparent to me that she is really putting a lot of time and effort into my upcoming visit.

She has found me a very nice 2 room apartment that is neasr the park. I read that they have lovely parks in the city where the locals congregate.

She advised that my first day upon arrival I will be tired and need rest from my flight. We will have a small walk along the Dneper River embankment, followed by a romantic supper.

The next day (Sunday), she is planning an interesting journey to Zaporozhia so we can see the "Parade Of Horses". This also followed with a dinner. I am also told that I will be attending a tea ceremony with her. She sounds very excited about it.

I was also asked my preference of beef, or fish, as I will be eating Ksati. I'll opt for the beef.
I was also advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, aswe will be doing a lot of walking. I hope it will be Ok for me to take my sneakers, as they are my walking shoe of choice.

The anticipation of this trip is as good as I remember of waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas eve.


Jake

[Ronnie]

I would advise against the sneakers.  Take a pair of broken in leather shoes...highly polished.

[Ben Armen]

I would advise against the sneakers.  Take a pair of broken in leather shoes...highly polished.

Ronnie,

Any reason against sneakers?  I definately got a lot of looks when I took my hightops, the more stylish the more comments I got.  Is it a culture thing?

Ben

[Ronnie]

Unless times have changed...it was the young crowd and the mafia thugs who wore sneakers.  If you want to appear to be mature and serious..better to go with other shoes.

[kryten41]

The common wisdom is that white sneakers will make you stand out as an American.  When I was in Yalta and Simferopol in June, this seemed correct--the most common footwear for men in Yalta was sandals with no socks, in Simferopol it was pointy leather shoes.  I did see some men in sneakers with jeans in Simferopol, but they were dark.  Some are of the opinion that you should endure foot discomfort so you can attempt to blend in, while others are of the opinion that you aren't going to blend in anyway, so you might as well be comfortable.  Make your choice and have fun.  You will probably want to bring a pair of polished leather shoes at any rate, in case you go to a nice restaurant.

[smilingjake]

I doubt that I will blend in so I will opt for the comfortable route. I will definately take along a nice pair of shoes for a nice restaurant. However, if I am going to be doing a lot of walking, which I believe to be the case, its sneakers.Pointed shoes make my feet hurt just thinking about them.

Jake

[felix8787]

When I was in N. Novgorod, Russia, I took sneakers and also dress shoes, but I ended up wearing my sneakers the whole time that I was there, I only wore the dress shoes on the way there 20 something hours flight and layover time.
I did so much walking, that I ended up losing 10lbs, I don't know if it was also from the apendix operation, but I was eating pretty healthy from what I was used to and eating small portions unlike here. I notice that the men wore dress shoes with the really pointy toes (totally pimp) then there was also a mix of sneakers and dress shoes and they wore either shoes with jeans or dress pants, the older gentlemen wore dress shoes and saw some wearing sandles.

I do wish you a good time and that everything goes well with you and your lady!!
Have a good trip!!!

felix8787

[Ronnie]

I doubt that I will blend in so I will opt for the comfortable route. I will definately take along a nice pair of shoes for a nice restaurant. However, if I am going to be doing a lot of walking, which I believe to be the case, its sneakers.Pointed shoes make my feet hurt just thinking about them.
Jake

It's not about you or your comfort.  It's about her and her presentation in public.

[felix8787]

Dress accordingly to how she dresses.....and get some Dr. Scholes gel inserts to help the ease.

felix8787

[steviej]

It's not about you or your comfort.  It's about her and her presentation in public.

I tend to agree with Ronnie here. I don't know why, but Russian women really check out the shoes a man is wearing. It seems to mean a lot more to them than you would guess here in US. She will be proud if her man is wearing nice shoes. She won't say it, and she wouldn't ask you to, but I think inside, she'll like it. Even after 5+ years of marriage and life in US, my wife is still like that. You may have noticed that these very casual open toed sandals have become popular with men around here. Not just teenagers, but adults too. It drives her nuts !! She just can't stand to see those things on a man's feet

[Ronnie]

If you plan to marry a Ukrainian women you must be prepared for her to be the clothes nazi in your household.  You must pass inspection before stepping outside.  You think you'll be in charge of such things?
MMMuuuuaaaaaahahahaha :evil:

[Fogged]

As my lady said about sneakers, they are for kids. I will start my trip next week and I will not be taking any sneakers with me. Shiney shoes along with a bottle of polish will go a long way to impress your lady.

She will dress to impress you and it's only right you return the sentiment. Think how comfortable walking around in high heels is before you say that shoes hurt your feet for two weeks that may change your life.

[ScottinCrimea]

I hate to be the dark cloud on this, but in all practicality you must think of what you would do if she doesn't meet you at the airport whether by accident or on purpose.  It has happened to many who didn't think it could happen to them. Do you have a way to get to your hotel?  Do you have the number of someone who speaks English who can help you?  I may be wrong, but my impressin is that you are depending on her a lot to handle things for you there.

When I went to meet my wife for the first time, I had all my hotels arranged as well as an English speaking driver to meet me at the airport and on those days that I went to a different city and then back to the airport.  It turned out she did meet me, but she appreciated that I had made all of the plans in advance and she wasn't offended at all that I had done so.  She saw it as being responsible and "the man".

[smilingjake]

Well -----

Here I go. The luggage and carry on have been checked and double checked. I am on my way to Dneptropevosk today. The journey begins with a short hop to Washington D.C. from Newark. I should be there tomorrow afternoon barring delays.
I just want to thank everyone for all the advice and tips that have gotten me to this point. I'll be sure to check back in here upon my return home.

Jake

[CCowboy]

Best of luck to you.  I'll be in Dnepropetrovsk from 19 September to 21 October.  I'll be looking for your trip report before I leave.

Best Wishes, Robert