Smilingjakes Dneptropevosk Trip Report

[smilingjake]

I am just back home from my one week trip to Dneptropevosk. I can hardly keep my eyes open. I guess pulling an all nighter at the Kiev airport waiting for a 0630 hour flight out will do that to you.

I will begin to write the detailed trip report later this week. I wil say this trip was absolutely incredible. I have never enjoyed myself more on a vacation. Yes, I took the plunge with my first trip to the Ukraine. I guess I have graduated from "rookie" status. If you are on the fence, do your homework, prepare, and like said so often here, just get on the plane. You will show your sincerity, and trust me, it will be duly noted, and hopefully as in my case, you will meet a wonderful woman whose main concern will be for your well being and will treat you better than you could possibly hope to imagine.

Jake

[dispozo]

Welcome back!!!!

Looking forward to reading your report.

This is so very very very true !!!!!!!!!!!!

You will show your sincerity, and trust me, it will be duly noted, and hopefully as in my case, you will meet a wonderful woman whose main concern will be for your well being and will treat you better than you could possibly hope to imagine.

Jake

[2tallbill]

I definitely know the sleep deprived airplane seats are for
midgets feeling that a person gets when finally arriving at
home.

[smilingjake]

Day  # 1  Saturday August 30, 2008

My plane begins its descent to DNK Airport. I begin to feel the rollercoaster of emotions, after many months of writing, phone call, the moment of truth is soon to be thrust upon me.

Tatyana had promised to meet me at the airport. She brought along her best friend Evgenia. They have been best of friends for many years since they attended the University together.

My plane has now touched down on the tarmac and at this time reality has begun to set in, "Jake, you are definately not in Pennsylnania anymore." I noticed all the foreign writing on the different buildings and signs, wondering, what is the translation of these strange looking words with symbols, backwards facing letters.

DNK airport is very small in comparison to most American Airports. It reminds me of smaller airports here at home where smaller propellar planes are based for commuter type flights.

I notice that the tarmac is wet. It is apparently raining lightly. The aircraft rolls towards a complete stop. I look towards the all glass enclosed terminal window from my window seat. OH MY GOD-- THERE SHE IS STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT !!!!  I know this sounds really corny, but at this moment the movie Casablanca just pops into my head and I have no reason or explanation for it. The light rain, the tarmac, who knows, the brain works in mysterious ways.

I disembark and head for passport control along with my flying compatriots. I have completed the required entry form. The only thing standing between Tatyana and I is a glass enclosed booth with a very official looking man who holds the stamper for my passport allowing me entry into the Ukraine. I slide my passport to him, he pushes it back towards me saying something which I have no idea as to what he is saying. I am able to figure out that I failed to fill out the portion of the entry form which you present when leaving the country!!!!  I am sure all the people waiting in line behind me are thrilled as i complete the form. I push the form back under the glass, upon briefly looking over the amended form, I hear the sound of a stamper, passport and entrry form are pushed back to me. I AM IN !!! I walk thru the door to pick up my luggage.

As the luggage begins its appearance on the carousel, I anxiously wait. Ahh, there is my carry on bag. Where the heck is my large bag containing all of my clothes and other worldly possessions for my upcoming week ?   Yes, it is not there, lost in transition somewhere between Vienna and my present location. Thankfully, I packed a change of clothing in my carryon. I would have a clean change of clothes at least for the following day (Sunday)

I pick up my carry on bag, its time to meet Latyana. THERE SHE IS!!!!! A smile so wide, she looks very glad to finally meet me. trust me, the feeling is reciprocal. the WOW factor has now kicked in for me. Tatyana is more lovely than her pictures. I will refer to it as WOW factor x 10.

Tatyana presents me with three red long stem roses !!!!!!  We have a light embrace and I give her a light "peck" on the cheek. She seems pleased. I greet her friend Evginiya. She also smiles and says hello. During the upcoming week I will come to know Evginiya fairly well. Ahhh, another jewel from the Ukraine.

I explain to Latanya that one of my bags is lost in transition. Latanya takes the bull by the horns and we head off to Austrian Airlines window to report my bag not arriving. After discussion between the Austrian rep, Latanya, and Evgenia. Latanya advises me that Austrian will contact her on her cell phone and then they will make arrangements to deliver my bag to my apartment, hopefully by Monday. I realize at this moment that I am in very capable hands.
The moral of this story--- along with your backup plan be certain to pack an extra change of clothes in your carry bag.

It is now off to the apartment, Evginiya negotiates cab fare to my apartment, 30 grivna. The three of us now off to my apartment to get me settled in to my temporay home. Latanya states I must be weary from travel. She has stocked my fridge with some snacks and sandwich meat which we will eat at the apartment. As we travel along the roadway and enter the city, I take notice of all of the activity along the embankment. It is Saturday afternoon. I see no less than four couples, women dressed in wedding gowns. Latanya explains that newly married couples come to the embankment for wedding pictures at the beautiful fountains, and to place flowers at the monuments along the embankment honoring the war dead.

My apartment is located about  4 blocks off of the embankment. Latanya shows me how to use the magnetic key which is used to gain entry to the complex. We head to the elevator as my room is located on floor seven. Damn, these elevators are small compared to western standards. the three of us get in and its up to the seventh floor.

Upon entry to my apatment I notice that it is very nice. its been recently remodeled. It has one bedroom, a living room area with a pull out sofa. A small kitchen with fridge and washer, and of course a bathroom. Tatanya picked this apartment due to the fact it is modern and allows much sunlight into its rooms. Yes, a womans perspective.

Evginiya and Tatanya prepare a small snack and prepare tea and coffee. We eat some fish on crackers, cheese, and sausage. Tatyana has obviously put much thought and consideration for my comfort for my visit. I excuse myself for a moment as I go to my  carry bag and retrieve a large box of Godiva chocolates. The ladies seem very happy and we help ourselves to a good piece of chocolate.Tatyana thanks me for my thoughtfullnes and the gift of chocolate.

Tatyana then gives me a cell phone for my use. Evginiya has an extra phone and they have set up the phone with tatyanas phone number so that we can call each other while apart during the week. I'll tell you -- these ladies have thought of everything and have left no stone upturned. After a light snack Tatyana states I must be weary from so much travel. The girls will now excuse themselves for the night so I can get a good nights rest. tatyana advises me to call her if needed and she will see me tomorrow morning. She has scheduled a excursion for us tomorrow to Zeporizah (Phoenetic) to see a show involving horses and riders. We will walk to the bus station and take the bus to the location, about a one and one half hour ride.

I retire for the night, tired, and feeling very happy and content.

[Kuna]

Jake... I bet you can't stop smiling...

All I'll say is WOO HOO...  another Dnepr girl.  Be careful, Dnepr girls are irresistible! 

[SANDRO43]

... another Dnepr girl

Apparently, there's at least 4 of them: Tatyana, Latanya, Latyana and Tatanya .

[smilingjake]

Day # 2   Sunday   

I am awaiting Tatyanas arrival at my apartment. I am forced to use my change of clothing which I had packed in my carry bag. The airline had advised Tatyana that they would deliver my bag with clothing the following morning, Monday.

Tatyana calls the cell phone to advise me that she is on her way. She has an excursion planned for us by bus to Zaporizah (phoenetic). The trip will take approximately one and a half hours. We will be seeing a horse show with Cossock riders, sounds interesting.

Tatyana arrives at my apartment and she has an extra set of clothes for me. A new shirt, trousers, socks and underwear. This lady is going above and beyond for me !!!!
I line up for my morning inspection, I pass and we are now ready to hit the street. We are
going to a cafe for something to eat before heading for the bus station.

As we walk to the cafe Tatyana offers her hand to me as we walk side by side. I'm taking this a good sign.
We have a good, light meal at the cafe. I have my first cup of Borst, I'm surprised, but I like it. Tatyana opts for fish. As I will discover during the week, she will choose fish over meat every time. I'm more of a meat and potatoes guy but am enjoying Ukrainian food.

Tatyana flags down a bus to take us to the terminal. While on the bus I observe something I've never seen before. As the passengers eenter the bus, from the front or the rear, the sitting passengers are tapped on the shoulder and the money is passed forward, seat to seat until itreached the driver. The driver makes change while driving and passes the change back. The cost of the bus ride is 2 grv., for as long as yoi wish to ride.

We exit at the bus station. The bus station is  a bevy of activity. There are a lot of kiosks around the bus station area. As we await our bus, Tatyana is petting two dogs. Apparently there are quite a few stray dogs throughout the city. Tatyana is an animal lover. Tatyana excuses herself, returns a few minutes later with some sausage. She proceeds to feed the stray dogs. She once again shows her big heart. She is definaterly making a good impression on me.

The bus excursion to Zaporizah (phoenetic) goes off with no problems. As we arrive to the area of the show we grab some snacks annd something to drink. We walk around the area. There are vendors, also demonstrations including a farrier wworking in a blacksmith shop. A potter making pottery. Everyone is dressed in period garb. I stop to take some pictures.

The place begins to fill up as show time approacches. A large bus arrives and its getting crowded so we go to find a couple of good seats for the show. I first order up a couple of brewskies, good stuff this Ukrainian beer.

The show lasts an hour or so and its very entertaining. Guys dressed in cossack type clothing doing all kinds of trick riding on their horses, riding  and holding onto the horse on its side. They are throwing spears, riding upon shoulders. The crowd claps and cheers in approval, these guys are good. A couple of guys then demonstrate their proficiency with whips. snapping short twigs while being held in the hands of people from the audience.
After the show we order up some food. I'm not sure of the name but it reminded me of pierogies, filled with meat.

We returned back to my apartment upon arrival back to Dneptropevosk. It was time to watch a little television. We talked about the events of the day, enjoyed each others company.

Tomorrow we will be going to a tea party. Tatyana invited her sister Julie and her best friend Evgeniya. I'm sure it will be an interesting day.

[smilingjake]

Day # 3  Monday

The agenda for todays activities are two fold, a trip to the History Museum, followed by attending a Japanese Tea party later in the afternoon.

Tatyana arrives at my apartment. She is late as usual. Is this a trait of most FSU and Ukrainian women ? I am writing it off due to the fact that she is traveling by bus from a different region of the city. Anyhow, when she arrives I am thrilled to see her. Upon her arrival she checks her appearance in the  full length mirror. It is now my time for inspection by Tatyana. ===
I remember the posting by one  of the members here advising me of how these women have been appointed as the "Clothes Police"
As the gestapo is viewing mwith the lunch  selected attire for the day, suddenly she taps me on the shoulder and states == "Jake, your shirt is too wrinkeled" Please take it off so that I can iron it". I am laughing under my breath as this type of behavior has been foretold to me. I also feel happy that this woman obviously cares about my look while in her presence. She is definately making me feel special.

We walk to a mall. Tatyana wants to eat at a certain cafe in the mall which she says is excellent. The cafe is packed with the lunch time crowd. The food was excellent. I am surprised. I am enjoying the different varieties of food. I notice that Tatyana usually chooses fish. I prefer meat to fish but at least I am learning to enjoy my veggies.

We catch a bus and head to the history museum. I know we have arrived as I see a WW2 Russian T-34 tank outside of the entrance. We entered the museum and check out all the exhibits. I love history and many of the artifacts in the museum are thousands  of years old. It gives me cause to reflect that our history in the  U.S. is so young when compared to European history.
The museum is not crowded. I see only  one  other small group other than Latanya and I.

Upon leaving the museum I make sure to take pictures of the several World War 2 vehicles and rockets.
Tatyana requests that we find a park bench and relax for a  bit. I enjoy people watching. I'm watching a group of young boys choosing up sides for a game of soccer. The park is crowded with students from the University. We walk past an area that is occupied by a lot of pensioners. They are playing chess, checkers, and also cards.

We find a nice shaded area to sit down and relax. Time to relax before we meet Evginiya and also Julia, Tatyanas younger  sister. We are all going to a Japanese tea party. This should be interesting. We manage to find the Tea room. We all have to take off our shoes. I take pictures of the ladies.
I dont get a whole lot out of the tea party although the ladies are enjoying it. Somehow sniffing a tea cup and then placing it against your forehead, guess I am not feeling the karma. 

After we leave the tea party  location the four of us head to the park for an outdoor cafe. Julia shows me pictures of her daughter, her husband, and of their showdog. The girls are very interested in learning about my family and life in the States. We order food  and a couple of bottles of wine. We spend about two hours conversing, laughing, and learning about each others culture and countries. It is getting dark as we walk to the bus stop.

Just another wonderful day spent in Dneptropevosk.

[IAmZon]

Sounds great so far.  Wonderful guides for sure.

Any language problems? Any culturally induced awkward moments?  You know that is what really makes TRs interesting...

[smilingjake]

As far as language problems, we managed to communicate on a level where we both could understand each other. As most are aware these women had english in school as a second language. Tatyana felt a bit uneasy at first, not knowing if her english skill level would be sufficient for us to have a conversation. As our week together progressed Tatyana felt more comfortable with her english and stated to me that much of her english was coming back to her, even after all the years since graduation of school.

I discovered that I just had to speak very slowly. Tatyana has no problems asking me to "please repeat" if she does not understand what I am trying to say. I speak no russian or ukrainian. As we walked we would ask each other the word for various objects we would see and encounter as we walk. I am proud to say i know how to pronounce "pigeon" in russian. I love how Tatyana says pigeon in her accent.

I'm amazed at the thirst for knowledge that these ladies have to learn the english language. Evgeniya, Tatyanas best friend is currently taking an english class and is constantly picking my brain to learn english words. She would turn on the recorder on her cell phone and then point to ears, nose, etc. and i would furnish the english word. They would repeat it and its pronunciation until I gave them the "thumbs up" sign which indicated to them that they had satisfactorily enunciated the word in a satisfactory english pronunciation.

[Artur]

Did you like our city? What places have you visited? Have you seen new stadium Arena-Dnepr? It is the place where Euro-2012 will be....I think it is very and very nice...

[smilingjake]

Artur -----

I enjoyed my visit to your city very much. Yes, i did see the new sports stadium where the 2012 soccer tournament will be held.
The gal I visited and spent time with went above and beyond to show me different things that she thought I would enjoy.
I enjoyed the history museum. I also had a tour of the space museum and saw the Sputniks and rockets at the location. It was interesting hearing the soviets "take" on the cold war.
I probably enjoyed the beautiful parks and monuments the most. I also spent a lot of time walking the embankment along thee Dnepper river. The evening boat ride on the Dnepper was very enjoyabble and romantic.
I'm looking forward to a return trip and will consider your services in my search for an apartment to lease.
My last stay was at an apartment about four block walk from the embankment.
Also, do you know of any flower delivery service in Dneptropevosk which will deliver nice flowers at a reasonable price?

Jake

[Artur]

Yes, I know service named Viva Roza. I don't know about the prices, but you can search in the Internet.

[smilingjake]

Day # 4 Tuesday

Today is a free day for me, until later in the afternoon. Tatyana has to go to work today so I won't be seeing her until later in the afternoon. I think I will have a walk along the embankment and then walk around some of the parks to do some people wattching.

I walk to the embankment which is about four blocks from my apartment. As i cross the sstreet to the embankment area I am right in front of a fountain. I'm assured of not getting lost as I only have to find my way back to the fountain, cross the street and walk about four blocks.

Its a beautiful day once again. I begin my journey of a walk along the embankment. There are lots of monuments and sculptures to stop and check out and take pictures. I notice a lot of pensioners casting their fishing lines into the Dnepper River. These folks take their fishing seriously. Most are using multiple poles. I wonder to myself if these folks are fishing for their evening meal, or selling their catch ? I find a bench  and decide to sit and watch the anglers in action.  I see about a half of dozen fish caught. I'm not sure what type of fish are being caught but they are small in size. I would estimate about 6 to 8 inches in length. Its kind of comical to see the catch tossed into plastic bags and then see plastic bags flipping around on the ground.

I continue walking along the embankment. I notice quite a few young mothers sitting on blankets with their toddlers. There are a lot of flowers and green shrubbery along the embankment. I also noticed a World War 2 era transport truck has been modified to carry a large water tank. Two employees are dragging a hose to water all the flowers and greenery. I am enjoying the day, walking the embankment and just relaxing. I'm glad that I decided to make this journey. Its like no other vacation I have ever experienced.

Tatyana calls me on the cell phone and wants to know how my day of exploring is going. I advised her I'm having a good day and cant wait to see her later this evening. Tatyana stated she will see me around 5 or so and then we can go and get something to eat.

I spend several hours walking out the embankment and then turn around for the walk back. On the way back I stop in to check out the bowling alley across the street from the embankment. I also stop to check out the "circus building". I guess the Ukrainian people must enjoy the circus as they devote a permanent standing building for circus shows. I only knew of  traveling circus in the states.

I return to my apartment, tired from a few hours of walking. It causes me to reflect that most of  these residents do a lot of walking as a result of  their daily lives. Perhaps that is one of the reasons these women look so good. They get a lot of exercise just walking to perform their many tasks.

Tatyana arrives at my apartment and we decide to walk to the Moct to purchase some groceries and return to my apartment to eat, then spend the evening watching some television. We also purchase a couple of bottles of wine  to enjoy after making sandwiches and finger foods. As we watch the movie "Look whose Talking" with John Travolta, I gain a new appreciation for American movies which are not dubbed in Russian.

Jake