To Kerch the Wong way... Or was it Wight?

[TheWongs]

A few days later, I was in the central bus station, waiting for Larisa. As she arrived, I saw someone standing a few yards away that I knew... "D"! Do you remember that far back in my story?  She was standing at the bus stop, looking bored. I told Larisa to wait a second and I walked over. I said "hi "D""! She looked around and nearly fainted! I was the last person she expected to see back in Kerch.  All she could manage was "hi Kris", then she decided not to get this bus and took off in the direction of the market! 

I turned around and saw Larisa standing, looking puzzled. She said "how do you know this lady"? I told her the whole story of my first visit and she laughed. She said "I know "D" very well! I used to work with her in the hospital for 5 years. We call her "The Ice Woman" because she does not show her feelings". She went on to explain that there was probably nothing wrong between "D" and I when we met. She was just finding it difficult to express herself. Apparently, this happens with every man she meets and this is why she is 36 and single. She has only had one boyfriend who she was with for 4 months! There was me... Thinking I was to blame and "D" didn't like me. What a funny game this is!!!!!

On a later visit to see Galina and her staff, I asked how "D" was getting on with meeting people. Galina told me she removed "D" from her agency after I had left Ukraine the first time. It was because she was meeting people and was behaving the same way with them all! Galina and her staff all liked me and knew it was not me, therefore it was "D" who was the problem. Now that I know this, I feel a little sorry for her. She was a nice lady and very beautiful. I'm sure she would be great with someone who can break through the ice. I wish her well....

[TheWongs]

A few weeks later my money problem was solved. Larisa had been looking after me, buying me food and cigarettes, taking me places etc. I always knew she was a good, kind woman, but this kindness amazed me. If she had been any other woman, she'd have run a mile! I paid her back every penny, plus some and I insisted we had a party for her friends who had helped me too.

Saturday night was always a good night for getting together, so we arranged a party for then. On the saturday afternoon, one of her friends "E" called to say she had a date that night and couldn't come. She was meeting a foreign man who worked in Kerch. Larisa told her to call if she needed help and wished her well.

Later that night, my party was in full swing, when Larisa's phone rang. It was "E". The foreign guy was freaking her out and she could not get rid of him! I told Larisa to find out what bar she was in and we would go there and get her right away. 5 minutes later, we left our guests to look after things and were on the bus.

When we arrived at the bar, Larisa wanted to phone "E" to get her outside. She didn't want to go into this place. She said it was a bad bar, with bad people. I took her by the hand told her she was ok and walked inside.

It was a nasty looking place. Why anyone would come to a place like this on the first date was beyond me! I looked around and saw "E" sitting with this man. We walked over and told "E" she had to come with us because there was a problem with her apartment. She played the part well and jumped up. The man decided to come too, but I told him it was better if he went home because the problem could take some time to fix. He insisted on walking with us to the bus stop. It is good that he didn't know where she lived, because she only lived around the corner from this bar!

We got rid of the man and she told us what a horrible night she had with him. I won't go into details, but some of the things he said and did were STRANGE! She was glad to get away and come to our party. This lady was a professional dancer, so when the party got back in full swing, she was the life and soul! WoW! She can really move!!!

After this party, I talked to Larisa for the rest of the night. It was nearly time for me to leave Ukraine and sort out my life in Ireland. Things had got out of hand and I needed to be there to put it right. A friend had been phoning me with the idea of starting a business in England. This business could make some good money and I happend to have 20 years experience, so it looked like it was time to move.

Neither of us was happy about this, but we both understood it had to be done. The next day, I phoned my friend and started to arrange my trip home........

[TheWongs]

1st of December 2006 and I had been in Kerch for more than 6 months. I remember this day very well. It was the first time I saw Larisa cry. It happened when she came home from work and I told her my flight home was booked. She listened as I explained the details and we discussed the plans, then she went to "our balcony" to sit with her coffee. I joined her to find the tears streaming down her face. I had never felt so sad. I held her in my arms and we stayed like that for a long time, without talking. Just holding each other and crying...

A side note... I posted this on the other site on 10-16-2007, nearly a year after it happened and I remember crying as I wrote it. As I am re-posting this today (11 September 2008), I am remembering this day and crying again! What a pussy I am!

[TheWongs]

The next few days were spent visiting all the people who had become my friends in Kerch. When I started going to see them, I thought I'd do it all in one day. Not a chance! I had a lot more friends than I thought and it was only when I started to visit them all that I realised how many! I managed to see everyone, say goodbye and wish them well.

One night, Larisa was staying in her own apartment, due to working late and starting early. "R" contacted me and wanted to go for a drink. I'd never seen him drink the whole time I was there, so it may be interesting.  Off we went.

I wanted to go to my local bar, but "R" wanted to go to his. I conceded, simply because I wanted to see how he manages to get his drinks etc, without speaking any Russian. I thought this would be entertaining. I was wrong! It was embarrasing! We met at the bus station and went into the bar there for a quick one. He started into the vodka straight away. After too many, it was obvious this was going to be a "different" kind of night. I know a few people in this bar and decided we should leave before something happened. I talked him into leaving. As we walked out, I was hoping he'd forgotten about his local. Nope... He was ready for more drink, so off we went to his bar...

He walked into the bar and started saying "hello" to everyone in English and in his best Scottish accent. I could see by the body language, the people he spoke to were not impressed. We stood at the bar and he ordered (or tried to order) vodka and orange. I watched as he repeated the words "orange juice" over and over, getting louder every time and making gestures as if pouring something into a glass. How was anyone going to understand this? Eventually he pointed at a bottle of beer. The girl who was serving was not impressed at all! She spoke no English and it was frustrating for her, to say the least! I couldn't stand it any more and decided not to play this game. I'd seen enough! I moved forward and ordered his vodka and orange and a beer for myself. Instantly, her attitude changed! She smiled, thanked me very much and served the drinks. She asked how long I had been in Kerch and made some small talk. One thing she said, from what I understood, was "This man has been here a long time and will not speak"! I agreed. I went and sat at a table with "R".

He was getting more than a little too drunk by this stage and was talking very loudly. At one point, he said something very detrimental about Russian people (I won't repeat it). This was way out of line and I decided it was time to leave. Before I could make a move, someone behind me said in English "I understand English. I know what you said". I looked around and saw three young men sitting at the table. "R" started telling them to mind their own business etc, then he offered to take them outside. I could not believe what was happening! The three guys stood up and were happy to oblige. I think the smallest one must have been about 6' 2"! "R" jumped to his feet. I thought we were about to die! I got up, stood between them and said in Russian "he is a joker". I explained (in English) "he only said that to see if anyne in the bar understood English. He did not mean it and he is drunk"! Then I turned to "R" and said "you were joking, weren't you?" Before he could answer, I put my hand on his shoulder and said it again, giving him my best serious look. He smiled, said "of course I was" and sat down. PHEW!!!

After this, the guys started chatting to me in English and Russian. I talked as much as I could in Russian and they helped me when I got it wrong (or should I say Wong?  ). I also helped them when they were speaking English. They really were a nice bunch of lads and they taught me a few swear words.  I had made more friends in Kerch. 

I took "R" home and made sure he got into his apartment. I walked to my apartment via the "senic" route, keeping the Black Sea beside me. I felt safe and "at home". I stopped beside the water a few times, to have a smoke and look at the sea. Sometimes, I think back to this night and remember how it could have been a completely different story!

I had a another "event" during my stay in Kerch. Maybe I'll post it later... 

[TheWongs]

Another thing I wrote about the situation that I feel is important for anyone in any relationship...

When I first met Larisa, I made the mistake of remembering all the bad things that have happened to people on these sites. I forgot to trust her until she showed me why I shouldn't (if that makes sense?). There's a fine line between being too careful and being too trusting at the start of a relationship. We remember the bad things from our past. We miss some of the good things because we are too busy looking for the bad "signs". When Larisa left my apartment that day, the first thing I thought was that she had left me. I will never forgive myself for that! She had left me... To take the day off work and try to sort my problems out! If there is anyone in this world I trust now, it's Larisa!

[TheWongs]

With only a few days to go, before I had to leave, Larisa took me to the train station to book a ticket to Kiev. When we were walking into the station, she told me that her boss said she could take a day off work to see me off. Since I was leaving on a Saturday, it meant she didn't need to be in work until Monday and she wanted to come to Kiev with me. She wanted to spend every minute she could with me until I left! I was quite shocked! Not that Larisa wanted to come to Kiev, or spend the time with me... I was shocked because Larisa's boss did something nice for her! For all the time I'd known Larisa, her boss was... How do I say it? Not very nice, is a polite way of putting it.

I loved the idea of being with Larisa for one more day, but I couldn't ask her to travel 23 hours to Kiev, to kiss me goodbye and jump back on the next train for another 23 hours! I told her this was not a good idea and I explained why. By this time, we were inside the busy train station. She grabbed me, pushed me into a corner, kissed me and said "I want the last minutes with you before you go! I am coming to Kiev"!

"Ok honey. Don't get them in a twist".  We went to the ticket counter and asked for 2 tickets to Kiev on the early train... Nope! The train was full! We checked the timetable and routes and tried a different train... Nope! This one was full too! Oh SH!T! We went outside for a smoke and a think.

Larisa suddenly had an idea, dropped everything and dashed back into the station. I followed as she went to the information desk...

By the way... Did you know you have to pay for information at the train station in Kerch? WTF!!??

Anyway.. I paid the lady and Larisa chatted for a few seconds, before walking back outside. I followed and we talked. Apparently, there is 3rd class seats on the train from Dzhankoy to Kiev, but Dzhankoy is a long way from Kerch. We would have to get the bus there.

So... What to do? Do we go to the bus station to make sure there is a bus at the right time? If there is, do we get bus tickets to Dzhankoy, then come back to book the train? Maybe, by the time we got back, the seats would be sold?

This was a difficult call to make. I had only a little money left, so it had to be right first time, or I'd be in trouble again. I took Larisa by the hand and walked into the train station. We booked the train from Dzhankoy to Kiev. It arrives 3 hours before my flight. We also booked a return ticket, direct to Kerch for Larisa on the same day. She would be alone in Kiev for 4 hours, before returning to Kerch. I wasn't very happy about this and told her I would ask Pavel to meet us in Kiev. This way, he could make sure she was ok. She was happy with this, so off we went to the bus station...

Upon arriving at the bus station, we waited for about 30 minutes, before speaking to a grumpy lady at the ticket desk. She said there was a bus to Dzhankoy and it arrived 3 hours before the train. This was perfect! 2 tickets were bought and paid for.  What a lucky, lucky Wongs!

The following evening, we had a "going away party" for TheWongs. All of our friends were invited, along with Larisa's sons, Jenya and Sasha. We had a lot of food in the apartment, so all we needed was some drinks.

We had a great time this night! One by one, as the night got older, the guests wished me well and asked that I returned soon, then left. It was about 2am when Larisa's sons left and this only left Larisa and her best friend "E" (the lady we saved from the foreign guy).

The music was good and so was the vodka! Larisa and "E" had a little too much and started dancing. This was the funniest thing I'd seen in all my time there! "E" used to be a dance teacher and started to do all sorts of dancing. Wow! She can MOVE!!!! She also did some really funny stuff, which I captured on video!  Larisa didn't like me pointing the camera at "E" all the time, so she joined in. It was hilarious!

Eventually, "E" decided it was time to go home. She gave me a big hug and kiss, made me promise to look after Larisa and return to Kerch soon. I was happy to make both of these promises.

The last night in Kerch was spent arranging for the hostess to pick up the apartment keys, tidying, cleaning and packing. To catch the bus, we needed to be up at 4am the following morning. When everything was sorted, we sat on our balcony for the last time, hugged each other and talked about when we would see each other again.

I told her that I would do my best to get some money together and bring her to England for a holiday. She loves the Beatles, so I told her we would go to see all the museums etc. This cheered her up a bit. We went to bed and had a few hours sleep before the big journey....

[TheWongs]

The following morning, we were up at about 4am, had breakfast, sat on our balcony with coffee for the last time, did the final packing and made sure I'd not forgotten anything. I dragged my very large case out into the hall, locked the door of my apartment for the last time and dragged the case down the three flights of stairs.

It was still dark, so wheeling the case along the uneven paths was a little tricky, but we got to the bus stop and took a seat. We only had to wait a few minutes before one of the big old busses came along. Larisa hates these old ones and tries to avoid them as much as possible, but in this case it was good because there was more chance of getting my case onboard. The bus was surprisingly full for that time of the morning, but we managed to get everything loaded.

About 10 minutes later, we were at the bus station. There was plenty of time to spare, so we went to a cafe for a coffee. While we were sitting there, I told Larisa my friend in England had just got married to a Russian lady, so Larisa ran to a shop to get something for them. She returned with a "congratulations" card. We wrote our best wishes messages and I packed it in my case.

Our bus to Dzhankoy arrived and we took our seats. We seemed to be sitting for a long time, so someone asked what was wrong. The driver told him that we were waiting for someone who won't be long. A few minutes later, the final passenger arrived... Galina!  She had called the station in a panic because she'd left her mobile phone in Fedosia (one of the stops on the way to Dzhankoy). We chatted until we arrived in Fedosia and the bus stopped for a 5 minute break. Galina wished us both well and disappeared.

The second part of the trip was a little mor colorful, with some bloke getting a few too many beers and annoying the other passengers. At one point, the driver was going to stop and throw him off, but another passenger sorted out the problem and all was quiet again.

A few short stops later and we arrived in Dzhankoy. I'd only ever seen this town from the train, so it was interesting to have a look around. Nothing too exiting to report. It's a town that seems to be growing quite fast. It's really a large railway station, with a town springing up around it. We went to one of the many restaurants and had some lunch.

After lunch, we found the information desk and Larisa asked what platform our train was coming into. Nobody knew! They told us to wait until the announcement. The train could be on any one of two lines. One was on this side and the other was about 500 yards away, over a very large bridge. They told us they would be making the announcement as the train approached and someone could see what line it was on. Hold on a minute! If it’s on the other line, we are supposed to run 500 yards, over a bridge with about 50 steps each side in a few minutes, carrying / wheeling my large case! I told Larisa not to worry, the train would be stopped for a while… Nope! Apparently, the train stops for about 2 minutes, grabs whatever passengers are there and goes straight away! Ok… We will walk to the foot of the bridge and wait there, to get the best possible chance…

As we were walking to the bridge, the announcement came. Guess what? Yes! It was coming on the other side and we were not even close to the bridge! We started running like mad things! We got to the bridge to find it covered in people coming the opposite way. I grabbed my case and started running up the steps with it. About halfway, I was knackered! I had to put it down for a second. A man walking down the stairs, saw me there and offered to help. He took one end and I took the other. When we reached the top, I thanked him very much and started wheeling it across the bridge. He followed me and helped me down the other side, said goodbye and crossed the bridge again! What a nice bloke!

We made it this far in time to see our carriage passing by, so started chasing it down the platform. By the time we reached it, they were ready to go again, but we managed to throw the cases and ourselves onboard. Phew!

This was a third class train, so I was a little worried about what to expect. I thought we had got on the wrong train, or the wrong carriage! It was exactly the same as a second class, but cleaner! Larisa explained that this was because the carriage had to be added on to take the extra passengers. The only one available seemed to be a second class one. Happy days! We settled into our cabin and discovered the other 2 bunks were empty. We had a beer and settled down for the 16 hour ride…

I sent a message to Pavel to see if he could meet us at the station, but he was looking after some people and couldn’t make it. Larisa insisted it would be ok and told me I worry too much. She said that she has survived for 40 years in Ukraine, so a few hours on her own in Kiev wouldn't do her any harm.

In the middle of the night, the cabin door opened and a young lady stepped inside. Larisa talked to her for a few minutes. Apparently Larisa was in her bunk. But she wanted to sleep on the top anyway, so was happy enough. Up she went and we never saw or heard anything from her until Kiev….

[TheWongs]

We arrived in Kiev and I took my bag to the lockup area, so we could spend the few hours of our time together without this monster following me around. I showed Larisa where she had to get her train back to Dzankoy and we left the station via the "old" end. We went across the road to the pizza place and had pizza and beer.  I took a few pictures of us together here, before showing her some of the things I knew in the area of the train station. There was no point in going far away, so we just stayed local.

The time seemed to fly past and it was not long before it was time for me to get the bus to the airport. It was time to say goodbye to the lady I had lived with and seen every day for 6 months! We held each other until the driver was going to leave. We both had tears in our eyes as we had a final kiss and I boarded the bus. As the bus pulled away, I phoned Larisa and talked to her until we were out of sight. I felt so very, very lonely already!

The bus arrived at the airport and it was almost as if I was a local. I jumped off, grabbed my case and went inside. I didn't need to look around to see where I should go. I just walked straight to the departures area as if I'd done it a thousand times. I walked to the Aerosvit desk and asked for my ticket (it had been booked online by my friend in England). I was very impressed with the service. I handed the nice lady my passport and a few seconds later, she handed it back to me with the ticket inside. I thanked her very much and went to the check in area I asked when I could check in. The man told me "10 minutes".

I went outside for a final smoke. I was running on "autopilot" and didn't take anything in. I was just doing what had to be done without any interest or emotion. I do remember thinking about how things had changed so much. A man approached me and asked for a light. I gave him one and he walked away. I remembered my first time in this airport and how I wanted someone with me at all times, because I was so nervous! I knew no Russian and would not have known what to do if someone approached me! Now... It just seemed so normal and I just gave a light to a man who spoke Russian to me without even having think about what he wanted! Changed days indeed!

I checked in, went through security, had a few coffee's and waited for my plane. I was shocked at the price of a coffee! My advice to anyone is to get what you need before checking in! Once you're in there, they have you trapped and can charge what they like!

The flight was called and I boarded the plane. I'm normally very nervous of flying, but today, I didn't care! I sent sms messages to Larisa until I was on the plane. As my flight was called, I recieved one from her to tell me she was at the train. This made me feel so much better! At least she was safe and would get home ok. I sent one last sms and turned off my phone.

When I landed at Birmingham airport, I fitted my UK sim card and sent a message to my friend who was picking me up. He replied to say he was running late and would be about an hour. Great! I got a coffee with the only English money I had and sent some messages to Larisa to let her know I landed safely. Then I called my daughter to tell her I would be home for Christmas, but not to tell my mother. It was going to be a very big surprise! She thought I was spending Christmas with Larisa in Ukraine! I wish I was!!!!! 

[viking]

Wow!!!! Can we get a word in edgewise?  I guess you enjoy writing? I am still trying to read through it all and will try and get back when I am done. Give me a few hours!  But it is a good read so far and it seems you are happy which is a great thing to be.

[TheWongs]

Wow!!!! Can we get a word in edgewise?  I guess you enjoy writing? I am still trying to read through it all and will try and get back when I am done. Give me a few hours!  But it is a good read so far and it seems you are happy which is a great thing to be.

Sorry dude!

I'm just copying from the other site to get the story up to date. Feel free to butt in whenever you like!

[TheWongs]

Between December 2005 and December 2006, I spent a total of 9 months in Kerch.

When I returned to Ireland for Christmas 2006, I discovered just how bad it is to leave for such a long time. My life was in ruins and my bank had closed my account, creating the most serious problem that I had ever had in my life! The only good thing there was a fantastic surprise for my mother. I arrived at her house behind my 2 kids. They told her they had a surprise present for Christmas and moved to the side, revealing me, with a big grin! My mother cried for about 10 minutes (with joy, before anyone has a smart comment! ) It was a wonderful Christmas, regardless of the other situations.

2007 was the year from hell, but I got things back on track, my financial situation improved tenfold and I started my own business. Typical Irishman! You can't keep us down.

I had a rude awakening on Sunday 22nd October in the evening, when I made my usual phone call to Larisa. We were planning for her to come to England for Christmas and were in contact constantly. It was something she said when I talked about her living here with me. She repeated something she had said on our first date. She said... “Honey. I want to tell you something... I was born in Ukraine and I will die in Ukraine. This is my country. I told you this before”!

I'm still seeing her this Christmas (2007), no matter what happens. If she gets a visa, she can fulfill her childhood dream to see England and visit the Beatles museum. I would very much like her to live this dream. She is a wonderful woman and deserves it more than anyone I know!

My reasons are also a little selfish. I want her to see England to see if she could possibly live in this place. If she can't get the visa, then I'm flying there to spend Christmas with her. But, to be honest, at this moment in time... TheWongs is gutted and deciding what to do for the future!

It's strange... As this story was progressing and you guys were wondering what would happen and what twist would come next, I was laughing to myself, because I had the answer and it was all good! I never thought that day would throw something else at me! It's entirely my own fault! She did tell me this when we met, but I thought that I was so good that she would follow me to the ends of the earth. Obviously... I'm not as good as I thought! 

How's that for a story with a twist?

[TheWongs]

16th November 2007 update...

Larisa is in Kiev, being looked after very well by Pavel. I just spoke to her on the phone. Pavel took a picture of her and emailed it to me. She is looking very happy.  Pavel met her at the train and has looked after her all day, taking her wherever she wanted to go and then back to his apartment for Borsch, beer and a movie.

As far as the visa goes... Everything seemed to go ok, they asked her a few questions and seemed satified with her answers. We'll know in a few days if she's coming here for Christmas! Fingers, arms, legs and everything else is crossed!!!!

[TheWongs]

I spoke to Larisa tonight. When she was in Kiev on Friday for her interview, she paid extra for her documents to be posted to Simferopol when the decision was made. This was to save her the 2 days travelling to Kiev again.

Well... She phoned today to see what was happening...

20th November 2007...

Her passport is in Simferopol already! The problem is that nobody knows if there's a visa inside it or not! It's a sealed letter and nobody can open it. Larisa thinks it was much too fast and it's a "no". I told her to think positive. Maybe they were short of work on monday and got it done fast? We won't know until she goes there to collect it.

Collecting it is also not very easy. She's working every day this week, so she is going to ask them to post it to Kerch. If they won't, she's getting the bus tomorrow night and will stay in a hotel, collect it the following morning and get back to Kerch for work. Poor woman is going mad! So am I!!! 

Why don't they just tell us?!!!!!!!!

[TheWongs]

21st November 2007...

By the way guys.... SHE GOT HER VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

[TheWongs]

Now that I've calmed down, talked to her and booked her flights, I'll tell you how she managed to get the papers so fast.

Apparently, she phoned this morning and explained she was at work, was very worried, it was her first visa application etc, etc and she would try to get there tomorrow morning. The person on the other end of the phone asked where she worked. Later, some lady turned up at her work with her papers! You don't get that in UK!  Larisa was so scared, she asked this lady to open it for her. 

After talking to her tonight, I can quite safely say I was speaking to the happiest woman in Ukriane! 

[TheWongs]

So... On the 20th December 2007, Larisa landed in London and we were re-united! It was fantastic from the start. We fell straight back into our routines as if we had lived together for years! Here's a post from after Christmas time 2007...

We left St Helens last Sunday morning and spent all day driving to Scotland. We went through the lake district and as many "scenic routes" as possible (including Gretna Green when we arrived in Scotland!). When we were on the ferry to Ireland, I counted the pictures... 130! Not bad for one day!

Oh... Gretna Green scared the living daylights out of her! She had heard about it, but thought it was folklore! I told her I was taking her there because we had an appointment!

At this moment in time, Larisa and I are in Ireland and I'm knackered! Up at 6 - 7am most mornings and not in bed til about 2am! Seeing as much as possible and meeting as many friends and family as we can before returning to England on Sunday. I think I need more memory cards for the camera! We've filled two and the camera I got Larisa for Christmas is nearly full too!

So far, everyone who has met her, likes her very much, including my kids, so that's VERY cool. She was always worried about meeting new people because she didn't think her English was good enough. Nobody has had any problems talking to her and she can understand about 80% - 90% of the conversations!

[TheWongs]

We got back from Ireland, after taking many detours on the way back down England. I emptied the memory cards from the cameras into my laptop and we filled them up again!

Larisa has met almost everyone now and is very impressed with my friends and family so far.  Being a psycologist, she's watching how I interact with the people close to me. I know and can see what she is doing, but I'm saying nothing. It's interesting to watch her watching me. 

We very briefly touched on the subject of her living here, but it was very brief. A few of my friends have been asking her questions along these lines too. I suppose this was to be expected, but I hadn't thought about it. They are only trying to help, but it would have been better if they hadn't put these thoughts in her head. Maybe I should have asked them to say nothing? Anyway... The impression I got was.... How do I put it?.... "Not too promising" I think is the best description!

She loves the house, the town and the country, but it's her friends, work and family that are a BIG issue. As she said "I have not a very good apartment and life, but it is MY apartment and MY life! Also, my qualifications mean nothing in this country"! I can understand why this is a big issue. She has spent the last 20 years building her life and career. Her qualifications are very impressive! I can't see her give all that up just for me and I don't blame her either! It's still early days and we'll see what happens. I'm in no hurry.

I found a Russian Orthadox church in Manchester and took Larisa there. She was very happy that she was able to go! While we were in Manchester, I took her to the Manchester United football grounds and took a lot of pictures with her there. Her son supports Manchester United, so we emailed him some of the pictures.  We also went shopping and taking pictures in the city centre. Man, she knows how to shop, or should I say, she knows how to walk around shops all day without getting tired or spending anything?! I'm knackered!

I had to play a pool match one night, so she came to watch. The match was over, I won and we were on our way home in 15 minutes flat!  The opponent didn't know what hit him and Larisa was VERY impressed!  She saw me playing American pool once in Kerch, but I was only messing about. She said "There is a very big difference when you are serious". I told her she must be my lucky charm. 

[TheWongs]

I took Larisa to see the Beatles museum. This was one of her childhood dreams. I think her face says it all!



It's quite strange really. She was only with me for 3 weeks and one of those was in Ireland, but everything I look at in the house reminds me of her, or something we did! Every time I see something she moved or left behind, my eyes fill up. But hey! I'm a man and I'm not supposed to act like a girl, so I'll look to the future and to seeing her again soon!

On that subject, it's been decided that she is returning in April to spend time with me on my birthday and to see me again before her visa runs out.

We had a very serious discussion about our future and where we go from here. This is one very smart lady and she knows how to deal with things sensibly, instead of making rash decisions. The bottom line is that she is going to have a very serious think about things over the next few weeks. I can see her point and why she can't leave Ukraine at this time. She has spent the last 20 years, building her career and it will all mean nothing in this country, but she is willing to think about giving it all up and what she can do for our future. On the other hand, she knows I want to do some business in Ukraine and we discussed this in detail too. If all goes well, we would have the best of both worlds and spend a lot of time in both countries.  Her sons have proved to her over the last 3 weeks that they can take care of themselves. This has helped her a lot! The past 3 weeks is the longest she has ever been seperated from them in over 20 years!

So... Things here are looking very good, but are lonely again. While I have been typing this, I got a phonecall from her to let me know she has just landed in Kiev safely and Pavel is taking her to the train station, via a shop to buy champagne. She will spend tonight on the train, drinking this champagne and having a party with the other passengers to celebrate "Old New Year".

All my family and friends will agree when I say... What a wonderful woman! 

I forgot to mention... Her flight was from London Heathrow early this morning, so we went to London a day early, so she could see it before she left. Her first words were "WOW"!  While I was taking this picture, 2 guys came over and asked her to take a picture for them. They only spoke a little English, so Larisa asked me to help. As they were getting into position, they spoke Russian! Larisa was in fits of laughter! When they left, I said goodbye in Russian and Larisa said it in English!

[TheWongs]

When she got off the train in Kerch, she was met by her eldest son. After she had been talking to him for a while, he looked into her eyes and said "I am a big boy now and I can look after myself. If you want to marry Chris and live in England, then you should do it"! She didn't need to, or prompt this statement from him. He could see in her face that something had changed in her! One of the conversations we had was about her sons. She is not worried too much about the youngest son because he lives with his girlfriend. She was more worried about the eldest because he lives with her and is single. She wants him to settle down with someone who will take care of him like she does.

24th January update...

Larisa is flying back to me on 3rd of March and can stay until 10th of May!!!!

[TheWongs]

31st March 2008

Larisa has been her for a month and will be here for another 5 weeks. I have been working almost every day. I wanted to take more time off during her stay, but I've been snowed under with work recently and am also expanding my business. On the bright side, this is a great way for her to see what living here would be like if we were married.

There has been no problems and we are still finding out new things about each other. So far, there has been no nasty surprises. 

We have discussed a lot things, including marriage. Her biggest problem is leaving her two boys in Kerch. A few nights ago, we had a long chat and she asked me what I wanted. I told her I wanted her to be in England with me, but I was not going to ask her to leave her friends and family. I explained that the decision had to be hers and I also explained why.

Larisa understands exactly where I'm coming from, but I think she wants me to tell her what to do. I just can't do that! When we met, she had no intention of meeting a foreign man, let alone leaving Ukraine! She made that VERY clear on our first date and has reminded me a few times since. She reminded me about this again when we were talking.

During this conversation, I asked what she wanted. She replied that she wanted to be with me, wherever in the world that was. At the end of this long chat, she sat back and said "I think I am ready to move to England now".

The problem is that every time she talks about leaving her friends and family, she almost cries. There is no doubt in my mind that she wants us to get married, but I'm not so sure she can leave Kerch on a permanent basis.

I suppose time will tell......

[TheWongs]

4th April 2008

My story is still not over. The latest update...

I popped the question to Larisa last night! I'll tell you all what she said soon...

[TheWongs]

5th April 2008

Where was I? Oh yes.... I asked Larisa to marry me... She said YES without hesitation!!!!!

[TheWongs]

25th May 2008

Guess it's time for another update then...

I discussed the marriage with Larisa and we decided it was best to wait until next year to tie the knot. She had some things to sort out and I am in the early stages of building my new business, so it looked like the right thing to do.

She went home a few weeks ago and it has been hell! I can't think straight or function properly! Also... The house feels like an empty shell! We have been chatting on the phone constantly since her return to Kerch and I can tell that she is a bit depressed too. She has cried on the phone more than a few times!

Tonight, I phoned her and we talked some more. She is going to Simferopol on Tuesday to find all the information she can about us getting married. Apparently, none of the paperwork can be done in Kerch and we must go to Simferopol to do it. Anyway... We decided to try bringing the wedding forward. We can't live for a year like this and we need to be together, so we are hoping to make it this August.  The plan was that I go to Kerch for a visit around this time and we take a trip to see her mother and family near Moscow. The plan now is to get married and do this as a "honeymoon".

I'll know more when I phone her on Tuesday night and a lot depends on time and money, but I'll do my best and keep you all informed along the way.

She was shopping with her friend last week and found a wedding dress she likes! She has had some problems with her apartment, so had to spend her money on repairs, leaving her short of cash this month. It sounds like she has fallen in love with this dress, so tonight I told her I'll send her the money to buy it. At least that's one problem out of the way!

[TheWongs]

4th June 2008

I was chatting to Larisa a few nights ago. This was after she went to Simferopol as promised to find information. Apparently, we can go to Simferopol one day, get the papers translated. The following day, we can get them stamped, noterized and go home to Kerch armed with everything we need to get married whenever we want! She gave me a list of documents that I need and I am well on the way to having them in my grubby little hands!

This is all due to a phonecall to the ONLY government department I have come across that HELPS people! I phoned the courthouse where I got my divorce. They found my documents while I was on the phone and made the copies shortly after at a price of £10 per document. The guy I spoke to even phoned me back later to give me information about how to get something else I was looking for (certificate of no impediment). How's that for service?

Last night I wrote about my "ideal plan". This is roughly what it said;

1/ Fly to Simferopol and meet Larisa.
2/ Stay the night and in the morning, go to get the documents translated.
3/ Stay another night and the following morning, complete the paperwork and go back to Kerch.
4/ Have a day of rest, then get married on 28th August. This is our "special" day because it is the 2nd anniversary of the day we met and it is also both of our sons birthdays.
5/ Go to Kiev to get her visa.
6/ Jump on a train to Moscow to meet her family.
7/ Go back to Kiev and collect her visa.
8/ Go back to Kerch to pack her bags.
9/ Bring my wife home with me!

I thought Larisa may have other idea's or see all the things that would spoil my plan. Not that Larisa seeks to spoil plans or find the bad in things, but because she can see all the things I miss!  Tonight, I phoned her and told her about my "dream plan". She loved it all and said it would be cool if it could all work this way!

So... There's the plan.... Sort of....

I'll try to keep up to date and write everything down in detail. I hope this helps someone in the future to understand how it all works legally and how to get the paperwork side of things done (or how not to, as the case may be).

[TheWongs]

21st July 2008

Mmmmm...... My plans have changed a little.

1/ Fly to Kiev and meet Larisa.
2/ Go to Kerch for a few weeks.
3/ Go to Kiev with Larisa.
4/ Fly home.

Due to unforseen financial circumstances, it looks like there may not be a wedding in August.