Trip Report to Kiev

[ambach123]

I promised a trip report so here it goes.
I took a package from Interdating agency which included ten or more introductions, an apartment for ten days, telephone, and transportation, sight seeing etc. The price about $1,700.

I also had some contacts on my own, one specific one which I found on the internet, a lady in Western Uraine with whom I had exchanged over 100 emails over about three months. She is to meet me in Kiev.

I am divorced, but have very good relationship with my ex wife, she runs my company, and we have lunch and often dinner together, just no sex. Very amicable divorce. I have dated a ton of AW. Just wanted something different a few months a ago, and started searching mainly on line.

With some trepidations I prepared for my travel. My ex wife helped me pack, and gave me a ride to the Airport.

" Ukrainian women are beeutiful, don't get taken by their beauty " she said, " Choose a woman who is into you, not who you are into " Wise words from an experienced woman.

Evening of September 11, I checked in at Logan Airport, and off I go; I am in the air on Northwest Airlines. I had a bottle of red wine, closed my eyes and went to sleep.

Light was coming through the window; we were descending on to Amestardam. It was already late mornning there.

Start of a journey

[topofthekey]

Looking forward to this trip report.

Obviously you work with the ex as you've stated, but do you have kids together or something? I don't think I'd be spending that much time with an EX or keeping her in the loop like you are if that wasn't the case.

Doubt the future wife will approve either.

[Kuna]

Ambach,

I'm sure we all wish you well on your trip.  For your own sake, I hope you can relax and enjoy the differences you'll find.  If you can do that you will have a wonderful trip no matter the outcome.

Doubt the future wife will approve either.

 

This may turn into the understatement of the century!

[ambach123]

It is September 12 morning, the plane is descending on to the Amsterdam Airport. I disembark the plane and have a couple of hours to kill. Very nice Airport. I look at their schedules, they  fly everywhere in the world.
How did the Dutch get to dominate the gloabal skies?

Anyway I am heralded to Gate D51 which is the last gate. I look around these are Ukrainians returning home. There is a mass of people,  everyone elbowing each other. The luggage has to be screened again.

" Why "? I asked.

" You are going to Ukraine"; was the answer, I guess I don't need  to aksk anymore.

Finally I get on the plane.

First thing I noitce nobody is smiling, grim faces.

I find  my seat and sit down.

The Dutch crew is friendly enough. I have nothing but good things to say about KLM.

After a short flight I get out at the Borispol Airport.

My first look at the Borispol Airport.

I have seen all kindd of third world airports, I have  even been to Karachi, Pakistan Airport, but I tell you this was about the worst.

Masses of people shoving to get to the immigration officers. No real line of any sort. I stand on the extreme left with masses of othe r people.

Finally I get to the officer. She looks at me for ten seconds, takes my passport, and spends a few minutes doing something, and hands me over the passport.

I say " Spasiba " , no answer.

I am in Kiev, not quite yet, I stilll have to go through the customs.

[msmoby_ru]

After a short flight I get out at the Borispol Airport.

My first look at the Borispol Airport.

I have seen all kindd of third world airports, I have  even been to Karachi, Pakistan Airport, but I tell you this was about the worst.

Masses of people shoving to get to the immigration officers. No real line of any sort. I stand on the extreme left with masses of othe r people.

Finally I get to the officer. She looks at me for ten seconds, takes my passport, and spends a few minutes doing something, and hands me over the passport.

I say " Spasiba " , no answer.

I am in Kiev, not quite yet, I stilll have to go through the customs.

1/ Funny thing ambach is that *I* already don 't recognise the Borispil airport you are talking about - the entrance to the intl terminal leads to booths where you can complete an immigration form - if not handed out on the flight and then to the passport booths with CLEARLY demarkated lines - the building is about three and a half years old..

2/ So the passport officer didn't respond to your "spasibo"..

 May be he is a Ukrainian speaker and proving a point - he wouldn't say *Spasibo* ( that's Russian ), and this IS the FSU ... most passport officials or civil servants aren't smiley happy people .. have you actually READ any other trip reports?!

That's why I said go to a hotel first time... you should see some faces there - more used to dealing with western expectations..


Good luck and try and keep an open mind ..

[ambach123]

I am collecting luggage when a man comes to me and tells me that I would  have " trouble " with the customs; but he can get me through for $50; I have a look of disbelief on my face; I decline, he leaves.
Another guy come to me and offers to take my luggage through the customs for $ 40; I decline again.
I find this stuff hard to believe, I am sure these guys are in cohoot with the custom officials.
I pick up my two pieces of luggage and walk right out, without stopping, nobody said anything, I walked out.

I was in Kiev, well sort of.

A swarm of taxi dirivers come to me, offering me a ride to the city.

The agency had sent a driver, with some difficulty I found him and I was out of there.

We are driving to the city and all these Billboards everywhere. I guess Ukraine is cmmercializing like everywhere else.

[Gator]

Ambach,

Thank you for reporting, especially an "on the spot" report.

I hope it is not too late, but never mention your ex-wife to any UW.  Never.

If you already have, don't do it again.  If the UW asks you a question about your ex-, answer it tersely and then change the subject, saying that you are here to meet her and not to talk about a woman from your past.

Good luck!

[kievstar]

In the future stand the far right line next to line for Ukraine locals at airport Moves very fast as most people think it is for Ukraine's only.  Put your bag way out to the side to block people from getting around you. Sometimes you need to use your elbow too.  Never go far left in airport.  Also, if very long lines I usually just go in the far right line which is for locals only - but they will take you with no problem.

To bad about them trying to ask for $50 to help you through.  I never had that happen in Kiev.  Taxi drivers are like a swarm of fire ants pissed off outside customs. 

If you find a girl you really like, take her 3 hours outside city to Uman Park very nice there.  Weather looks bad right now in Kiev according to my friends so blue lake area is not a good choice.

[msmoby_ru]

I am collecting luggage when a man comes to me and tells me that I would  have " trouble " with the customs; but he can get me through for $50; I have a look of disbelief on my face; I decline, he leaves.
Another guy come to me and offers to take my luggage through the customs for $ 40; I decline again.
I find this stuff hard to believe, I am sure these guys are in cohoot with the custom officials.
I pick up my two pieces of luggage and walk right out, without stopping, nobody said anything, I walked out.

I was in Kiev, well sort of.

A swarm of taxi dirivers come to me, offering me a ride to the city.

The agency had sent a driver, with some difficulty I found him and I was out of there.

We are driving to the city and all these Billboards everywhere. I guess Ukraine is cmmercializing like everywhere else.

May be these guys knew you were coming, Ambach..!

Really, I have NEVER been canvassed within the secure area - until I exited the customs area and entered the arrivals lounge.

I DO recognise the canvassers for Taxi rides, etc.. Just ignore them and don't make eye contact or smile..

[ScottinCrimea]

I have also never been approached by anyone in Kiev offering to get me through customs for a price in all my times through there.  Is this something new or was there something about ambach's appearance versus mine that might have attracted this attention?

[docetae]

I have also never been approached by anyone in Kiev offering to get me through customs for a price in all my times through there.  Is this something new or was there something about ambach's appearance versus mine that might have attracted this attention?

same from me... more than 10 times in Borispil and nobody asked me about money before going trough custom. About the airport itself, you should take a national flight from Terminal A and review your previous comment...about the normal cost for a taxi ride Kiev-> Borispol , it is between 125 and 140 Rhyvnia

[IAmZon]

Just chippin in a comment so I am updated on this thread. 

I have an open mind you your assss 123.  You have overly prepared.  I look forward to your report more than most.

Best of luck,

[Kuna]

Ya know... I love any Kiev TR because simple comments (even about the damn airport) take me back to Jan 2007 when I was full of crazy ideas about finding a good FSUW.  I only say crazy ideas because I only realised after I married how lucky I was/am!

ambach...  I want to hear all about the potholes in the roads and the phone card seller on Kreshatik - ESPECIALLY if he takes you to the subway for vodka and little parcels of goodness!

Hope you're enjoying your trip!

[GregfromGa]

Well boys I think Ambach123 must be having a lot of success or either he's held up in his room because of these prices over here.It seems to me everything has doubled or tripled since I was here in 2006. I've seen only a couple of Lada's on the street since I arrived and one was a police car. I've sent Ambach123 a few emails with my contact info offering to buy him a beer of or coffee if he gets a few spare minutes.I havent heard a word so I'm guessing he's somewhere all the time with one of those 25 women he was going to have trained in from all parts of Ukraine.

Again I dont want to sound like a broken record but the prices here are insane. I honestly dont see how these people survive on what they make vs what things cost. Tea and coffee cost more at Starbucks then almost any cafe here.

I did meet up with another ole boy from Georgia. He's having a great time and with some success. He's met a nice girl that has only been with the agency a week or so. My wife and I had dinner with them the other night at his apartment. Those 2 girls talked and laughed 90 MPH for 2 hours. My wife is pretty good at reading people and she really likes this girl and hopes things go well.

[kievstar]

Greg, they survive on prices because most of the apartments in the city center are owned or rented by foreigners.  All the rich CEO, CFO of local companies also work in Kiev at times eventhough most of these businesses are in Eastern Ukraine.  You have to get away from the city center.  City center now is for tourists and drunk teenagers who sit on the main street drinking.  This is not pre orange revolution when country was poor.  But back than teenagers still drank there but with many more women of the night.  Stay away from local establishments as well in Kiev.  Best to go where the tourists do not go.  There are a lot of places to go to do this but really need someone who knows the city and surrounding area.  Most locals do not know the city either.  They think they do but really do not. 

Go south 30 minutes or go west 30 minutes from city center.  You will find just as good restaurants and better prices.  The weather is very bad in Kiev right now so I would suggest south rather than west of city center.

Average wage in city center for a local with 10 years experience is $3,000 usd after tax.  A lot of lawyers, politicians, accountants, etc in Kiev. 

You did get some relief this week with Ukraine dollar going up to 4.98 and in some spots of Kiev and yesterday it went to 5.2 in some spots as I loaded up on currency.  Less than 2 weeks ago it was 4.6. 

Find a bar today to watch my Spartans beat up on Notredame today.  Should be good game with home team losing last 6 meetings. 

I never went to Kiev before orange revolution and many people talk about Kiev like you do in that everything was cheap.  Its a different city.  Not really a city to vacation in.  My friends from USA have an even worse experience as they were there for work in 2003-3004 they just thought Kiev was a dirt city with prostitutes everywhere.  They never liked this city.  They were married so not interested in wife hunting. 

[docetae]

Well boys I think Ambach123 must be having a lot of success or either he's held up in his room because of these prices over here.It seems to me everything has doubled or tripled since I was here in 2006. I've seen only a couple of Lada's on the street since I arrived and one was a police car. I've sent Ambach123 a few emails with my contact info offering to buy him a beer of or coffee if he gets a few spare minutes.I havent heard a word so I'm guessing he's somewhere all the time with one of those 25 women he was going to have trained in from all parts of Ukraine.

Again I dont want to sound like a broken record but the prices here are insane. I honestly dont see how these people survive on what they make vs what things cost. Tea and coffee cost more at Starbucks then almost any cafe here.

And you can not imagine what it is with housing... Interest rates are between 25 and 30% on 20 years credits.... A simple two rooms apartment near a metro station in Kiev cost around 150k USD, results ? payment around 1500$ /month !!!!

[kievstar]

One thing to remember no property taxes in Ukraine and very low utility bills.  So once you buy a property you really have no future expense.  If you had property taxes the properties would drop up to 50%. 

But that may change on apartments soon.  Yankovich wants to put a yearly tax on foreign owners of property.  He will most likely be next president of Ukraine. 

[docetae]

But that may change on apartments soon.  Yankovich wants to put a yearly tax on foreign owners of property.  He will most likely be next president of Ukraine. 

Next year will be for sure a very troubled year in Ukraine. Yushenko has no future but western Ukraine will not give up easely what they have won during previous years.
Remember they continue to celebrate UPA and Stepan Bandera... There are hardcore nationalist that will not accept to go back close to Russia.

My girlfriend told me that she think that now everything is possible, even war.

Russia is now giving away russian passport in Crimea, they will not let go sebaspotol. Ukraine is definitely the next target for Russia, but I am sure they will do nothing, just wait that it collapse from inside.

Ukrainian politicians have demonstrated to be very skilled for self destruction during these last years.

[ambach123]

Guys I am about done with my trip,  I am leaving for home in the a.m.

I would not give you the ending at this time, but when I do, you can be the judge.

Greg I got your message; this has been a very busy week.  I have been with women all this time, sorry Greg.

[kievstar]

Ambach, hope you had a good trip.  But sounds like no based on how you write.

[ambach123]

Let me pick up where I left off.

We are driving to the city from the airport, I see all these high rise buildings on the way.

We first stop at a food store, where I buy four bottles of water, some bread and cheese etc. We then go to my apartment where I leave my luggage and then we go the agency. They want all their money in cash up front. I pay.

The agency rep, Helen then sits downn and gives me some safety tips,  mainly keep your door always locked. Don't talk to strangers, etc. etc. She then hands over a sheet in which safety precautions are written down. First impression, this is not a safe place for foriegners.

She has a list of about 12 women for me to see.

I come  back to the apartment. The apartment is OK but I expected better. The lights everywhere are dim.

I hit the pillow and I am fast asleep.

[ambach123]

Saturday September 13 morning; the telephone rings, Helen from the agency is on line, my first appointment is at 12 noon.

For the next three days I meet with 12 women.

I will give you my general impression and experiences.

At least half of them were blatantly mercenary. Even if they meet me at the agency office, they want to go to a restaurant right away. Once inside the restaurant, they would order a number of  drinks and dishes. You would wonder how such a thin woman can eat 3000 calories in one sitting. I depise a woman gulping down food with both hands,  as if someone from Bangla Desh  or Biafra who has  been hungry for ages.

Afterwards, I wisen  up, I would  talk to them at the agency office, if something developed I would set up a dinner date. If they wanted to go to a restaurant immediately, they can go there -  alone. Two of them did just that, in other words were asked to leave.

One woman after the meeting volunteered to help me shop for food. I  took  her up on the offer, we went to a grocery store, all of a sudden in my cart I see ten bottles of beauty product.

" What is this? " I asked.

" Just a small present from you for me ".

" I will give you a present when I think I should ".  She left in the middle of the shopping.

I did meet with two of them for the second time, both seem reasonable and ordered only one entre which they ate at normal speed.

Both were good potential. I told them  that I would keep in touch after I got to United States and  see where we get. Pleasant meetings.

[ambach123]

It is Tuesday September 16, I have not gotten anywhere; if this is  the type of women I came to see, what a waste.

I told Helen, I did  not want to see anyone  anymore.

I had been writing to a girl in Western Ukraine near the Hungarian border,  she lives in a small town, 29 years old,  she is a school teacher. Her mother is a school teacher, her father has his own business, her brother is a surgeon.

We had exchanged over 100 emails, and frequent phone calls over a three months period.

She promised to come to Kiev to visit me on her own dime via plane.

She was scheduled to come to the Kiev airport in the  afternoon, and then take a cab  to my apartment.

I was not sure if this date would even materialize.

I am in the cold and lonely apartment  waiting for  a phone call.

Tick Tock, time goes by, afternoon changes to evening.

Ring Ring, my cell phone rings, (let us call her M); M is on line; I am at Borispol airport and I am taking a taxi to you.

Tick Tock, I waite.

One hour later she is still not here, I call her on the cell phone. She is tied up in the traffic.

Another hour later, it is almost 8 p.m.; she calls, she is at the door.

I go outside, it is  raining, I see a blonde woman getting out of a taxi. I offer to pay the taxi, she refuses.

I take the luggage inside, my first look at her, she is beautiful with very typical slavic features and green eyes.

We sit down. The atmosphere is cold as ice. Even though we had written to each other so much, we are both frozen.

Oh well, everyone says that transferring  email connection to real life is very hard so why should it be any different here.

We have five more days to spend together. I guess she would not have to stay for the five days.

[GregfromGa]

I got to meet with Ambach123 for a few minutes in Obriens. Very nice and smart guy. Glad to hear that things went well for him here.

[ambach123]

I am despondent.

All this time and money and what a waste.

I get up and make some tea for M. We chat a little bit. I thank her for coming here and the time she took in writing the emails.

The ice seems to crack.

We talk some more, she started feeling at ease. I show her a video of  New England in the fall, that I brought with me. She likes it. I talk about Ukrainian  history, ( she is a history teacher). Fortunately I know quite a bit about Russian history. We discuss the rein of Catharine the Great, and the sale of Alaska to USA.

It is almost mid night, we are now talkiing, she is very much at ease.

I make my bed in the living room couch, and give her the bedroom.

I bid her good night and I am fast asleep.