Kharkiv (Jan - Feb 09) - My experience so far

[LiveFromUkraine]

That isn't what started the BS detector.. it was his rambling TR that focused on generalities and the disillusionment of not realizing his fantasy.  I happen to know a lot of psychologists.. some socially and some from well.. lol.. talking to them.. these are not people who would show so little self awareness as the OP has... so.. I am calling BS to his post.. for now anyway..

and BTW.. Goa.. is awesome.. but it is just one little oddball portuguese influenced part of the second most populated country in the world.. far from making you an old India hand.. try Kerala for a more authentic experience away from the jet setters, hipsters and tourists.  

No shit sherlock.  If you could read a post clearly, I stated those were considered great parts and I still had problems with internet.  

Maybe I should create friends with physicists because I always wanted to be one.  

[ECOCKS]

Hey Az1, first of all welcome to the board.

Second, don't let the fringe element get to you. There is a group that immediately goes into attack mode when reality doesn't agree with their view of the world. You apparently noticed the IGNORE button so just use it and let them piss into the wind if their opinion is getting in your way of understanding things.

Thanks for the TR and the information on interpreters. If you go back to Ukraine and are struggling to find an interpreter without any conflict of interest, give me a PM and I should be able to find you some students who will give you objective service. With the economy the way it is, they will probably be happy to have something to do during the summertime.

Hang in there, the first flight or two is usually the bumpiest and you're building experience.

[Daveman]

Hey Az1, first of all welcome to the board.

Second, don't let the fringe element get to you. There is a group that immediately goes into attack mode when reality doesn't agree with their view of the world. You apparently noticed the IGNORE button so just use it and let them piss into the wind if their opinion is getting in your way of understanding things.

Thanks for the TR and the information on interpreters. If you go back to Ukraine and are struggling to find an interpreter without any conflict of interest, give me a PM and I should be able to find you some students who will give you objective service. With the economy the way it is, they will probably be happy to have something to do during the summertime.

Hang in there, the first flight or two is usually the bumpiest and you're building experience.

Agreed.  This is also, for most of us, the starry eyed lalagaga land mentality where we really want to believe much the hype we read -- superimposing it over those angelic faces.  Actually, I think the reality is better than the Utopian proselytizing. Some of it's a sham, and some of it is truly WOW... but the Shamwow is still hyped on a late night infomercial..    Hey, that analogy really ain't that far off, come to think of it.

[Sculpto]

good one Dave..

props even to ecocks for some rational thinking/posting

[Faux Pas]

Hey Az1, first of all welcome to the board.

Second, don't let the fringe element get to you. There is a group that immediately goes into attack mode when reality doesn't agree with their view of the world. You apparently noticed the IGNORE button so just use it and let them piss into the wind if their opinion is getting in your way of understanding things.

Thanks for the TR and the information on interpreters. If you go back to Ukraine and are struggling to find an interpreter without any conflict of interest, give me a PM and I should be able to find you some students who will give you objective service. With the economy the way it is, they will probably be happy to have something to do during the summertime.

Hang in there, the first flight or two is usually the bumpiest and you're building experience.

Maybe we need a Sculpto disclaimer at the front door of the forum. He must sleep at a Holiday Inn Express every night.

[Mir]

Az1

I think you have strong links with India (personal and family).
You write that you want to find a girl who is family oriented. Well you can find such girls in India easily.
Looking for this in a country where you know nothing about the language and culture, have no friends or family to help you etc. is much more difficult.
IMHO you will lose lots of money and time in running after Ukrainian women. It will not be without some thrills and enjoyments, so if you have time and money to loose then do go for the ride but your chances of finding what you are looking for are slim indeed.
Good luck and have fun

[Sculpto]

great point Mir.. I have a very close Indian friend here in SF that was getting really frustrated.. he went back to India and found a terrific wife.. for him.  They have three kids now and she rocks his world every night.  the guy has never been happier..

[CCowboy]

Ravens9273,

I think your statement, "I am not the samartest person in the world" sums you up.  You are ignorant and another word that starts with an "I" fits you as well.  I don't have the time right now for a full response, but I will say this.  I did not specifically know who Az1 was until he made his first comment, but I knew of him.  I also told Mila privately that I was finished commenting about my experience with her on RWD unless I was attacked again and, I will defend myself.  Mila told me many details of her experience with Az1 while I was in Kharkov, but did not name him.  I guess she felt since he hadn't posted a trip report, he wasn't going to.  But she told me he was from the UK, she told me that Anya was just scamming him, she told me that she was not putting any effort into her English lessons, she told me about the money Az1 had paid for her English lessons but now wanted to give it to her for her "emergencies.  Basically, she let me know that Az1 was stupid and she didn't want anything more to do with him.  Not at all professional and violated Az1's trust in her. 

So, Ravens9273, Az1 and I are indeed two different people but with similar experiences with Mila.  As I posted on a different thread, Mila is a very good translator.  That is what she should stick to.  She doesn't understand what confidential or fiduciary means.  She doesn't understand, what's in the best interest of the client.  She does understand what's in the best interest of Mila.  When I have time, I will expand on this post and and write more about what I believe and suspect how Mila runs her business.  There are many ways to find information other than RWD.  But for now, I think YOU need to quit speculating, stick to the facts being posted, leave your ego at the door, and quit seeing Mila as the victim being picked on by two bullies, and you're her knight in shining armor coming to her rescue.  CC     

[GoodOlBoy]

After sleeping on this one, I have come to the conclusion that this whole situation is about MONEY......and thats all folks.

Once you sort out all of our member's complaints....No dishes, bad internet, wrong women, etc. etc. etc.......You get to the bottom line of what this is really about......MONEY.

Mila probably feels like she was screwed out of her money by CCowboy for services rendered and Az1 for future translation services.

And our 2 fine RWD members feel like they were just plain screwed!

"Feelings" aside...Bottom line.....It's always about the MONEY.



GOB

[Kuna]

Az1,

Sorry to hear you had bad experiences on your trip.  It does sound like you had some fun and learned a few things on the way... and that is a big bonus for future trips.

As for the few meatheads and fantasists who will try to criticise you...  just ignore them.  there opinions are worthless anyway!  You have as much right as anyone to post your TR here and if Mila feels aggrieved she can always respond.

The worst thing out of everything you wrote was being scammed for the 1000 Grivna for entry and drinks for her husban and friends.  Do these people have no pride?

The best thing to come out of your trip will be the lessons learned:

- Don't date someone you can't speak to otherwise you'll need a translator;
- You don't need a guide/bodyguard/permanent handholder/nanny if you travel to Ukraine.  There are plenty of apartment services, private cars, etc that make much more sense than exposing yourself to the services of a permanent guide;
- Don't trust someone who has not yet EARNED you trust, and;
- Don't feel obliged to give money to someone you are not in a deep and lasting relationship with.

If I were you I would be tempted to throw the dice one more time... If "I" is really of interest to you why not offer Mila a final bonus for "I"'s contact details.  If it really is ALL about money everyone may end up with what they want... and it'd be cheaper than another introduction trip to UKR.

[kievstar]

AZ1 regarding the table thing you should have paid.  Was the total bill more than 1,000 Ukraine dollars for the night?  If not, you would have paid that amount anyway.  I bet you were bragging about your great job and money you make.  You do that in Kharkov you might as well open up your wallet or keep your mouth shut in the future.  You remind me a little of the Harvard MBA people I fire all the time who consider education to be better than street smarts.  Consider this a lesson learned you will not read in any book.

I believe you about India - There is a reason India is second rate to China.  China builds infrastructure and India does not. Even talking on a phone can be an issue in India.  I do like India so this is not a knock on the people.

I do think you have a lot to learn with women and have confidence issues.  But most men do.

Regarding the email the writing style is different than what I get from Mila.  I have rented apartments from Mila before and the price never changes, apartment was fully stocked with plates and great location, and I have had her and her husband pick me up from the airport in Kiev several times.  Very nice people.

I doubt Mila would ever come on this board to argue.  I would not blame her.  She has enough business and positive results to worry about men who struggle with women and argue over small amounts of money.  RW like strong men.  Strong men do not have the problems of these two posters.

[Az1]

First of all Kievstar, i have more street smarts then you will ever know (if i can find my way around India and South America on my own, i sure can do so in Kharkov). I do not brag about how much money i make because i know people like you would try to take advantage! So next time THINK before making assumptions about people.

Like you said before you know Mila personally so couldn't your view also be seen as biased . As they say you learn something new everyday, so i have no problem learning lessons. Maybe, you could teach me a thing or two about FSU women, who knows! but like i said earlier i have no problem attracting women here in the UK.

The email is 100% genuine, but nice idea by trying to discredit! I am so confident i would have it independently verified just to prove my point!

By the way, i meet people like you in my job everyday also 

[GoodOlBoy]

First of all Kievstar, i have more street smarts then you will ever know (if i can find my way around India and South America on my own, i sure can do so in Kharkov).

Sorry Az1, BUT..........Your sentence begs the question:

If you have so much "street smarts"...... why do you need Mila?

Why not just go it alone.......like a lot of us here on RWD have done?

Why hire a "hand holder"?


GOB

[Az1]

This is the first time i hired a guide and the last. I only hired Mila because she came recommended by a friend, and also because i don't speak russian. I can speak spanish and hindi so i had no problems of this kind in India or south america

[facetrock]

Basically what I got from her email was the fact that Mila knew A was a scammer and tried to tell you that. It also seems to me A knew Mila had her pegged and tried to get her out of the picture by getting a different teacher. Mila also returned your money, hardly the sign of a dishonest interpreter.

[kievstar]

Az1 - I used to live in Sao Paulo for more than a year and India for more than I would have liked.  Do you really understand Portuguese?  They do not speak Spanish in Brazil.  Living and travelling to foreign countries has nothing to do with street smarts.

Az1 - you do not understand what I am saying about money.  Not talking about people taking advantage of you.  You would be wise to learn more about culture in Ukraine regarding spending money and having money.  If I was going to take advantage of you (which I would not), I would do the same thing I did to the drunk Turkish man who harassed my wife a few weeks ago in the metro. I was happy this guy turned out to be Turkish and not local - lot easier to deal with.

How are you going to get someone to verify the email is legit? By the way I just said different - never said it was not from her.  I used certain words as I knew you would jump to conclusions.  Book smart people usually do.

You have met me before.  You do not remember.

[GoodOlBoy]

....I would do the same thing I did to the drunk Turkish man who harassed my wife a few weeks ago in the metro. I was happy this guy turned out to be Turkish and not local - lot easier to deal with.

The drunk Turkish man's name wasn't Ambach by any chance?  :evil:


GOB

[Sculpto]

 

I still smell a big pile of camel caca..

somewhere in between the bravado and exaggeration exists some kind of truth.. I am guessing that truth is a lot uglier than the OP wold ever admit.

[facetrock]

Sculpto I think you hit the nail on the head.

[LiveFromUkraine]

The drunk Turkish man's name wasn't Ambach by any chance?  :evil:


GOB

Are you suppose to be funny?  It seems you got a hard on for Ambach since you like to talk about him.

[GoodOlBoy]

Are you suppose to be funny?  It seems you got a hard on for Ambach since you like to talk about him.

There is a line around the corner of RWD with a "hard on" for Ambach.


GOB

[LiveFromUkraine]

There is a line around the corner of RWD with a "hard on" for Ambach.


GOB

hmmm.. the only person I see is you.  I don't see anyone else in line.

[Shadow]

There is a line around the corner of RWD with a "hard on" for Ambach.


GOB

GOB perhaps we should treat you by your own medicine ?

[Mila]

Hello Asif. I've been reading this thread and i was very offended by the lies you've been saying here. I will let this whole matter drop and fade away into the forum. But if you make one more negative comment about me, i'll tell my version of what had happened. I will hold no details back and get very personal, because as far as i am concerned, you have made this thread personal by attacking my character. I will give a chronological event from the time you arrived and from the time you left and I will also include the events that took place with Anna after you got home.
Some of you here might think this is very unprofessional, but where I’m from in Ukraine defending myself is a matter of pride. Asif, it is your choice, this will be your decision as to what direction this thread takes.
P.S: Robert, I know you are reading this and the same applies to you too.

[Sculpto]