Bathroom view, just in case you are interested in going. This bathroom had a heated floor!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
CONCLUSION
Tuesday November 29 to Nov 30, 2005
In conclusion let me just say that leaving yourself plenty of time is crucial to having a fun successful trip. If your flight leaves (domestic) at 7:00 am plan to be at the airport at the very least by 5:00 am. I would shoot for 4:30 am since I am extra cautious. There are so many things that will hold you up, accidents en route to the airport, slow taxi, police, the check points at the airport, missed bus, wrong terminal, bathroom break, helping other travelers, the list goes on. And, if you arrive early, the worst that can happen is you will have to wait. By the way, the 7:00 time is when the plane leaves. About an hour before the flight you will be preparing to board the plane. Before you can do that you must check in. 2 bags to check in and 1 carry on is the normal, but you can check with the airline or read your tickets.
Okay, I had date with Alexandra. All went well. It was about 12:30 am and I was packing and expecting the driver (taxi) to arrive at 3:50 am. He was on time and got a good tip. The ride was from Yalta to Simferopol. Driving through the mountains at night was awesome. We got to the airport before they opened. I was early and my trip back was starting out good. While waiting at the gate, I conversed with a new aquaintence, Svetlana. She was from Yalta as it turned out, and it would also turn out to be good that I met her!
The airplane was a propeller plane, and I was surprised at the amount of power and room on the inside of the plane. When we arrived in Kiev, we were at the wrong airport! It turned out that the fog was too heavy to fly into Borispol airport, so we landed "nearby". My new travel companion, Svetlana, and I agreed to split the cost of a taxi rather than wait for the bus. I got to see Kiev. And no offense, but it was cold and dirty. But maybe it looks nicer in the spring?
We got to the plane eventually, but not before meeting an interesting man from Stockholm, Tom. If I may interject at this point, I know that everyone in this story has impacted me, but I cannot place the "impact results" yet on Tom. He was very nice, and very interesting. This means that the impact will soon come, and it will be good. I will keep you (the world) updated.
I also learned a good trick. Tell the waitress she is absolutely beautiful. Say it sincerely (I was) and the service you get is much better! Now if it is a guy waiter, you're on your own.
Our plane left Kiev 2 hours late. Which means it arrived in New York City 2 hours late. You would think that the pilot could step on the gas a little and make up some time. We were only going 535 miles per hour in a 600 mile per hour zone! Aerosvit Airlines.
Well, I still went to the Delta ticket counter, knowing that my plane had already left. The lady was helpful, and for about 150 dollars, I got to spend 8 hours in the dumpiest high end hotel in the city the Radisson. I did get some sleep finally, and that was important!
About 2 am I got out of bed and prepared myself for the trip to Atlanta, then Dallas. Nothing significant to report except that later I found inside my luggage a tag that read, "Thank You your bag was inspected by the TSA. If you nwould like some packing tips, visit our website".
In conclusion, I got to meet a girl who might become Miss Universe. I met so many helpful people. And I think I might have met my future wife. I won't say exactly who it is yet, because if I later decide on the other person, I will need more than a Guardian Angel to help me!
After the trip I stayed in contact with the 2 candidates. E-Mail, SMS (text messaging), and the like will be something you need to set up, or gather info while you are in their town. This will be when you learn more about the ladies. And you can plan another trip, or as Svetlana suggested, "have her come here". Do the Fiancee Visa thing with the intention of seeing what the girl is like in my own environment. We shall see.
Tuesday November 29 to Nov 30, 2005
In conclusion let me just say that leaving yourself plenty of time is crucial to having a fun successful trip. If your flight leaves (domestic) at 7:00 am plan to be at the airport at the very least by 5:00 am. I would shoot for 4:30 am since I am extra cautious. There are so many things that will hold you up, accidents en route to the airport, slow taxi, police, the check points at the airport, missed bus, wrong terminal, bathroom break, helping other travelers, the list goes on. And, if you arrive early, the worst that can happen is you will have to wait. By the way, the 7:00 time is when the plane leaves. About an hour before the flight you will be preparing to board the plane. Before you can do that you must check in. 2 bags to check in and 1 carry on is the normal, but you can check with the airline or read your tickets.
Okay, I had date with Alexandra. All went well. It was about 12:30 am and I was packing and expecting the driver (taxi) to arrive at 3:50 am. He was on time and got a good tip. The ride was from Yalta to Simferopol. Driving through the mountains at night was awesome. We got to the airport before they opened. I was early and my trip back was starting out good. While waiting at the gate, I conversed with a new aquaintence, Svetlana. She was from Yalta as it turned out, and it would also turn out to be good that I met her!
The airplane was a propeller plane, and I was surprised at the amount of power and room on the inside of the plane. When we arrived in Kiev, we were at the wrong airport! It turned out that the fog was too heavy to fly into Borispol airport, so we landed "nearby". My new travel companion, Svetlana, and I agreed to split the cost of a taxi rather than wait for the bus. I got to see Kiev. And no offense, but it was cold and dirty. But maybe it looks nicer in the spring?
We got to the plane eventually, but not before meeting an interesting man from Stockholm, Tom. If I may interject at this point, I know that everyone in this story has impacted me, but I cannot place the "impact results" yet on Tom. He was very nice, and very interesting. This means that the impact will soon come, and it will be good. I will keep you (the world) updated.
I also learned a good trick. Tell the waitress she is absolutely beautiful. Say it sincerely (I was) and the service you get is much better! Now if it is a guy waiter, you're on your own.
Our plane left Kiev 2 hours late. Which means it arrived in New York City 2 hours late. You would think that the pilot could step on the gas a little and make up some time. We were only going 535 miles per hour in a 600 mile per hour zone! Aerosvit Airlines.
Well, I still went to the Delta ticket counter, knowing that my plane had already left. The lady was helpful, and for about 150 dollars, I got to spend 8 hours in the dumpiest high end hotel in the city the Radisson. I did get some sleep finally, and that was important!
About 2 am I got out of bed and prepared myself for the trip to Atlanta, then Dallas. Nothing significant to report except that later I found inside my luggage a tag that read, "Thank You your bag was inspected by the TSA. If you nwould like some packing tips, visit our website".
In conclusion, I got to meet a girl who might become Miss Universe. I met so many helpful people. And I think I might have met my future wife. I won't say exactly who it is yet, because if I later decide on the other person, I will need more than a Guardian Angel to help me!
After the trip I stayed in contact with the 2 candidates. E-Mail, SMS (text messaging), and the like will be something you need to set up, or gather info while you are in their town. This will be when you learn more about the ladies. And you can plan another trip, or as Svetlana suggested, "have her come here". Do the Fiancee Visa thing with the intention of seeing what the girl is like in my own environment. We shall see.
DAY EIGHT AND NINE
Sunday Nov 27 to Monday Nov 28
Well, Sunday morning I woke up wishing that I had not drank so much of the water. It appears that the effects take time to build up. Also, many places here have water in bottles, but they like it carbonated. Yuck! So, when you find place that has water "without gas" buy as much as you can carry. Many restaurants have "normal" water.
Well, I was suppose to meet Alexandra at McDonald’s at 2:00 pm, I thought. She did not show. So I call Tanya, and she informed me that Alexandra was not aware of our meeting. So, this was bad communication. It happens when I speak English and the other person speaks Russian. Let me say this also, it appears that there are also times when the girl will say she "does not understand" when she knows perfectly well what you said. Take the hint and say something different. She just did you a big favor. And if you think explaining it further will help, then by all means go ahead and try, but your mind will grow very tired of explaining everything you say from the simplest of thoughts. Get a girl who is good with English from the start.
Well, Alexandra made a very good impression on me, and I wish to text message her from the USA occasionally. So I bought her gift. A cell phone. I did say that this girl made a good impression, and I think it will be good investment for both of us. Valya has phone already and we text message often in the city of Yalta. I recommend you bring your cell phone and get alternate chip from Kievstar. The text messaging is good idea.
Well, I did have date with Valya at 8 pm and it went very well. But after inviting her back to my place, she started snooping around my stuff to try and find out if I see other girl. I came out of bathroom and she was operating my computer, and trying to read my diary on the computer. Well, these words you are reading right now are the words I speak about. She wants to know why I share with the world my thoughts, but I will not let her see. Guys, even though your intentions to find one women is sincere...hide the stuff that says, "there’s another girl in this adventure." In America, I use the "other girl tactic" to make her jealous and want me more. Competition. It does not work over here in Ukraine. If you want to get rid of girl, then use the "other girl tactic".
The girl would not stop looking for pictures, words anything that said, "Gary is cheater."
She even peeked at some bank statements from the ATM. The distrust she had soon grew to my distrust for her. And, needless to say at this point, I put Alexandra in first place.
I gave Valya her presents and paid for taxi to take her home. Taxi is about 20 to 50 Hyrvna’s (4 to 10 dollars).
So on Monday I met with Tanya for lunch and decided to go see Alexandra at her work and give her a present for New Year’s Eve. It is the big Russian holiday, like Christmas in the USA. I can’t say what it is I have to give her, but after Jan. 1, 2006 I will post it on the blog.
I have met Alexa 3 times at this point and two times her mother was there! I had not been on date with Alexa yet, so I asked her and she said yes. We went to good 4 star restaurant. Then we walked the pier in Yalta, and came to rest on a bench very close to the sea shore. We held hands and had very interesting conversation. I did tell her that when I looked into her mother’s eyes, I seen my mother’s eyes! It was true! I had to look several times to make sure, and I did see this. And when I shared this with Alexa (it was personal to me because my Mom had died in June of 2005) she knew it affected me. I did ask Alexa how it will happen if she were ever to marry a man from far away, who will take care of her mother. She lives with her Mother now and it seems her Mother needs her. Alexa looked down, and struggled to answer my question, but she did not answer. I think it had been on her mind, and I also think that Alexa will not leave her Mother alone without care. I still have many questions to ask, but one I have I did not ask. It is too soon. I see Alexa’s heart and know that our work together as team in the USA would include paying for her Mother’s living. That’s another thing to consider guys. The woman will have family, and she will not be living the good life while her family suffers. Expect to include help in your calculation of how much this adventure will cost you if you do decide to find a very young and beautiful bride.
Alexa had made it clear to me several times now that she does not like all of the presents I have given her. She is very simple and sincere girl. I’m telling you right now, the girl is extremely beautiful but chooses to be plain with very little make up. Her taste is not sophisticated. I thionk I have found the girl I want to pursue.
There are many girls here, and many, many are beautiful, ridiculously beautiful! I think that every girl here invests a lot of money in there boots. If you like a girl to wear high heel boots, and a very fashionable jacket, then come here in November. But I was attracted to Alexa like a magnet, and her coat was nice and simple. Not flashy. Her boots were nice and simple, not flashy. She pulled her hair back, when I know that her long flowing blonde hair would just have to be a part of my imagination. She is very happy with herself and does not need to impress anyone, including me.
I sensed that she did not want to let the night end so soon, but she had work and I have to be awake and ready at 4 am to take taxi to Simferopol. It is 12:10 right now, and I am not completely packed yet. So I will work on that now. Good Night!
PS - I just realized that Alexa was also the only girl to give me gift. I will treasure it forever!
Sunday Nov 27 to Monday Nov 28
Well, Sunday morning I woke up wishing that I had not drank so much of the water. It appears that the effects take time to build up. Also, many places here have water in bottles, but they like it carbonated. Yuck! So, when you find place that has water "without gas" buy as much as you can carry. Many restaurants have "normal" water.
Well, I was suppose to meet Alexandra at McDonald’s at 2:00 pm, I thought. She did not show. So I call Tanya, and she informed me that Alexandra was not aware of our meeting. So, this was bad communication. It happens when I speak English and the other person speaks Russian. Let me say this also, it appears that there are also times when the girl will say she "does not understand" when she knows perfectly well what you said. Take the hint and say something different. She just did you a big favor. And if you think explaining it further will help, then by all means go ahead and try, but your mind will grow very tired of explaining everything you say from the simplest of thoughts. Get a girl who is good with English from the start.
Well, Alexandra made a very good impression on me, and I wish to text message her from the USA occasionally. So I bought her gift. A cell phone. I did say that this girl made a good impression, and I think it will be good investment for both of us. Valya has phone already and we text message often in the city of Yalta. I recommend you bring your cell phone and get alternate chip from Kievstar. The text messaging is good idea.
Well, I did have date with Valya at 8 pm and it went very well. But after inviting her back to my place, she started snooping around my stuff to try and find out if I see other girl. I came out of bathroom and she was operating my computer, and trying to read my diary on the computer. Well, these words you are reading right now are the words I speak about. She wants to know why I share with the world my thoughts, but I will not let her see. Guys, even though your intentions to find one women is sincere...hide the stuff that says, "there’s another girl in this adventure." In America, I use the "other girl tactic" to make her jealous and want me more. Competition. It does not work over here in Ukraine. If you want to get rid of girl, then use the "other girl tactic".
The girl would not stop looking for pictures, words anything that said, "Gary is cheater."
She even peeked at some bank statements from the ATM. The distrust she had soon grew to my distrust for her. And, needless to say at this point, I put Alexandra in first place.
I gave Valya her presents and paid for taxi to take her home. Taxi is about 20 to 50 Hyrvna’s (4 to 10 dollars).
So on Monday I met with Tanya for lunch and decided to go see Alexandra at her work and give her a present for New Year’s Eve. It is the big Russian holiday, like Christmas in the USA. I can’t say what it is I have to give her, but after Jan. 1, 2006 I will post it on the blog.
I have met Alexa 3 times at this point and two times her mother was there! I had not been on date with Alexa yet, so I asked her and she said yes. We went to good 4 star restaurant. Then we walked the pier in Yalta, and came to rest on a bench very close to the sea shore. We held hands and had very interesting conversation. I did tell her that when I looked into her mother’s eyes, I seen my mother’s eyes! It was true! I had to look several times to make sure, and I did see this. And when I shared this with Alexa (it was personal to me because my Mom had died in June of 2005) she knew it affected me. I did ask Alexa how it will happen if she were ever to marry a man from far away, who will take care of her mother. She lives with her Mother now and it seems her Mother needs her. Alexa looked down, and struggled to answer my question, but she did not answer. I think it had been on her mind, and I also think that Alexa will not leave her Mother alone without care. I still have many questions to ask, but one I have I did not ask. It is too soon. I see Alexa’s heart and know that our work together as team in the USA would include paying for her Mother’s living. That’s another thing to consider guys. The woman will have family, and she will not be living the good life while her family suffers. Expect to include help in your calculation of how much this adventure will cost you if you do decide to find a very young and beautiful bride.
Alexa had made it clear to me several times now that she does not like all of the presents I have given her. She is very simple and sincere girl. I’m telling you right now, the girl is extremely beautiful but chooses to be plain with very little make up. Her taste is not sophisticated. I thionk I have found the girl I want to pursue.
There are many girls here, and many, many are beautiful, ridiculously beautiful! I think that every girl here invests a lot of money in there boots. If you like a girl to wear high heel boots, and a very fashionable jacket, then come here in November. But I was attracted to Alexa like a magnet, and her coat was nice and simple. Not flashy. Her boots were nice and simple, not flashy. She pulled her hair back, when I know that her long flowing blonde hair would just have to be a part of my imagination. She is very happy with herself and does not need to impress anyone, including me.
I sensed that she did not want to let the night end so soon, but she had work and I have to be awake and ready at 4 am to take taxi to Simferopol. It is 12:10 right now, and I am not completely packed yet. So I will work on that now. Good Night!
PS - I just realized that Alexa was also the only girl to give me gift. I will treasure it forever!
DAY SEVEN
Saturday. Well, it was not long ago, less than 12 hours, that I write in my entry. Sometimes good comes and then sometimes bad comes. Sometimes a guy can become "drunk" on too many women! I originally had set aside time for Anna tonight. Tanya insisted I meet with Alexsandra, and I felt that I was getting in too deep for the amount of women I could juggle. I intentionally did not meet Valentina because I did not know what to expect from Anna. I can’t go out with two girls at the same time (but it certainly would be good for TV if I tried)! The "Billy Bob" teeth angle seems to work well.
I want to get back to Alexsandra because Tanya dragged me to see her. We went into this building, like a several story mall I guess. Mainly clothing. Tanya and I walked into the store area that Alexsandra was working, and I was waiting for Tanya to say something like, "Can you tell Aleksandra that we are here." Instead I heard, "Gary I want you to meet Aleksandra, Aleksandra this is Gary." I could not believe my eyes! I cannot express my feelings in words, but this was exactly the look of a girl that I wanted. And when she spoke, it was captivating! I think this lady is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was awe struck, stunned, yes stunned by her beauty and her smile. I know her eyes had a big effect on me. Blonde and blue eyed, but very Ukrainian. I learned that she had an education, and although she looked very young, maybe 19 or 20 she was closer to my age at 27. Somehow I had to fit this young lady into my schedule and believe me I tried very hard. The problem was that I had a date with Anna.
I needed to get Alexsandra out to the disco because the lady’s here love the music and if they have fun, you are doing good of course. So I tried to arrange dinner with Anna and then leave for the disco with Alex. Well, this has never happened before, but Anna became ill at dinner. Really ill, and I had to call a taxi for her and box her meal up. I know she was for real. But this had also freed up my night to pursue Alex. Well, someone else’s bad luck does not translate into my good luck. I really felt bad for Anna. But also, I tried to secure a date with Aleksandra, and I could not get it done for this evening (Saturday Night). We did agree to meet on Sunday, the day I am suppose to do something with Valya. So basically my problem is that I want to take both Aleksandra and Valya out on Sunday night for Karaoke or disco. And, needless to say it will not happen like this. Also, I do not want to be dateless on Sunday. Valya is very engaging and I dream about girls like her. Aleksandra is just down right beautiful and has a way about her that is so inviting and kind. It is hard to say what to do, but if I do this the right way I will be able to go back to the USA and write them a little longer to find out which I like best, and which one has likes for me too.
I am looking for a wife to raise my children, so this makes the situation a little different.
Let me say something about DVD's and movies here. They do have a few movies in English, and the disks have 2 movies on them. I suspect that these are copies of the original movies because you get 2 for the price of 5 or 10 bucks! Maybe I am wrong becuase the quality is very good. They play on my laptop computer fine.
Saturday. Well, it was not long ago, less than 12 hours, that I write in my entry. Sometimes good comes and then sometimes bad comes. Sometimes a guy can become "drunk" on too many women! I originally had set aside time for Anna tonight. Tanya insisted I meet with Alexsandra, and I felt that I was getting in too deep for the amount of women I could juggle. I intentionally did not meet Valentina because I did not know what to expect from Anna. I can’t go out with two girls at the same time (but it certainly would be good for TV if I tried)! The "Billy Bob" teeth angle seems to work well.
I want to get back to Alexsandra because Tanya dragged me to see her. We went into this building, like a several story mall I guess. Mainly clothing. Tanya and I walked into the store area that Alexsandra was working, and I was waiting for Tanya to say something like, "Can you tell Aleksandra that we are here." Instead I heard, "Gary I want you to meet Aleksandra, Aleksandra this is Gary." I could not believe my eyes! I cannot express my feelings in words, but this was exactly the look of a girl that I wanted. And when she spoke, it was captivating! I think this lady is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was awe struck, stunned, yes stunned by her beauty and her smile. I know her eyes had a big effect on me. Blonde and blue eyed, but very Ukrainian. I learned that she had an education, and although she looked very young, maybe 19 or 20 she was closer to my age at 27. Somehow I had to fit this young lady into my schedule and believe me I tried very hard. The problem was that I had a date with Anna.
I needed to get Alexsandra out to the disco because the lady’s here love the music and if they have fun, you are doing good of course. So I tried to arrange dinner with Anna and then leave for the disco with Alex. Well, this has never happened before, but Anna became ill at dinner. Really ill, and I had to call a taxi for her and box her meal up. I know she was for real. But this had also freed up my night to pursue Alex. Well, someone else’s bad luck does not translate into my good luck. I really felt bad for Anna. But also, I tried to secure a date with Aleksandra, and I could not get it done for this evening (Saturday Night). We did agree to meet on Sunday, the day I am suppose to do something with Valya. So basically my problem is that I want to take both Aleksandra and Valya out on Sunday night for Karaoke or disco. And, needless to say it will not happen like this. Also, I do not want to be dateless on Sunday. Valya is very engaging and I dream about girls like her. Aleksandra is just down right beautiful and has a way about her that is so inviting and kind. It is hard to say what to do, but if I do this the right way I will be able to go back to the USA and write them a little longer to find out which I like best, and which one has likes for me too.
I am looking for a wife to raise my children, so this makes the situation a little different.
Let me say something about DVD's and movies here. They do have a few movies in English, and the disks have 2 movies on them. I suspect that these are copies of the original movies because you get 2 for the price of 5 or 10 bucks! Maybe I am wrong becuase the quality is very good. They play on my laptop computer fine.
DAY SIX
It’s Friday and I anticipated a lot of fun, and it sure was! I noticed that a restaurant will charge more if they know you are an American (or foreigner). McDonald’s is not very fast in Yalta. Just to get to the counter and place my order took 20 minutes. But they did work on my order fast. I noticed that McDonald’s is very expensive even by American standards. They had a drive thru, which was interesting because it was in location no cars could access. Sometimes it’s best not to ask.
I do not know if I mentioned this or not, but you would be much better off if your ATM card has the Visa or Mastercard logo on it! I can find good ATM’s everywhere for my debit Mastercard, but for my Bank ATM (no MC or Visa logo on it) it is very difficult to find an ATM that works good. You might also want to tell the bank that you do not want a withdrawal limit placed on your card. One card had 500 Grivna limit, the other (MC Visa) seems to have no limit.
And about the TV show I will propose to NBC; I will add that I have great sense of humor as I intentionally do things to get the people to laugh (the natives). I guess it would be not only my adventures of finding a wife and learning cultures, but also to see what we can get the natives to do and for how much. It is important to note that it has to be in good fun, not embarrassment.
I started my day as usual. I woke up, ate a few bites, and went back to bed for an hour. I also have started to take notice on how many days I have left and how many underwear and shirts and socks I have left. I did not turn my underwear inside out and use again! No, I washed some clothes in the small tub (car washing tub would best describe this tub) and after my shower I hang them to dry over the shower doors.
I went to McDonald’s to stock my refrigerator with more food. As I already said it took a while. I met Irina (Ira) at McDonald’s at 2 pm. We went searching for those little dolls that you open up and then there’s another little doll. And totally I think there are 6 or 7 dolls inside one doll.
It was a very busy day as we walk every where we go. The translator machine proved to be very helpful. As well as having my cell phone converted by the chip to Yalta Phone service. I can text message my interpreter (Tanya) if I need to, and she can contact me too. This is good this way because she had arranged me a date for Friday night and Saturday and I could make plans while I was on my date with Ira. Good investment, bring your cell phone, or buy a cheap one with SMS here.
Ira and I tried to find internet without a wait. No luck. We did eat at a Chinese restaurant (no Soy sauce). At the restaurant, I surprised Ira with my "Billy Bob "teeth joke. After she ordered, she looked at me and I smiled. These are plastic teethe you put in your mouth and some of the teeth are missing, crooked and not white. This is great joke on second date, not first meeting. I spent the rest of the date trying to persuade her to put these teeth in. The fun part was playing jokes on other people, like the waitress, or whoever we might meet that day. Now, I know this tactic does not fit everyone’s personality, but it fits mine very well!
One good joke was to ask another person to take our picture. Of course they will! As Ira and I stand there waiting for the picture to be taken, I smile! It is so funny seeing their reaction. Make sure you do not give them your best camera. Okay, so I did convince Ira to wear the teeth. It cost me a shot of Sambuca and 50 Grivna’s. When I went to purchase the Sambuca, we had already closed our tab. By this time the restaurant was already aware I was American, and the price jumped! I think the waitress was giving us a good deal, until the owner walked in.
Later, after walking a thousand million miles we stopped into fragrance shop and I bought Ira some perfume she liked. A note about Ukrainian women right here. Guys, if you cannot afford to buy something for the girl, like expensive perfume, then never tell her you cannot afford it. I already know this before hand. So, there were two sizes of perfume. Of course the larger size is more economical, but it does cost more. I think to myself also, "Why is this girl worried about being economical when she is paying nothing?" Don’t assume it is greed. She is thinking that you and her are becoming one and she wants to help. It really is true. But if you tell her you cannot afford this price, you are saying to her that she is not worth it. Do what I did. With a straight face and firm say, "No". I will buy this one. This let’s her know that she can still be happy, she is worth the purchase, and everyone wins. I have to admit right here that the perfume sales lady was soooooo very hot! I was not thinking much about the perfume, but checking out if she was married or not. But my fantasy is not part of this story (Unless the TV people see the value in this? Maybe they would want me to try to pick up girls that are way out of my league? ....but that would be hard to do since I dated our future Miss Universe, Polina, already).
The day is still young. By the way, add medical insurance to your list of things to get when you travel. Mine cost only 200 dollars, and no doctor will see you unless they know you can pay first. I bought mine online from my travel agent Barbara at www.GoToRussia.com .
Some trip insurance would be good too. The medical insurance I bought had a trip insurance plan included, in case my plans were ruined.
Here is another value to the tour guide (interpreter) Tanya. How was I going to separate from Ira to meet Valentina at 8 pm? Yes! My guide calls Ira and has something she needs to do. But I want to say also it works for the girl too. I asked Tanya that I can be with Polina on Saturday night, and she said she could not contact Polina, her phone was busy, thus letting me know that I was out of my mind thinking I would actually be dating Miss Universe girl for any longer than one date. But you have to try!
So I went home and took a nap. I was glad I brought some comfortable shoes for all of the walking and dodging broken concrete and tar in the streets (neighborhood area, not the tourist areas). I met with Valentina at 8 pm and we decided to go to this restaurant on the sea with the waves crashing against the breaks. We were at a very fine restaurant with 4 star service. She had no idea we had stumbled onto this and as the night progressed we were the only ones in the place enjoying Ukraine’s finest wine and a piano player who sang very nice. I broke the "Billy Bob" teeth out on Valentina after we were comfortable with each other. We had such a great time the night before and I knew this girl enjoyed my sense of humor. We played joke on waiter when it was time to order, and the guy looks at me and when I smile he almost fell over! I think he was going to laugh, but resisted! It would have been funny if I pursued the joke a little and ask him why he laughs, but I was not doing a "bit" for the Kidd Kraddick show. Those teeth proved to be valuable, as I joked a little later on with Valya that I would kiss her with the teeth. When we left the restaurant, she told me this was the first time she had been here, and I told her that this place would be special because it was my first time too. We stood over the Black Sea while the waves crashed against the shore and I could not resist to calmly embrace her and pull her near to me and lightly kiss her. She kissed me back very passionately and I knew then that we did have a good connection. It is almost a relief when it happens because then we both can relax and really enjoy each other. She was probably glad too because we stopped back at my place for a few seconds, and I left the "Billy Bob" teeth behind. We went to the disco. This disco was expensive and this was a good idea because I did not want to have to deal with all the young kids doing their thing. The disco was much like Hard Rock Café as it featured great singers many from America. We sat in the Elvis booth and I was disappointed that I left the camera at home too. We danced until about 1 pm or 1:30 maybe. We exchanged our goodbye’s and when she got home she text message me she was okay and had good time.
As a final note on this chapter of this day, I kissed Ira too, but I did find spark. I think I would have found spark if the girl could speak English. If you date a girl from here, looks can only go so far. Find one that speaks English. Also, another cultural difference was Ira wore the same outfit as she did the day before. The same exact shirt. Maybe she cleaned it, I do not know. But apparently these girls here have only a couple of outfits that they like and use them often. I also want to give note to the man who is 40 and wishes to date a 25 year old. You will have to spend some time at the disco dancing. I don’t care how good shape you are in, there is no way you will keep up with the young girl and not show it (example: I did good job of dancing with Valya, I kept up with her, but I looked like I just finished the Boston Marathon and could have used a towel!). Valya wants to become a lawyer and start a family. She likes the thought of America, but there are other countries too that appeal to her. The girl is incredibly sexy on the dance floor and calm and passive in conversation. When she kisses, a tiger comes out and grabs you, which is exactly why I am still very curious about this girl. But tonight is Day Seven and I have a date with Anna. (No not my one true love from Odessa, another Anna). For some reason I gave this girl a star on my list. I do not remember why, but let’s hope it was for good thought! Peace Out
It’s Friday and I anticipated a lot of fun, and it sure was! I noticed that a restaurant will charge more if they know you are an American (or foreigner). McDonald’s is not very fast in Yalta. Just to get to the counter and place my order took 20 minutes. But they did work on my order fast. I noticed that McDonald’s is very expensive even by American standards. They had a drive thru, which was interesting because it was in location no cars could access. Sometimes it’s best not to ask.
I do not know if I mentioned this or not, but you would be much better off if your ATM card has the Visa or Mastercard logo on it! I can find good ATM’s everywhere for my debit Mastercard, but for my Bank ATM (no MC or Visa logo on it) it is very difficult to find an ATM that works good. You might also want to tell the bank that you do not want a withdrawal limit placed on your card. One card had 500 Grivna limit, the other (MC Visa) seems to have no limit.
And about the TV show I will propose to NBC; I will add that I have great sense of humor as I intentionally do things to get the people to laugh (the natives). I guess it would be not only my adventures of finding a wife and learning cultures, but also to see what we can get the natives to do and for how much. It is important to note that it has to be in good fun, not embarrassment.
I started my day as usual. I woke up, ate a few bites, and went back to bed for an hour. I also have started to take notice on how many days I have left and how many underwear and shirts and socks I have left. I did not turn my underwear inside out and use again! No, I washed some clothes in the small tub (car washing tub would best describe this tub) and after my shower I hang them to dry over the shower doors.
I went to McDonald’s to stock my refrigerator with more food. As I already said it took a while. I met Irina (Ira) at McDonald’s at 2 pm. We went searching for those little dolls that you open up and then there’s another little doll. And totally I think there are 6 or 7 dolls inside one doll.
It was a very busy day as we walk every where we go. The translator machine proved to be very helpful. As well as having my cell phone converted by the chip to Yalta Phone service. I can text message my interpreter (Tanya) if I need to, and she can contact me too. This is good this way because she had arranged me a date for Friday night and Saturday and I could make plans while I was on my date with Ira. Good investment, bring your cell phone, or buy a cheap one with SMS here.
Ira and I tried to find internet without a wait. No luck. We did eat at a Chinese restaurant (no Soy sauce). At the restaurant, I surprised Ira with my "Billy Bob "teeth joke. After she ordered, she looked at me and I smiled. These are plastic teethe you put in your mouth and some of the teeth are missing, crooked and not white. This is great joke on second date, not first meeting. I spent the rest of the date trying to persuade her to put these teeth in. The fun part was playing jokes on other people, like the waitress, or whoever we might meet that day. Now, I know this tactic does not fit everyone’s personality, but it fits mine very well!
One good joke was to ask another person to take our picture. Of course they will! As Ira and I stand there waiting for the picture to be taken, I smile! It is so funny seeing their reaction. Make sure you do not give them your best camera. Okay, so I did convince Ira to wear the teeth. It cost me a shot of Sambuca and 50 Grivna’s. When I went to purchase the Sambuca, we had already closed our tab. By this time the restaurant was already aware I was American, and the price jumped! I think the waitress was giving us a good deal, until the owner walked in.
Later, after walking a thousand million miles we stopped into fragrance shop and I bought Ira some perfume she liked. A note about Ukrainian women right here. Guys, if you cannot afford to buy something for the girl, like expensive perfume, then never tell her you cannot afford it. I already know this before hand. So, there were two sizes of perfume. Of course the larger size is more economical, but it does cost more. I think to myself also, "Why is this girl worried about being economical when she is paying nothing?" Don’t assume it is greed. She is thinking that you and her are becoming one and she wants to help. It really is true. But if you tell her you cannot afford this price, you are saying to her that she is not worth it. Do what I did. With a straight face and firm say, "No". I will buy this one. This let’s her know that she can still be happy, she is worth the purchase, and everyone wins. I have to admit right here that the perfume sales lady was soooooo very hot! I was not thinking much about the perfume, but checking out if she was married or not. But my fantasy is not part of this story (Unless the TV people see the value in this? Maybe they would want me to try to pick up girls that are way out of my league? ....but that would be hard to do since I dated our future Miss Universe, Polina, already).
The day is still young. By the way, add medical insurance to your list of things to get when you travel. Mine cost only 200 dollars, and no doctor will see you unless they know you can pay first. I bought mine online from my travel agent Barbara at www.GoToRussia.com .
Some trip insurance would be good too. The medical insurance I bought had a trip insurance plan included, in case my plans were ruined.
Here is another value to the tour guide (interpreter) Tanya. How was I going to separate from Ira to meet Valentina at 8 pm? Yes! My guide calls Ira and has something she needs to do. But I want to say also it works for the girl too. I asked Tanya that I can be with Polina on Saturday night, and she said she could not contact Polina, her phone was busy, thus letting me know that I was out of my mind thinking I would actually be dating Miss Universe girl for any longer than one date. But you have to try!
So I went home and took a nap. I was glad I brought some comfortable shoes for all of the walking and dodging broken concrete and tar in the streets (neighborhood area, not the tourist areas). I met with Valentina at 8 pm and we decided to go to this restaurant on the sea with the waves crashing against the breaks. We were at a very fine restaurant with 4 star service. She had no idea we had stumbled onto this and as the night progressed we were the only ones in the place enjoying Ukraine’s finest wine and a piano player who sang very nice. I broke the "Billy Bob" teeth out on Valentina after we were comfortable with each other. We had such a great time the night before and I knew this girl enjoyed my sense of humor. We played joke on waiter when it was time to order, and the guy looks at me and when I smile he almost fell over! I think he was going to laugh, but resisted! It would have been funny if I pursued the joke a little and ask him why he laughs, but I was not doing a "bit" for the Kidd Kraddick show. Those teeth proved to be valuable, as I joked a little later on with Valya that I would kiss her with the teeth. When we left the restaurant, she told me this was the first time she had been here, and I told her that this place would be special because it was my first time too. We stood over the Black Sea while the waves crashed against the shore and I could not resist to calmly embrace her and pull her near to me and lightly kiss her. She kissed me back very passionately and I knew then that we did have a good connection. It is almost a relief when it happens because then we both can relax and really enjoy each other. She was probably glad too because we stopped back at my place for a few seconds, and I left the "Billy Bob" teeth behind. We went to the disco. This disco was expensive and this was a good idea because I did not want to have to deal with all the young kids doing their thing. The disco was much like Hard Rock Café as it featured great singers many from America. We sat in the Elvis booth and I was disappointed that I left the camera at home too. We danced until about 1 pm or 1:30 maybe. We exchanged our goodbye’s and when she got home she text message me she was okay and had good time.
As a final note on this chapter of this day, I kissed Ira too, but I did find spark. I think I would have found spark if the girl could speak English. If you date a girl from here, looks can only go so far. Find one that speaks English. Also, another cultural difference was Ira wore the same outfit as she did the day before. The same exact shirt. Maybe she cleaned it, I do not know. But apparently these girls here have only a couple of outfits that they like and use them often. I also want to give note to the man who is 40 and wishes to date a 25 year old. You will have to spend some time at the disco dancing. I don’t care how good shape you are in, there is no way you will keep up with the young girl and not show it (example: I did good job of dancing with Valya, I kept up with her, but I looked like I just finished the Boston Marathon and could have used a towel!). Valya wants to become a lawyer and start a family. She likes the thought of America, but there are other countries too that appeal to her. The girl is incredibly sexy on the dance floor and calm and passive in conversation. When she kisses, a tiger comes out and grabs you, which is exactly why I am still very curious about this girl. But tonight is Day Seven and I have a date with Anna. (No not my one true love from Odessa, another Anna). For some reason I gave this girl a star on my list. I do not remember why, but let’s hope it was for good thought! Peace Out
DAY FIVE
I remember the initial plan was to blog my pictures and events every day as they happened. Next Year I will try to do a better job. I will stay at hotel that has internet. When I went to the internet café in town, they told me the wait was 1 and ½ hours! And I have learned already that people want your business and will always give you the best expectations (2 to 3 hours would be more like what the wait would be!). I did not try this, but if I go today and they say there is wait, I will tip girl to see if I get in quicker. This seems to work good with other places.
Also, in my adventure I know the value of American money to the worth of the service I receive at the restaurant. As many of you know, Americans tip good for good service. Maybe 20 percent or more. I urge you to make sure the restaurant has not already added in the tip. It seems to me from speaking with the girls here that they tip good if the food is good, not service. Also, the tip is usually 5 Grivnas maybe at the most 20 Grivna’s. This translates to one American dollar to four American dollars. Do they realize that in America it is common to drop a Ten dollar tip many times 20 or more dollars? The waitress had a heart attack and fainted (not really) when I gave her 80 Grivna’s for the great service! (About Seventeen Dollars - USA). The girls I was with were shocked because we only drank, not eat! So, I feel like I get good deal on food and service and, MY perception is that I have to tip little, while at the same time THEIR perception is I am big spender, an American wasting his money. It really is funny!
It really feels good when you give a homeless person, or someone down on their luck, a 5 Grivna Bill. You have made their day complete, made them smile, and you did it inly for 1 American Dollar. And all of this during the week of Thanksgiving (they do not celebrate this holiday in Ukraine). And it is funny too, she calls it "Thanks for Giving". She apologized to me that she had no gift to give for this holiday....how could a man not love these women?????
Okay, my day began as normal.I woke up around 7 am and went back to bed until about 10 am. I cleaned up and ran errands like picking up photos and eating at McDonalds. In America we wait in line in orderly fashion. In Yalta, if you see an open space at the front of the counter, you better get there quick. I realized this after many people just walked in front of me and ordered their food. I really wanted to complain and get my space back, but things work differently here.
I exchanged some money, went to ATM also. My bank debit card only works at the bank ATM. The other ATM is for Visa and Mastercard. I would say that I am spending about 200 dollars a day, sometimes less. I met Irina (Ira) at McDonald’s at 2 pm. I think I forgot to bring small gift this time, and it is good idea to have something....but it is okay because we were going to go to the Castle and I told her we need to get her some comfortable shoes. So the shoe were her gift. She wanted the pointed boots with the Addida’s stripes but we agreed that they would not be very comfortable either.
We spent some time back at my apartment just chatting and listening to some of the music I am making. We had a few drinks and went by Taxi to the castle. We arrived late, and most everything was closed. Ira found restaurant where we were the only guest’s. So they opened up the restaurant. In this Castle, it is where the guest’s for the Tsar would eat. Beautiful, absolutely incredible decor and view of the sea. The silver ware was real silver and the plates were the style that many collectors seek, gold and blue with white. I did not mind if we eat there, but Ira insisted it was too expensive and that we were not really appropriately dressed. We were still treated like royalty by the staff. We had only coffee and tea, and I had a dessert. We agreed to go seek a Mexican (Mexicanskaya) restaurant. It was only one block from my apartment, and I did get the picture of me wrestling the boar at the front door. The Mexican food was close to authentic, but they still do not understand what "Salsa" is, and you can’t get it either.
After parting with Ira, Tanya had me set up with Valentina. Valentina, Tanya and I eventually ended up at a Texas style dance club, but it was a disco not country dancing. I did enjoy the atmosphere. There’s a good chance you’ll recognize most of the songs, because most of the songs are American disco, hip hop and what not! And we danced all night long. I did have to rest a few times, but the girls kept going like the Energizer Bunny. I did have a few moments quiet with Valya, and found her new nick name, "Pumpkin". Yes, she is my little Pumpkin. I’m not sure she likes it a lot, because she thinks this word is funny. We did slow dance a song, and she is very nice girl. After dancing we went our ways, and I went to bed.
I still have not decided who would be the best wife, and I’m wondering if I need to continue my search further. Maybe I could make a world TV show about a guy (me) who searches the world over, dating the most beautiful women in the world (hey, it’s my show, right?). It would be good for American men because they could see the ways of the different women, the good and bad about traveling and the pitfalls and pluses of other customs of other countries. The humorous part is that I am no Don Juan! I will naturally make an ass out myself for the audience, and once in a while I do seem to get things right! The women in the audience will love my attempts at love, and she will be enamored with the beautiful exotic sights, castles, etc. The TV company shooting this could make some money off of the city and businesses it will show on TV. Product placement too. World products for the American audience, that alone is so profitable that NBC would not need an audience! I remember the time when I went to the store and asked for some Chapstick. Simple American request, yes? Well, the lady behind the counter did not speak English (as often happens) and I was left with describing my need with gestures (because my interpreter was just as confused!). Hey! It was my lucky day because I had in my pocket a tube of Chapstick! So I pulled it out and used it. To them it appeared I was using Lip Stick and they never had seen a man in public use Lip Stick. So I gave up on that idea. NBC could get in on the very lucrative business now emerging of dating (The Dating Game) world wide. A world audience. But I still have to be the star. I think it works best if I go to meet with a tour guide (interpreter - female) and we both meet the women I will try to court. Men in the audience world wide will be glued to the TV set just like "BayWatch". The women are incredibly beautiful and very friendly to the camera. I will push this idea in the next few months, and recommend they begin with a pilot in Yalta for American TV. The idea can grow from there.
Well, it will be interesting to see what happens in Day Six (which it is now) Let the day begin! ...
I remember the initial plan was to blog my pictures and events every day as they happened. Next Year I will try to do a better job. I will stay at hotel that has internet. When I went to the internet café in town, they told me the wait was 1 and ½ hours! And I have learned already that people want your business and will always give you the best expectations (2 to 3 hours would be more like what the wait would be!). I did not try this, but if I go today and they say there is wait, I will tip girl to see if I get in quicker. This seems to work good with other places.
Also, in my adventure I know the value of American money to the worth of the service I receive at the restaurant. As many of you know, Americans tip good for good service. Maybe 20 percent or more. I urge you to make sure the restaurant has not already added in the tip. It seems to me from speaking with the girls here that they tip good if the food is good, not service. Also, the tip is usually 5 Grivnas maybe at the most 20 Grivna’s. This translates to one American dollar to four American dollars. Do they realize that in America it is common to drop a Ten dollar tip many times 20 or more dollars? The waitress had a heart attack and fainted (not really) when I gave her 80 Grivna’s for the great service! (About Seventeen Dollars - USA). The girls I was with were shocked because we only drank, not eat! So, I feel like I get good deal on food and service and, MY perception is that I have to tip little, while at the same time THEIR perception is I am big spender, an American wasting his money. It really is funny!
It really feels good when you give a homeless person, or someone down on their luck, a 5 Grivna Bill. You have made their day complete, made them smile, and you did it inly for 1 American Dollar. And all of this during the week of Thanksgiving (they do not celebrate this holiday in Ukraine). And it is funny too, she calls it "Thanks for Giving". She apologized to me that she had no gift to give for this holiday....how could a man not love these women?????
Okay, my day began as normal.I woke up around 7 am and went back to bed until about 10 am. I cleaned up and ran errands like picking up photos and eating at McDonalds. In America we wait in line in orderly fashion. In Yalta, if you see an open space at the front of the counter, you better get there quick. I realized this after many people just walked in front of me and ordered their food. I really wanted to complain and get my space back, but things work differently here.
I exchanged some money, went to ATM also. My bank debit card only works at the bank ATM. The other ATM is for Visa and Mastercard. I would say that I am spending about 200 dollars a day, sometimes less. I met Irina (Ira) at McDonald’s at 2 pm. I think I forgot to bring small gift this time, and it is good idea to have something....but it is okay because we were going to go to the Castle and I told her we need to get her some comfortable shoes. So the shoe were her gift. She wanted the pointed boots with the Addida’s stripes but we agreed that they would not be very comfortable either.
We spent some time back at my apartment just chatting and listening to some of the music I am making. We had a few drinks and went by Taxi to the castle. We arrived late, and most everything was closed. Ira found restaurant where we were the only guest’s. So they opened up the restaurant. In this Castle, it is where the guest’s for the Tsar would eat. Beautiful, absolutely incredible decor and view of the sea. The silver ware was real silver and the plates were the style that many collectors seek, gold and blue with white. I did not mind if we eat there, but Ira insisted it was too expensive and that we were not really appropriately dressed. We were still treated like royalty by the staff. We had only coffee and tea, and I had a dessert. We agreed to go seek a Mexican (Mexicanskaya) restaurant. It was only one block from my apartment, and I did get the picture of me wrestling the boar at the front door. The Mexican food was close to authentic, but they still do not understand what "Salsa" is, and you can’t get it either.
After parting with Ira, Tanya had me set up with Valentina. Valentina, Tanya and I eventually ended up at a Texas style dance club, but it was a disco not country dancing. I did enjoy the atmosphere. There’s a good chance you’ll recognize most of the songs, because most of the songs are American disco, hip hop and what not! And we danced all night long. I did have to rest a few times, but the girls kept going like the Energizer Bunny. I did have a few moments quiet with Valya, and found her new nick name, "Pumpkin". Yes, she is my little Pumpkin. I’m not sure she likes it a lot, because she thinks this word is funny. We did slow dance a song, and she is very nice girl. After dancing we went our ways, and I went to bed.
I still have not decided who would be the best wife, and I’m wondering if I need to continue my search further. Maybe I could make a world TV show about a guy (me) who searches the world over, dating the most beautiful women in the world (hey, it’s my show, right?). It would be good for American men because they could see the ways of the different women, the good and bad about traveling and the pitfalls and pluses of other customs of other countries. The humorous part is that I am no Don Juan! I will naturally make an ass out myself for the audience, and once in a while I do seem to get things right! The women in the audience will love my attempts at love, and she will be enamored with the beautiful exotic sights, castles, etc. The TV company shooting this could make some money off of the city and businesses it will show on TV. Product placement too. World products for the American audience, that alone is so profitable that NBC would not need an audience! I remember the time when I went to the store and asked for some Chapstick. Simple American request, yes? Well, the lady behind the counter did not speak English (as often happens) and I was left with describing my need with gestures (because my interpreter was just as confused!). Hey! It was my lucky day because I had in my pocket a tube of Chapstick! So I pulled it out and used it. To them it appeared I was using Lip Stick and they never had seen a man in public use Lip Stick. So I gave up on that idea. NBC could get in on the very lucrative business now emerging of dating (The Dating Game) world wide. A world audience. But I still have to be the star. I think it works best if I go to meet with a tour guide (interpreter - female) and we both meet the women I will try to court. Men in the audience world wide will be glued to the TV set just like "BayWatch". The women are incredibly beautiful and very friendly to the camera. I will push this idea in the next few months, and recommend they begin with a pilot in Yalta for American TV. The idea can grow from there.
Well, it will be interesting to see what happens in Day Six (which it is now) Let the day begin! ...
My Trip To Yalta
It took awhile to find an internet company so I can post to my blog. I have compiled here days 1 through 4, and it is day 5 that I make this post. I will try to post pictures when I get back to the USA (my laptop does not have Picasa).
If there was something I thought I would not need, but found out I do need is an Interpreter. In Odessa many people speak English. You could get by without an interpreter, maybe. But not in Yalta. I still have not found a person who is fluent in English (my interpreter I have is very good, but needs me to speak slow). Also, they call Tanya (my interpreter), my interpreter....imagine that! But she is a coordinator. Without her my stay here in Yalta would be a disaster. She was there to have driver pick me up at airport and bring me to Yalta (driver was nice man, but speaks no English...it became interesting when he needed to borrow money for gas and only needed 10 dollars. I only had 20 dollar bills, and he would not take it because he only needed 10...and he needed it to be Hryvnia (Grivna is the pronunciation and it is their currency. By the way, for 1 US Dollar you get 5 Grivna’s right now). Tatiana (Tanya) also had a key for my apartment and also helped me the next day to convert my cell phone so I can use in Yalta. This is much more than an interpreter. I suggest you hire one. She will be your lifeline.
Okay, let’s catch up....
DAY ONE
Day One of the trip I began my journey at DFW airport. There was a lot of planning before the trip making sure I called the banks and credit card companies to let them know I would be using my card in Yalta. I had to prepare the house and alert the neighbors. I did not stop mail service, but it might be a good idea. I let the alarm company know about my departure and arrival back dates.
It would be good to know a list of a few things you will need before leaving the trip. I found attractive ladies on the internet at www.HotRussianBrides.com. I worked with an American coordinator named Alena. Start here by writing down her number and e-mail. You might need it while on the trip. As a matter of fact write down some phone numbers to the banks customer service, relatives, neighbor etc. and keep one copy separate from your passport and wallet. Alena e-mailed me my Yalta Coordinator’s phone number so I would have something just in case (and as luck will be, my plane was about an hour late!)
When you are on the trip so much happens, you might even forget your own phone number when you need it most and the phones are not working the same way as in America.
I checked in 2 bags and had one carry on. The trip was to begin in Dallas, connect in Cincinatti, to New York City. If you have to switch airports, I find it best to pay about a hundred dollars to the taxi driver, but maybe the train works good now). When I checked my bags in, the ticketer assured me that the bags would arrive in Simferopol (the airport...an hours drive from Yalta). Know this fact: What is suppose to happen will not happen the same way in another country. My bags ended up in Simferopol because when I arrived in Kiev my airline friend, Angelica, told me we have to get our luggage and bring it to the plane ourselves and check in again. I just want to note that when the airplane lands in Kiev, we get out of Airplane and have to go to building for the passport. This transfer is done on a bus from the plane. You must go through passport control. Before we arrived, the airline attendant handed out a piece of paper that we must fill out explaining some details of our trip. Save this and get it stamped by the passport control officer. Don’t lose the half of piece of paper she gives you because it is necessary for you to have it when you try to come back home.
I will make a list at the end of my journey of good things to have, but for now I will continue with the story.
So I get on the airplane in Dallas. Everything is fine, but I am faced with sitting next to a man (nice guy, I forget his name) who is big just like me. It was very awkward and uncomfortable for the both of us, but then comes along a flight attendant who is flying to Cincinnati who is going to work. She offers to sit between us, which was great relief for both me and the retired street cop from Flint, Michigan (again, I forgot his name).
We get to Cincinnati and after I get off the plane I realize I am missing my tickets for the international part of the trip! It turns out they were still on the plane I just left! A ticket agent found them for me and I was back in business. I might as well add right here that Delta Air Lines was the best airlines for service!
Okay, so I take care of some small business, some food, and wait for flight to New York City. When I arrive in JFK airport I am awed by the size of this place. I suggest you play it safe and ask an agent where you need to be to find your next flight. Sometimes the time schedule is very tight (you could look up map of airports on internet before trip...this is good help, especially in Kiev).
When I get to the ticketing agent for Aerosvit Airlines, I ask lady how much it costs to upgrade to business class, because I want comfortable flight for 9 hours. First Class was full, but she put me in a seat where no one was next to me! I enjoyed two seats! Aerosvit gets a vote for best airline service too, (except the flight attendants seemed worn out and tired...but even then they were polite).
As luck would have it, and we all know I have good luck for some reason (good Guardian Angels!) I am placed across the isle to girl who is flying to Simferopol too. There are only 3 people (me plus two) who are going there and during our nine hour flight, I ask her maybe one question: "Is this map of Kiev airport correct"? I am glad I spoke up, as you will see. She acknowledge that the map was right, but a map can be confusing. Plus we were going to the same place and she would guide me because our plane was very late. There was another girl, Lora, who would be part of this adventure in the Kiev airport. We had to get through passport control, but the guy in front of us had problems with the control officer. We were panicking! Also, I asked if our luggage would transfer planes just like in the USA. Her answer was no! We had to wait for our bags too! So Angelica went to airport agent and told them about our demise. They held the plane until we arrived. We ran, ran, and ran. You have to go outside from one building to another to get to the check in before boarding the plane, AND we had to wait for bus to take us to the plane! By the way, this is a good time to mention that there are no overhead storage bins for your carry on when going to Simferopol Airport. Yes, the bags are checked in, but there is little room for your carry on luggage.
We get to Simferopol Airport and you have to wait for your luggage outside of the terminal. The conveyor belt is outside. I also note that the airport runway has pot holes. Not very good feeling when landing. Although, the pilot did good job.
I will conclude this as "Day One" but it is worth noting that there is a 7 hour time difference from New York City. Put on your list, a watch.
DAY TWO
As I write this story I just now go get beer to relax. Bring a bottle opener. Yes, add that to list. I can’t read Russian but my cap says (on the inside) I won 100,000 Grivnia’s. I will check this out tomorrow with Tanya or Irina. I could always use another Grivna. When you go to the ATM the machine asks you if you want Grivna’s US Dollars, or Euro dollars. Since the machine only has Grivnas, the other choices will lead to the machine handing your card back. Business’s here do take Visa, Mastercard, some tak American Express, but you better get some Grivna’s ASAP when you get into town. I recommend you bring 20 dollar bills in good clean crisp condition, or the local bank will not take it. I brought $1000 cash, and placed the money in different areas (two pockets, suit cases etc...). There are plenty of places other than the bank to exchange your currency. MANY places. They love money, your money. And feel confident that most are honest people here. The taxi drivers do seem to take advantage of the situation, but when you convert in your head the amount of money you are losing, you probably won’t care and you will be glad that you went to your destination safely.
Okay, So..... I am at the airport in Simferopol. I am greeted by many men, some drunk, who wants to give me a taxi ride. But I spot my driver holding a sign with my name on it. (By the way, do you notice how I am starting to talk like a Russian person (Ukrainian) trying to speak English?
The ride to Yalta was interesting. My driver was not crazy, and carefully passed may busses and cars. Other cars that passed us did not do a very safe job. I was concerned a bit by the way other people drove. You might luck out and get good driver too. My driver also stopped me from putting my seat belt on. I do not know why, but I decided not to wear it. He spoke no English, and I was so tired from the trip.
On the way to Yalta I noticed some very beautiful lights, as it was nighttime about 6 pm. I made the comment that Yalta looks like Pittsburgh. Odessa looks like New Orleans, but Yalta looks like Pittsburgh. Well, little did I know that Yalta does not look like Pittsburgh when it is daytime! I just noticed the street cars, skinny roads, mountains and many lights.
Finally we arrive in Yalta and I open my luggage to give driver gift. In this part of the world it is better to give small gifts at beginning of meeting rather than after (example, when us Americans stay at hotel, we might give good small gift at end of the stay. No good. Give it early, and in some cases it is better to give a gift not money). So, add that to your list of things to bring for the people you will eventually meet. Bring small gifts. I gave him a bottle of tequila from Mexico because he would not accept a cash tip (rare, but some people are insulted by a cash tip when it is not necessary).
This is when I learned about another thing when you travel. My other bottle of tequila broke in the suitcase, maybe from the pressure of the altitude, or maybe the baggage handler! All I know is that I had a date with Elnara at 8pm, and I smelled like Tequila! I learned that when you spray Polo cologne over the tequila smell, it makes a very good and interesting combination. My coordinator Tanya also received her small gift of Belgium Chocolates. I made sure I brought many small gifts for people I never imagined of meeting. So, did you put this on your list? Bring small gifts. No breakable items.
I did meet Elya. She was very beautiful, tall and she was every man’s dream. We did get along alright, but she was apprehensive towards me, and when I tried to move close to her, she slightly moved away. Maybe it was my cologne? I did convince Elya to give me an autograph, because she too is of high model quality (she does not want to be a model). We did find a great "autograph symbol" for her. "LA" where the "L" is intersecting half of an "N" (which is an "L" in her language)......confused? Okay, we designed her autograph together and she autographed my napkin. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most fun. After all, I just got something from her that no other man has ever gotten! Her new autograph!
Well, I just opened my second beer and I have just won another 100,000 dollars! I’m am going to guess that I cannot read Russian very good and I have won nothing.
Elya and I were suppose to meet Friday or Saturday, but I can only meet one girl for Saturday (I do not think I can take 2 or 3 girls out on date (the same date) and expect one of them to marry me...I realize that they do some things different in this part of the world, but they also do some things the same).
I would have jumped at the chance to even have a look into her beautiful eyes just one more time, that is until I met Polina the next day! Wait until you hear this! Talk about luck!!!!
DAY THREE
I had originally set up my meeting with Polina as a back up plan. Back up plans are good. When I planned to arrive in Yalta, I did not know how good this tour company would be. I decided to book hotel on my own, over the internet (Select - a Room ......www.selectukraine.com ). Since it was a backup plan, I did not reserve good hotel. As it turned out, I did find my way to my apartment and did not need a hotel room. I say this advice: If you choose to get apartment, then have a tour guide and maybe you will want to reserve a hotel for backup plan. If you choose to have no interpreter, get hotel room. The girls will not like to go to hotel, and will not like to be there . So you make decision. The hotel I picked just so happened to be the place where many hookers go. So, if you want this kind of a trip, then book a nice room at the Hotel Yalta, Inn Tourist. Don’t expect to find a wife. (And of course this is my biased opinion. Maybe your results would be different).
I had hoped that when I met Polina we could spend a little time together and find a connection. I did feel small spark in our brief meeting, and it was brief, but for a good reason. Polina had to catch the train to Kiev this same day because she was accepted into the beauty contest. Which beauty contest? Miss Universe. I about fell over. She did not have to say one more word to me for the hour we met. I was in shock. And if you think you would not be in shock, you are lying to yourself. When you meet this girl, you notice she has much more than good looks. She has a way of making you feel comfortable with her smile and charm. Also, it is easy to understand her and feel her excitement. Let’s face it though. She is 20 years old, and I am 40 years old. She wants to wait for marriage 2 years, and pursue modeling and acting for a few more years before having children. She is a teacher, student and loves kids. She showed me pictures about her life at lunch, and she has credentials with many prolific actors and singers in her country. She did autograph my video that featured her in the presentation. She also did something for me that no other girl has ever done; she gave me the Russian style kiss and hug. You know, you kiss on one side and then the other.
This girl has her whole life in front of her, and I see big promise for her future. She seems to make great decisions. As an experienced man, I see that I would be stealing her youth from her if I were to try to marry her. But come on! Miss Universe? What man could ever turn that down? So I will wait and let life choose. I suspect with her great mind, she already knows that 20 years is too much difference. Plus, she will always be traveling and pursuing her dream for the next few years.
DAY FOUR
I slept a lot. My body and mind finally started to adjust to the time differences and the sea air. To the one side there are the snow capped mountains, and to the other side there is the Sea, the "Black Sea".
I went shopping on my own in the morning hours. Darkness comes fast in this part of the world, at this time of year (maybe 4:30 pm). Shopping was an adventure, but with my translator machine (Vocal 207) I was able to buy everything I needed. The food here is different than in America. And I do not see a Wal-Mart. There is a McDonald’s though. I will try the food tomorrow. I could use a good cup of American coffee.
The shops I went to were of the flea market style. It appears to me that the streets and shops are like the downtown areas in the USA, except the flea market is huge and would not be seen in American cities like this. I bought a radio, watch, beer, vodka, groceries. The Vodka is nasty. I thought the Vodka from this part of the world would taste good. I took one sip and knew that this would lead to a hangover. And so I did not drink it. This will make good gift for someone else!
Since it would be unwise to bring it in the suitcase again, I will award this prized bottle (the unopened one) to someone else.
Tanya arranged with me to meet a new girl named Irina or Ira for short. She is very attractive blonde girl with a good chest on her shoulders (I mean head). I’m sorry. I could not help but notice this, but she wore a shirt that was difficult to read, but it might have been a trick too. Maybe she wants me to stare there? She did not have to wear shirt with words difficult to read! Her best attribute is her friendly smile. There is one huge problem with this girl, I will tell you all right now. She does not speak English! At first this might seem like a good thing and fun thing to try, but it becomes very frustrating to speak about the simplest things. And I can tell you this, your frustrating look will not be a welcome look to a beautiful women. Meet girls that speak English. But I am to meet Irina tomorrow, at 2pm at McDonald’s. I will try my best to make this successful. I did make joke that maybe we will be able to speak the language of love. She did think that was funny, too.
We are suppose to go to castle.
Now.....since I have time (it is almost midnight and my sleeping pattern is off) I will continue composing a song about this beautiful wonderland called Yalta. Yalta is the city of Love. You come here and you will see amazing sights. Some people make advice to travelers to not drink the water, or maybe bring some anti-diarrheal tablets. In Yalta, I have not found any problems that require to taking these tablets, but in Odessa I recommend it. Add that to your list of things to pack with your shaving kit!
It took awhile to find an internet company so I can post to my blog. I have compiled here days 1 through 4, and it is day 5 that I make this post. I will try to post pictures when I get back to the USA (my laptop does not have Picasa).
If there was something I thought I would not need, but found out I do need is an Interpreter. In Odessa many people speak English. You could get by without an interpreter, maybe. But not in Yalta. I still have not found a person who is fluent in English (my interpreter I have is very good, but needs me to speak slow). Also, they call Tanya (my interpreter), my interpreter....imagine that! But she is a coordinator. Without her my stay here in Yalta would be a disaster. She was there to have driver pick me up at airport and bring me to Yalta (driver was nice man, but speaks no English...it became interesting when he needed to borrow money for gas and only needed 10 dollars. I only had 20 dollar bills, and he would not take it because he only needed 10...and he needed it to be Hryvnia (Grivna is the pronunciation and it is their currency. By the way, for 1 US Dollar you get 5 Grivna’s right now). Tatiana (Tanya) also had a key for my apartment and also helped me the next day to convert my cell phone so I can use in Yalta. This is much more than an interpreter. I suggest you hire one. She will be your lifeline.
Okay, let’s catch up....
DAY ONE
Day One of the trip I began my journey at DFW airport. There was a lot of planning before the trip making sure I called the banks and credit card companies to let them know I would be using my card in Yalta. I had to prepare the house and alert the neighbors. I did not stop mail service, but it might be a good idea. I let the alarm company know about my departure and arrival back dates.
It would be good to know a list of a few things you will need before leaving the trip. I found attractive ladies on the internet at www.HotRussianBrides.com. I worked with an American coordinator named Alena. Start here by writing down her number and e-mail. You might need it while on the trip. As a matter of fact write down some phone numbers to the banks customer service, relatives, neighbor etc. and keep one copy separate from your passport and wallet. Alena e-mailed me my Yalta Coordinator’s phone number so I would have something just in case (and as luck will be, my plane was about an hour late!)
When you are on the trip so much happens, you might even forget your own phone number when you need it most and the phones are not working the same way as in America.
I checked in 2 bags and had one carry on. The trip was to begin in Dallas, connect in Cincinatti, to New York City. If you have to switch airports, I find it best to pay about a hundred dollars to the taxi driver, but maybe the train works good now). When I checked my bags in, the ticketer assured me that the bags would arrive in Simferopol (the airport...an hours drive from Yalta). Know this fact: What is suppose to happen will not happen the same way in another country. My bags ended up in Simferopol because when I arrived in Kiev my airline friend, Angelica, told me we have to get our luggage and bring it to the plane ourselves and check in again. I just want to note that when the airplane lands in Kiev, we get out of Airplane and have to go to building for the passport. This transfer is done on a bus from the plane. You must go through passport control. Before we arrived, the airline attendant handed out a piece of paper that we must fill out explaining some details of our trip. Save this and get it stamped by the passport control officer. Don’t lose the half of piece of paper she gives you because it is necessary for you to have it when you try to come back home.
I will make a list at the end of my journey of good things to have, but for now I will continue with the story.
So I get on the airplane in Dallas. Everything is fine, but I am faced with sitting next to a man (nice guy, I forget his name) who is big just like me. It was very awkward and uncomfortable for the both of us, but then comes along a flight attendant who is flying to Cincinnati who is going to work. She offers to sit between us, which was great relief for both me and the retired street cop from Flint, Michigan (again, I forgot his name).
We get to Cincinnati and after I get off the plane I realize I am missing my tickets for the international part of the trip! It turns out they were still on the plane I just left! A ticket agent found them for me and I was back in business. I might as well add right here that Delta Air Lines was the best airlines for service!
Okay, so I take care of some small business, some food, and wait for flight to New York City. When I arrive in JFK airport I am awed by the size of this place. I suggest you play it safe and ask an agent where you need to be to find your next flight. Sometimes the time schedule is very tight (you could look up map of airports on internet before trip...this is good help, especially in Kiev).
When I get to the ticketing agent for Aerosvit Airlines, I ask lady how much it costs to upgrade to business class, because I want comfortable flight for 9 hours. First Class was full, but she put me in a seat where no one was next to me! I enjoyed two seats! Aerosvit gets a vote for best airline service too, (except the flight attendants seemed worn out and tired...but even then they were polite).
As luck would have it, and we all know I have good luck for some reason (good Guardian Angels!) I am placed across the isle to girl who is flying to Simferopol too. There are only 3 people (me plus two) who are going there and during our nine hour flight, I ask her maybe one question: "Is this map of Kiev airport correct"? I am glad I spoke up, as you will see. She acknowledge that the map was right, but a map can be confusing. Plus we were going to the same place and she would guide me because our plane was very late. There was another girl, Lora, who would be part of this adventure in the Kiev airport. We had to get through passport control, but the guy in front of us had problems with the control officer. We were panicking! Also, I asked if our luggage would transfer planes just like in the USA. Her answer was no! We had to wait for our bags too! So Angelica went to airport agent and told them about our demise. They held the plane until we arrived. We ran, ran, and ran. You have to go outside from one building to another to get to the check in before boarding the plane, AND we had to wait for bus to take us to the plane! By the way, this is a good time to mention that there are no overhead storage bins for your carry on when going to Simferopol Airport. Yes, the bags are checked in, but there is little room for your carry on luggage.
We get to Simferopol Airport and you have to wait for your luggage outside of the terminal. The conveyor belt is outside. I also note that the airport runway has pot holes. Not very good feeling when landing. Although, the pilot did good job.
I will conclude this as "Day One" but it is worth noting that there is a 7 hour time difference from New York City. Put on your list, a watch.
DAY TWO
As I write this story I just now go get beer to relax. Bring a bottle opener. Yes, add that to list. I can’t read Russian but my cap says (on the inside) I won 100,000 Grivnia’s. I will check this out tomorrow with Tanya or Irina. I could always use another Grivna. When you go to the ATM the machine asks you if you want Grivna’s US Dollars, or Euro dollars. Since the machine only has Grivnas, the other choices will lead to the machine handing your card back. Business’s here do take Visa, Mastercard, some tak American Express, but you better get some Grivna’s ASAP when you get into town. I recommend you bring 20 dollar bills in good clean crisp condition, or the local bank will not take it. I brought $1000 cash, and placed the money in different areas (two pockets, suit cases etc...). There are plenty of places other than the bank to exchange your currency. MANY places. They love money, your money. And feel confident that most are honest people here. The taxi drivers do seem to take advantage of the situation, but when you convert in your head the amount of money you are losing, you probably won’t care and you will be glad that you went to your destination safely.
Okay, So..... I am at the airport in Simferopol. I am greeted by many men, some drunk, who wants to give me a taxi ride. But I spot my driver holding a sign with my name on it. (By the way, do you notice how I am starting to talk like a Russian person (Ukrainian) trying to speak English?
The ride to Yalta was interesting. My driver was not crazy, and carefully passed may busses and cars. Other cars that passed us did not do a very safe job. I was concerned a bit by the way other people drove. You might luck out and get good driver too. My driver also stopped me from putting my seat belt on. I do not know why, but I decided not to wear it. He spoke no English, and I was so tired from the trip.
On the way to Yalta I noticed some very beautiful lights, as it was nighttime about 6 pm. I made the comment that Yalta looks like Pittsburgh. Odessa looks like New Orleans, but Yalta looks like Pittsburgh. Well, little did I know that Yalta does not look like Pittsburgh when it is daytime! I just noticed the street cars, skinny roads, mountains and many lights.
Finally we arrive in Yalta and I open my luggage to give driver gift. In this part of the world it is better to give small gifts at beginning of meeting rather than after (example, when us Americans stay at hotel, we might give good small gift at end of the stay. No good. Give it early, and in some cases it is better to give a gift not money). So, add that to your list of things to bring for the people you will eventually meet. Bring small gifts. I gave him a bottle of tequila from Mexico because he would not accept a cash tip (rare, but some people are insulted by a cash tip when it is not necessary).
This is when I learned about another thing when you travel. My other bottle of tequila broke in the suitcase, maybe from the pressure of the altitude, or maybe the baggage handler! All I know is that I had a date with Elnara at 8pm, and I smelled like Tequila! I learned that when you spray Polo cologne over the tequila smell, it makes a very good and interesting combination. My coordinator Tanya also received her small gift of Belgium Chocolates. I made sure I brought many small gifts for people I never imagined of meeting. So, did you put this on your list? Bring small gifts. No breakable items.
I did meet Elya. She was very beautiful, tall and she was every man’s dream. We did get along alright, but she was apprehensive towards me, and when I tried to move close to her, she slightly moved away. Maybe it was my cologne? I did convince Elya to give me an autograph, because she too is of high model quality (she does not want to be a model). We did find a great "autograph symbol" for her. "LA" where the "L" is intersecting half of an "N" (which is an "L" in her language)......confused? Okay, we designed her autograph together and she autographed my napkin. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most fun. After all, I just got something from her that no other man has ever gotten! Her new autograph!
Well, I just opened my second beer and I have just won another 100,000 dollars! I’m am going to guess that I cannot read Russian very good and I have won nothing.
Elya and I were suppose to meet Friday or Saturday, but I can only meet one girl for Saturday (I do not think I can take 2 or 3 girls out on date (the same date) and expect one of them to marry me...I realize that they do some things different in this part of the world, but they also do some things the same).
I would have jumped at the chance to even have a look into her beautiful eyes just one more time, that is until I met Polina the next day! Wait until you hear this! Talk about luck!!!!
DAY THREE
I had originally set up my meeting with Polina as a back up plan. Back up plans are good. When I planned to arrive in Yalta, I did not know how good this tour company would be. I decided to book hotel on my own, over the internet (Select - a Room ......www.selectukraine.com ). Since it was a backup plan, I did not reserve good hotel. As it turned out, I did find my way to my apartment and did not need a hotel room. I say this advice: If you choose to get apartment, then have a tour guide and maybe you will want to reserve a hotel for backup plan. If you choose to have no interpreter, get hotel room. The girls will not like to go to hotel, and will not like to be there . So you make decision. The hotel I picked just so happened to be the place where many hookers go. So, if you want this kind of a trip, then book a nice room at the Hotel Yalta, Inn Tourist. Don’t expect to find a wife. (And of course this is my biased opinion. Maybe your results would be different).
I had hoped that when I met Polina we could spend a little time together and find a connection. I did feel small spark in our brief meeting, and it was brief, but for a good reason. Polina had to catch the train to Kiev this same day because she was accepted into the beauty contest. Which beauty contest? Miss Universe. I about fell over. She did not have to say one more word to me for the hour we met. I was in shock. And if you think you would not be in shock, you are lying to yourself. When you meet this girl, you notice she has much more than good looks. She has a way of making you feel comfortable with her smile and charm. Also, it is easy to understand her and feel her excitement. Let’s face it though. She is 20 years old, and I am 40 years old. She wants to wait for marriage 2 years, and pursue modeling and acting for a few more years before having children. She is a teacher, student and loves kids. She showed me pictures about her life at lunch, and she has credentials with many prolific actors and singers in her country. She did autograph my video that featured her in the presentation. She also did something for me that no other girl has ever done; she gave me the Russian style kiss and hug. You know, you kiss on one side and then the other.
This girl has her whole life in front of her, and I see big promise for her future. She seems to make great decisions. As an experienced man, I see that I would be stealing her youth from her if I were to try to marry her. But come on! Miss Universe? What man could ever turn that down? So I will wait and let life choose. I suspect with her great mind, she already knows that 20 years is too much difference. Plus, she will always be traveling and pursuing her dream for the next few years.
DAY FOUR
I slept a lot. My body and mind finally started to adjust to the time differences and the sea air. To the one side there are the snow capped mountains, and to the other side there is the Sea, the "Black Sea".
I went shopping on my own in the morning hours. Darkness comes fast in this part of the world, at this time of year (maybe 4:30 pm). Shopping was an adventure, but with my translator machine (Vocal 207) I was able to buy everything I needed. The food here is different than in America. And I do not see a Wal-Mart. There is a McDonald’s though. I will try the food tomorrow. I could use a good cup of American coffee.
The shops I went to were of the flea market style. It appears to me that the streets and shops are like the downtown areas in the USA, except the flea market is huge and would not be seen in American cities like this. I bought a radio, watch, beer, vodka, groceries. The Vodka is nasty. I thought the Vodka from this part of the world would taste good. I took one sip and knew that this would lead to a hangover. And so I did not drink it. This will make good gift for someone else!
Since it would be unwise to bring it in the suitcase again, I will award this prized bottle (the unopened one) to someone else.
Tanya arranged with me to meet a new girl named Irina or Ira for short. She is very attractive blonde girl with a good chest on her shoulders (I mean head). I’m sorry. I could not help but notice this, but she wore a shirt that was difficult to read, but it might have been a trick too. Maybe she wants me to stare there? She did not have to wear shirt with words difficult to read! Her best attribute is her friendly smile. There is one huge problem with this girl, I will tell you all right now. She does not speak English! At first this might seem like a good thing and fun thing to try, but it becomes very frustrating to speak about the simplest things. And I can tell you this, your frustrating look will not be a welcome look to a beautiful women. Meet girls that speak English. But I am to meet Irina tomorrow, at 2pm at McDonald’s. I will try my best to make this successful. I did make joke that maybe we will be able to speak the language of love. She did think that was funny, too.
We are suppose to go to castle.
Now.....since I have time (it is almost midnight and my sleeping pattern is off) I will continue composing a song about this beautiful wonderland called Yalta. Yalta is the city of Love. You come here and you will see amazing sights. Some people make advice to travelers to not drink the water, or maybe bring some anti-diarrheal tablets. In Yalta, I have not found any problems that require to taking these tablets, but in Odessa I recommend it. Add that to your list of things to pack with your shaving kit!
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