... in response to Re: Re: Finding the One, posted by ChipShot on Dec 23, 2002There are many ways to do this. Everyone that has done this on the board will have an opinion. Like most things in life, it comes down to each his own. FWIW here is my two cents in a nut shell:
First, think of this as a long term endeavor
Second, ensure that you have the appropriate capitalization to do it correctly. Although you can typically do the trips reasonably around $3000 (some say $1000 but I think that's not sufficient for your first experience). The longer you stay, the more cities you visit and if you attend socials, these will all add more. For your first trip, plan on $4500! Better to have to much, then not enough. But figure that this whole thing may cost upwards to $13,000+ before you actually find the right one (then it costs more 
).
Personally, I'd plan on about three weeks minimum for a first trip but I'm sure two weeks would suffice (although you'll be crying that you have to leave to soon). In addition, I'd plan a follow up trip in late summer or very early fall (again weather). This is to follow up on those special lady(s) you may have met on the first trip.
Now, once you've accepted these things, you're over the biggest hurdles. Now the adventure begins.
If it was my first trip, I'd look at taking it in late spring or early summer. Better weather and you can get out to do a lot more sight seeing and stuff with the ladies.
I'd pick a city to concentrate my efforts on. Just seems easier to be based in one location and time is spent more productively. First trip I'd choose either Kiev, Moscow or St. Petes. They're large, have direct flights in, lots of attractions, and if the trip is a failure, heck, you can get in some great sightseeing.
Once you've decided on where you want to go, I'd plan on placing some ads in the local papers starting about four to six months in advance to start your screening process. From these letters, you'll soon learn how to detect those that seem more sincere. You will want to have let those that are sincere know that you will be coming to visit and that you would be interested in meeting them. You can supplement these with agency letters if you want, but I'd see what the ad response is first. Agencies are good back up plans.
Start learning some basic Russian. The ladies appreciate your attempt and it shows them that you are sincere in learning their culture.
Decide on the trip dates. I don't recommend the big socials. But I have been to one of Jacks small ones and found them to be quite interesting and a lot of fun. Also, I had an opportunity to meet some of the guys on the board as a result of the socials. I'll front Rags and WSbill off as two of 'em. But, you can do well without going to socials.
Connect with someone like Jack to arrange to have someone meet you at the airport, find you an apartment, get you settled in, introduce you to some local agencies (back up plan), etc. Call Jack, he can give you better details regarding this stuff. Get yourself a city map, learn where the agencies are, stop by 'em to introduce yourself, look through the catelogs, start making backup plans without committing to any. Hook up with a reasonably priced translator as you will be spending a lot of time with them.
Meet several women, even if one particular lady knocks your socks off! Be yourself, use your head, follow your heart and have fun. But most important, don't settle for less then what you want in a wife. AND if by some chance you think (or know) you've met the right one, let her know that you'll be back to see her as you want to get to know her better before making such an important decision. (Yep, plan on a minimum of two trips, possibly three!).
Okay, I'm sure the other guys can give you their two cents so this is all from me. Good luck in the promised land!
