tell them the truth KenC

[KenMan]

Its gonna take money, a whole lot of spending money. Its gonna take patience and money, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it  to do it right MAN :-)

[KenC]

... in response to tell them the truth KenC, posted by KenMan on Feb 14, 2002

Ken,
Not if you are REAL lucky like I was!  We just had dinner with MarkinTx the other night and he said something very profound: "If you are truly passionate about your cause, you will find a way.  If you are not truly passionate, you will make excuses."  When I decided to go meet Lena, nothing would have stopped me from going.  Nothing would have stopped me from doing things the right way either.  I didn't worry about spending a few extra bucks for a flat or whatever, I just went.  I just shake my head and wonder about the guys here that pinch the last penny before going to see someone or the guys that have never even gone over.  Man, I jumped in with both feet without all the research available here and now.  What's the worst that can happen?  A trip to a great country with beautiful women?  Geez, how terrible!!!  
I also think there is something very wrong with the story about a guy that on one hand is willing to make the moral commitment to a K-1 (that's an engagement in my mind and the INS') but is willing to run for cover (and condemn the RW as a scammer) for the extra unplanned expenses of $350!  Either the guy didn't know or care about the RW enough to be engaged in the first place, or he is the ultimate tightwad.
KenC

[jj]

... in response to Re: tell them the truth KenC, posted by KenC on Feb 14, 2002

Yes I agree with you in part...  I also see nothing wrong with being a little responsible in trying to minimise costs.  I personally prefer to spend more time then money. If I can arrnage satisfactory accomodation or travel and save a bit then this allows me to spend more time and money elese where.  EG.  I would not want to pay high costs associted with the services of an agency... I do not vbelive you get vaklue for money.  In the same I do not travel first class or business class when economy if fine...  after all the plane or train arrives at the same time be it you are a little worn for the experience.  In many cases traveling at a lower costs allows you to better experience the cultur of the country you are visiting as you meet many locals and make new friends if you travel coach.  Most Ukrainians and Russians do not travel "First Class" when second class is just as good.  I certainly do not subscribe to the theory that you are better taking off in First Class Travel (Unless you are interested in a romantic interlude while on the train).  Also I think it is important to be your self and show any prospective long term partner that you are responsible when it comes to money and expenditure.  They certainly are (Unless you meet an opportubnist who thinks that because you come from the west you have a money tree growing in the back) With the way the world economy is and the extended life span, costs of education, housing and health it pays to save money where you can.  So I would not criticise anyone for wanting to maintain a budget.  That said I agree, the first step is to travel and get over there if not to find your partner to see a great country.  If you spend the time and have the view that you are their first and foremost as a cultural tourist then you will not walk away disappointed..  Maybe a little heart broken..  But if you are the type of person that likes travel and adventure you will want to pay a return visit..  a little wiser and more interested.

[KenC]

... in response to Re: Re: tell them the truth KenC, posted by jj on Feb 14, 2002

jj,
I can understand not traveling first class on the airlines where the additional cost may be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more, but on a Russian train?  You gotta be kidding me!!  If the 5 bucks more is gonna kill you, you shouldn't have gone in the first place.  Sorry, I don't think it is a smooth move to make your girl ride in the company of farm animals and people sleeping with their goods for the bazaar.  But you are right when you say, "it is important to be your self--"  You are just a lot different than I am.
I also would strongly advise anyone to use a reputable agency on their first trip to Russia.  IT is just too different a place from the US not to have some guidance.  What I learned from the agency on my first trip was extremely valuable and the goal of meeting and romancing the woman of my dreams was PRICELESS!  Maybe that's why I am closing in on my 3rd aniversary and you are still looking!?
KenC

[jj]

... in response to Penny wise and pound foolish?, posted by KenC on Feb 15, 2002

Sure if your with that speacial friend but if you are traveling along or with a mate then second class is best way to meet the locals...  forget the agency...  the excitement and joy is being in a foriegn country where english is a second language (If at all).  I found travelling by train second class between Kiev to Odessa across to Yalta and then back to Kiev was one of the highlights of my trip.  I made so many friends...  sharing food experiences and getting to know a bit more about Ukraine and life in general.  It was only then that I felt and realised Ukraine is not that much diufferent when you get down to it...  Sure the economic situation is not the best but the people I met were friendly and they really appreacited that I was traveling the same class as them.  Had I traveled second class I think I would have missed this.  Sure the toilets are the worst I have seen on a train... but the four bed banks are as good is not better then in Europe.  Maybe it is an American thing that most Americans can not rough it... (but come to think of it I have met a number of Yanks backpacking around that rough it much more then me)  As to the Agents..  again forget them..  Throw yourself into it go there get a flat and just mingle..  spend time..  Two weeks is know way to get to know someone..  spend time doing the mundane shopping, cooking and just walking the parks and talking..  This is my preference.  I would never use an agent and would never advise anyone to do so...  Love is not found in a protfolio.  Hell my experience tells me that the data registered is false 85% of the time...  The latter found out that the girl I met was listed on one sight as an economist when she was not... she was a graphic artist come opportunist.  The agency said she liked Ice Skating but she could not skate...   They are only in it for the money..  This is a fact...  If they wanted to help match you up then they would provide a free contact service...  They want to sell you the package the false dream...  (No attack intended)  If the women sees you as a wealthy means of escape then two weeks you will not get to know her...  Looking back I  am please I spent the time I did..  It helped me get to know those little things that just tune you in.  It has helped me understand some of the comments posted on this board. Save your money where you can (Train. Bus, Restaurants, Night Clubs and apartments)  SPEND MORE TIME...

[KenC]

... in response to Time is best value, posted by jj on Feb 15, 2002

n/t

[RickM]

... in response to Re: tell them the truth KenC, posted by KenC on Feb 14, 2002

Gotta agree 100% Ken.
The perfect relationship (and they "all" are work sometimes)
We get out usually what we put in...
"PRICELESS"