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For the guys that have been there done that!

I was wondering, is there a flower shop inside the Kiev airport? And is this before customs or after?
Reason: I am meeting my lady there, and she will be one of the ones in the sea of people, I would like to have flowers in hand when we greet, so I need the flowers before I exit customs, any helpful information would be great.

And if the flower shop is after customs, that would make no surprise for her. So another idea would get the flowers in Amsterdam since that is where I will be stopping to change planes, is there a flower shop in Amsterdam airport, and have any of you tried this before?

Thanks in advance,

Tom_TX

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

If this is your first visit.

Can you tell us a little bit about your girl and where you met her at ?  Throught which agency, etc....

How nice is that laptop you are giving her ?

... in response to Re: Dumb Question, posted by wsbill on Jul 19, 2002

Sure I don't mind some back ground info..

Started communicating with her back in Jan, this year. I was not in search of anybody, but I was contacted back a scammer in Dec, a girl that is well known in scamming industry (Olga Naumova), needless to say I was not born yesterday, so she got nothing. So I came up with a not new idea to list these scammers with an active database, and to make a long story short it still in the works, has to do with e-mail tracking, and a few other tricks that others are not doing. This project is still in the working.

So in researching information on scammers, I ran across a profile that matched was I was looking for in a lady if I was looking. I called the owner of the site to talk about scammers, and then I asked about this one lady. He suggested I write her. We have been talking via letters and phone twice to 3 times a week ever since. She had no phone, so I put a phone in her apartment for a small fee, no big deal since it has allowed us to communicate more often. The site I found her is a small mom and pop shop, in a small town in Ukraine. I am not going to disclose the site at this time, they have more business than they can handle. But the guy is known in the industry his wife he married two years ago is from this small town they specialize in.

My lady she is 11 years my junior, I'm 40. She has a son that is 7, will be 8 in Aug. which is why I am visiting that month, her birthday is also in Aug. I will be there for both birthdays, this is why there is more gifts than normal.

My lady is a little different than what I here on the boards, she complements me a lot on different things that I do, or if I show her attention in special ways, she does say thank you in letters, and over the phone, that’s her personality. I will be meeting her mom when she comes to Kiev for her sons birthday, she will stay with us for 3 days (Oh we are staying in the same apartment)

This person has had guys come meet her, one was there for 4 days, and they new it was not a match but she was nice and showed him around, she said that he pushed her son away and was not interested in him. 2nd guy came to visit and all he wanted was sex, she let in the middle of the night and left his a?? there, she explained he got upset because she did not put out, and she was not going to go through this again. (A bad past marriage)

I also have a son he is 8, he has been with me since he was 2 1/2, I am single dad that devotes all my time to my son’s activities, and my lady does the same. My lady and I have way to much in common not to take this casually, hence why I am visiting her for 3 weeks. No back up plan, don't need one. Will we so call match, we already have in 90% of everything. So let’s say that 10% is just showing her that I am who I am, and she is who she is, then I see a 100% match. I can't think of a subject we haven’t talk about. There has never been a red flag, never!

Laptop, well I am in the computer industry work for the NewHP or COmpaq as a design eng. on ther server side of the house. So I have a couple of laptops, this one I am giving her is about a year old. I just got in loaded with the Multi-language pack yesterday (Hard to install in Russian) And hey, if all we do is become friend, that is ok to, my expectations are set low, I am on VACATION. But I know that I will meet a nice person and her son and I will show her I am the person in the letters, and the phone calls. I never told her anything that was not the truth. I am 40, good shape, 5'10 170, and 1/2 bald. She knows that and to this point doesn't care, she is more worried about the inside, and how I am going to treat her son, and her. My son has talked to her, and her son they write letters etc. So I kind of feel real lucky, and just waiting for Aug 1 to get here so I can get on the plane and show them I am real, I do what I say I am going to do! One of the things I told her right up front was how much I made, which is average. I offer her a back ground check of me at my expense. No red flags! She is true honest Ukraine LADY!! And I have a friend that has a friend that knows her, she is a lady.

So that's my meeting her story, hope it did not bore ya too much, but I am very excited for my VACATION to Kiev. (Computer engineers don't get time off very often, busy solving customer issues)

Thanks for you interest and have a great one
Tom_TX

... in response to Re: Re: Dumb Question, posted by Tom40 on Jul 19, 2002

If you want to write me -- from one computer geek to another -- I can tell you what little I know about Kiev. (I'm guessing you read my novella -- er I mean trip report?)

You can reach me at: markjoel60@hotmail.com

... in response to Re: Re: Dumb Question, posted by Tom40 on Jul 19, 2002

Tom,
Nice story.  Best of luck to you both.  I met Lena under similar circumstances (after months of phone calls).  There were no surprises when we met.  We both kept our expectations to a minimum.  We now have been happily married for 3 years.
KenC

... in response to Re: Re: Dumb Question, posted by Tom40 on Jul 19, 2002

Haven't had any problems out of my CPQ computer. I'm a bit baffled how Carly won compaq over.  HP is a real lacking company, although I do still use my HP200LX palmtop w/L123.

Keep us posted on how things go.  No doubt, your taking your camera with you...right???

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

Hey Tom from Tejas, here is an option you might consider.

On occassions we have done exactly what you have asked for and I think there are several good agencies you could choose from who could do this for you.

Call ahead and order some roses, 7,9,11 or 15. Send a photo of what you look like as well as your flight number and time of arrival. Once you clear customs and go thru the swinging doors you will be greeted by a loud mob of men yelling taxi and asking if you need a ride. Do not even make eye contact with this group, instead walk thru this crowd for about 12 to 15 feet and then start looking for your lady. You will see her and then embrace. Our people, or the people you use, see you and walk over to you and hand you the flowers. You then present the flowers. Many times the individuals who bring you the flowers can also take you into Kiev.

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

When you get off of that flight, if you've been corresponding long enough, she just might have flowers for you instead.

Men don't HAVE to do everything...  Just be the best you can be.

Enjoy the ride.

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

This might speed you up even more getting out of that place.

But which line do you take - Red or Green ??...  Does anyone know if you can download the claims form online for entry in to Ukraine ?

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport ...which line to get in..., posted by wsbill on Jul 19, 2002

http://www.ukrbiz.net/eng/kbd/entering/

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport ...which line to get in..., posted by wsbill on Jul 19, 2002

Not ripping on you just making an interesting observation.

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

Tom,
Stuffed animals are the way to go. You can get a cute little beanie baby or something similar at any gift shop in any airport in the *USA. Flowers die, beanie babies appear to be invincible.

I will share another gift idea for you and anyone else interested. When I went to St. Pete's last year, I took along 10 beautiful silver rings I had bought at a local jeweler. They each had cute little designs on them, some with a heart or something similar dangling from it. Another had "zebra" stripes across it, another with red roses across it, very simple and inexpensive. I think I paid an average of 20 bucks a ring. I was there for 10 days....giving her a present each morning. I wanted a ring on every finger. It was cute and she really enjoyed it. Everyday was a little celebration. By the 8th ring or so....she always had a little tear in her eye.

Good luck to you and be careful,
Mark H.

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Mark H on Jul 18, 2002

Thanks for the idea, I am in Ukraine for 20 days, meeting her and her son from the 1st thru 20th. Her b-day is on the 4th and her son's on the 12th, so you can imagine my bags are full of gifts. One of the surprises I have for her is I am making her a delicious home made orange cake, since she loves oranges, I have arranged for flowers to be delivered, ballons, I have strimmer, happy b-day sign in Russian, breakfest in bed. I understand they feel this day is more important than any day of the year. One of the fun things I am doing will run a gold silk strimmer throughtout the apartment that has different gifts attached at different places, and it ends at me giving the nicest gift, besides me:) This is just her, her son b-day is on the 12th we will also have some fun. I read some where, and I took this guys idea, and did the same as for as a gift for her son. My lady sent me a pic of her son holding a snake from the zoo, a boa. It looks like he is choking the snake real cute pic, I had this pic blown up and made it into a jigsaw puzzle, I added the word's "Today's Great Snake Trainer" in Russian. I just received it today, it looks great. So I am sure that he will be surprised.

I do like the ring idea, that is unique.

Thanks all for the suggestions,
Tom

... in response to Re: Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

You've done 10X more than normal.  Don't kill yourself over this.  (Once you step foot on the ground and see her for the first time you'll know what I'm talking about).

Just get there and have a good time; You've done well enough with all of your trip preparations.

Best wishes
BrianN

... in response to Dude, posted by BrianN on Jul 19, 2002

I can only relate to experience on my first tip to the Ukraine.  I had also had gift for everyone and planed out so much to be just perfect because this is my nature.  Being a caring man with compassion and understanding all bundled together with gifts and such to make it perfect.  I had an interesting time of it.  I found that no one said thank you, as this was custom, so be warned.  I am sure they cared it was just they expressed it in a way I was not familiar.  I also found that maybe they were overwhelmed and though my life might have been like this in some way all the time.  They got the impression I was some big spender.  On top of all of this I don’t think I had the chemistry that I was expecting as the letter were vary different then the actual reality.  

So in saying you must just let this first meeting happen and go with the flow like others have suggested.  Trying to do too much this first trip will complicate so many things.  One last thing is that making any food for them can really blow up as their tastes are different from ours and this takes time, as with many things you will find.  

I guess I am sort of pessimistic here about this first meeting as I just got slammed on my first try.  I made food they didn’t like, I gave gifts that I felt was taken in a strange way, I gave the girl a flower that she simply left on the apartment when we left to travel else ware.  If anything more could have went wrong it probably did.  But you know for some strange reason I still had a good time.  I just can’t explain it…  

Good luck and pleases post when you get back,
Ryan

... in response to No doubt dude…, posted by Ryan on Jul 19, 2002

Don't take alot of stuff with you.

I made that same mistake, I had alot of freebies to give away.

BAD IDEA.  Don't set yourself up for failure.

She will get in her mind that you have millions to dole out and when she watch those American Soap Operas on TV and those kinds of lifestyles...she'll connect the dots, to you.

You want to appear, average.  Not Hollywood Rich.

Maybe some of you guys qualify for that kind of a life.
If so, don't tell her about it.

She's suppose to fall in love with you - the person.
Not all the do-dads you have (green stuff included).

... in response to Dude, posted by BrianN on Jul 19, 2002

I have to agree with BrianN. I like to give lots of small gifts to the ladies I met. Nothing expensive, just nice gifts like chocolates, stuffed animals and souveniers from home. Sometimes it embarasses them because I gave so many. Meet the girl first and then you can shower them with gifts. I'm sure she'll love the things that you put a lot of thought into. That's more important than giving her something expensive.

... in response to Re: Dude, posted by Zink on Jul 19, 2002

I gave my girl a stuffed animal (a Ty rabbit) and she carried the darn thing all day and all night, she wouldn't put the stupid thing down! LOL!

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002


If you use the VIP Service in Kiev... there is NOTHING. You will simply go from your plane, to a lounge, and then to the pick-up area.

To be honest, I never looked for a flower shop in Kiev... ( I used VIP, so I saw nothing on the way in... on the way out, it was a moot point... my girl was behind me crying... buying flowers after customs wouldn't have helped...)

Sorry I couldn't help...

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport, posted by MarkInTx on Jul 18, 2002

Mark what VIP service did you use, my TX friend. And I did not forget you suggestions on the TX jelly, and peanut butter.
Tom

... in response to Re: Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

That wasn't me with the TX Jelly suggestion.. but its a good idea.

I bought Victoria a Texas T-Shirt, it was yellow with embroidered blue-bonnets on it... because I wrote her when the wildflowers started blooming, and she said that she always wanted to see that...

Anyway... MarkH's suggestions are good. And I don't think you can go wrong with gifts that she can tie back to you -- meaning stock up on the lone star stuff... she'll treasure it... at least if she is like mine.

She is moving to Texas, so it is on her mind a lot!

As for the VIP service, almost every agency or flat rental agent can hook you up with the VIP service.

I got mine through the place I rented my flat from.

I'm still not sure it was worth it.

It maybe saved me 15 minutes? I'm not sure. But I had heard that sometimes the customs gets long... and I was anxious to see her, since she was waiting for my arrival. If I were going to get an apartment, crash for the day, and meet someone the next day, there is no way I would do it.

But... you lady is waiting for you?

I'm not even sure if she can wait at the VIP lounge... probably... I just don't know. You should definitely find out before you pay the extra bucks, though!

BTW.... where in Texas are ya?

... in response to Actually..., posted by MarkInTx on Jul 18, 2002

Yes she will be waiting for me, I would perfer to get in get out and not have her wait to long, her son will with her also.

I am north of Houston (Plantersville) live in the sticks in a log house. My lady tells me she is so ready to live in the country, she grew up in the country.

As far as the Texas items I agree with the tie back to Texas. I will be meeting her mom she will be there for my lady sons birthday, and she (mom) will be leaving Kiev with him so that gives us some alone time for about 10 days. I got her dad a very photo rich book on Texas and history, table top item.

I was also concerned about her meeting me in the VIP lounge, and I was told that she could not, but she could be right outside. I was thinking the VIP for two reason, 1 they can cut the wait time down, and two I can arrange for them to bring flowers so I can give them to her, oh 3 I am carring my laptop to give to her to enhance our communication, thats if all works out of course. But that's the plan, she don't know about the laptop idea.

Thanks for the reply
Tom

... in response to Re: Actually..., posted by Tom40 on Jul 19, 2002

Your ladyfriend and her son can wait for you inside the VIP Terminal, and can enjoy a drink and sit on the plush couches while they await your arrival. It is FAR more comfortable than standing in the throngs over at Terminal B.

Not sure who told you that she could not wait for you in the VIP terminal, but they were mistaken.

The process works thusly:

* You, or your coordinator, calls the company that runs the VIP service to make a reservation.
* They need your flight details and your name.
* At that time, they provide you a reservation number that your ladyfriend will need to gain access to the VIP Terminal. She will provide it to the guard at the guardhouse as she approaches the VIP Terminal by car.
* She enters the terminal through the revolving door, and tells the receptionist who it is she is waiting for.
* She will be invited to sit at the bar or on one of the nearby couches to await your emergence from the Customs area.
* The VIP Terminal (Terminal C) is air-conditioned - which is quite an advantage in comfort at this time of year.

I hope this helps.

- Dan

... in response to Actually..., posted by MarkInTx on Jul 18, 2002

You are correct - sometimes it will only save you a few minutes - sometimes it can be more than an hour. It all depends on what time your flight arrives and which other flights have arrived immediately prior.

I don't know if you've noticed, but the vast majority of international inbound flights to Kyiv all arrive within a 2-hour window of one another. Since there are about 5 or 6 flights all inbound at that time, if you are lucky enough to be on the first one in, the process through the normal routes can be quite fast indeed.

OTOH, if your flight is the 5th or 6th of 6, and they all arrive clustered around each other a bit tighter than the 2-hour window (happens frequently), then VIP can save you an hour (or two) quite easily.

One of the features of VIP service that I like very much, is that the party waiting to greet you is able to sit in the VIP terminal lounge (air-conditioned in the summer) and await your arrival. There are few other people waiting and the atmosphere is much more comfortable than in Terminal B.

I hope this helps.

- Dan

... in response to VIP Service . . ., posted by Dan on Jul 18, 2002

My flight arrives at 1:55, so I have no idea if it will be busy or not. I did find Kiev airport information link here it is for others that might want it.

http://www.kbp.kiev.ua/

It has some information

Thanks
Tom

... in response to Re: VIP Service . . ., posted by Tom40 on Jul 19, 2002

Tom, at 1:55pm it will be busy!

... in response to Re: Re: VIP Service . . ., posted by Jack on Jul 21, 2002

You know, I have been to Ukraine a couple of times now and my plane always came in at 2pm and I never waited more than 5 minutes getting through the lines..

... in response to Re: Re: Re: VIP Service . . ., posted by Oscar on Jul 21, 2002

There are many flights that arrive from 1:30 to 2:10pm. In fact from 12noon to 2pm are the busiest time of the day at Borispol for incoming flights, where as from 7am to 10am are the busiest time for out-going flights. At 1:55 I expect he could land right after, or right before, several other flights. I have NEVER gotten thru Kiev lines (excluding VIP) in less than 20 minutes and have waited as long as 45 minutes. You are just a lucky man Oscar.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: VIP Service . . ., posted by Jack on Jul 22, 2002

.

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

Since no flower shops till after customs in Kiev, and it's not really practical to take flowers all the way from Amsterdam, have you considered perhaps a different gift?  Perhaps chocolates, or jewelry etc..?

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Oscar on Jul 18, 2002

You can have them delivered to her the day you arrive... then she can get them before she comes to get you...?

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Oscar on Jul 18, 2002

Or silk flowers perhaps?

... in response to Kiev Airport, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

There is no flower shop (or any other shops for that matter) prior to exiting through Ukraine Customs.
You might consider having someone meet you at the airport with the flowers?

... in response to Re: Kiev Airport, posted by Del on Jul 18, 2002

And...(have someone in Ukraine fetch you some flowers from the Market).

Have her stand near the little deli/food vendor on her RIGHT... If you were to exit via the traditional rat race exit it would be on your LEFT.

You could sneak up to her and present her with the flowers.

Doubt if customs will allow in any sort of plant life into Ukraine.  

---------
Hey, RAGS... I got some great video of you and Rostick with your flowers for Violetta.   You think V. would want to see video of Kiev ?

... in response to Re: Take the VIP entrance route $60, posted by wsbill on Jul 18, 2002

??????

... in response to Who does VIP for $60.00?????????, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

Don't think I would do it again, though...

Actually customs in Russia and Ukraine has been pretty easy.

Customs in Brazil was harder...

And Mexico was the worst, because they searched all of my bags!

... in response to Re: Take the VIP entrance route $60, posted by wsbill on Jul 18, 2002

Thanks guys for all the suggestions, I guess I will have to open my brain and get imaginative and creative. (Build flowers from paper napkins, since it's a 13hr flight from IAH):)
Thanks again all,
Tom_TX

... in response to Re: Re: Take the VIP entrance route $60, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

Since these are not organic per-se, and last a good long time when your long gone, she'll still think of you...and won't be thrown out with yesterdays borsh.

... in response to Re: Re: Take the VIP entrance route $60, posted by Tom40 on Jul 18, 2002

To be honest, I use to do that when I was in my 20's it was a great ice-breaker in the bars, and I got real good at it as well, but that was way back in the bar fly days. Those days have long past.
Later
Tom_TX