Most people here seem to be genuine, and helpful. Because I read and didn't contribute for a long time, I feel like an intruder, even now.
I most remember the LP and YOE/Joe wars, which I thought were funny, sometimes entertaining, but respect both, in terms of views, tactics, and just common sense.
My second trip with my squeeze was to Budapest, which is very highly recommended. Since most girls you date grew up with music in the form of folk, classical, plays and the arts, Budapest has an abundance of these. (These are still subsidized in the FSU.) Also, it is a beautiful city, and a rival to Prague, with many things to do in any area you choose. Many speak English, although German and Hungarian is prevalent. 30 million, with 10 million Roma Gypsies, which never caused any trouble. Buda side, Pest side...one with the shops and restaurants, the castle district where you can spend several days...lots to do, and a boat tour down the Danube, with headphones in Russian, which she will probably tune into and enjoy. This also makes her feel at home. My girl didn't get her visa on time...one day late. I had business in Dublin, Stockholm and Oslo so was gone a week before she left. From Dublin, I learned that Aeroflot would not honor her ticket because it was a day late...unheard of anywhere or with any airline in the world that this could not be changed, except Aeroflot. She was frantic that she couldn't make the trip. I emailed her to borrow the money and buy a one way ticket to Budapest, and I would get her home once she arrived, as Aeroflot had an office in the center of the city. She was able to do this, thank God, and we had a wonderful week. (We took the bus tour, just like we had written, and everything else that followed.)
First stop, the Aeroflot office in town. I had her entire schedule, their confirmation and tracking numbers with me, from my travel agent in PA. Aeroflot had told her, only I could change things, in person, and if I was in front of them, in their office. And here I was, I was in front of them, I was polite, but loud, and firm in my convictions, and disappointment in their service. I was told that I could not change anything, "because my money was in Saratov." I said I don't give a flying F--- if my money was in Saratov, New York, or Moscow, but Aeroflot had my money...via credit card charge. I actually heard a TELEX machine for messages sent in the backround. Couldn't do a thing. I had to pay in cash for her trip back home, which I did, and was credited months ....months later, after varifying everything 3 times to my card company. This was however, our...my, biggest problem on the trip. She was amazed at how at how "I" stood up to what she considered "authority." Right!!!
We spent 4 days in Budapest and 2 in Lake Boleton, which is a 2.5 hour train ride from Deli (pronounced Dee-lee train station.) You can do wonderful and memorable things on a train if you hang your coats on the window to your compartment.
In any event, if you are afraid to go to the FSU, do both of yourselves a favor, bring her to a place where she has no problem getting a visa, where she will be thrilled to see her first foreign country, which justifies the fact that she goes somewhere, and comes back, and you will both have a wonderful time. This is very important to our stupid INS. (Also...she got 3 more nighties, which she thinks were for her, but as we all know, were for me.)
Some traveling tips: Always bring a "male purse." This would be a bag, similar to what airlines give to first class passengers...a nylon bag, big enough to handle cameras, tropods, etc. Have your Mom or a tailor, sew a zipperedpocket inside your favorite jeans, and your go out to dinner pants. Have a bullsh1t wallet (old, expired credit cards, several singles, one five and one ten dollar bill in it. This is what you throw to a bad guy if approached, but you still have the "real deal" with you inside your pants. Actually, you will probably be 10 times safer traveling to these places than LA, New York, or Chicago...but beware anyway. I also have a zippered moneybelt, and the zipper is in back. I always keep cash there, in case all else fails. I am trained to fight, but run at the first opportunity. You only fight if this is the last resort. Be safe, but be careful.
I have learned, by reading, how many of you think. I have learned a great deal from all of you, and don't think I contribute as much as I have gained.
Also, as I feel I have met many friends here who I have never met, do the smart thing, be careful, be safe, be watchful, and don't be like the guy in the powder blue tuxedo.
All take care...good luck, and good fortune.
Just another Moe!!!
