ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

Coolness! Happy to hear it worked out. I'm curious to hear more about Yalta too. Yalta is on our to do list.


well at the risk of breaking some major LINKS rule here's my thread at RMP.

We stayed in Alupka about 10 km toward Foros from Yalta. We had a great time in spite of some not so great weather in the middle of the week.

And when we get a bigger place we'd be more than happy to put you up and show you around.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-09-13 08:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over
She said YES!




That’s right! I asked Mila to marry me, and she said yes without a thought. We became officially engaged on Saturday, September 4. And that Ruby ring looks exquisite on her hand. We need to go to a jewelry shop to have it sized down, but I guessed pretty close based on the photos I had to work with.

I am going to marry the most wonderful woman I have ever met. We want to have the wedding in the Spring so there’s plenty of time to plan things as we want it.

We are a nearly perfect fit for each other, its literally like two pieces from a jigsaw puzzle being joined. There is no forcing the match whatsoever. We are both so laid back that nothing really seems to faze us. We have laughed off so many situations that would have had others at odds its incredible. Even with the language difference there are no misunderstandings that have us going at each other. She will say I’m talking too fast, I slow down and repeat as often as needed and think of something to compare that she knows and she does the same with the Russian side of the partnership. Everything is very natural and easy with us. We both feel very free and comfortable together. Neither of us have the rose glasses on, we really are looking things as they are and happily planning our life together.

I am planning to return for New Years and spend about 6 weeks with Mila and then I will be making the arrangements to move here in May or June when we will be married start our life together fulltime. I already know that right after the wedding I can apply for a temporary residence to stay with my wife. Ukraine has a “we don’t want to break up families” law and I will fall under that rule. That will make it possible to live here and in two years apply for Permanent Resident status.

All that being said we are by no means perfect people. Mila is in no way perfect nor am I and we know this about each other and ourselves. We expect differences to crop up and hope to deal with them the way we do now, with understanding and patience. My girl is NOT a morning person. It has become my habit to rise a bit before her, usually between 6 & 7 and have my coffee, do some writing and go through my own wake up routine. Then around 9 I make her coffee and bring it and a small pastry to her so she can start her routine still in bed. The pleased murmurs and subsequent smile is well worth it, thrust me. After that she has a cig and disappears into the bathroom for almost an hour. That is sacred time and I have no idea what’s going in there and I think its best not to pry too much, but she always comes out looking fresh and happy so I can let that be. I just know to have my morning constitution completed before I go wake her up. It works for us. I don’t see it becoming an issue since I won’t be going to a job, she will so she can take all the time she needs. The really great thing about her though is after that she can be ready to walk out the door in minutes, even she still has to get dressed and no 2 cans of hairspray. I don’t recall seeing her use any at all really and I love touching her hair.

I can whistle in the house! I did it deliberately one day just to see what response I would get and nothing! I even asked her about it later and she doesn’t care. At home we both go without house shoes, but at the apartment in Alupka we had tile floors so she insisted on my wearing shoes. I know she loves me.

OH, and we had a good time in Yalta too. :dance:
TnicMaleUkraine2010-09-12 09:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

No. The US does not care about such things. They do not "tell" other countries who has become a US citizen and they do not require you to surrender a foreign passport. Keep the passport current by renewing it IN UKRAINE when you visit. For best results, Do not allow it to expire (you can renew it up to 2 years in advance)


Gary thanks. I'll def pass that on to Mike.

Well,
Had a good flight from CT and made it to Simferopol in fair condition. Exhausted, but in high spirits, especially when I saw Mila standing there with a sign emblazoned with our private motto. I was too tired to be very nervous and she was like a school girl on her first date, but we went straight to her place (which is now OUR place) and I got a shower while she warmed up some kuteleti and kartoshki with a meat filling and we sat down and finished the bottle of bubbly that she had bought special for our first night together.

Since then we've been all over town and Saturday I met her dochka Alex(ina) and grandson Max and we had a great time together. Suffice it to say that everything is going EXACTLY as we had both hoped and I believe the search is over. I feel more at home here than I do in my own hometown. We are completely open and natural with each other and its like we've been a couple for years instead of days.

I'm keeping an up to date TR at RMP if anyone is interested. Baron can help point the way if I'm not around.

Ok, time to pack our bags as tomorrow AM we head to the bus station and will be spending a week in Alupka.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-09-05 09:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

We were planning to forget to tell Ukraine about any other citizenships. Passports are kept valid at all times.


Good idea Gary. I was under the impression that she had to surrender her Intl. passport though. If not then um, never mind.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-31 19:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

Great information - thanks. I saved the site to favs too.


Due to the sudden changes Ukraine makes some times I will be keeping up with it at that forum. For now if you go to the intro forum and look for my howdy thread there's a direct link the the page with all the info you need. P-N knows his stuff and loves to help.

There's a guy I know at RMP who wants to retire to Ukraine in a couple years, but they kinda messed themselves up by her becoming a USC. But I'm sure she can apply for reinstatement as a UAC. SO if you're thinking about making the move over maybe you should stick with a GC for your wife and skip some extra paperwork. Me no expert of course, its just a thought.

AND HEY! In 24 hours I'll be at JFK. WooooooHoooooooo!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.
I'm leeeeeaaaaavin on a jet plane...

Edited by Tnic, 31 August 2010 - 03:38 PM.

TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-31 15:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

Are you going to do one of those three months and out for a day deals (over the border for a day - then another visa), or will you apply for residency (marry her there first)?


Border hopping IS an option. I have some things to handle here before I can do that and, well, I'd kinda like to see how well Mila and I do as a couple first. But I will want to obtain PR status when the time comes.

From what I've learned so far,

You have to be married to a Ukrainian for MORE than 2 years before you can be granted Permanent Resident status under the related to a native clause.
The day we marry the 2 year clock starts ticking.
When you get married though, under Ukraine's "we don't want to split up families" rule you can get a visa or special permit (I forget what its called) to stay with your beloved for the entire 2 years until you get the PR. No border hopping.

If anyone is thinking about becoming an expat in Ukraine here's a site with all the good info. http://www.expatua.com/
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-30 19:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over
Thanks Brad and Awiz!

I haven't moved yet. As for motivation, well you did see the pic I posted of Mila, didn't you?

Seriously I'm retired so all I need is a bankomat to get some cash. When I finally settle in with (get married to) my One and Only then I'll start the process to gain PR status. If its Mila then maybe we'll start the 2 year clock next year sometime. Kto Znayet?

No car this trip. We're using public transport all the way, unless a friend or two is driving.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-30 16:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

It's easy to start driving school, let she will try. Half women have driving license now, it's from statistics, may be different in Ukraine. Gazelles how you call them, are very dangerous, in big Russian cities you can use big and enough comfortable buses, though again I visited Ukraine long time ago, but everything changing. Really better to start driving in her home place. With my many years of experience of driving in big city in Russia driving in USA was very much easy!!! Everything written, everything marked, most drivers are careful enough, good roads...by the way, I'm a woman too.:-)


Hi Awiz,
She might have a Drivers License, I don't know. We both agree that there really isn't much need for a car in the city though. The bus or Gazelle (I forget the proper name for them) is convenient and cheap. My plan is to move there so I'm sure there's a car in the future so we can tour Crimea (from Simferopol) easier.

Well, in 2 days 10.5 hours I should be wheels up and about 20 hours later its huggie, kissie time.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-30 07:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

good luck.
what is it them always wanting to ride the bus and refuse the taxi? my girl insists the bus is much cheaper so I should let her ride the bus for 7 hours insted of 4 hours in a taxi.


Huh! Strange. Mila says "the bus is for poor people," but she uses the Gazelles (martusha?) to go to work.

I agree though. The bus IS cheaper and in the Summer WAY more comfortable than those 13 seat saunas they call a minivan taxi. One little 6" window in it and the first woman that gets in closes it so her hair doesn't get blown away. As if that little whisper of air could actually move all that hairspray. Humph. Give me the trolleybus and an open window I can stand near anytime.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-27 17:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over

I got in big trouble giving a watch to my fiance's Dad - apparently there's a superstition that a gift of a watch will result in fights in the family. which made it my fault when he ended up sleeping in the kitchen (at least from the perspective of my future mother-in-law) :-)

just a small heads up, i know there's no way to keep track of all the superstitions and they seem to vary from place to place, but I might skip the watches :-) enjoy your trip!


Yes, I was out finishing up my gift shopping yesterday and as I was leaving Marshals I listened to "that little voice" that told me forget the watches. So no trip to Burlington coat.

I knew about the superstition though. Not my first rodeo ya know. But the one about fighting is new to me. I always heard it meant the relationship would "wind down" and stop if the watch quit working.

Thanks for the tip about the movies and shows Slim. I'll have to dig around the basement and try to find the box. I have some flicks she might enjoy.

And I'm not the only one shopping for gifts. Mila told me last night she already has my mother's gift. It just floored me. She saw this handcrafted Shawl that she said is pretty rare and bought it for my mom. I'm sure it wasn't cheap either. Think I got me a keeper here.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-23 05:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting Over
Gary, thanks for all the advise. Really appreciate it.

I won't be packing an extra bag for gifts, but I think I'll bring enough practical items to keep the 25% time rolling along nicely, except I might have to limit it to 10%, I'm not a young man anymore, ya know. :rofl: Of course she keeps saying she only wants one big expensive gift, Me. :thumbs: :yes:

One of her biggest gifts I want to bring is some Rosetta Stone English CDs for her. She writes English at an advanced level, but rarely gets the chance to speak it so she's very self conscious about it.

Her 3 y/o grandson is probably getting the most goodies though along with something for his Mama (perfume?) and Papa (Tee shirt?) and/or maybe some inexpensive watches (gotta love Khol's). That should keep my score pretty high with the whole family. You can't go far wrong spending money on the kids especially the younger ones and I can't wait to meet little Max. He's gonna love finding a Hot Wheel (if Mama yes its ok of course) in my pocket every time I see him.

Things will have to be fairly generic this time, but the next trip I can and will make it more personal.
TnicMaleUkraine2010-08-21 10:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian wisdom from Natasha
QUOTE (eekee @ Apr 15 2008, 09:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you whistle indoors, you'll lose all your money.

my favorite russian superstition--when you get a new apartment or house, make sure you make a cat go in first because apparently the first being that goes into the house or apartment will die first.

QUOTE (Chris & Olya @ Apr 15 2008, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How about whistling in doors? While this is not a problem with my fiance, I thought that I have heard somewhere that this is not a good thing to do in russia




Irina confirms the whistling, I thought she was gonna kill me the couple times I did it.

The cat first is to remove bad spirits or karma or whatever. Of course since they are reputed to have nine lives... She says the cat will make the ??????? (House spirit?) happy and peacefull.

She only enforces the socks or shoes when it's cold now though.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-08 15:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWedding guests approved
CONGRATS!!! good.gif kicking.gif

Won't be long now.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-11 09:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBack from our trip to Baikal region of Russian Siberia.
Enjoyed your TR very much and the pix are terrific.

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-13 23:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
Maybe it'ld just be cheaper to pay the current "Security Provider" and concentrate on sales. Let them handle the protection while we relax on our plastic Baltika chairs.

Maybe we could make a few extra bucks marketing the RPC to them. They might even like the optic sight upgrade too, they do love gadgets.




TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-17 09:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
I thought I posted this earlier today, but don't see it now.

A friend of mine from RMP is teaching english there now. Here's what he told me when I asked about it.

There are many different courses you can take. I took a TESOL course, it is about 120 or so hours, not long. The school I work for also offers a course and then the first year you would be an intern. I think it is best to get a course from some where local and then get a job.
What area is you lady in? Language Link has many schools through out Russia. Here is the web site, http://jobs.languagelink.ru/

I'm actually thinking of doing a little private teaching if there are any people interested while we're there for the Summers.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-12 16:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
QUOTE
So we're going to have a papaya, peanutbutter, hot sauce, popcorn stand. And since it's Russia, we'll have to sell Baltika (so we can get free signs and furniture!) and bootleg DVDs. Plus plane tickets, batteries, maps, etc. We'll also offer guided tours in English, apartment rentals, and have cab drivers on speed-dial. While we're at it, might as well offer VIP service at all the nightclubs. Man, this really could work!


We should set up close the Kvas stands. When we explain how thirsty people will get from the popcorn and peanut butter they'll jump on board fast. devil.gif
TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-12 08:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
Sounds like a niche market is developing here. devil.gif

What about popcorn (NOT the nuked stuff)?
A big bowl of hot buttered corn a Baltika 6 and my sweetie beside me on the divan, nothing better than that.
TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-11 13:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
I understand completely Slim.

I'm truly blessed to have the options I have. And then there's my Irina.

TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-11 09:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
I'll do some more research on the visa thing.

I'm retired. I have enough to do both.

If we get the summer house we'ld own it outright and close it up for the winter. My bride and her mom own their appartment where Mama lives. We would be renting a modest place here someplace that would be empty in the summer.

Right now we only have the outline of a plan and the desire to try to make it happen. I'm quite certain there will be many hurdles to overcome, but we'll cross those bridges when we get there. Irina is well connected there and we have the luxury of having good friends in right the right places who will help us as needed.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-10 08:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
Yes the visa thing bugs the ####### out of me. I'm getting a biz visa the next trip so I can have the time to run down a Resident Visa. We have the connections there to make it happen, I just have to get there and get started on it. Then it's summers in Russia and winters in So. CT. If we can swing the Summer house then Mama will have enough canned fruits and vegies to see her through the winter.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-09 21:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
QUOTE (slim @ Jun 9 2009, 02:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How are you folks planning on funding homes in both countries?


Her Mom is living in their appartment in Russia so that is a done deal. Apparently dacha's and "garden homes" are dirt cheap right now (Mama checked the gazyeta yesterday) so that means a pleasant place to stay while the appartment is torn up during renovations.

We're looking for an inexpensive appartment here and there are some viable option available on that front. We really just need something a little better than a "crash pad" that's near F & F.

TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-09 08:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDid you consider living in Russia?
Well, now that the fire has burned down a little bit...

My girl and I are actually beginning the prep work to retire to her town in Russia. We hope all our financials will be settled here by Fall and I'm thinking late Spring 2010 to make the move. I hope to get a Biz visa this Summer so I can spend the neccessary time there to get through the resident visa process. Irina wants to keep her GC so we would most likely live six months in each place.

Tim
TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-08 16:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHotels in Moscow
Stayed at Izmailovo last year. Not bad for $100/night. The room was clean and fully functional, but no internet. Less than 10 minutes from the metro and there's a market nearby as well as a couple reasonable cafes.

I already emailed RGF for our return leg in August.

TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-28 20:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHoney, we don't do that in America..............
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jun 15 2009, 05:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Jun 15 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jonathan Matthies @ Jun 12 2009, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
During my week in Vladivostok, people kept trying to talk to me while I stared vacantly as if someone was blowing a dog whistle. Either I dressed neutral enough that they couldn't tell I was American; or it was the opposite was true and they knew I was American and they wanted to screw with my head.


Or, maybe they thought, "since you're in Russia, you should speak Russian." No matter where you're from!

For the record, Americans (and Britons, and probably English-speaking Canadians, Aussies and Kiwis) are the only people who DEMAND people to speak English to them, even while on holiday. Seems like the rest of the world's figured out when they travel to a different country, people there speak a different language. We don't look at it like that. "If they want my holiday dollars, they ought speak to me in English. This is absurd, no one even speaks English in this blasted country. Next time, I'm going back to Cozumel where they speak perfect English."


I used to hear the same thing when I lived in Japan as a kid. Fellow servicemen would say "why don't papasan speak English?". The response "because you are in his country moron" never was well received.


Ran into the same situation when I lived in Maine. The French Canadiens would come for holiday and refuse to speak english. It'd take them 10 minutes to order an ice cream cone. All you could do is try to stay composed in the 90 F heat while you wait your turn. I encountered several Europeans (mostly Germans) and they all made the effort to speak the native tongue and did quite well.
TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-15 21:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHoney, we don't do that in America..............
QUOTE (PJB @ Jun 8 2009, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My five years in Russia were spent trying to find room in our tiny apt for all of the boxes, bags and packing materials we saved. In Russia (maybe because we're older and Hubby lived through Soviet and Deficit times) we saved and reused EVERYTHING including washing and reusing grocery bags and ziplock bags. But here in America while we do recycle and reuse we can't possible use all of the copious amounts of disposables that come free with everything we buy! Though I do go into a terrible mental struggle everytime I have a pickle or p-nut butter jar to toss ("This is a Horoshee Banke! great for canning summer jams, storing leftovers, or making sugared lemons!").

We also have the leftover problems. But since I'm the kitchen Nachalnik I quickly cover and Tupperware any free floating foods. But I can't seem to convince Hubs that throwing out old leftovers is not a sin in America. I keep telling him that the hospital bills here are really expensive and trying to economize by eating rotten food is just not cost effective! wink.gif


OMG the leftovers! Even after a couple weeks I can't toss anything if she's in the house. "WHAT YOU DO? Nossing happen to it!!" whistling.gif
TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-08 20:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHoney, we don't do that in America..............

[/quote]When in Eastern Europe, I find that the bread there with nothing added to preserve, improve, etc. lasts longer in the open than ours does in the bag. I wonder why? laughing.gif
[/quote]

I discovered the same thing last year. Maybe that's why our mates aren't in such a rush to get everything under wraps and into the holodelnik.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-08 15:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHoney, we don't do that in America..............
QUOTE (slim @ Jun 7 2009, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate not having an organized fridge. I have pots and pans, plates, etc. on every shelf. Also, condiments go in the door, not on the main shelf. I have been banging my head against the wall - "The zippers on the bags can CLOSE to keep the food fresh. This little tab here CLOSES to keep the food fresh. We have plastic wrap and aluminum foil to COMPLETELY COVER the food with, so it stays fresh. The lid on that pot should COMPLETELY COVER the pot so the food stays fresh."

I'm also trying to convince my wife that we don't need to get down and scrub the floor every couple of days. The wood doesn't have to be gleaming.

We're still working on the 40-hour work week too. She's getting there, but it seems like she'd prefer to work 12 days in a row and then take a month off. Me too, but it's hard to pay the bills like that.


You got her USE the baggies? "They're very expensive in Russia" Honey, we're not in Russia, they're cheap here, and PLEASE close them when you use them. And of course she promptly tosses the twist ties on the bread bags. Blini will sit on the table for a couple days if I don't cover it and put it in the fridge.

TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-08 13:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIt must be love, Russian style
QUOTE
"So you think I look old"


No baby, you don't look a day over 60. She's forty-five and laughs everytime.



Welcome back John. So, how was the trip? Not too long I hope. devil.gif

TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-25 06:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIt must be love, Russian style
QUOTE (AKguy @ Jun 21 2009, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Jun 21 2009, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whenever I grab her belly flab she asks, "what are you doing?" I tell her, "I just check your belly. Before it's more flat but now you have little grease right here.... I like little grease. Makes you look more like American woman."

Works every time.


laughing.gif
To each their own!
If I would have tried that with my ex I would be picking up my teeth!


Yeh, doesn't work with the AMs, but I didn't even hesitate the first time she said, "I'm so fat". "No baby, you're only a little fat." You should see the jaws hit the floor around the fitting rooms. And she keeps saying it and asking. innocent.gif


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-21 21:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarushating on the "newbies"
QUOTE (john & jean @ Jun 28 2009, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
maybe you should get around a little more often. there is no newbie bashing allowed here!!!!!



We don't bite here. We only nibble a little. Ok, ok! A little light slapping, but that's it, really!


TnicMaleUkraine2009-06-28 19:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExpiration date on International Passport
QUOTE
Whatever name your identification is using is what you should use on your plane tickets, for ease of travel I would think.


BINGO!!

A friend of ours almost lost out on two round trip tickets NYC to Moscow because she didn't think the spelling of her last name was that important. Thank God her ex took her to the airport and was able to find someone to straighten it out, but she and her son missed the plane and they had to fly the next day.

Make sure the names match!

Also, I don't know about the other airlines, but effective 1 July Delta has a limit of ONE 50 pound checked bag now and they're cracking down on carry on sizes. Be prepared.


TnicMaleUkraine2009-07-06 16:49:00