biggish data

Where is everyone from in the states?

Only our experience, Lena told me that tamoshna in Detroit thoroughly went through her two big suitcases. She was pissed that the officer went through all of her underwear. That's all. Total time at Customs in Detroit was 30 minutes. Go through Detroit, you are close to home. Good luck and keep in touch. Igor

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2013-07-22 09:28:00

Where is everyone from in the states?

Detroit, American home of Severstal Steel. Large RUB population. Western Ukrainians live on one side of town and Eastern Ukrainians and Russians live on the other side of town. Go figure.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2013-07-22 04:11:00

70 Years of Liberation! what a Great Trip

I have great memories as well of Kharkov. Walking through the park and Freedom Square. Lena just returned from her beloved city and if all goes well, we both will celebrate New Year in Kharkov this year. She has many family, friends and co-workers who look forward to reunions with Lena. Who knows, maybe those of us on VJ going at that time can meet and greet? At Shevchenko Park?

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2013-09-12 05:22:00

70 Years of Liberation! what a Great Trip

I just spoke to Lena. She is waiting in Amsterdam for her connection back to Detroit. She was visiting her family, friends and past co-workers in Kharkov. It was her first trip back since 2011. Her apartment is very close to the Khalodna Hora Metro station. When I visited her back then, I remember the giant statue of Lenin as well. Beautiful parks. I've been told that all of the Metro stations are labeled in English. Very beautiful city. We plan to go visit Kharkov during the New Year.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2013-09-04 05:53:00

I used to have a big Russian-English dictionary of swear words on my computer back in Russia. I even learned some Russian words I hadn't known before
My husband was so proud when I taught him how to say "b*tch" in Russian - he was telling everybody: "I know how to say "b*tch" in 3 languages!" (English, Spanish, Russian). I don't usually teach him that stuff... Also my friends taught him a bunch of Russian swear words

I purchased the paperback "Dermo" before visiting Lena the very first time. It cracked her up as well as her son (25). He asked me to leave it for his reading enjoyment and probably to share with his friends. I highly recommend it :devil:

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/0452277450

296812-L.jpg 35.86KB 8 downloads

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-12-30 08:27:00

Home shoes, home clothes, pyjama, street shoes, street clothes...I guess I haven't been livin right ALL these years.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-12-04 10:22:00

OCD? :-)

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-12-03 09:07:00

I found an uncovered whole chicken in the fridge yesterday morning before going to work. Also. She sets removes carrots from their bags (peeled type) and sets them out on a plate on the counter to dry and breathe for a day or two. Leftovers are always still in pots or pans on the stove the next morning. All of the zip lock bags have disappeared. The same goes for the tupperware bowls. After 3 months here, Lena finally began to use the clothes dryer. The dishwasher...forget about it! Waste of "electric."

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-12-03 07:39:00

Best way to meet a Ukrainian/Russian (and cheapest)

I used a U.S. company to visit Ukraine and their tour was great. IMO that is still the best way for a guy to meet a lot of women in a short time. That being said, the trip is not the end of the search, but just the beginning. The tours are just to introduce two people. It is up to the people to decide if there is enough interest to continue the learning process. If you go to a RUB country thinking that you are going to the Woman Store for your purchase, you are just looking for trouble. You need to get past all the hype and realized that you are looking for someone to love, who will also love you. Age differences generally are not a problem, unless you try to stretch it too far. But again, that depends upon the people involved.

The guy needs to keep reminding himself that she is still a woman with wants, needs and desires of all women. She is not your toy, she is not desperate to leave her country and she is not looking to come to America with its streets of gold. Of course, I assume that we speak of women seriously interested in finding a life partner. If you go into this adventure without your eyes open and a commitment to understanding the differences in cultures and how all of this can work together, then prepare for disappointment.

Well said! :thumbs:

No such toy store exists in RUBland.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-06-10 10:34:00

Suggestions for airlines to Mexico

tcgateway99, please check Aeroflot and Transaero (Russian Airlines), they should have direct flights from Moscow to your destination several days per week.

irenehanim

Not Telling

2013-06-12 07:47:00

Police Clearance at Interview - Original or Copy

Not sure if an original or copy of a police clearance is required at the interview? Background: the record is from a country in Africa and the person acquiring it will undoubtedly prefer to fax it to my fiance in Ukraine. Since we haven't yet received our NOA-1 (filed K-1 December, 2010) my thoughts are that the document should be faxed, emailed and the original sent to her via the mail.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-10 10:58:00

TOUCHING

The good, the bad and the ugly. Thanks.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-11 14:35:00

TOUCHING

I hope my feeling of euphoria is the correct emotion...our K-1 app has been touched 3 times since we received NOA-1 on December 26th. Any ideas on what the number of touches represent? Good bad or indifferent? My belief is that our documents being touched indicates activity rather that lying idle in a pile of K-1s. Thanks.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-11 12:47:00

Cheaters are not exclusive to a particular country. I was taken advantage of upon arriving at JFK after my first trip to Ukraine. I had to take a cab to Laguardia (less than 15 km). Unknowingly (debatable), I was offered a ride in an unmarked cab for 110 USD. When it was time to pay, I passed the driver (foreigner) 150 USD. He then with a slight of hand he showed me that there was only a 101 USD in his hand. Argued a bit but being exhausted after the flight across the pond, I dug deeper and gave him another $9. Obviously, he received the tip of his choosing. I should've known better and not had so much faith in the human spirit. We have an expression here: "taken for a ride.".

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-20 08:35:00

From my own experience, I know that the majority of people in UA work 2, sometimes (really) 3 jobs and too weary for the most part to express greetings and joy to customers. Salaries, if and when are minimal, especially for teachers and middle tier civil service workers.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-19 20:28:00

Balconies are a necessity for drying clothing sheets. For me, the 11th floor balcone was a great vantage point to wave to Lena and watch her skip on her way to her privat aerobics job. I'd return to the balcone as she made her way back home after work, waving at each other throughout her 500 meter trip from her metro station. Very memorable.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-17 09:03:00

When we drink Vodka, we eat in-between toasts. Maybe that's why we only get a little bit pion-enky even after 5 or 6.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-16 15:32:00

Can't believe I misspelled DETROIT.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-15 12:49:00

It is better to use the most common sense when dealing with these idiot personalities. You are the better person. Don't be afraid to mingle with Americans. Also, when you come, find the Russian community and participate and friends will soon come your way. In Detoit, we have over 22,000 Russian people living here. I've joined a Russian Orthodox Church and have made new friend who will welcome Lena when she comes. Even the priest called her in Kharkov yesterday.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-15 12:24:00

My Lena sometimes uses this expression "Let them just try." I am sure that you can defend yourself and even put someone who is deserving in their proper place. However, this shouldn't happen between friends. One thing I have learned about Russian women, they are resourceful and can dish-out pain if necessary. Happy Journey!

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-15 11:45:00

Well said Rachel. Like I mentioned in a previous post, most times I lumber through each day in a robotic fashion. Now, 3 months in, each day brings us closer to our happiness. Spring will soon come and then she will too. I'm glad it will be summer then.
Igor

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-12 10:33:00

Oh, by the way, the Fiddler is a great Russian cafe and they host traditional singers on weekends. The Fiddler is located on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. Good Russian market is nearby also on Orchard lake Rd near Northwestern Hwy. I plan to have our small reception at the Fiddler.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-22 20:23:00

Her motivation is unbelievable. Lena will work as soon as it becomes possible. Of course, currently she nixes any thought of driving. She's fearful and as you know, the mietro is all she knows working 3 jobs, 2 full time and 1 privat part time job as a phys ed teacher and aerobics instructor. She knows that work will be difficult to find, especially here but she amazes me when tells me that she will work most any job. My two teenage sons have cars and they will help with her transportation needs initially. I'm sure that after awhile, she will assimilate and drive. In the meantime I will get busy and spruce-up the place. :-)

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-22 20:01:00

Lol

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-22 16:38:00

Hello from a fellow Michigander
The waiting is definitely hard, but it'll be well worth it when your fiancee arrives.

I don't know what part of Michigan you are from but I have learned that in the Detroit area where I live, there are over 22,000 people of Russian heritage and many more Ukrainians that live here. A few good Russian markets will be helpful when Lena comes too. The waiting is the toughest part even though I expected a lengthy process. I don't know what I would do without Skype. Thanks for the advice and your stories. Still would like others to vent too.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-22 15:48:00

I completely understand what you are going through! When I started this process I thought I would be different, that I would not let the waiting cause me stress! Ha! I learned better months ago. This situation is just so un-natural, being in love with someone and not being allowed to be together, having total strangers have arbitrary control over when and even whether you will ever be together. Add to that the problems imposed by language barriers! Even when one speaks the others language reasonably well there are still the cultural differences that cause misunderstanding and this can lead to unnecessary worry and doubts. It would be much better if the process were more transparent, if you knew what date you would be getting adjudicated, for example. But at the same time I am so happy I have found my fiancee! I remind myself daily how lucky we are to have this opportunity! Hang in there, the end result is well worth the stress we all go through in getting there!

Thanks James, your comments and others help me keep my sanity in check because I understand that I am not the only one going through this. I am keeping busy as I can. I'm fortunate that Lena speaks English fairly-well and she has the greatest attitude and calms me daily. Hey, you are my neighbor to the north. Lived in Marquette and worked at MGH for about a year. God's country! Good luck and I hope you and Olya receive your NOA-2 very soon. Keep in touch.

Thanks HappyGuy for your recommendations. We now have a Russian church and yes, I'll have to un bachelorize the house. Take care!

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-22 06:28:00

I keep trying to tell her about our wonderful transporation system and the wait times and all the other issues surrounding a large city bus system, crime, stalkers, etc. She is so used to the really fine metro system in Kharkov. It will be a change. Her attitude right now is that she does not want to drive when she comes. I know that will change, like you said after a few months. I do admire the fact that she wants to work (anything) to begin with.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-21 10:42:00

Most all of us here have been in your situation, and it sucks big time. It gets even worse the closer it gets to "interview time". I couldn't sleep myself for the 2 -3 weeks leading up to it. All you can do is try to keep busy. On a good note, the system is quicker now than it has ever been...and easier I might add seeing how they are doing more and more online, and finally trying to ditch the mail system part of it.

If you take your time and get everything ready for her...find out what she needs, make sure she sends her stuff in boxes to the US that she can't take with her, make sure she has access to a phone card when she gets here to talk with her family, internet, a car, etc...

When my wife got her off the plane, I had a car waiting for her, new laptop, phone card, Russian channels on the Satellite package, ...got her a cell phone a few days after she landed, visa debit card,..took her shopping, etc... Chances are she's going to be a basket case when she gets here, so do everything within your limits to make it comfortable for her once she gets off that plane.

That's what I'm talkin' about, thanks! Bought Lena a laptop during my first trip to Kharkov in October. Her hand-me-down IBM was way too slow and she had to go to a friend's apartment or her son's on Sundays to Skype with me. Now we must video call twice a day. She keeps telling me that she doesn't want a car, and will take the bus (ha!). In Detroit, are you kidding? No metro here. She'll acclimate in time as you suggest. I have Comcast now and need to find out if a Russian package is available and if not, I'll switch to Dish or Direct TV. Also, we have a couple of good Russian grocery/meat stores in the area which will be helpful. And as I mentioned in another thread, we've chosen a Russian Orthodox Church near us and I have been attending regularly.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-19 20:14:00

Hi Igor,

It's so reassuring to read others' posts that express anxiety and impatience... sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind! I'm also experiencing a lot of anxiety; for me, once I invested in this process and gave my life over to Erico in my decision to get married and bring him here, its been harder than ever to be apart. I'm impatient to start our lives together NOW! Also, there's so much unknown about what the DHS will hand us along the way. It sounds like you're managing your anxiety well by staying busy; I'm originally from the Detroit area (Canton/Garden City) and now live in New Hampshire, so, like you, I'm in the dead of winter. I'm a field biologist, so it's my slow season, thus unfortunately I'm not busy enough at work right now for that to help much. I've had to stay busy with exercise and with friends, and sometimes just piddling around my apartment making up things to do. My down time is torture, and keeping my worry in check has been really challenging. Some days are better than others, to be sure. On the good days, I can focus on my happiness in my relationship and in thinking about our future together; on the bad days, I worry about every single thing that could go wrong. I check VJ every day and often, because it's comforting to read others' posts, and to read success stories when the K-1 is granted! We WILL be with our fiances SOON!

Rachel (and Erico)

Rachel,

I know exactly how you are feeling. I sometimes wish that I could go to sleep and wake up when it's time to pick-up Lena at Detroit Metro. Yea, I browse Vj daily, sometimes multiple times via BlackBerry. But, thank God for mobile technology and Skype too! Even starting this thread gives me encouragement in a weird way and I'm hopeful that people waiting through the process will just drop a line, give a testimonial or even let it all out. This is the happiest time of my life yet, it's sorrowful too. Venting is a good thing! Soon enough, Erico will be with you for life in New Hampshire. So, we wait...by the way one of our offices is in Garden City.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-19 18:18:00

I'm sure that all of you who are in the K-1 process and read this thread are biding your time TRYING to keep busy and cope during the process. I'm from Detroit and would welcome others who are from (yes, still) the Motor City (and elsewhere). Work keeps me busy enough to minimize my anxiety and the hardship I experience throughout each day being without my fiancé. We Skype twice a day and SMS often (she wakes me each morning with a quick call). We ponder and imagine everyday (normal) routines we will have when we are finally reunited. I recently joined a Russian Orthodox Church and have made friends there. My Facebook friends are very supportive and offer support on my "Lena Arrives In Detroit countdown." I realize what a rant this is but I would like to here about how you are coping during this waiting game. All the best to you and your loved ones.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-19 11:18:00

Best, Worst, Most unexpected thing about FSU

I was fortunate to be the guest at Lena's bosses home in October. I experienced a traditional Russian meal and celebration. The food, blini with premium caviar, sala, pelmeni, purreh and of course vodka always followed by more servings of delicious fare. I know very little Russian but as the evening progressed, communicating with friends became easier. Very memorable.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-12 20:52:00

Best, Worst, Most unexpected thing about FSU

Absolutely the Russian food, Pelmeni, Galopsie, cutleta, BORSHT, blini, etc.

Been twice in 2010 and this past New Year and both times my baggage was delayed for three days. Not a problem :-)

We took the Mietro to the aeroport in Kharkov and back to Lena's. She stopped in a shop near her Mietro station to buy a couple of items and I waited for her while standing on the street clutching my suitcase and smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, out of nowhere 2 policia approached me and what I could ascertain reprimanded me for smoking in public. Well, since I have very basic Russian language skills all I could do is say "pa Angliske? Fortunately Lena came running and all it took was a few harsh words to the cops and we all went on our way. Lena told me the policia saw TOURIST written all over my face and were certain that they would be able to scam some USD or Euros from me. Lesson learned.

Another thing I learned is that Ukrainian people enjoy being at home among their loved ones and family. They work sometimes 2-3 jobs and relish home. Proud to be Ukrainian!

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-02-10 11:21:00

NICE BABUSHKA IN MIETRO

Our mode of travel in Kharkov during my last vist with Lena was predominantly by the Mietro. We frequently came upon a sweet little Babushka with her cup soliciting handouts. There were many in this situation but Lena took a strong interest in this little woman. Maybe soliciting is too strong a word. This woman stands silently with her head bowed always at the same station. Lena walked up to her and dropped a few kopets in her cup and just for a moment this babushka raised her head, made eye contat with Lena and smiled at her as if she knew Lena. Well, she kinda did know the her...Lena took a shine to her many months ago and makes regular contributions. She likes this Babushka and her grandmotherly smile and eyes very much. I did too.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-19 20:38:00

The Solstice is trashed

Whoop-de-do in a Subaru to Ben and Jerry's.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-07 06:47:00

The Solstice is trashed

Our fun car is a six speed 2005 RX8, it doesn't like our Detroit wintery roads. Thank God Alla is ok.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-07 06:43:00

Lena's English is intermediate. She will be able to demonstrate that she can communicate with me in English. Insightful comments and thank you.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-30 20:22:00

Thanks SMR, she will probably stick to Russian for the interview so not to miss the "ra ra ra" as she puts it. I find myself pacing my English slower than normal and I use simpler words and phrases when I talk with her. On the other hand, she has a difficult time deciphering normal-paced English when my sister or my son talks with her. However, I notice her English improving weekly.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-28 18:46:00

Ochen khorosho!

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-27 16:21:00

Might be a bit off topic but Lena asked me to find out if when the time comes for her interview in Kyiv, should she speak in Russian or her intermediate English? Will she have a choice? I suggested she converse in Russian so that nothing gets lost in translation. I will be with her at her eventual interview for all of the right reasons.

Lena and Igor

Male

Ukraine

2011-03-27 14:18:00