ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
I may be a bit "dim" but I am not stupid. I never asked for a tour of the factory because this is the same city the militiza picked me up in the city park because I was photographing birds with a big camera lens. Granted, the lens was a 600mm f4 (about 2 feet long and about 12 inch diameter) but they detained me till they could confirm I was indeed a wildlife photographer working in Russia photographing birds.

Sure, I can see me on a tour of the AK factory; picked up in the park as a spy; dating a lady with son who works at AK factory; background as special forces in Army; .... I think I would still be living in a gulag in Russia! However, I did enjoy the cold of Siberia and Yakutia is not so bad is you like permafrost and -70, seas of bugs in the summer and ice almost year-around
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-17 07:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
QUOTE (sivad @ Jul 16 2009, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Jul 16 2009, 02:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sivad @ Jul 15 2009, 03:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
you know slim,you can go over there and go for rides in thier old fighters,even thier spyplanes,that fly on the borders of space....if you got the money....anyone for mach 2?

I was waiting for that "if you got the money" part. I'd love to ride in a Mig or see the moon from orbit, but as for now, I'll keep it simple with a tour of the AK factory.


do they give tours of that....lolololol.


One of my friends in Russia has a son that worked in the AK factory in Izhevsk; he could not speak English so we did not have a lot to talk about and he was only 16.

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-16 11:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
Anyone else notice that the TU154 crashed in Iran.
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-15 13:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
QUOTE (K1researcher @ Jul 11 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
154 is a nice plane. I love inter russian flights the service is great. The pilots are hardcore too, they love being on time!


Of course, I remember being in the airport once and a flight to Irkutst left 45 minutes early because of expected headwinds. I have been on plenty of flights that left late but never one that was super early. I remember sitting in the airport watch all the folks come to the counter and finding their plane gone! Of course, at SVO1 you need to do check-in two hours early just to get past security.

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-11 12:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
This will not be my first time in the TU154; did a couple other trips in this shipbox of a plane; had a couple meals also but it is usually dried bread with a piece of stinky fish on top, makes me wanta vomit devil.gif

Edited by john and natalya, 11 July 2009 - 06:44 AM.

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-11 06:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Jul 11 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john and natalya @ Jul 11 2009, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Of course, the savings is mute because I will be paying for the wedding dress and other expenses. I am not complaining, she will be really beautiful in her wedding dress. I, of course, will still look like a ugly nerd in my Tux.


Great news, enjoy your trip.

Maybe you should wear the dress and she can wear the tux? Just a thought


There ain't no way I can fit into that dress. And at that price, I do not want to take any chances that the "gold plating" falls off devil.gif

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-11 06:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTupolev 154 serving lunch
I just booked my next trip to Russia (first week October) with connections to Anapa, Russia. The connection is a Tupolev 154, a little over a 2 hr. flight and they are serving lunch. Can you believe it. One, in good old USA, you don't get lunch anymore unless you pay for it (on most flights). Two, lunch on a Tupolev 154, that's a crop duster or a flying greyhound bus; how can we possibly eat lunch on that piece of ship

BTW, rates are pretty cheap for Sept./Oct. trips; only paid $598 for trip from Jacksonville to Moscow and $175 for Moscow to Anapa. My last trip was over $1500 combined, so I am pretty pleased.

Of course, the savings is mute because I will be paying for the wedding dress and other expenses. I am not complaining, she will be really beautiful in her wedding dress. I, of course, will still look like a ugly nerd in my Tux.
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-10 23:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWelcome new members!
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Jul 23 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What out for Old guys with guns


You missed the stereotype of men seeking Russian hotties

Old fat bald guys with guns

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-23 15:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWelcome new members!
What do you call more than one RUB, a Rubli or Rubles tongue.gif ohmy.gif

Edited by john and natalya, 20 July 2009 - 08:35 AM.

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-20 08:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 26 2009, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The first time I went to Belarus I bought a new Samsonite suitcase (in black of course). There were no less than ten other chemodani exactly like mine on the last leg of the flight, and as a sick joke most of the luggage tags were torn off. A large group of us passengers stood at the baggage claim scratching our heads and not talking, as we didn't all speak the same language. My traveling companions laughed their a$$es off. Eventually I got the right bag.

The next time I flew into Minsk, I wished my only trouble was finding my bag ion the conveyor. It was sent to Istanbul by mistake, and took three days to get back. No explanation at all. All the claims paperwork was done by hand, with multiple carbons. Thought I woke up in the 1960s jest.gif


The last time I arrived in Minsk, my bag rotated around the conveyor belt for hours and hours alone without my presence. I was stuck at the visa booth as they searched in vain for the proof of my visa; I had a visa in my passport that was correct, but somehow, they did not have me on some list they kept at the desk. Eventually, they got tired of me and sent me on my way; my bag was so happy to see me rolleyes.gif

Edited by john and natalya, 26 July 2009 - 07:49 PM.

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-26 19:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
QUOTE (mox @ Jul 26 2009, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I believe the point is "Russian officials are corrupt." Haha.


NO, actually this was posted in the wrong thread on the Russian forum; it belongs in the "What is your favorite drink", judging by the writing, I would say a liter of Two Fingers, sans lime and salt

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-26 13:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
Thanks for the update.

Agree about the shuttle or bus service between SVO2 and SVO1; if you arrive late or very early-you may need to wait for the shuttle to save the $40 taxi charge for the 2 mile trip

Agree about Air France also, they are at the bottom of my list of airlines, below Iraq Air; Iran Air, Dubai Air, etc
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-15 13:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Forum; what is your favorite drink?
QUOTE (novotul @ Aug 2 2009, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (johnj @ Jul 30 2009, 08:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (novotul @ Jul 29 2009, 04:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its very strange that so few Russian drinks get mentioned in this thread.


you mean like "vodka- cold" in hip flask


If that's what floats your boat, fine.


Not my boat, but it is the most common drink I have been offered in Russia, on the bench in airports, on the trans-siberian rail, on the buses and trolleys, and in the villages as part of celebrations.

johnjMaleRussia2009-08-02 18:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Forum; what is your favorite drink?
QUOTE (novotul @ Jul 29 2009, 04:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its very strange that so few Russian drinks get mentioned in this thread.


you mean like "vodka- cold" in hip flask

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-30 09:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Forum; what is your favorite drink?
QUOTE (sivad @ Jul 23 2009, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sivad @ Jul 23 2009, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Jul 22 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AKguy @ Jul 22 2009, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just about any nut brown ale


Is that good with the sausage tacos blink.gif


sausage tacos?????where,where,where????



wait a minute........sausage tacos.......i just got that.......boooooooooo,disregard previous post please. unsure.gif


Man, that is gross

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-23 14:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Forum; what is your favorite drink?
QUOTE (amberdima @ Jul 22 2009, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john and natalya @ Jul 21 2009, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Pick one, what is your favorite drink? If it is mixed, how do you make it?

PS; Beer is not a drink, it is a lack of imagination headbonk.gif

For me it is a Mudslide

1 shot Volka
1 shot Kaluha
1 shot Baileys Irish Cream
4 oz Milk
Choc on inside of glass
Serve on Ice

Optional: Sub. Ice cream for milk, blend lightly; omit ice


c'mon. beer is not a drink, but a girly mudslide is??? blink.gif

my fave is orange belvedere with club. and when i want to last all night, beer. but when i was a little girl, i loved mudslides tongue.gif



Fine, double shot Tequila, no lime, no salt, worm optional

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-22 09:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Forum; what is your favorite drink?
Pick one, what is your favorite drink? If it is mixed, how do you make it?

PS; Beer is not a drink, it is a lack of imagination headbonk.gif

For me it is a Mudslide

1 shot Volka
1 shot Kaluha
1 shot Baileys Irish Cream
4 oz Milk
Choc on inside of glass
Serve on Ice

Optional: Sub. Ice cream for milk, blend lightly; omit ice
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-21 21:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
QUOTE (BluesTraveler @ Aug 7 2009, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (johnj @ Aug 7 2009, 04:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Of course, but getting out of Vermont is a big step

I advise everyone to leave Vermont as soon as possible!



devil.gif
johnjMaleRussia2009-08-07 14:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
QUOTE (baron555 @ Aug 7 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (johnj @ Aug 7 2009, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kate and Mark @ Aug 6 2009, 07:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john and natalya @ Jul 21 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
.... I am returning to see my sweetheart October; hopefully we will have NOA2 by them. ...
I am hoping for final approval in February 2010

Your stories?


John, could you tell us based on what source of information you count on October, please? I will explain my interest - we submitted our documents almost same day that you did but our bravest expectation was December. But even that now seems to have been too brave to expect. A call to the guys in the USCIS disturbed us quite a bit - a nice woman said that they are now only processing papers from... (make sure you are seating) December 30th... 2008 blink.gif . Feeling sort of being blown by a truck after that talk, to be honest, so any hope, good news, positive signs , etc are highly needed! smile.gif


Current time frame for NOA2 processing in Vermont is about 144 days, or a little less than five months. Application received June, I expect NOA2 in October or November. Yes, early October is a bit optimistic. Yes, some applications are held up pending FBI checks or some other snafu but most are being processed in the 144 day time frame.

As others have said, look at Igor's List for Vermont, you can see they are now approving applications that were submitted in early to mid March (little over 4 months).




Don't forget folks that NOA2 is not the end. You need then to add 2-4 weeks for NVC processing and then about 2 more months for the interview to be scheduled. My timeline tracked just slightly less overall than Igor's.


Of course, but getting out of Vermont is a big step

johnjMaleRussia2009-08-07 09:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
QUOTE (Kate and Mark @ Aug 6 2009, 07:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john and natalya @ Jul 21 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
.... I am returning to see my sweetheart October; hopefully we will have NOA2 by them. ...
I am hoping for final approval in February 2010

Your stories?


John, could you tell us based on what source of information you count on October, please? I will explain my interest - we submitted our documents almost same day that you did but our bravest expectation was December. But even that now seems to have been too brave to expect. A call to the guys in the USCIS disturbed us quite a bit - a nice woman said that they are now only processing papers from... (make sure you are seating) December 30th... 2008 blink.gif . Feeling sort of being blown by a truck after that talk, to be honest, so any hope, good news, positive signs , etc are highly needed! smile.gif


Current time frame for NOA2 processing in Vermont is about 144 days, or a little less than five months. Application received June, I expect NOA2 in October or November. Yes, early October is a bit optimistic. Yes, some applications are held up pending FBI checks or some other snafu but most are being processed in the 144 day time frame.

As others have said, look at Igor's List for Vermont, you can see they are now approving applications that were submitted in early to mid March (little over 4 months).

johnjMaleRussia2009-08-07 07:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
DA
johnjMaleRussia2009-07-23 14:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
QUOTE (Jonathan Matthies @ Jul 22 2009, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My story is waiting both sucks and blows.

But at least these past few weeks have blown by. 2 weeks ago I somehow missed two entire days. I went through the entire day, until 2pm; thinking it was a Wednesday. It was a Friday. I was pleasantly suprised, and then really confused and agitated that I simply lost 2 days. Now if I could only wake up and have it be 2010 I'd be much happier. Oh and if $6000 would magically appear in my bank account I'd be ecstatic.


Jonathan; our NOA dates are relatively close, good to have your on-board

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-22 19:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Forum; May-August K1/K3 Filers
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Jul 22 2009, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What do I get to do! what do I get to do! Pick me Pick me!

This sucks its just like dodge ball all over again.



Thom gives us daily updates on the employment situation and a brief review of the soaps on TV devil.gif

QUOTE (mox @ Jul 22 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He who controls the pie, controls the universe!



Baaaad photo, this guy have never had any pie! Put a photo of slim and then I will believe in pie eating

johnjMaleRussia2009-07-22 11:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
Better than stinky fish rolleyes.gif rolleyes.gif rolleyes.gif
johnjMaleRussia2009-05-12 17:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
QUOTE (easytarget @ May 12 2009, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Heard a guy come walking up the aisle, yup it was the pilot. Pulls out his key chain, spent two or three minutes finding the key for the cockpit door. I knew I was in good hands.


Indeed. Gotta love Russia.

Ask for veg. meal; pray tell, how. No one spoke a word of English on most Russia airlines. Some would read the safety regulation in English but it was phonetic-kinda like my Russian

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-12 17:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
QUOTE (Neonred @ May 11 2009, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john and natalya @ May 11 2009, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KGSodie @ May 11 2009, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry, Rostov-on-Don.


Love Rostov-on-Don, beautiful city; especially The Don hotel and the river boat trips


Hi John and welcome back. I see you are living in Jacksonville now?

I know Rostov-on-Don very well as my wife is from there and we still have an apartment there. Never took the train there, however, as I could always find good prices (or at least my wife could) on flights from/to Moscow on Aeroflot-Don airlines.


Yes, I needed a change, I was really tired of St. Petersburg and needed a change of venue. I have never been to Rostov-on-Don on the train either; only via Russian airlines, various ones. God, those Russian airlines are fun. No stinkin FAA rules (seat belts, sit during landing, no clapping, etc).

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-11 19:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
QUOTE (KGSodie @ May 11 2009, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry, Rostov-on-Don.


Love Rostov-on-Don, beautiful city; especially The Don hotel and the river boat trips

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-11 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
You all have missed the fun of the rail; yes, you douche in the sink, drink hot tea, sleep with three other strangers (most who did not bathe in sink), stop every 3-4 hours to get food from the machines or the vendors...

But the beauty of the countryside over a seven day trip is unbelievable; especially during the dead of winter.
johnjMaleRussia2009-05-11 09:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
Hello all VJ'ers, especially on the Russian forum. I am not new here as I was engaged last year to a wonderful lady that elected to stay in Russia. We started the K-1 visa process but ended it before the approval stages. I have taken over a year to recover and recently renewed my search for a Russian bride; which I have found. I look forward to soon starting again the slow crawl toward togetherness hereafter known as K-1 Visa.

I am 52 year old man and Natalya is 45 years old. Of course, we are very excited to be together. If all goes as planned, we will do the paperwork during my visit in July 2009. I have been to Russia many times; mostly connected with my hobby, wildlife photography. I have been on the trans-siberian rail two times (Blagoveschensk to Moscow); visited Moscow, Oryol, Pyatigorsk, Sochi, Kislovosk, Mineral Vitae, Rostov on Don, Blagoveschensk and Izhevsk.

I look forward to viewing conversations and adding my input. I wish you all success with this process.

Edited by john and natalya, 09 May 2009 - 12:52 PM.

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-09 12:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
QUOTE (mox @ May 26 2009, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lucky you though, you get to be with your girl pretty soon! And if your estimated time to send your I-192F holds out, you're now under a month before it hits the post office.


I am thinkin I might DHL it from Russia to USCIS, we would be able to do that on the 15th. We might gain a week on the processing timeline.

johnjMaleRussia2009-06-01 15:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
WoooHooo all, it is now June 1. June filers join the discussion!
johnjMaleRussia2009-06-01 15:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
Well, the days keep goin by, day by day. Another week closer
johnjMaleRussia2009-05-26 13:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
Well, another week (okay, only four days, almost a week, seems like a couple months) bites the dust and we are one week closer to filing. I leave for Russia June 12 and return June 22. We expect to file paperwork on June 23. Anyone else joining the June rush to get a visa.

Edited by john and natalya, 19 May 2009 - 04:52 PM.

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-19 16:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
QUOTE (mox @ May 15 2009, 06:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats to you both for taking the plunge, and any and all other filers out there!! As has been said here before, the number one thing you can do to make the wait more bearable is to learn patience. This process will stretch your patience to the max and then some. Resist bugging USCIS when your timeline shows you should have been approved 10 minutes ago, resist writing your congressman when you should have been approved 1 day ago, and resist calling in the National Guard when (Og forbid) someone else who filed after you gets approved before you do.

In the meantime, settle in and have a slice of pie. biggrin.gif


Easy for you Mox; you have been approved

crying.gif
johnjMaleRussia2009-05-15 17:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
QUOTE (AKguy @ May 15 2009, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm planning to send out our packet by the end of next week. IF her paperwork shows up to me by then.

Good luck to you!


If you wait a few days, you can join the June filers devil.gif

johnjMaleRussia2009-05-15 17:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJune K-1 and K3 Filers join the wait
Okay, I admit I am jumping the gun here a bit but we are all in a hurry to get our significant other here. I figured I would start the June filer thread; since my significant other is from Russia; I am starting it in the Russia forum but others are welcome to join the discussion and wait.

Natalya and I are completing the paperwork via internet; she will be signing the documents and I will be gathering the last pieces of documentation during my visit June 12-June 22. Then it is off to the races! kicking.gif

Do others have plans?
johnjMaleRussia2009-05-15 11:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe revived gender differences/roles thread
Slim, you are correct, I guess. The cost of the trips to Russia are staggering. Roughly $1000 for the trip from America to Moscow, another $500 to get from Moscow to her dom. $1300 for the hotel, another bill or two for the ring, entertainment, roses, presents, .....

Oh, I almost forgot, then there is USCIS, K1 fees, cost for medical and interview, cost to get her to the interview, cost to bring her to America, then EAD, AOS, etc etc etc...

I guess my standards are a bit to high for my reality. I was not willing to settle for the American girls that might be interested in me. I am also realistic, I want a wife, not a child. I restricted my searches for someone near my age, within 10 years.


johnjMaleRussia2009-06-02 09:03:00