biggish data

Interveiw dates @ moscow and Passport ??

When I went back and looked at it, I realized my mistake (Thanks to you).

Okay I nominate myself for the JACK-### ward on that one.

Now for my second question, did anyone use their travel Visa to Russia as evidence of a meeting,, if so did you present the actual passport, a certified copy or just a copy?

Male

Russia

2007-11-30 23:03:00

Interveiw dates @ moscow and Passport ??

Since my package is on the way to Moscow I have been checking on this website waiting for her number to pop-up.
The list I have been watching is:
http://www.usembassy...ar/iv_dates.php

Are the dates posted, the interview dates, if so, do they only interview on one day a month?
( the only dates listed are nov7 dec 7 and Jan 8)

The latest date posted is for Jan the 8th, I thought embassies typically got-off work on both, home country holiday's and also the holidays of the country that the embassy is located at.
... At least this is the statement on the website from the Russian embassy when I file for a tourist visa to Russia.

How long is the "official" New Years holiday in Russia, I thought it was about ten days.

-------------
Question 2.
Since I am using my Passport.... well to be exact, the Russian visa,
as "proof" of our meeting, along with photos (and lesser forms of proof) I am concerned that my "actual" proof will not be at the interview since my passport is with me. According to the 1-129 "actual" documents ( birth cert. etc) are to be displayed at the interview.

Since this tourst visa is such a main part of my evidence, could it be a problem if they only have a xeroxed copy?

Edited by Danno, 29 November 2007 - 04:34 PM.

Male

Russia

2007-11-29 16:32:00

I need to quit doubting myself so much.

Ok, I got to the bottom of the question I raised earlier about me barely remembering willie nelson in a movie *Gulag*.
I also thought Kurt Russell was in it.

AS it turns out I was confusing Kurt Russell with another guy.. whose name escapes me, it was the same guy who hung himself in the hotel in "Officer and a Gentleman".

This actor was in the Movie; Gulag.

About the same time period (as I recall) there was another movie "Coming out of the ice" about an american sent off to a gulag, Willie Nelson is in this movie and sings "rock Island line".

Oddly enough, I have not seen either one, I called my bud whose house I caught a glimps of it at, (back in the 80's) he thought they were 'one in the same' same movie too, he dug around a little on-line and solved this *memory mystery*.

He swears they are both good movies, I ended up finding a used VHS copy of each and when he comes for a visit in Dec. we will watch them.

I read a review at Amazon on "coming out of the ice" from a guy that read the book (it's atrue story) and he claimed the book is so much more intense and full of striking detail about what this guy went through, I ended up ordering a used copy for less than 5$ including shipping.

Interesting enough, this American moved to the USSR with his family because they believed in the *Ideals* of communism.
(if only Hillary had given it a try too)

Male

Russia

2007-11-27 20:31:00

QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Nov 26 2007, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (mox @ Nov 25 2007, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

On the subject of music, I was at a night club in Yoshkar-Ola (Pharon's) in September, and it was "80's night." Only recognized one song the whole evening, the rest were (I assume) Russian golden oldies. I really liked it for the most part. The one song I recognized was Dire Strait's "Money for Nothing." I got major kudos for knowing all the words.

Dire Straights rock

I think I would be willing to pay extra if the taxi was playing Dire Straits

Male

Russia

2007-11-27 19:58:00

QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Nov 25 2007, 01:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 24 2007, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Funny you mention the *Music* in the movie. I can watch old Russian movies, even if I don't understand much more than what I can see but the newer ones with that God-awful Russian music is more than I can bear.
There must be some law where all taxi drives must play this music as well.

Are you talking about the Russian rock?

I sure hope not.

==================

Absolutely... if you call that "rock", to me it is closer to disco.

Rock, typically has real instruments rather than electric drum tracks.

Male

Russia

2007-11-25 11:32:00

Funny you mention the *Music* in the movie. I can watch old Russian movies, even if I don't understand much more than what I can see but the newer ones with that God-awful Russian music is more than I can bear.
There must be some law where all taxi drives must play this music as well.

QUOTE (natarussia @ Nov 24 2007, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's not a "movie" really, but it is a series called Brigada or ??????? in Russian. I rented this a long time ago from Netflix, I was glued to it and watched all 5 discs in two days ... each "episode" is an hour long ... great plot, great actors, awesome ending.

I agree with this reviewers comments ... Brigada is one of the most popular Russian TV-series ever made. The company behind the serials has time after time been forced to deny rumours about a second season. The fact is that the TV-serial is that good that it could well had been made for the screen if it wasn't for runtime of 13 hours. The Berlin Film Festival even made an exception from not showing tv productions when showing two of the episodes of this TV-series.

Like many other Russian crime movies Brigada offers a really good soundtrack, but in difference to other Russian crime movies, the sound-track is not filled with the latest Russian rock music, but with nice and placid music. This is by all means the best Russian tv-serial ever and by all means better than the best American productions too.

http://www.ryssland....the-lawless.htm

~d

Male

Russia

2007-11-24 11:42:00

QUOTE (mox @ Nov 16 2007, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 16 2007, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd still like to know what that Movie I think I saw part of... about gulags with Willie nelson.

You might try searching his IMDB entry.

--------------
That is a really good link.
I came to the conclusion it was a TV movie named "Gulag."
Apparently Willie nelson was not in it. I never saw the movie, I just recall it being on at my friends house "in the other room".
Perhaps a willie nelson record was playing in another room and led to the skewed memory

Male

Russia

2007-11-21 22:57:00

QUOTE (Chuckles @ Nov 17 2007, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As far as accents in movies, I think they add to the quality of the movie. If the actors are good with the accents, you believe they are Russian. On the other hand, if it were a documentry re-enactment or something, I think that is ridiculous when they use accents. But if it is something else, the accents make it easier for you to get 'immersed' into the movie. Of course, when a movie uses bad accents it has an oppisite effect where all you are thinking about is how bad that actor sounds.

========
I agree, I think the accent adds to the Character.
Some times the accent is so bad it distracts such as some of these lame Southern or NY accents actors try to pull without proper couching.

Male

Russia

2007-11-17 19:59:00

I'd still like to know what that Movie I think I saw part of... about gulags with Willie nelson.

CATHERIN THE GREAT
I saw a movie listed for sale, staring Cathern zeta jones (I believe).
Might be interesting.

I had a friend burn me a copy of Fiddler on the roof, but for some reason the intro was all I ended up with, we will have to try that again.

I had WAR AND PEACE, looks like it was made in the 60's..... I tried to watch it several times and it was way to slow-movin for me, I might have tossed it in the trash because it was on VHS anyway.
HAd the same problem with the Original Machurian candidate, it went in the trash too.
Usually I like earlier versions of a story.... usually.

Thats one of the good things about buying VHS from amazon, they are basically 3 dollars for shipping and almost nothing for the movie, if is sucks,.... in the trash.
If it is a movie I think I will like and want in the future I prefer DVD.

Male

Russia

2007-11-16 09:50:00

I am looking for english speaking movies based on Russian themes, I suppose others who speak Russian might benefit from both Russian language and English language movies suggested here.

When I am in Russia, I actually like watching Russian movies and can pretty much follow the plot but i doubt I would be interested in buying them.

Male

Russia

2007-11-15 10:25:00

Seems like there was a movie about the Gulags and I think willie nelson and patrick swazey played in it.... is this a figment of my imagination?

Seems I saw a movie some years ago where a USA pilot goes down in USSR territory, I seem to recall scenes of the pilot and a Russian slugging it out in the snow while Helicopters hover.

Male

Russia

2007-11-14 23:11:00

QUOTE (slim @ Nov 14 2007, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Usually I buy from Amazon and if others know of good on-line sources to locate the movies mentioned here, feel free to post that site.

NetFlix.com, MoscowFlix.com, even Blockbuster.com all have a pretty large selection of movie rentals that you could preview before you buy. If you're buying for the "collection" aspect of it, I understand using Amazon but if you're just buying them to watch, check out the rental sites. (Or find a good bootleg guy!)

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I will kick the "list" off with ENEMY AT THE GATES.

Excellent movie! You know, it's rooted in real events from the Great Patriotic War. (WWII) We all know the main character:

http://en.wikipedia..../Vasily_Zaytsev

But here's another sniper that was made reference to:

http://en.wikipedia....ila_Pavlichenko

Hero of the Soviet Union, and how about when she fought near Odessa for two-and-a-half months recording 187 kills!!!Simply amazing. This is what we were talking about in the other thread with the ladies being "tough!"

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My favorite role is the guy who PLays Kruschev.

"I want them to stop shitting in their pants!@"

In fact, I think a great movie could be done around this character and have even more weight as a film.

Bob Hoskins, Best Actor at Cannes. 'Nuff said. I believe there is a movie or two floating around about Kruschev but I haven't seen any.

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It seemed a little odd the first time I watched it to hear the English accent, I am guessing it was made England or Australia?

It was the biggest-budgeted English movie up to that point.

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Over all a good solid movie with great sets, great actors and realistic scenes (for the most part).

Great "making of" scenes on the DVD as well.

QUOTE (Danno @ Nov 14 2007, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

One things that seemed a little odd was the boys access to the Enemy, as if he were a Shoe-shine kid on the streets of Vietnam.

That's not odd at all. Ever seen those pictures of the GIs handing out Hershey Bars during WWII and every war since? There's a reason behind that. A war fought in and amongst a civilian population is always going to have locals with access to both sides of the fight. It is imperative to utilize those people for military purposes if possible. Children are the easiest to coerce. Ever wonder why most suicide bombers are under the age of 35?

In this movie, the boy had access to both sides and was used by both sides to relay disinformation and intelligence. They're still doing that today and just like the little shoe-shine kids on the streets of Vietnam, there are little kids selling ice or offering to clean boots in Iraq as we speak.

I tend to use amazon because they have *used items* for sale as well. I seldom spend more than 10 bucks on a DVD, which is why I am reluctant to rent them... if I can just buy it cheap enough.
So far I only bought one DVD with a flaw..... "Deliverance"
Yep and right on the part were that mountain guy says "This one sure got a purdy mouth".

Another time I ordered a Russian Ww2 doc and the format was not USA. I make a point to check that every time now.

In the grocery store across the street they have a DVD vending machine, a limited number of selections but at a 1$ a day, you can't beat the price.

Male

Russia

2007-11-14 21:10:00

wow, most of those movies I never heard of B4.
I will have to check them out.
I do wish a rating of stars or some comment was offered so I would know which ones to start with.

Male

Russia

2007-11-14 17:28:00

Since the Titles of a few movies have surfaced recently in some threads, I thought I would start a place for people to Post their reviews or favorite movies Dealing with Russia The FSU or similar themed productions.

Actually I have not seen that many and so this might help steer my DVD shopping list.
Usually I buy from Amazon and if others know of good on-line sources to locate the movies mentioned here, feel free to post that site. Sometimes I can price check on ebay, and come out cheaper but Ebay tends to charge 2x the Amazon price for shipping.
-------------------------

I will kick the "list" off with ENEMY AT THE GATES.
My favorite role is the guy who PLays Kruschev.

"I want them to stop shitting in their pants!@"

In fact, I think a great movie could be done around this character and have even more weight as a film.

It seemed a little odd the first time I watched it to hear the English accent, I am guessing it was made England or Australia?

Over all a good solid movie with great sets, great actors and realistic scenes (for the most part).

One things that seemed a little odd was the boys access to the Enemy, as if he were a Shoe-shine kid on the streets of Vietnam.

Male

Russia

2007-11-14 00:48:00

2nd NOA Received

Congrats!!!
It's great when stuff goes faster then you expected, can't say that has been my experience but I am glad it's happening to you two.

Male

Russia

2007-12-10 11:35:00

Approved!!

Wow thats great news and I know it is a big morale boost.

Male

Russia

2007-11-29 08:15:00

QUOTE (slim @ Dec 18 2007, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That sounds like a typo or someone making an error somewhere in one of the offices. The numbers are usually consistent throughout the process.

Cool that you guys found out. And she's more impatient than you!

An interesting twist to the VJ saga. A little different than normal, but at least now the ball is rolling for you. Congrats!

Yeah I was really bummed out by all this to the point where I really was not going to do much for Christmas. Now at the same time I get this good news I also learn I
have a number of people driving to my house for the Christmas holiday.... does this mean I have to buy a tree after all?

One small scheduling problem did seem to present its self, with her interview date being the 9th and the new years Celebration being that week, she may have to go to Moscow a week before for a day or two to get her Physical.

Male

Russia

2007-12-18 18:47:00

I wanted to post an update.

This morning I went to check for the "monday morning update" at the moscow website to see If Natalia's number was posted with an interview date, after seeing it wasn't I resolved I would go whine to my Senators office.... to at least get that ball rolling, since it has been almost 2 months and still no packet and no interview date listed.

When I checked my Email, Natalia wrote me to announce she had called to Moscow and found out they have her listed her under a different MOS number and the interview date is set for Jan 9.

Why they gave her a number different than the one which is posted on the NVC letter, I don't know.
When she asked about not receiving the packet yet, she was told she can do the documents in Moscow if she does not get it by then and just be sure to bring both passports and police check.

In the morning she is calling to set up appointment for medical.

Needless to say, after accepting that her Arrival her could not be sooner than March, I am thrilled!

Many people agreed that calling the Pay-number in Moscow was a waste of time (not to mention $$) but had Natalia not done it (after I advised her not to) it worked out great.

Any comments about this odd situation of MOS number change and not receiving the packet?

Male

Russia

2007-12-17 21:33:00

QUOTE (ben2 @ Dec 13 2007, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (DKM @ Dec 13 2007, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Feb 20th for a Nov 1st approval? so if I manage to get approved by the end of December, it could be the middle of April. wow nice that this takes 9 months now. This only encourages people to apply too early in their relationship(something I'm guilty of).

Looks like Moscow embassy is starting to build up a backlog, I hope this is not true, but from the times posted, people who got NVC approvals a few days to a week before us had interviews scheduled for end of Dec-Mid of Jan, we got mid of Feb, and now looks like people already getting end of Feb.

Guess now that Vermont started chunking out approvals at much faster rate than before they have many more people waiting for interviews...

Also if somebody needs to find out their interview date I would suggest either e-mailing the embassy or calling the State Department, i believe the # is 202-663-1225. I e-mailed the embassy twice, first time they replied the next day that they haven't received the confirmation yet, second time they replied within 3 days. The State Department gave accurate info as well, the hold time was approx 15 min. No reason to pay $ to call Moscow embassy unless your case is extraordinary.

I have written 2 emails so far, no answer, I did get through to the NVC earlier after being on hold for 50 minutes but it was at the end of the day.

Still don't see how you can figure your interview date.

Danno

Male

Russia

2007-12-14 00:30:00

I just happen to look at a email sent to me from NVC explaining (bullshitting) why it has taken twice as long as usual to process the petition through their center.

The 9-11 excuse is typical but what I did notice was the part where "they" would assign the interview date.

It seems as if the Embassy does not do this?

What do you think?
----------------------------------------
Good Afternoon,

Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).

As part of the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001, there are
additional security check requirements for visa applicants. While it is
not possible to predict when the clearances for this case will be
finished by all involved Washington agencies, please be assured that as
soon as the results are received the NVC will be able to schedule this
case for an interview at the assigned US Embassy or Consulate General.
As soon as an interview is scheduled notification will be sent to the
designated agent by mail.

Regards,
National Visa Center
OH2

Male

Russia

2007-12-11 13:18:00

Yeah, I may just have to call that pay-line in moscow, although I am sure it will be a waste of time.

Danny

Male

Russia

2007-12-11 00:46:00

Thanks for the responses,
I called the NVC and was told it was forwarded to Moscow, they gave me a number in Washingtonl. 202-663-1225
I called that number and waited on hold 50 minutes, the lady who took my call told me "it might take 6 weeks".... check back after that time.

It has taken twice as long as normal at every step so far, even sending the documents from the service center to NVC and now from NVC to Moscow.... not to mention the processing time to get my NOA2.

Trying to find the sunny-spot in all of this and so far the only thing has been no RFE.
The other one was, it looked like the visa would be final at the lowest period of the year for airfares $$$
If this keeps up, it might be heading into the spring pricing season.

Male

Russia

2007-12-10 17:56:00

I did not want to intrude on Jason-sasha's topic though mine is closely related.

I received my notice from NVC dated nov7 informing me my petition would be forwarded to Moscow
for an interview date, as of now it is dec 10 and I still don't see her number posted at the website nor has she received any packet.

Does it normally take this long to "get the date"?
If it is past normal time... what should I do?
If anyone has contact phone numbers or addresses that might be helpful, I sent one email to the given address on the Moscow-site but have not heard anything in reply.

Thanks

Male

Russia

2007-12-10 12:29:00

Volgograd, Russia - real estate?

I often time read these type of threads which I suspect something might be up..... but I usually keep my mouth shut unless the question pertains to "am I being had?"

I admire this guy for coming back and giving the "rest of the story"... or at least as much as he did.

I wish the guy well.

Danno

Male

Russia

2008-01-02 17:05:00

Intro. Agency

If she wants to do this, I would suggest using an independent site like bride.ru
She can have the email come through you first to weed out the one that would be a waste of time and you could forward real possible matches on to her.

At any rate, I would not have her wait for the guys to come to her, she should be contacting guys she might be interested in first, this is how my RW found me (smile)

I would avoid USA dating site because while many guys might be interested in flirting w/ a RW, I doubt many will take action... it's hard enough to find guys who will travel on the RW based sites, but I would think those are more likely to pan-out.

Post her info here, maybe one of us can find a match for her.

Male

Russia

2008-01-02 16:53:00

Happy New Year!

QUOTE (mox @ Jan 2 2008, 05:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danno @ Jan 2 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I helped her bring in the new year via phone and then last night as I was still in the festive mood, I talked her into ...(after 15 minutes) singing the Russian National Anthm.

LOL, now that's funny! The Russian National Anthem always makes me think of The Hunt for Red October. If I remember correctly, it played during the opening sequence of the movie. (it was the Soviet National Anthem at the time, but is basically the same composition as the Russian Anthem with a few verses changed.) How did you get her to sing it all baritone?

She was doing it in her normal high register, which added a special flavor to it.

If I remember, in hunt 4 red oct. they do sing the nat.Anthm some where in the middle as well and that is what the Black USA sailor hears..... but I could be wrong

There is another very traditional Russian song which is called katusha (peddlers pack) which is easy to play on the guitar, I can see her and I with a big career on Youtube now

Edited by Danno, 04 January 2008 - 08:49 AM.

Male

Russia

2008-01-04 08:48:00

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you and your lady MOX and everyone else.

I helped her bring in the new year via phone and then last night as I was still in the festive mood, I talked her into ...(after 15 minutes) singing the Russian National Anthm.

To get her started I had to crank it up on my computer (I stole the download from Limewire), halfway through the first stanza she was singing pretty good.

Hey.... it's cheap entertainment!

Male

Russia

2008-01-02 16:59:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 3 2008, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I concur about the clothes. My wife tries hard to find good clothes made of natural fibers. The other difficulty is finding clothes that are for a real feminine woman. Although my wife enjoys wearing slacks at home, she tries to wear dresses whenever possible. The American women just aren't into wearing dresses that much. I guess that's just another reason some of us chose to look elsewhere for a 'real female' spouse.

There is some truth to that, my daughter (20) and I shop for skirts or dresses (for her

and the selection is slim.

Last time I was in Russia, I tried to get Natalia to "stock-up" on stuff, we bought a few things but like most RW a big wardrobe is not typical so we only end up getting a few things, but since then I have talked her into buying a few pair of shoes.
American woman are only now coming out of the "heavy sole" look which I always thought was so damn ugly.
One of our local malls has turned into a mostly urban type mall now, I happen to stop by there to get something from SEARS (the last anchor-store to survive) and I happen to discover a Shoe store in the mall with lots of shoes similar to the style worn by many RW...... so if your lady likes the pointy toe look and is having trouble finding them locally.. try the Local shop which caters to Black ladies tastes and you might find something.

I don't think "size" will be an issue with clothes as Natalia is 46 kilo which is a typical petite size.

While I am not an extravagant gift buyer in the dating phase, I did bring her a few items and they all seemed to fit.

As a bit of humor;
An American guy (who lives in St Pet) gave me some RW advice (Since I brought him 75 LTR of CrownRoyal).
He Told me RW are.. if nothing else, Jealous and this can work against you or for you.
After a week or so of Noticing the Natalia had not wore a shirt I brought her, I suggested maybe she did not like it, which would not hurt my feelings.... I suggested I could bring it home and give to my Daughter as she had commented that she liked it, I could send her something else?

Natalia dismissed any idea of me repo-ing the shirt and wore it off and on for the rest of my visit.

Male

Russia

2008-01-03 12:49:00

Wow you guys are giving me some great notes to take down.

Today I plan to go over to the school where I think her daughter will go and see what they require.

Her Daughter is such a sweet little girl who reads English in a perfect British accent, at this point her ability to understand spoken english is not so good.
It's hard to believe she was our *go-between* at one point in the beginning.

On my first time meeting the Daughter, I brought the classic american book "The cat in the hat" thinking it might be something she could work on.... she read it with ease.
The next time I brought her the english version of WAR AND PEACE (joking).

Male

Russia

2008-01-03 09:14:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 2 2008, 08:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are on the right track. Have any medical records or school records translated and certified. They will be a lot cheaper than having it done here and likely a better job. It may cost a little more, but in the long run you will be happy you did it. The school records are really important for colleges or universities to evaluate how many classes will be accepted. We are struggling with that now, so if you have the documents already translated you'll be ahead of the game. The newer the transcripts and/or degrees, the more likely they will be widely accepted. My wife's degree is over 20 years old and she will likely need to take additional classes.

Now I would imagine in the medical envelope which they gave her to bring for the interview would be her vaccinations in English, I wonder if she went by the medical place again if they will make her a copy in english?

To avoid confusion; due to the holidays she had to make one trip to Moscow last week for the phys. and will return on the 9th for the interview.

Male

Russia

2008-01-02 21:00:00

I am trying to make sure Natalia brings with her any documents she might need.

I know to have her bring shot records, do they need to be translated? I can't imagine the school
accepting documents in cyrilic.

Can anyone think of any other stuff we should be thinking of to bring?

Male

Russia

2008-01-02 16:42:00

How the best way to do travel.

QUOTE (slim @ Jan 6 2008, 12:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The "pain in the @$$" that I refer to is how it's sometimes necessary to change terminals via a fairly large system of buses and trains that's not exactly "foreigner friendly." (Or American friendly for that matter.)

It's not exactly hard and for anyone able to navigate their way around a large city it would be no problem. However, it's not "easy" or convenient to the point where someone with no English speaking/reading would be able to easily navigate it in a time-sensitive manner.

I have faith that the average Russian immigrant would be able to navigate it just fine without help, even with children and luggage in tow. However, if it were a cost issue where I could route through another airport closer to home for a similar price, I'd avoid JFK also. But, usually the cost of JFK is more than worth trying to "guess" which train to get on.

Yeah, I forgot all about that terminal train, I am not so good with those myself, however if there were enough time between flights, I think she could get to the right place by asking those in uniform.

We speak 90% English so, I think she could follow directions from strangers... although she does have this trait where she goes along-with the conversation ... as if she understands and then I realize she doesnt. That little bluff will not work well when getting directions.

Male

Russia

2008-01-06 12:31:00

How the best way to do travel.

QUOTE (shikarnov @ Jan 6 2008, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (slim @ Jan 5 2008, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My fiancee routed through JFK with no problems. (So did I on a separate trip.)

I will admit, it's a pain in the @$$, but it's not such a pain that I'd avoid it if it saved me several hundred $$$$$$.

I've flown to Moscow from JFK at least 10 times in the past few years (usually with Delta), plus a few more to other European cities, and only once had a minor 30 minute delay because of ice on the plane. I have no idea how JFK is domestically, but I've been fairly impressed by the lack of problems internationally.

Z

I had heard on the radio that JFK was I think the worst as for are delays.
Is there a better record for internationally? I don't know.
Last time I lost a day when on my way to ST.Pet due to a delay there.

KNowing their track record would not make me avoid it at any cost... but if I had an easy second choice I would avoid NY.

Male

Russia

2008-01-06 12:24:00

REALLY could use some expert advice on removing children and forms required, if any

I'm kind of with Boiler on this--what good is a notary? A notary witnesses someone signing a document after checking their ID. They don't verify you are telling the truth about what is signed. It's more like, "I saw Mary sign this paper and know it was her." I could see it being useful if you had to mail the documents off somewhere, but you are going in person to the embassy. They will know it is "Mary". I could see it useful if the father had his signature notarized since he won't be present. Then they would know the applicant didn't forge it. What am I missing? A notary doesn't verify the truth of the document, only that he saw it signed in person--by the same person that will be interviewing in the flesh so no doubt about her id and signature by embassy officials.

And what about Twinkies (in that other thread) who was provided an affidavit by the embassy saying there were no custody cases pending. Surely the solicitor's documentation of attempts to get a response from the father is more evidence than "Mary" telling a stranger (notary) her story and he witnesses her signing. Even the solicitor summarizing his attempts at contact and having his signature witnessed would make more sense. I don't get it.

I thought it was a waste of time too, but it was something the embassy demanded from me. A Notary in the UK is a legal representative of some sort and basically they take a sworn statement from you and witness it. Its a legally binding statement that is used by foreign states which can be used against you if its discovered that you lied! Its basically the same as a police statement used in courts of law. I'm sure not all of the officers at the embassy would ask for one of these, you just have to wait and see on the day if you're lucky or not!

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-19 07:10:00

REALLY could use some expert advice on removing children and forms required, if any

Have you ever used one in the UK.
Yes

Do you know anyone who has ever used one in the UK?
Yes

XCan you go into your local UK Bank and get a document notarised?

I have no idea!

Notary Publics have been around in the UK forever. If you follow the link I posted above to the Society of Notary publics in the UK i'm sure it can give you more information. I was told to use a Notary Public by the US Embassy officer at my interview. I had already got a letter from a solicitor and that was not good enough apparently. And this was in the UK.

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-18 12:03:00

REALLY could use some expert advice on removing children and forms required, if any

MAD1974....see the thread on the UK forum "Parental responsibilty info"...I bumped it up for you, it may be helpful.

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-18 10:27:00

REALLY could use some expert advice on removing children and forms required, if any

They most certainly do have them in the UK as I was TOLD to see one by the US embassy! Some solicitors are also Notaries, you can find a local one in your yellow pages. Heres a link to their society:

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-18 09:59:00

REALLY could use some expert advice on removing children and forms required, if any

I had a letter from a solicitor too and that was not sufficient at my interview, I was sent away and told to get a sworn statement from a Notary Public as well. I also had proof that I had parnetal responsibility. I posted all this in detail a few years ago when it was still fresh in my mind. The Notary Public thing is definitely what they want though...you basically go to one and tell them the truth regarding your relationship with the father and whether or not you have sole parental responsibility and any other pertinent information. if I can find this thread i'll bump it back up again for you to read.

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-18 07:05:00

Parental Responsibility Info

*Bumped* for MAD1974

Edited by Kirsten UK, 18 October 2011 - 07:10 AM.

Kirsten UK

Female

United Kingdom

2011-10-18 07:10:00