ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMscow embassy interview procedure
The letter is also usually accompanied or followed by a packet of information detailing what your fiancee will need to bring to the interview (the so-called packet 3/4), though some fiancees report never receiving this. In any event. the guides here, and the consulate website, list in good detail what is required.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-01-08 16:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThanks
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KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-16 11:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThanks
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Dec 11 2008, 06:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is the gist of what I posted in another thread recently:

Although I was showing some frustration about the frequent changes of mind, when I think for 30 seconds about it, she is completely justified being nervous. I was single again for a long time, and need to retrain my brain to recognize some one else's well founded distress. Even for a guy, I am pretty thick skinned sometimes. Thanks for all the advice and support.

I realize the path is not easy, but what worthwhile relationship is? Unlike me, Viktoria has never lived away from home for any real length of time, and her anxiety is really easily understood if I take the time to think. I can only imagine the stress involved with a decision to remove yourself from everything you know and love forever - the first time you move away from home at all. No matter what my frustration level is, her worry more than outweighs it. I try to keep that in mind....


It hasn't been 10 months yet for Natasha, Vika and I (let's see - they arrived mid-March and it's now mid-December, so that's 7 months) but what you say, Brad, is spot on. The first couple of months were ROUGH for Natasha, and hence rough for me. Lots of frustration, homesickness, and general unhappiness. I took it pretty hard, until my SIL reminded me of the obvious, which was clear to me before they arrived and I'd somehow lost track of it after they arrived - Natasha gave up everything she knew and moved far outside her comfort zone, and although her family was available via the internet, her support system had the legs knocked out from under it and she was precariously balanced for a time, so things didn't need to be 'fair' for a while. A little understanding, and a ton of patience goes a long way, even if it often seemed I was the only one needing to be understanding and having to have patience.

As for slim, I sometimes worry about him! ;-) I hope most of his comments are hyperbole for entertainment value! Right? Slim, buddy?
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-12 12:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThanks
Belated congrats, dude!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-09 09:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAmerican men meeting Russian women in ........America?????
Reading the turn in this thread, I feel like Tom Hanks in 'Volunteers', listening to the evil drug kingpin's speech:

Chung Mee: Opium is my business. The bridge mean more traffic. More traffic mean more money. More money mean more power.
Lawrence Bourne III: Yeah, well, before I commit any of that to memory, would there be anything in this for me?
Chung Mee: Speed is important in business. Time is money.
Lawrence Bourne III: You said opium was money.
Chung Mee: Money is Money.
Lawrence Bourne III: Well then, what is time again?
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-01-14 15:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian (Political) Idol
I have about $25 in pennies here in my desk drawer at work. Just saying.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-01-07 11:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian (Political) Idol
The link says it all.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-29 16:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCalling all American women married to Russian men
Let me add my 'welcome' to the new faces here.

Culture shock is certainly a difficult issue, and often comes in from the blind side unfortunately. The advice meted out in this thread is all terrific stuff, and thanks to everyone for sharing. Patience, remembering what is truly important, and keeping your eyes on the horizon are all very important. If only it were easier to get our SOs to participate in these things!

Good luck to everyone, and again, welcome.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-01-07 12:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs Russia considered a high fraud consulate?
As long as your 'non-spot-free background' doesn't include stuff that would be considered an IMBRA violation, that shouldn't be a problem. I too met Natasha while still legally married, but this didn't even garner a question at the interview. During the AOS interview, We were asked about my prior spouse and why I met Natasha while still legally married, and about Natasha's prior K-1. The feeling I got was they were trying to gauge each other's reaction to see if we both knew these background bits about each other(we did, of course).
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-30 12:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs Russia considered a high fraud consulate?
Natasha's interview at the Moscow consulate was a breeze. More time spent waiting around than being interviewed. Vika (Natasha's K-2 daughter) got more questions than Natasha did, and she only got maybe 5 or 6. Took us 3 weeks to actually receive the visa, but the interview was a snap.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-30 12:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Ya, that's whey cool whip, definitely. I may just have to order myself one. Think Geek rules.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-24 10:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Just call me "Sherman"
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-23 10:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
QUOTE (mox @ Dec 22 2008, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Dec 22 2008, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Princess Bride would be number two. I'm just saying.

I just picked up the 20th anniversary DVD this weekend. I've had a bootleg VHS copy for years, and finally decided it was time to upgrade.

And you know what I just realized? The dude that played Inigo Montoya is also the dude that played Rube on Dead Like Me, the Showtime series where the characters were Reapers. I only realized it after seeing the interviews on the DVD. I knew something about him seemed so damn familiar to me!


Same actor (Mandy Patinkin) was Sam Francisco in the TV version of V (Alien Nation).
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-23 10:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Couldn't agree with you more about Tombstone, one of the best westerns there is. I love the scene where Kurt cross the river, guns blazing, and Powers says 'Will you look at that'. Then later, after the battle, the two side-kicks say "You ever seen anything like that?" and the other replies "Hell, I ain't never even HEARD of anything like that". Classic.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-23 10:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Princess Bride would be number two. I'm just saying.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-22 16:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Whenever we're in the unmentionables section at the store, and Natasha holds up some flimsy excuse for 'sleeping' attire and asks if she should get it, I always respond this way: "If you wear that to bed, you won't wear it long enough to matter if I like it or not!"
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-16 13:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Here's the link to the delivered flowers, again for comparative purposes against the florist's web sites.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-12 10:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Yeah, sorry we didn't pause to explain that. Even numbers of flowers are appropriate for funerals and such over in Russia, and odd numbers for happier events. Go figure.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-11 17:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Surreptitiously record a private conversation? It would be a hoot, though.

And, for the record (and in case Natasha is reading this) I used a prominent local florist. They must be having a special too because I didn't get charged the usual delivery fee!

But Natasha has commented that the flowers here aren't as nice as the flowers in Russia, generally speaking. I'll post a pic after I have the chance to take one and upload it, then you guys can do some 70's style Olympic scoring.

Here's a link to the flowers from the florist's site. For comparative purposes after I post the 'real' photos, of course!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-11 14:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
I am WELL aware of the odd-flower thing, but Natasha has graciously accepted the even-number of flower thing we do here. I think it's only because she gets FLOWERS that she's willing to overlook the 12th (I know that 11 is the preferred 'romantic' number).
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-11 13:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Shhhhh, don't tell Natasha, but I'm having a dozen roses delivered today, since she's off work. :-)
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-11 12:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
It's far from easy, or idyllic! I get 'in trouble' more times than I can count, usually wondering just what, exactly, I did wrong (or even differently than what Natasha does).

I heard a thing on the radio the other day, excerpts from a book entitled "Not Quite What I Had Planned" where people summarize their life/philosophy in exactly 6 words. My favorite? "You're right, I'm wrong, I'm sorry." because it very well exemplifies periods we all go through with our SO. Frustrating as hell sometimes, I agree.

I see you're quickly coming up on your 2 year anniversary, slim. Perhaps we can all put our heads together and come up with some ideas.....

Edited by KGSodie, 07 December 2008 - 10:26 AM.

KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-07 10:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
THANK YOU 1HappyGuy. I struggled mightily and couldn't say as well what you stated so clearly in much fewer words.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-05 12:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Oh, and to close the helicopter circle, I offer this....

Not trying to steal any of Mox's thunder, I swear! I also like this one, for completely unrelated reasons...
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-05 11:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
Although not to the same extreme as Slim, I can identify with what he's saying (The 'in all seriousness' part - not the bit about helicopters!).

It is a big adjustment, going from being single to being half of a new whole, but I think this applies to all new couples and not just mixed-nationality ones. Keeping the romance alive is an important part of any relationship, and just as all relationships are different, what works to keep the romance alive varies with each couple. Natasha and I seize every opportunity to do things together, just us two. It's easier to 'get away' from my two because they're older and have distinct lives of their own, but it often causes difficulty with Vika (who is only 11 and very attached to her mama). We compensate by making sure Vika has lots of activities for herself (gymnastics, cheerleading, visiting her cousin and friends) and this allows Natasha and I 'us' time too. Sometimes we'll catch a movie or a restaurant, but just as often we simply enjoy being together - window shopping at the mall for example, and stopping for Natasha's now-favorite shakes from DQ.

To me, the most important thing is to 'do' for the other person (Notice the all-important 'for' in this sentence - try reading the sentence WITHOUT this word :-). Whatever it is the other enjoys - a surprise gift, a relaxing massage, an unexpected encounter - do this often. It's like I tell my kids - the most important thing you can ever learn is the golden rule because, well, it makes other people feel good. If I do for Natasha the things that she likes, regardless of the context, and she does the same for me, then every night feels like a date night and every day together is a gift we give to each other.

Relationships tend to go wrong when it's all one-way. If one person expects or demands that the other always do as they wish, what they want, then resentment builds up over time and (usually) eventually bubbles over. It's a fine line, though. If you 'do' for the other person because you expect them to 'do' for you, too, then your acts are conditional, and no one likes fine print or ultimatums. In a 'perfect' relationship, then, each supports the other, does for the other, and generally tries to make life as good as possible for the other, because that is what each person wants to do. Reality is often far from perfect, however, so we continually make compromises and adjustments. It's not always easy to do, and sometimes it is in fact downright work. But always worthwhile.

I'll get off my soapbox now - didn't mean to preach there, Kotenochek!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-12-05 11:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDS-156
I keep everything I've ever done or thought about doing for the entire visa process, and rummaging around though my electronic files I see that I also used the domestic Russian passport number for the DS156.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-03-20 10:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusabout ready to send initial i29f paperwork off
The advice given here is all good. You can certainly bury them in mounds of evidence, but something just over what is requested is a good way to go too. You can always bring everything to the interview later to cover yourself, though very little is usually requested there too!
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-03-20 09:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI134 and financial documents
I guess I'll chime in my agreement. I provided substantially the same document set as you did (regular copies of all) and had no issues.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-06 09:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEnglish for Russian ...men
QUOTE (slim @ Apr 3 2009, 04:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm finger lickin' good.


Sometimes, it's just TOO easy. I'm gonna show restraint....
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-03 16:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow embassy interview
Congrats! Now starts the REAL fun!
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-03 09:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPridnestrovian Moldavian Republic
My head hurts.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-03-18 15:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproximating when to file K-1.
We also flew through Atlanta last March, and when we got to the designated POE area, it was completely empty save for one family ahead of us. The vertical file on top of the officer's desk was also empty, except for our packet and the packet of the family in front of us. "Fabulous", I thought, since we had about 3 hours before our connecting flight. And still we were there waiting for 2.5 hours, as more and more people arrived and packets started stacking up. Just insane, though we did make our flight.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-03 10:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOkay, dammit...
Stephen Lynch: Rae Dawn Chong.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-06 09:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOkay, dammit...
I'm pretty sure slim prefers the smell of pie and the taste of gunpowder. He's hardcore like that.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-03 16:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
Sorry, Rostov-on-Don.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-05-11 16:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSemi-New Member
Welcome back! No trans-Siberian for me, though I've been on the train from Moscow to Rostov a few times.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-05-11 10:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFailing relationships
QUOTE (GiGii @ May 8 2009, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Even though I'm very independent, I take him along more places, just so he feels loved & important. Is this what I would normally do for anyone else? No, but he dropped the world for me, i think I can do a little something for him too.

Lots of good stuff in this thread. Cheers to all.

GiGii's quote above is central to my own line of thought. Natasha gave up everything when she moved here - her close-knit family (especially her sister), her job, ease of communication, her entire way of life. Whenever I feel myself getting upset of the 'unfairness' of something wrong between us, it's my mantra: "Chill - no matter how hard something is for me, it's 10x harder for Natasha". That said, every guy is different. I don't always agree with Slim, but I can always understand where he is coming from.

As bobb said, communication is paramount. When two people join lives, it's not all rainbows and unicorns, and clear-thinking adults should understand this. If your man is a man, he'll understand this too. I don't care how well someone speaks English, how much American TV they watch, how deeply they think they understand life here - the reality is certain to be different. This also applies to the relationship, not just culture. Is he the same guy you married? Nope. Are you the same girl he married? Nope. Time brings change, it's inevitable. Sometimes the change is good, sometimes it's meh, and sometimes it's bad. Working through the problems and issues of day to day life is what brings a couple closer together. What that means for you two will be different than it is for us.

The tough part is addressing unhappiness and concern without coming across as nagging and whining. This works both ways, by the way, for both people. Any sentence that starts with "You always...." or "You never...." is probably not constructive to relationship building. Talk about how you feel and what your needs are, and chances are he'll respond with how he feels and what his needs are. Then find the middle ground, even if sometimes that means retreat on the part of one of you. And if there's something that is critical to your needs, make it clear and stand your ground. Frying pan optional, of course.

Natasha has, on more than one occasion, told me she'd had enough and wanted to return to Russia. It used to upset me until I figured out that her statement was really born out of deep frustration with something, sometimes not even to do with me. I learned that it was at these times that I needed to shut my mouth and open my ears and heart, and hear what Natasha was trying to really say. Homesickness is a terrible thing and creeps up on you. Different cultures have different paces to life, and it's an insidious foe.

You have friends here, so read the various advices and take away what seems appropriate for your situation. Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-05-08 12:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhere did every respectively 'pop the question'
Is it my turn to deal already? Ok, but this time around 2s are NOT wild.
KGSodieMaleRussia2009-04-03 16:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian wisdom from Natasha
QUOTE (NavarreMan @ Jun 4 2008, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Couple of new experiences to report:

1. Could not understand why my shirts were all clingy. I asked Tanya if she was using the "Cling Free" dryer sheets and she said she was. I thought nothing of it until I saw her throw it in the washer with a load of clothes...

2. Zip-loc bags seem to be a marvel of modern technology that a Russian teenager cannot grasp the concept of. Dried out cheese and deli meats. Patience Bill...

3. She thinks I am possessed by the devil because I recommended using store-bought broth for cooking. "NYET PRAVDA!!!" I will find an opportunity to cook a stew or chicken w/noodles and drop the bomb that she just consumed hemlock juice!

4. Both Tanya and Victor seem to think that I am trying to keep them from driving. I can't seem to get the point across that they need to take a written exam and neither could manage it yet. If your state does not have a drivers manual in Russian then go to Washington State Russian Drivers Manual It may not perfectly reflect you states rules and regs but it goes a long way towards explaining all the rules.

5. Squirrels... Tanya was telling me that they are somewhat rare in Russia, at least in Taganrog. Aren't they just the cutest things! Well they trashed her bird feeder and she is discovering that they are tree-born rats and maybe not so cute after all. She cusses them out daily!

6. Has anyone seen my stack of bills to be paid? They were sitting on my desk before someone decided to clean my office!!! Ahhhhhhhhhrrrggggggg!!!

Did I mention that we get married Saturday?


Bill, Bill, Bill. That wasn't a stack of important documents, it was a disgusting, unsightly MESS and DEMANDING cleaning! You'll learn, given time, I'm sure.

Natasha and Vika are still amazed at all the squirrels and rabbits in our yard, and in the neighborhood in general (particularly in our yard because our yard is in, shall we say, a much more 'natural' state than most yards). She says you don't see that many rabbits in Vogodonsk, and the ones that are seen are delicious.

Natasha (and Vika) absolutely love ziploc everything. We put everything in the bags. There are two things I always seems to be running short of - ziploc bags and toilet paper. It's the darndest thing.

Good luck tomorrow (Bill & Tanya's wedding), and post a link to some photos for us!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-06 15:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian wisdom from Natasha
QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Apr 21 2008, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Speaking about fans, I don't have a ceiling fan but I have a room air cleaner that's got like 5 speeds and is fairly loud at the higher speeds. I actually like the noise to sleep as it's like white noise.

I'm hoping my wife is not one of those folks who can't sleep with any noise like fans. I've really gotten to like that white noise.


I have a fan that I use for white noise to help me sleep, but Natasha likes it quiet (not to mention the evils of air movement) so they're now both in the closet. Perhaps I can sell the idea of an air 'purifier' though.......
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-04-21 12:08:00