ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusfinal checking before the interview - please need advise
I'm with Jomo's girl on this one. I brought copies (and originals/certified copies) for every document sent in the petition or for which I thought the CO might want to see. Two 3-inch binders, which Natasha dutifully carried in to the interview. The CO looked at only a very small set of documents, though. It's tough to say what you need and what you don't, since every CO is different and every case/situation is different. But I believe you can never be too fully prepared, and it's better to lug in a lot of documents that don't get looked at than to bring a minimalist set and then not have ready something the CO wants to see.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-02 14:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
QUOTE (slim @ Feb 15 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've gotta go with peejay on this one. She can keep her dressing up, but I'm American, and also male, so naturally, shorts and flip flops for me. She does her best to shame me though! Funny you put it like that because that's exactly how she does too; "You don't even have shame because you looks like bumzh? You have holes in your shirt and not even iron your shorts... and what is on your feet? It's tapochki? Pi**ets."

I don't think anyone wants their wife/girlfriend to stop looking so nice, it's that we don't want her to have to look so nice all the time. Whether my wife gets all dolled up or not, she's still going to be the best looking woman at the grocery store. I know she's hot, that's one of the reasons I married her. But I don't need to hear it every time we go somewhere. "I must makes my looks nice because we go outside of home." Yeah, like the stockboy cares that you took the time to do your hair while you picked up that box of tampons.

And not to ressurect the past posts (because we're obviously past that now, there are even some pictures on this thread again!) but it seems what I need to do personally is just get out more. I have a very, very small circle of friends (like, we can all fit in a small car together) and go out only maybe once a quarter. I'm sure if we did more, we'd be more social, and that in turn could lead to her finding the friends and/or activities that she needs.

Seems reasonable and logical to me, Slim. I'll go with quality of friends over quantity every day.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-15 11:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
I didn't actually look for a Russian wife - only someone I could love that would love me. I started in the USA and then widened my search. The site I found my Natasha on was actually dedicated primarily to Asian women, and Natasha was one of only a very small number of Russian profiles there (maybe 6 in total). But I do agree that I NEVER desire that she lose her Russian heritage, roots, or attitude. I think it is perfectly possible (and DESIRABLE) that she acclimatize to the USA while retaining her Russian essence. Heck, no more shorts and flip-flops for me either when I run to the store! I'll NEVER look as good as my Natasha, but when we go out in public we'll be a matched pair.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-14 17:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
QUOTE (slim @ Feb 14 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guys, (and gals)

Great advice on here. No time to post today although I did read it all. I'll reply tomorrow.

And now I sure wish I had some Man Chocolate!


I'm sure there's a good joke here somewhere, centered around the phrase 'Man Chocolate' - but I will resist....
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-14 15:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
In many ways, divorce causes the things Jeffery and Kirk have described - walling off, closing up. Not having moved from one country to another before, I'm obviously not certain but I wonder if moving from Russia and leaving everything you've ever known behind isn't, in some ways, similar.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-13 13:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
QUOTE (slim @ Feb 12 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm a big boy and can call a duck a duck. It quacks, after all.

I thought you could tell it was a duck based on the poop? ;-)
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-12 14:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
Good to hear from you again, Jason! Yep, we've been enjoying the words of your Sasha and Buck's Natalia in your absence.

I think Sasha has stated very well what I was trying to think of the words to say, Slim. Your wife chose you, and I'm sure she had plenty to choose from. I can't say for certain, and I do NOT want to make any more assumptions here than I need to, but sometimes (in my experience, anyway) if a woman isn't getting enough time from her man, she can try substituting 'stuff'. Material things. I know you work a bunch, and I respect the hell of you for that, and I understand it. On your weekends off, find some fun, cheap stuff to do. Do some window shopping and grab a shake. Plan some picnics. Make breakfast in bed. Buy a single rose (if she likes them) every week or two. Just little things. They add up and count for far more, in my estimation, than the new dress or shiny bauble. Yes, an event will come up where the new dress or shiny bauble would have been fabulous and you'll be sure to hear about it, but the disappointments will be tempered by the LOVE and the dedication and caring you demonstrate day in and day out.

Chuckles - I hear ya, and we're rowing in the same boat I think. I make a decent living, nothing too extravagant, but the bills always add up to just under the income, and Natasha doesn't understand it all yet. Some things are priced about the same here as there, but a lot of things are just more expensive. Heck, what with teaching and my regular job I drive about 60 miles a day, which isn't much but with the current price of gas (still cheaper here than most places, I know, but we've been spoiled as Americans for a very long time) that takes a big chunk. It will become clear to her I think with time and experience, and working herself and paying for things on her own.

It's amazing that as the Russian community here on VJ we've managed to somehow take this PHOTO thread and make it all about Russian culture and life and being married and, well, just everything. Personally, I love it! It's the first place I go to read every day.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-12 09:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
Thanks so much slim and satellite for your insights. I only asked for ONE thing, slim, because I didn't want to impose too much upon your time, but given the fullness of your response - feel free to name as many things as you want! Heck, throw in some 'easy' things too! It sucks that your schedules don't line up so that you two could have more time together. All things come to those who wait (and strive valiantly!). I have a great job and Natasha will be coming to work with me (and using my laptop for internet access) until she feels comfortable being at home alone, while we wait for AOS/EAD. One of the perks of being the senior guy on the team.

I'm sure you don't need my advice, but I'll give it anyway. whistling.gif Working hard in order to better the life for your family is a very good thing, a very honorable thing, and something for which you will eventually be rewarded. But don't lose sight of why you work so hard, or life can slip away from you before you realize it is happening. I speak from personal, painful experience on this one.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-09 21:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
fwaguy: I don't think any of the photos I posted are paint-worthy, but you have my blessing nonetheless!

slim: Excellent points, slim. I'm not rich, but I do have a well-established career that affords me many more creature comforts than I had when I was but a wee lad. If you had to pick ONE thing that has been the most difficult for you and your bride, what would it be?
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-08 15:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
The advice about the interview seems to be always the same: get everything ready, per the guides, double and triple check everything, and then try to stop stressing.

Even as I write these words, I know how futile they are for me, and for everyone else! Stress is just part of the overall package, usually. We dot our t's and cross our i's, and hope that all will be well. It will be!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-08 13:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
Boy, I get busy preparing for the interview trip to Moscow, and I miss all of this really good stuff secretly buried in the 'photo' thread. It's a perfect cover!

Kirk (aka 'Mox') - what you wrote stated so perfectly what the majority of us here on the Russian thread truly believe. You have a gift, my friend.

Jeffrey (aka 'Kazan') - your feelings for your Alla have alway been evident, as made clear by your moving to Russia to show your serious intent. Plus, anyone who wears hats like you ain't afraid of nothing!

Buck - I've read many of your posts with great interest, though we have never really spoken 'directly' here on VJ. Along with others here, I've empathized with the difficulties you and Natalia have faced in your visa struggle, and cheered for you both at your triumphs over the system. It takes commitment and a serious desire from BOTH people to make a long distance, long-separation relationship work, and I'm confident you and Natalia will not only succeed, but excel.

Natalia - What can I say? Thanks so VERY MUCH for your honest opinions and insights. All of us mugs (as Buck says) appreciate your thoughts and your willingness to share them. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I must also note that my Natasha's given name is actually Natalia, and I can honestly say that you two share more traits than just a name!

Sasha - You have also hit the nail right on the head (to use an American idiom). We guys don't want our Russian ladies to change, we only want them to adapt, so that they can be as happy being here with us as we are being here with them. Your interview is only a few days before ours, and I want you to know that Natasha and I are rooting for you guys!

Slim & Satellite - You guys are both experienced voices here on VJ and your opinions are always welcome, even when they don't always jive with what us newbies think. But you guys have been through this already, and have experienced the good and the bad. and I for one appreciate your thoughts, even when they sometimes stand in contrast to my own.

I think we have a very good Russian group here, dynamic and fun and honest. Cheers all around!

Kevin
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-08 10:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
The day before I left Russia last year, Natasha asked for the shirt I was wearing. She uses it now as part of her 'indoor' clothes, and as a PJ top. I didn't know that was a Russian thing!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-02-03 16:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
Lots of excellent photos and stories everyone, thanks!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-01-25 16:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
I miss Russian tomatoes. I'm just saying.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-01-16 18:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
Oh, pelmini. I read "rollling some up" and got confused there, slim. whistling.gif wink.gif
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-01-14 12:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 14 2008, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm being a bit too lazy to post any pics at this moment, but thought I'd comment about the others. These are all really nice photos. Makes me miss being there. I've been there so many times now that my home seems less and less like home. And I'd certainly live there if I needed to.

I know what you're saying. It's odd how a place half way around the world and visited only a few times (or once, in my case) can quickly seem like home. I think it's because of that old saying "Home is where the heart is" and right now, our hearts are in Russia. Natasha and I have talked of moving to Russia after I retire. That's still many years off, but I do find myself sort of looking forward to that day.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-01-14 09:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFavorite Pictures in Russia
A random sampling. The first is of my soon-to-be-nephew and was taken by Natasha this past summer. The rest are from my trip last February/March.





KGSodieMaleRussia2008-01-14 09:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusk2 question
Natasha went to court and received a document severing the parental rights of her daughter's biological father, in preparation for coming here to the USA. This was an easy document to get given the absence of the father in Vika's life and his refusal to pay the court ordered child support these last 11 years. The father was at the court proceedings and though he didn't agree, the court ruled against him.

That said, this document was never shown to anyone. At the airport in Moscow, the passport control officer asked IF we had the document and we said we did, and I started to get it from the binder but she stopped me and said she didn't need to see it.

As everyone else says, each case is different and your results can easily vary from my own.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-10 14:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa update.
It's too bad about the K-2 medical, but at least the interview and everything else seems to have gone 'well'.

After all the documents are submitted it usually doesn't take very long (a few days) for the visa to be issued. Of course, our visa was the exception to the rule and we were stuck in Moscow for 3 weeks waiting for the visa to be issued. In all fairness, though, we have come to believe that our delay was triggered by her prior K-1 visa.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-10 14:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarushow to get SSN
We waited about 3 weeks and then went down to the Social Security office and put the application in for Natasha (K-2 visas are ineligible for SSN until they receive EAD - and this is regardless of age!). She received her SSN card in the mail about 10 days later. After we received our certified copy of our marriage license (about 4 days after the wedding), we went back to the Social Security office and applied for her name change. We received her new card about 7 days later.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-16 08:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Delivery times
We processed through Atlanta on Tuesday, March 18. We landed around 4:50 PM (Delta 47) with a connecting flight of 8:33 PM. That's about 3.75 hours between flights (the 5 hours I originally quoted was for our original flights, which we had to change 2 or 3 times while we were waiting in Moscow).
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-16 08:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Delivery times
Oh good Lord. Atlanta! Our experience there wasn't any better than Moscow.

We had 5 hours between flights, and we got to the gate for our connecting flight as the plane was boarding.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, we proceeded to the passport control area. It was hot with a long line. We waited in the non-US Citizen's line for about 90 minutes, then as we were getting 'close' to the front (maybe 100 people in front of us still) they opened the US Citizen's lines for everyone. We jumped over there and waited another 20 minutes or so. When we got to the passport control officer, he looked at the visas and said we needed to go downstairs. That's a twisty maze of passages, all alike, and we finally arrived at the 3-booths (labeled, helpfully, 1, 2, and 3). We were directed to booth 3, the only booth with a single officer. The counter tops at which the officers are stationed contain wire racks of pending travelers (this is where you put the sealed packet, among other things). The rack at booth 3 had a single file in it. Great, we thought, smooth sailing. I don't know if it was 1) the complexity of the case ahead of us or 2) the fact that only one officer was manning booth 3 or 3) the incompetence of the immigration officer, but we waited there for another 2 hours to be processed. With only 1 case ahead of us. While waiting, about 15 new cases queued up behind us. It was a quagmire of Homer-ian proportions.

We did make our flight, but only by the skin of our teeth. Not having assigned seats didn't help the fret-level, but there were 3 seats level (a miracle!) and we arrived safely, though tiredly, in Omaha.

I've also read many good reports about Atlanta, and I sincerely hope your experience there goes better than ours!

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-16 08:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Delivery times
I HATE to be the rain on the parade, by my own experience was different from the other reports here. I too went to Moscow and waited with Natasha for the delivery of the visa (I also paced outside the consulate in the snow for 2 hours during the interview), but this did not speed the delivery process.

Interview: 26 Feb 2008
Visa delivered: 13 Mar 2008

No explanation was ever given for the delay, and in fact at the interview Natasha was given the standard line about receiving the visa in 1 week (though the best theory we have is that since Natasha had a previous K-1 they examined her petition very carefully). Every time we contacted the consulate we were told "visa approved, you should receive it in <insert time here - 2 days, 5 days, 1 week>". The only time they told us something different was 2 days before we actually received the visa, when we were told it would take up to 1 month.

In short, you just can't expect good information from the consulate when it comes to delivery times. That said, the VAST majority of visas seems to be delivered in less than a week (for the Moscow consulate) from the information available from the live reports here and on other visa forums.

So, is the 11 days you plan adequate? The best answer is 'probably', with perhaps a 95% confidence rating.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-16 08:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSunburns
That seems reasonable to me, Marash.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-26 15:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSunburns
Yeah, I suggested that already but Natasha has so far preferred the traditional Russian remedy - sour cream. If only I liked sour cream, it would be more tolerable when I apply it for her, but then again.......
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-26 15:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSunburns
One of the things Natasha has commented on is how in Russia she would NEVER get a sunburn. Here in Omaha, we were outside riding bikes for about 2 hours, and she got a pretty good one on her arms and legs. Any similar experiences? Theories on the cause?
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-26 14:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Support Center is a joke!
Yeah, I had a really bad experience with the visa support service too, though as the other user has stated about $30 of that charge will be reversed. I emailed them 6 times, and to this day have never received a response, though many people say email is the way to go so your results may vary.

Hang in there, things will eventually move.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-19 15:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Interview...Russian Or English??
QUOTE (aspettando @ Jun 26 2008, 12:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't want to start a new topic. Let me just tell you what the situation is. My Masha needs to go back to Petersburg after visa interview so, if the appointment is at 8am, what is the longest the interview process may take? Thank you. wacko.gif


Natasha's appointment was also at 8, and she was done around 10:30. Just our experience, though!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-26 09:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Interview...Russian Or English??
When asked at the interview if she spoke English, my Natasha replied "Only a little", and the consular officer said "No problem, we'll conduct the interview in Russian". There were only a few questions asked, almost exclusively about her prior K-1, and several questions for her daughter about wanting to come to the USA, etc. It was a short, pleasant, "stress-free" interview all around. Getting the actual visa issued was an entirely different matter, but the interview was cake.

Just our experience.

Good luck!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-23 15:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusK-1 Train Pulled Off On The Siding
Bummer, but then I kept reading and Hurray!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-05-23 19:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBack after a Long Break
Ooooooo, that's a tough one. Did you miss anything 'good'? Hmmmmm. No idea.

But, congratulations on your marriage, if not the weight gain, and welcome back!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-30 12:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVaccinations, lack of Package 3/4, etc.
QUOTE (Fettman @ Jun 23 2008, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (vuhtran @ Jun 23 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee never received her Packet 3/4 but did not have any problems getting into the Embassy. All they did was check to see if her name was on the interview list for that day so do not worry about them letting her in.

Now, if you have not received the Packet 3/4 , just fill out all of the paperwork and they will take it from her when she goes into her interview at the window. When the CO actually interview her, they will refer to the paperwork that she gave earlier to ask questions.

My Irina says that the CO was very friendly and nice and passed with flying colors.



Ok, so you are saying that she will turn it in when she arrives at the embassy and then when she has the actually interview they will refer to the paperwork then.


That is correct.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-23 15:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPetition Approved!!!
Woot! Something is always better than nothing in these things!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-14 15:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisas In Hand
Jeff, CONGRATS! If you wait until the fall, the 3 months of summer will pass both quickly (because you have the visas) and slowly (since you are still apart), but I know you guys will endure.

We arrived on a Tuesday and Vika was in school the following Monday, and she adjusted very quickly and very well. She only knew a handful of English words when she arrived, and her progress has been remarkable. I agree with the comment on pharmaceuticals - Natasha brought quite a stash and though she bravely tests the American OTC stuff, she still (secretly and not-so-secretly) prefers the stuff she knows and grew up with.

I'll also be teaching Natasha to drive, along with my son (17, and getting a late start!). It ought to be a hoot!

GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED!!!!!!
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-06-02 14:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusG-325 for AOS
Since we were married and changed her name as part of that, we filed all the documents with her new last name, spelled in Cyrillic for that part as it appeared on my Russian visa.

Speaking of signatures.... when we went to get the marriage license, Natasha signed her name as she would in Russia (this is before the wedding, so her maiden name) - just her last name. The woman looked at this and said she should sign this 'American style', first name and last name. Natasha had no idea what to do so carefully wrote out her name. Sort of a cross between cursive and printing, which is what she favors for these things. Now that she has a new last name, she still carefully writes out her signature (occasionally leaving out the 'h' after the 't', since 'th' is just an alien concept to her). She longs for the day when she has a 'real' signature, one that looks like mine, which is to say one that looks as though an epileptic chicken walked in ink and then had a seizure on the paper. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-24 09:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEmbassy interview
I love hearing this small, personal stories. Thanks for sharing, slim.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-25 09:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEmbassy interview
After Natasha finished her interview (sometime between 10 and 10:30), and came outside to give me a hug and the good news that the visas were approved, she realized she had left her handled x-ray envelope somewhere in the building! She had to sweet talk the guard, who allowed her back inside so she could go and find it. I think waiting for her to come out the second time was much more nerve wracking than the first wait, and we're talking about 3 hours pacing on the sidewalk in the snow in February in Moscow during the first wait! But she emerged with the envelope about 20 minutes later.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-24 10:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny paperwork required for Ukraine?
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 21 2008, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BTalley @ Jul 21 2008, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 21 2008, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have a great trip! What made you choose SP?


She lives in St. Petersburg. That's where I visited her for the first time in February. Her hometown, though, is Krivoy Rog in Ukraine, and that's where her family lives and where she usually spends the summer.

But there are a lot of things we need to do in SP in preparation for her interview. Thus, the itinerary for this trip is a little complicated and exhausting:

Fly from Fort Lauderdale to St. Petersburg.
Take train from SP to Moscow (never been to Moscow).
Fly from Moscow to Dnepropetrovsk.
Drive from Dnepropetrovsk to Krivoy Rog.

Drive from Krivoy Rog to Kiev.
Fly from Kiev to Fort Lauderdale.


Yikes! I hope you have a long time to recover. I am not a big fan of trains over there, and I don't like it when Vika insists that we move every thre or four days to a city just a few hours away. But the upside is that you should be all squared away after this and can make your own itineraries from now on. good.gif


Oh come on, the trains there are an experience! Like the man at the suitcase store in "Joe vs the Volcano" says: "Oh, so it's a real journey then." Of course, having your leg broken in 3 places is also 'an experience', so there you go.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-24 09:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSurgery in Russia
Goodness. I think I'll close my eyes, put my hands over my head and scream "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee".
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-24 10:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHotel in Moscow
Definitely agree with you, Sat. We stayed out in the 'burbs (Doobrovka station) and just took the metro everywhere we wanted to go. I just checked and her website doesn't seem to be up any more (a bad sign). I'll root through my documents tonight (since I never throw anything away) and see if I can't find her number. She only speaks Russian, however.
KGSodieMaleRussia2008-07-31 14:27:00