Newbie here

[djgothman]

I just wanted to say Hi to everyone and introduce myself.

I'm Mark. I stumbled upon a dating service 2 years ago where I met a girl living in Kherson, Ukraine, who I'm finally going to meet. We've known each other almost 2 years, exchanged countless emails and chatted all this time and although it probably seems crazy to most people, I really think this might be the one. I never got much encouragement from my peers or my family. I hope maybe there are others here that can help ease my uncertainty… the last thing I’d want is to find further discouragement for my decision to Visit a country where I don’t speak the language and only know 1 person that I’ve only chatted with online for 2 years... and yes I’ve seen her live on camera –she’s real LOL.

I worry about my trip. I try to estimate how much things will cost… wonder how I’m going to get around. I’ve done massive studying about the Ukraine and Russia but probably not as much essential information as its history and culture. I’ve been doing a lot of online research as I think possible… I’m even going to try and learn some phrases and the alphabet at least. I guess I’m really nervous about the whole thing.
Then, of course is the whole compatibility aspect. Will the relationship really work out? Is my fiancée over there really being honest with me? She recently made herself clear that she has doubts I will visit, and yes… I’ve had to postpone plans more than once in 2 years… 4 times actually now. The letter ended in a sort of soft ultimatum that I better follow through with my plans to visit in December. I suppose in the true context of the letter, I perceived she has similar doubts to MY authenticity… like it is ME that is the dating scam. Of course I reassured her otherwise. In a strange way though, that comforted me. I don’t know, maybe because it somehow filled me with a sense of believability LOL.

Lol… I’ve done a lot of rambling… I’m sorry.

Anyways thanks for listening… hope nobody flames my first post… it IS kinda goofy.
Mark – DJ Gothman

[nickcsadler]

Your doubts and concerns are natural.. I had them over 6 years ago when I was preparing to go to Mariupol to meet a girl like you are.. like you we had exchanged e-mails and spoken by `phone.. I had the same worries about scams compatability etc... she also had a daughter which also concerned me.. never having had a step daughter I didn`t know how that might work.... anyway we met in December and in January they arrived at Heathrow.. a month later we were married and here we are nealy 7 years later still married and still happy...

[73wanab]

Welcome to the forum Mark!

I understand where you are coming from dude. Huge step! It sounds to me that your intentions are real, as they should be. Go into this with your eyes wide open and all will be fine. Meeting this woman in person and spending time together is the only way both of you will know if things will work. She is correct, you must meet.

I got back from Ukraine in early August this year. Met the lady I had been communicating with for months. I had the same anxiety as you about travel, language, culture etc. The anxiety went away upon meeting Larisa. We spent 12 days together and got through most situations with no problems, as you will too. We are now working on the K-1 visa to bring her to her new home and future.

As to cost, depends on what you want to do and what you are used to paying for things at home. If you are from the US, things will seems very cheap to buy and do. Cigs-$1, beer-.50 cents, taxi ride $3-$5, ferry trip-.75 cents, eating out, little cheaper. Just depends on what you want to do.

Good luck man. Have the right attitude and all will go well.

Dane

[badeth]

Hi guys!
I'm new here! wish everyone a good day

[dobko]

Hello Badeth and welcome to the boards.