back in the saddle

[Mark A]

Greetings, folks! I haven't been to this board in about 2 yrs., but it's encouraging to see some of the regs (such as Ken) are still here offering useful advice. God bless!

Two yrs. ago, I met a Russian woman (from Novosibirsk), with whom I was corresponding, while vacationing in Florence. We had an incredible time, and when I returned home I began to lay plans for visiting her in Novosibirsk and, God willing, asking her to come to live w/me in the US as my fiance.

Unfortunately, before I left, things changed a lot here. I worked across the st. from the WTC grounds, and one of the less grievous losses I experienced that horrible September day was my job.

I was out of work for 11 months and money was tight, but to make a long story short she met another guy last summer and now they're engaged.

I'm happy for her and I don't blame her for not waiting for things to settle here, there were times I thought that might never happen.

Anyway, I've spent the last 4 months dating local women, but none of them measure up to what I had with Irina. Hell, it's not even a contest. So I'm looking to give this another go, however ALL my bookmarks to reputable personals sites and listings are long gone, and so much seems to have changed since I was here last.

Can anyone help out by recommending some reputable online resources?

Thanks in advance, and I hope everyone has a prosperous New Year!

Mark A

[MarkInTx]

... in response to back in the saddle, posted by Mark A on Jan 8, 2003


If you want to do it yourself (and save money), and you aren't set on a girl in Russia (meaning you would consider Ukraine) go here:

http://hey-ua.com/about.html   and place a personal ad.

If you want to have someone manage the whole thing for you, and you don't mind following someone's "system", then contact www.firstfdream.com. Frequent poster Jack Bragg owns it, and he has a system for finding a woman that has proven effective for some men. The only caveat is that he expects you to follow his system. Some can... some can't. If you can do as he says, and you have the money, this may be a good approach for you.

I don't think Elena (RW on the board here... look up her profile and drop her a line) does personal consultations anymore, which is too bad, because I heard excellent things about her. In my brief dealings with her, she seemed like a very classy lady. She used to have a great service where you would basically pay her most when she found you your bride. But I heard that her other work keeps her too busy these days.

The only commercial site I used was www.scanna.com. They are owned by the same people who own Anastasia, but I liked their layout better. The one time I bought an address from them that was no good, they replaced it with three free addresses.

I also "joined" http://www.artsalon.as. It is a pretty good deal. I wrote several sincere womem from there, I just didn't really click with any of them.

Additionally, I know an interpreter in Kherson who has some friends that are looking for sincere American men. Drop me a line at: markjoel60@hotmail.com if you are interested, and I can tell you more...

[yoe]

... in response to back in the saddle, posted by Mark A on Jan 8, 2003

I am probably one of the most objective posters on this board and of all of the sites I have seen, I must honestly say that Firstdream.com owned and operated by the amazing Jack Bragg is by far, the most comprehensive, customer service oriented, fact filled, useful and helpful site I have seen. Again being objective and being guilty of a run on sentence-I feel that you cannot go wrong with Firstdream.com-owned and operated by the awesome, gentlemanly, HONEST Jack Bragg
Joe

[Jack]

... in response to I cannot tell a lie.., posted by yoe on Jan 8, 2003

Thanks Yoe, your check is in the mail!

[John F]

... in response to (*/*), posted by Jack on Jan 9, 2003

Jack, no need for checks to anyone.  I have also recommended your website recently to somebody on the alt.visa.us.marriage-based newsgroup.  Through all the past controversies you reveal a fair willingness to help those using your services and you go beyond what is required when help is needed.

I can tell everyone from personal experience that doing this alone without somebody like you to guide and help them, and even without this message board to ask advice is a risky and somewhat dangerous undertaking.

[Philb]

... in response to Re: (*/*), posted by John F on Jan 9, 2003

I don't know about that.  I think the alot of it depends on how much time a guy has and their basic personality type.  Going it alone may take a little longer than going with a professional (probably depends on the professional too ;-)).
Some people prefer to do things on their own.  

I have a good friend who recently returned from Italy.  He spent 11 days there on a guided tour (emphasis on art).  The only research he did was in regards to the art he was going to see.  He did not have to (or want to) research train schedules, hotels, restaurants and the like.  I am the opposite.  When I went to Italy I immersed myself in every detail.  I spent three weeks there.  The amount of art we saw was probably equal.  Now, if all I had was 11 days to spend in Italy you bet I would go guided.  I think this example applies (in general) to using a service such as First Dream or going it alone.

Going it alone equals risky and dangerous?  I don't think so.  Success can be found in either method and no matter what method you use the more one educates themselves the better off they are.

[John F]

... in response to Risky and dangerous?, posted by Philb on Jan 9, 2003

I'm getting so stinking sick and tired of all the name calling, all the challenging, and the better than thou attitudes that come from this board now.

I don't know how things are today, but getting to, and visiting Crimea at a time when others were in Kiev was a frightening experience.  And, I personally had one experience with a Ukrainian man in which I am certain would have come to no good had I taken his offer to drive me to the hotel.  My wife (now) was even concerned about the incident when I told her about it.  Ukraine ain't Italy.  Italy is western Europe.  Ukraine is a troubled country.

[Philb]

... in response to !!!!!, posted by John F on Jan 9, 2003

I think you have missed the entire point of my post.  The point is that there is more then one way to do things.  Neither is right or wrong, dangerous or safe.  Both can be productive.  It all depends on what you want, the amount of time you can spare, etc..

No, Italy is not Ukraine and again that was not the point.  

Now, I don't believe I called you any names (nor have I ever), If you see this as a challenge, or me looking down on you that's to bad.

[John F]

... in response to ?, posted by Philb on Jan 9, 2003

I had just read another thread and it affected my perspective.  Some of us really do become disillusioned with the arguing and it does have an affect on board members trying to stay out of the line of fire.

The last time I was in Ukraine was January 2000, and that was Kiev.  My initial thoughts on the post stating "risky and dangerous" was a reflection on my experience, traveling alone, and without advice or direction from anyone, to Crimea.  I did have some trying experiences, got ripped off at the Simferopol airport because I was lead to believe that I must change all my American currency there, encountered a guy who tried to get me to leave the airport with him, ran out of cash, and a whole lot more.

My point is if you deal with somebody like Jack, then you have help.  I have even observed Jack helping guys from this board who ran into problems while in FSU who didn't even buy address, arrange travel, or anything else.  I'm not saying you can't do it alone ..... I did.  But it would have been a whole lot less nerve-wracking if I had help.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: (*/*), posted by John F on Jan 9, 2003

John,

Did you find your wife through FirstDream's services?

I'm not being smart... I am seriously just wondering...

[John F]

... in response to Just Curious, posted by MarkInTx on Jan 9, 2003

No, her address was one of two I got from a small agency that is no longer in business.  All they sold at the time was addresses and visa papers.  I guess that's why they're no longer around.

[Travis]

... in response to Re: (*/*), posted by John F on Jan 9, 2003

"I can tell everyone from personal experience that doing this alone without somebody like you to guide and help them, and even without this message board to ask advice is a risky and somewhat dangerous undertaking."

I can personally attest to that!!!!!!!!

[jboatl72]

... in response to Re: Re: (*/*), posted by Travis on Jan 9, 2003

Could use your help/advice to help a friend going through something similar to yours.  Can you please email me at jboatl72@nospam.com and see if I can hook you up with my friend?  Thanks a lot!

[Griffin]

... in response to Re: (*/*), posted by John F on Jan 9, 2003

unlike the rest of the gentle folk who post to this board, Jack is an OPINIONATED sob.  :-)

[Dan]

... in response to I agree with all that, BUT, posted by Griffin on Jan 9, 2003

An opinion - that is.

Some posters here offer no opinions of their own whatsoever - instead always regurgitating what they read or hear elsewhere.

- Dan