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Late Fall Tour 2004 - Odessa December 2 - 11
I would like to say thank you to Steve and Debbie for allowing me to have another experience as the American rep. I took this tour because one, I enjoy it and two; it was to see my fiancee easily. She was a great help as my full time interpreter as well as the guys’ interpreter. She would jump from table to table helping the guys order food and discuss relationships in her part of the world.
My plane was delayed for 3 hours at the start, but I still arrived in Austria on time to meet the guys. Two guys were wanting to black list a girl they had been both been writing, I said, “guys, don’t worry about it, you will meet about a thousand more, that is only one.” Anyway, onto the newly remodeled Odessa airport, no more interrogation, met Sasha, Karina, and Irina. But again, my luggage did not arrive, so, I suggest the guys make sure they pack an overnight bag and carry it as carry-on. Good to see old faces again.
On to the steak house for dinner. The first chance to see the guys in action. Several started on Russian vodka, and after dinner wanted to meet women. And yes, they looked tired but happy the next day.
Lots and lots of women at the first social, very few old faces, all the women were dressed to impress. I told several guys, “Look, you can do anything you want here. You can sit at any table and be accepted. I don’t care how beautiful, whatever your standard was back home, raise it by ten, just do it.” So, off they went, and I was right, I saw them smiling and later they told me, it was my pep talk that got them started. At the end of the evening I played cupid. I said to some guys “hey, grab that girl, I know her and lets go to dinner.” Well, one of them is still dating and plans to get married (fate).
The quality of the women was great. After going for 3 years to socials, I have been asked, how many of the same women still go, there were only about 5 women who I had seen before, the rest were new. “I love Kherson” - I have said it a thousand times, I just love this city. I wish the socials could spend more time there.
Speaking of food, Tarantino is a great place to eat in the center of the town on restaurant row. The restaurant is owned by a guy from New Jersey or something. The group met there for dinner several times. We had our final dinner here and about 30 were in attendance. I gave my farewell speech and acknowledged the couples that want to file for a K1 visa. Then only about ten of us went to the Palladium for dancing. Sorry to say, I got in a 5am. Those places seem to never close.
We went bowling one evening, 13 people from the group went. And Sasha had the high score, a 169, and me second place with a 161. Since there were 40 people in the group, it made it difficult to keep everyone together all the time. I spent my time with different groups of 10-15 each night. I think everyone had a great time. I am amazed at how Odessa is improving. The stores are remodeled, sidewalks redone, and shopping is top notch. Fear is not anything that ever came to mind even at a time when there was a supposed civil war that might happen. The only thing we saw was a peaceful parade march and a guy driving around with flags out his car yelling “FREEDOM!”
Derek’s training session 101. After several people kept asking me how to fill out the paperwork,) I finally said, ok, tomorrow morning at breakfast, 9am, I will run down the process, what papers you need to file, what your girl needs to sign, what you must have ready etc.. At least 5 guys were in attendance and filled out papers and many more have an understanding on the whole fiancee process.
I know I have much more to say, but I just wanted to tell you first hand about the experiences in December. The guys were a good group. I’m not sure I really want to give up this part of my life (being a rep). I’m not sure my fiancee will understand. But thanks again, I do enjoy helping people and learning about people and cultures. |
