As I wrote about in my December 22 post, Russian people, like us, celebrate this season with gifts, parties, and decorated trees. Unlike us however, the tree is a New Year’s tree, not a Christmas tree. No, they are not usually decorated in orange as the one in the photograph is. This is the handiwork of Ukrainian Orange Revolutionaries. The photo was taken on December 15, 2004 on Khreschatyk (cresh attic) Street, the main street of central Kiev where all primary government offices are located.
Now what on earth was I doing in Kiev in the middle of the “Orange Revolution”? Well Alla and I had by this time been writing to each other and talking on the phone and had traveled together for several weeks in various parts of Ukraine. And for 7 months of this time our request for a U.S. K1 (fiancee) visa for her was in process. Then on November 26 we were notified that the U.S. Embassy had granted her a visa interview date of December 16. We were given the option to delay the interview, but without a guarantee of how long a delay to expect for a rescheduling. So we decided to “brave” the political uncertainties and “go for it”. We each made our travel arrangements and located a secure apartment close to the U.S. Embassy, and arranged to meet on December 12.
Fortunately for us, president-elect Yushchenko sent his supporters home the day before Alla and I arrived in Kiev. And so the 250,000 people who had been rallying and demonstrating exuberantly 1 block from our apartment magically disappeared. Gone were the bullhorns, loudspeakers and fiery speeches. All that remained were a few thousand “diehards” and large remnants of the tent city that had been setup in the middle of this city’s most prestigious street.
We acted as tourists, visiting our favorite places and photographing at will, all with no feeling of threat or jeopardy. And on our appointed date, we went to the U.S. Embassy for Alla’s visa interview. So began for us a VERY happy new year - - together in America.
We both wish for you that your new year will likewise be happy with good health and the fulfillment of your dreams. And hopefully, you will not be faced with drama such as we were in your process to bring your Russian bride to America.
Happy New Year!!
Gary and Alla.
P.S. Why should you go to Ukraine?
Well here are 5 of more than 12,000 reasons to go to Ukraine!
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Hi! nice site!
Thanks, Golrat. We’re glad you enjoy it and hope you’ll keep checking back as we post more. Gary.
Very interesting site. Perfect design and content. Thanks.
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hey
just signed up and wanted to say hello while I read through the posts
hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.
How you find ideas for articles, I am always lack of new ideas for articles. Some tips would be great
I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
Nice services offered by you. I hope you will extend your services better than this and run with success. Thanks for posting
I am looking for this information, Thanks for that article, very helpful to me.
Hi Gobanymnnah:
And hello to you too and thanks for the visit. Just what is it that you’re looking for? Perhaps I can offer you some info or direction to assist you.
Good Luck, Gary.
Hi Eco Tours;
I don’t find ideas to write about. I merely sift through my mind, that busy clutter box, and try to isolate what’s worth writing about that other folks might find interesting. In other words, life happens and I, like you, have it available in my mind to write about.
So next time you’re stuck for something to write about, just look inside; or better yet, look outside at nature and ask “why?”, “how?”. I guarantee you’ll find something to write about.
And something else that helps too, and probably more direct to your question - - do you need/want to write about a particular subject? What’s your interest in the subject? Do you love the subject? If not then look for something, anything about it that turns you on. Otherwise, trying to write about it is like trying to make dust out of sand. Why bother?
I could go on here but I think you get the point and I hope I’ve been helpful for you.
Come back soon and often. Gary.
Hello again Eco Tours;
Thanks for the bookmark and for sure, do check back for new posts. We’re about to become VERY active here.
Gary.
Hi Adventure Travel Tips;
I’m glad you like our “services”. And You wrote
“I hope you will extend your services better than this”.
How, may I ask, would you like us to “extend our services better than this”? Give me some feedback please. I’ve got tons of stuff to write about but it would be a big boost to know that I’m writing about stuff people want to read about. Thanks !!!
And by the way, I checked out your site and found some very interesting adventure travel info. Keep checking back to www.russianbridefacts.com for some upcoming details about my trip with Alla to “Crim” which is Russian for Crimea. History, culture, and natural beauty all rolled up into one exciting package. Coming soon with photos.
Thanks for your visit, check back soon, and clue me in on “services better than this”.
Gary.
Hi Couples Resorts and welcome:
Well “to each his own” because I am mystified as to why, after checking out your website, my post about December in Ukraine during the Orange Revolution would be helpful to you. But be that as it may, I’m glad it was and that it has apparently filled a niche for you.
In truth though, I would think that for couples, there are much more incredible places to visit in Ukraine. Spring in Kiev is awesome, as is summer or fall in Crimea by the Black Sea. I’ll be adding more posts, with photos about both places in addition to Chernovtsy (Alla’s home) soon.
Thanks for the visit and check back soon for more posts relevant to your site goal.
Gary.
P.S. In Ukraine, there are 2 very special romantic sites, 1 near Kiev and i in Chernovtsy,that all couples must visit. I’ll descibe them soon.
Great tips! As a relatively new blogger, I don’t get many comments, but it’s so exciting when I do! I will definately try your tips. Thanks!
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Another great post on blogging! Thanks so much for taking the time to share you information and wisdom with other bloggers.
I really enjoyed this post, especially the “examples in this post” portion which made it really easy for me to SEE what you were talking about without even having to leave the article. Thanks
Usually I do not post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up incredibly forced me to complete so! Thanks, extremely nice article.
Hello Download;
You’re welcome, and thanks for the compliment about the article. I had fun writing it, and Alla and I had even more fun living it.
Best regards, Gary.
Thank you very much for posting a lot of this excellent information! I am looking forward to seeintg more posts!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable bloggers on this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks.
Man, I absolutely loved reading your post. You have convinced me to subscribe to your blog, but where can I find the RSS feed?
Hi Shark;
I’m not sure which topic you’re referring to since between the post and the comments/replies, there’s a lot of topics covered. As far as the post goes, that’s simple - - “been there done that”. As for replies, that’s simple too - - I just tell it like I see it.
But whatever you are referring to, you are welcome. And thanks in return for your recognition.
Gary.
Hi Madison;
Thank You. I enjoyed writing about it and Alla and I enjoyed living it too. As far as RSS is concerned - - I apologize. I did have a feed here but somehow it dropped off and reinstalling it is on a list of “things to do” which I haven’t had time to get done yet. But I will and hopefully soon. Thanks for the “nudge”.
Gary.
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