Edward D.
Margarita, Irina, and Todd,
I wanted to write and thank all of you for making the recent trip to the Ukraine a wonderful experience. I admit that it was a unique vacation, since I have never been on a trip like this before, but the three of you did an outstanding job at making me feel comfortable and
welcome.
Margarita, I remember your greeting everyone at the airport with warm and friendly smile, which made me feel relaxed and at ease.
(Especially since the local people have some sort of smiling deficiency.) Your English is excellent, probably better than mine, and that is very
reassuring since I was a long way from home. You were clearly making an effort to assist everyone so that they would feel as relaxed as
possible. I appreciate your attempts to contact the woman I had been sending email's to for the past few months. You came to my hotel room to call her even though it was past 6:00pm and you could have gone about your business. (I know that my hotel room was cold, but it was perfect for me.) I wanted to thank you for the attempt.
Irina, I recall you working in the Hospitality Room trying to answer questions from several men, trying to arrange dates, and making calls for them all at the same time. You were working so hard that I felt bad asking you questions. However, you moved from one person to the next with no problems or delays and attempted to serve everyone as quickly as possible. You also have a warm and friendly smile.
Todd, I was glad to meet you. You put things into American terms, which made it easier to understand. You also helped point out the
cultural differences, which made talking with the women easier. I also had you come rescue me at the Mariupol social from a girl who latched on and would not let go; thank you. Your relaxed attitude helped very much, since meeting all those women was a little intimidating.
All three of you did a good job at the socials. You were familiar faces in a mass of strangers, had reassuring words, and assisted with
introductions. All of you tried to make the setting as comfortable as possible.
I was very pleased that I went on this trip, even though I did not go with the intention of becoming engaged. I met some very nice women,
who hope to stay in contact with.
Again, thank you.