I want to share a true personal story with you to help those of you who only write letters. Several years ago I was a client on one of my first trips to the Ukraine. I just booked the tour and did not write any letters. I had a great time at the socials and dating using the AFA offices.

On one afternoon I was in Nikolayev without any plans. I was viewing loveme.com and searching for someone to meet. As always, at the top of the screen were very attractive "banner girls". One caught my attention. I discovered that she was from that town. I pointed her out to one of the helpful assistants and to my surprise she said that she knew her! I asked if she would call and see it she would like to meet. To my surprise, she said yes. You can see how beautiful she is from the photo at left.

Here is the lesson for you. I discovered that she was a pharmacist and worked long hours. I then asked if she received many letters since she was so attractive. She said that she received so many that it was impossible to respond! I asked how long she had been on the site. Her response was three years!

Here is the surprising exchange. I asked how many men she had met. She said I was the second! What is the lesson? Meeting in person is several hundred times more valuable than extensive letter writing. Had I written to this girl she probably would not be able to respond as my letter would be one of many. However, because I was in town, my invitation was most welcome.

So, plan to visit the country of your choice and vastly increase your chances. Very few do.