Well my new freinds, I see you already have suspicions as to where this has originated from and yes I spent a liitle emotional real estate but no hard cash.

Even at this stage I could have felt sorry for the writer of the 'letters' had I not done the search. I have learned an important lesson and no doubt there will be more before I finish this journey. I hope it doesn't mean I will now teat all contacts with suspicion. It does take the edge off things a little ;-)

Here is a copy of the text of the final letter. I have edited the more personal sections but you will get the message and how the dialouge runs. Note references to danger and imagine how I felt that the 'sweet girl' had witnessed a violent event close to her home only a few days previously, that we had earlier talked about . . . . in some depth . . . !!!


<Yes unfortunately my city is not safe. Especially in the evening year. I do not know, that now with that woman. It is terrible to think, if she is dead. I hope, that with that woman everything is all right. I am grateful to you for your anxiety. It means, that I am not indifferent to you. I do not doubt, that you would give me your protection. I promise to be very cautious when I go home. I went to travel agency to learn, that it is required to me for travel to you. The tourist agent has told, that the best variant for me will arrive to you under the tourist permit. There to me have told, that that I could arrive to you, it is necessary for me to make the passport for travel abroad, to take place medical examination, to make the visa both other documents and inquiries. To me have told, that all it for me can make travel agency in a current of 7-10 days. Whether I have taken an interest I can make independently these documents. To me have told, if I do it independently it will occupy much more time, and I will spend twice more money. Also to me have told, that for reception of the visa it is necessary for me to go to embassy of your country in the city of Moscow. I should fill the questionnaire for reception of the visa and pass interview. Also I will need to pay consular gathering. All it will cost 430 pounds. For me it is very expensive and I do not have such big money. I do not receive on the work of such big money. To me very bitterly to realise, that I cannot see you in live, embrace you and go, holding each other for hands. To me it is sad that I cannot give you my kisses and embraces. And to show all my feelings to you. How to us now to be? What to me to do? I hope, that you can answer these questions. It is very important to me to know your opinion concerning it. I will wait for your answer. All my thoughts only about you.
You is a lot of kisses and embraces, Nastya>

Ok guys, I'll move on and see what 'trouble' I can get into next time . . . Just one thing comes to mind . . . 'Caveat emptor' . . . Not that I look at this as some kind of 'purchase' . . . I have no intentions of giving up on this search

Thank for all advice etc.

Andrew