Paul , Let me be the first or 2nd one to share a bit more with you. Obviously you had a change of heart , about people in CIS countries and Russia. I am sure that Canada is a great country , and is worth visiting.But I must admit , that I have not been there (yet). So , we can`t go to all places , that we may want to go.It`s a different matter , when you want to find your wife in a certain country or part of the world. It`s important to understand what you are involving yourself with.As they say : "A good start is half of the work" So , preparing yourself , as good as possible , will help to improve your success. But I should warn you.It is not going to be " a walk in the park" , so to speak. Your determination must be as high as can be !!Be prepared that it may take a while , before she will trust and believe you. Be chivalrous and a gentleman and be serious.Don`t pretend to be someone else , than you are in reality. And be honest in all situations. These people have learned to be very reserved and will take the time , to see if you are , who you claim to be. You will have to prove , that you are legitimate and trustful. And even more , you must be patient. But , when you have passed all the (so called) tests , you will be treated like (as) a friend. And the communication will be so much better. Understand that it is a 2 - way street.But in the beginning of the proces , much must/should come from your side. As I have said , learning about their customs and tradition , will help a lot. Of course there is a difference , with persons , who were born and raised in the big cities.Than compared to people , who grew up in smaller places or in the country side. There is also a difference , between the age ranges.The younger generation , is growing up in complete different circumstances.And with this modern era of global communication and technology , their vieuw on the world is different , from people who grew up , in the Sovjet era. So , it will come down to what type of woman you are looking for.A real traditional woman , will have the characteristics of the old Sovjet values and family traditions. While the women of up to 25 years (or a little older) , may have a vision , that is more or less like in Western countries. So , you see , there is a whole lot more to consider and to think about. My personal advice would be , to go to a CIS country - like Ukraine - and get a sense of the life and the situation. It is the best way , to really get to know , how it is.Yes , I know , it is not something ,that you will do , just like that. But see it as a preparation. Now just some info on their customs. When you buy flowers , for a present , it should always be an uneven number ( 1 , 3 ,9 , 25 - even numbers may bring bad luck) You must not give a clock as a present - they see it as something for an untimely death (if that is the correct word). And a last advice : because of their reservation , with a stranger (unfamiliar person), you will have to "read between the lines" If you get my grip Hope this was a good start Eric