Thursday, January 14, 2010

Arrival in Russia

Jan. 14, 2010
I have arrived in Moscow!
Kathy took me to the airport in Minneapolis and had breakfast with me after I checked in. I consolidated my luggage as much as possible but still ended up with two checked bags and two carry on’s--it’s a lot to lug around.
All the flights went well and were on time. My longest leg was from Chicago to Frankfurt and I was lucky because the two seats next to me were empty so I got to stretch out and sleep.
The Moscow airport was a zoo when I arrived--it was a half hour wait to get through passport control and for those who have been here, you know that Russia doesn’t form nice lines but the waiting line is more like a mob that just pushes to the front and it is very hot. That was the least enjoyable part of the trip but I got through. Then getting my bags and getting through customs was a breeze. My agency rep was waiting there for me with a sign once I got out of customs. It was nice to see someone there.
I got to the hotel about 4pm Moscow time--which was 7am at home--24 hours after I left Kathy’s house.
The weather here is very similar to home right now so it felt normal to me. I ventured out of the hotel for a few blocks and found a place to exchange money. Now is when I wish I had a travel companion because I think it would be fun to explore Moscow a little more but I am not brave enough to do it all by myself.
Tomorrow is my 8 Doctor medical exam which takes about 4 hours and then off to the airport to fly to Krasnoyarsk. I don't know when my first visit with my daughter is but of course, that is what I am looking the most forward to.

9 comments:

Lou Ann said...

So I have to ask since Kaz had no in country doctor visit what is the "8" doctor visit? Whatever it is I hope it goes well and you are once again on a plane to your daughter. You're so close now!

Lou Ann & Lexie too

lisa said...

Yeah! You are there!
Can't wait to hear more! Best of luck with everything and go get out by yourself.....just start walking! This is your and your daughter's trip of a lifetime!

Lisa

qmiller said...

So glad to hear you arrived safely! Love to see you write "my daughter"...awsome, huh?

Aaron and Julie said...

Glad you are in Russia!! I will be praying for the rest of the process and can't wait for you to see your daughter again. Yay! I'm w/ Lisa - take some small adventures in the city :)

Kelly and Sne said...

GREAT! I still can't believe you are back there already - I am so very happy for you and hoping that all goes very smoothly.

Three Northern Stars said...

Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to following your journey. Keep us all updated as much as you can. Thinking of you.

Rose said...

I've been checking every day and am so happy to see that you've arrived safely! I agree with Lisa, wander around a little bit...when are you going to have a chance to explore Moscow again? I can't wait to hear that you and your daughter have been reunited!

Rose

Emily said...

I'm so excited for you Mary! Praying for your time with your sweet little girl and all the other details to fall in place quickly and smoothly. Can't wait to meet her!

Kim said...

I can't believe I missed a few days! I am very excited you are there!!! Can't wait to read on....