We made here yesterday afternoon. The flight was long and fairly uneventful. We had great flying weather and little stinker Nick only took a 1/2 hour nap for the 9 hour flight. He was really great on the plane though. (Better than Jon, altho he had 3 happy pills and that was good for all of us!) 2 meals on the plane helped Nick since he LOVES to eat!! Here's a photo from the flight......
We came through the airport with all our baggage -- Nick and I made it through all the check points. Guess who was stopped by the Russian Police? He questioned Jon about his passport, why he was in Russia, why he had a Russian passport (for Nick), etc. And he spoke very broken English so Jon "struggled" with that as well. Since Nick and I were ahead of him and already through the doors, we had no idea what was going on. Apparently Jon's temper was starting to show (real smart, I reminded him) but our interpreter Mia arrived -- very timely! She walked over to the doors, walked in and answered all of the policeman's questions. Good thing too.
It was a 45 min drive to our hotel which is located just 10 minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. We are hoping to tour all of it on Friday. There is also alot of shopping nearby (YEA!) so we'll hit that over the weekend. We did walk through downtown Moscow today. Very beautiful, and alot more to do and see here than in Vlad. The architecture here is amazing. We were out for about 4 hours wandering the streets and taking in the scenary...oh, and the Hard Rock Cafe. Good to have some American fries! Although everything is really expensive here.....from the hotel rooms, food, cost to call the US ($10/min) and use the internet ($50/hour). But we do have CNN :) and plenty of movies to make it through Monday.
We have our last official appointment with the US Embassy tomorrow afternoon. Apparently it's an interview that we have to do... not sure what that will entail....but ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. On the good side....all our paperwork has been accepted by the Embassy so we're hoping this is painless.....
Thanks again for all of the responses and well wishes. We look forward to logging on and hearing from all of you as well. As Jon says, t minus 5 days til we're home.
Love,
Beck, Jon and Nick
11 comments:
Okay - the t minus 5 days til home comment has made me cry at work - thanks for that! Wow - that is so great, can't wait. Really puts things into perspective.
I just posted a comment on your last post and then I saw this most recent one. Glad to hear the flight was uneventful. The interaction of Jon and the Russian police officer, figures. I can just see it.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing pictures.
Kim
I am so happy to hear that Nick is a better flier than Dad. (Sorry Dad!)Take lots of photos for us all to see. Give Nick lots of hugs and kisses for all of us here in the Midwest where the sun is finally deciding to shine! Good luck and Godspeed to you all! We love you!
The Gallentines
Glad you posted some pictures today--nice to see the streets in Moscow and even better to see Nick and Dad. I'm happy for your sake that Nick is a good flyer otherwise that 9 hours would have felt like 99 hours. We're getting excited as every day makes it closer. Love to all, Mom
Wow it seems as though you just told me that your trip was on. You are already more than halfway to being home, how FANTASTIC is that?!! I am sure that Natalie is also counting down the days until her WHOLE family can be reunited.
Have a wonderful time while you are in Moscow and keep posting the pictures. I feel as though we are getting to know Nick already. Can't wait to talk to you when you return.
Jenni
Greetings from Sunny Chicago, yes I did say sunny. The grass is turning green baseball has started,not well, but it has started. I picked something up for NIck today and am anxious to give it to him. I also have some legos with a table I found in my basement. They are yours if you want them. Love you guys, Wendy
Glad to hear that things are going well. Here's hoping the next leg goes smoothly too. Enjoy yourselves and thanks for all the pics.
Nick is adorable, and it's great that he is a good flyer. It would be nice if Jon could follow that lead....
Anyway, it has been so great following your journey, I am so happy for your family!! Take care.
Davern
This is Marv...just checking in on Thursday morning. Your Mom and I didn't get a chance to check in yesterday (didn't think about it at the Ft. Lauderdale airport - they did have free wireless though). We arrived on time 5PM Chicago time and Becky's folks and Natalie were waiting at baggage pickup.
We were pleasantly surprised to have 50 degree weather here...yea! If it gets colder we'll have to borrow some coats from your closet...85 in Indiantown when we left Florida.
Will post more when 'Mom' gets a chance to read the blog later today.
So glad to hear that you had a good trip to Moscow. The time is winding down to when you can take that big flight back to Plainfield.
I am so anxious to see all of you this summer and meet Nick. Enjoy your time in Moscow-Nick looks like he has melded into your family already. How exciting! Big hugs to all of you-Jenny p
Hi, this is Mom... & Grammy to you Nick. ONly four days to go, we're all looking forward to seeing you at the airport.
We will probably go to Iowa overnight Friday and return to Plainfield Saturday night. Just need to contact someone to look after L & M. We have the list of potentials!
Natalie sends her love......
and so do WE,
Love, Mom
Hi Guys! I'm glad you all are doing well and you are on your way home! Can't wait to see all of you! Lots of love to you three, and see you soon! Nick is adorable! The plane picture is too cute! Can't wait to meet him!
Love,
Krissy
hi Nick, Becky, and Jon, I am leaving to go to washinton D.C. It's going to be fun! 18 hour bus drive. I can't wait to see Nicky. love, Alyssa
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