Friday, September 20, 2013

Arriving 19 September 13

Flight uneventful.  First challenge--getting 24 checked bags plus three kids, two strollers and numerous carry-ons, from baggage claim, through customs and outside where a driver from the university was expected to meet us.



But, with enough time, patience and lots of ferrying, it was accomplished, and the driver met us, and had the same challenge of ferrying the bags, one cart at a time, from where he met us way out to the parking garage which was as close as he could pull a car.  Not just a car, a Ford Transit, which fit all the bags and the 5 of us below the window level.

Then it was over two hours in Moscow traffic (and we are certain the driver didn't know the most direct route either) from the airport to the Russian-style hotel operated by the university as a hostel for its students and guests.

Our new friend JP, also teaching at S's university, met us with a pack n play for the baby and helped us haul the bags up the elevator.  Even a large elevator has to take a lot of trips for that many bags.

At 9:40 pm when everything was unloaded and in the room, we thought about buying food in the hotel's little cafe, but when it was supposed to be open until 10 pm, the kitchen was long closed. Welcome (back) to Russia.

The kids were all still wide awake, so at 9:50 pm  we took all 3 children to the nearby 24-hr mini market for some basic groceries.  Baby S in the stroller grabbed something shiny and knocked over a small jar of jam, which of course shattered on the floor.  The security guard made us pay for it.

And they didn't take our credit card, so we used up most of the Rubles we brought with us from previous trips.

All safe and in bed about 10:30 pm.

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