Pine Tree Pants

So we decided to take a chance and stay someplace different in Moscow. Last two times in Moscow we stayed at the Marriott Teverskaya, which I hate to say was extremely overpriced for what you got in return. So this time around we decided to try the Holiday Inn Lesnaya, just 2 blocks from the Marriott and nearly half the price. Score a win in our column. A very nice hotel, and we are definitely happy with the choice. We will definitely stay there on our return trip.

We had our medical appointments Friday morning in Moscow. A different clinic than last adoption (this one actually serves many of the government employees, and famous ones at that), but the same drill. Undressing in front of strange people speaking a strange language (what’s not to like about that?). Sara was especially uncomfortable with the breast exam by a doctor that looked an awful lot like Pee Wee Herman. But we passed with flying colors. The doctors were more disturbed that there was nothing seemingly wrong with us. We almost felt like we needed to start making stuff up to seem more “normal”.

Leaving our medical appointments, we actually saw a Russian movie star on the side of the road hailing a cab. That and a ruble will get us, well…nearly nothing but it was cool nevertheless. Got to the airport nearly 5 hours early for our flight to Krasnoyarsk, so we had a lot of time to kill. Sara actually fell asleep on the floor next to the gate, that’s how tired she was. Also, the people-watching in Moscow Airport is great. Saw a man wearing what we can only guess were some kind of camouflage pants, but instead of splotches of different earth-tones, they had pictures of pine trees on them. I’m sorry, I don’t think even a deer would be fooled by those, let alone a trained soldier. That and playing the “how does she not trip and fall in those boots” game helped pass the time.

The red-eye to Krasnoyarsk was uneventful, and we were pleased to learn of the option of staying at an apartment instead of the hotel this time. The apartment is not only cheaper, but much nicer. Full kitchen and dining room will cut down considerably on costs! We are excited to meet a couple of Americans here in Russia tonight, one doing missions work and one completing an adoption. After that, we are looking forward to a full night’s sleep and a day tomorrow to get acclimated. Then it’s off to visit Aleksandr at the orphanage on Monday and court on Tuesday.

Keep those prayers coming!

JP