Monday, March 10, 2008

Izhevsk

Today (Monday) we made it to our region. We took a 2 hour flight and it was fine. We had heard some not so great things about the flight, and were a little bit nervous, but it was just fine. Our driver picked us up at the Holiday Inn in Moscow and drove us to the domestic airport Domodedovo. He helped us all the way through check in and as far as he could go to the gate. He was very kind to us. The flight was completely Russian and we were separated but it went pretty well. The flight had some turbulence as it was very cloudy, but all in all it was fine. Troy and I joked that when the announcements came on in Russian we would look around and if everyone suddenly assumed the position for a crash landing so we would know what to do. When we stepped off the plane in Izhevsk, our interpreter snapped us right up (obviously we stuck out like sore thumbs!!) and off we went to the hotel.

Our room is great as it is more like an apartment with a kitchenette, bathroom, living/dining room and separate bedroom. We even have a few dishes and plenty of free drinking water. Our stay for 3 nights was cheaper than the one night in Moscow. Our interpreter then pre-ordered dinner for us. Troy got a fish soup which came with a shot of vodka (I’m not sure I would eat anything that came with alcohol!!)!! He also got red fish and grilled vegetables. I ordered chicken that came with onions and red peppers on a shish kabob and the best baked potato ever. It was cut into cubes and had a garlic butter sauce that was delicious. We got two Cokes and our grand total was 475 rubles which is only like 20 bucks. I had heard food was cheap in Izhevsk, but we were pleasantly surprised!!

We also met with our regional representative today and we leave tomorrow a.m. for our appointment with the ministry. Afterwards we have about an hour drive to the orphanage and we get to meet our little guy and we will have a chance to ask tons of questions about his health, habits, etc. We can’t wait!!

The neatest thing tonight that we discovered is that our hotel has blinking lights, red and blue and flashers all over the building at the top. It seems like a happening place!

Lastly, a hint for anyone traveling – the hot and cold water is on the opposite sides than we are used to!

24 comments:

Shannon said...

I'm so glad to hear that you made it to your Region safely. Yeah! Can't wait to hear how your meeting with the MOE goes, and then your first visit. Keep us all posted. :)

Patti said...

YAY! You made it! I'm glad it is going well so far. I wish we would meet up with you somehow, but we won't be in Moscow until the 21st, and you'll probably be gone by then. I can't wait to hear how it goes tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck with your visit tomorrow...I'll surely be thinking about you guys! I'll be checking your blog constantly for an update on how your 1st visit went.

Renae and Joe

Becky and Keith said...

Wow! $20 for dinner?!?! That's awesome! I'm so glad you are settled in and it sounds like tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Can't wait to hear how tomorrow goes. I'm going to be up at the crack of dawn to check! :-)

Shane & Marie said...

I am so glad to hear that you made it to your region safely. We had some $20 meals in our region as well and it is such a nice difference from Moscow. I can't wait to hear how your first visit goes.

ana said...

Glad you made it to Izhevsk safely. The hotel sounds good, and much cheaper than Moscow! Russ got a laugh about soup with a shot on the side! I know you're so excited to meet your little guy tomorrow! And we're excited for you! Can't wait to hear about it!

Adrienne, Another Ordinary Miracle said...

YEA! I'm so happy you're there! It's great to hear things are cheaper in Iz than in Moscow too. Your baked potato description made my mouth water! I'm glad the food is good :) Oh, we just can't wait to hear all about your little boy tomorrow! Have fun!

Amy said...

Glad you made it to your final destination. One more night before the big day. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Ron and Dinia said...

Preveet!

Sweet memories of Izhevsk! Your hotel room sounds like where we stayed on our recog visit four years ago. Even the dinner being prearranged was similar. Izhevsk is a great town and you will have experienced the real Russia by traveling to the regions! Best wishes tomorrow!

Dinia and Ron

Shane and Kathy Gebhardt said...

Wow! I can't wait to hear all about your first meeting with your little one!

God's Blessings.

Mary and Michael said...

Glad you made it to Ishevsk safely and without any issues. Can't wait to read about tomorrow. Will be thinking about you guys. I am so happy for you both.

Mama Fish said...

Loved reading your blog in Russia.... from the plane ride to your sense of huumor...dinner (which sounded great!) and the hot and cold water. Great info!

Tiger & Kar said...

Hi Troy & Rachel! My husband and I have been following your blog for quite awhile now, but I'm not sure we have left comments before today. Maybe one or two but not many! Anyway, we're in VA also (about 40 min. from DC) and are THRILLED that you're meeting your little one very soon!

We are leaving for our first trip on Saturday, 3/15; arriving in Moscow on 3/16 via Aeroflot from Dulles; and meeting our son or daughter on 3/17. If you're flying home on the 15th, we may pass each other at Dulles!

Anyway, we just wanted to congratulate you, wish you the best and let you know you're in our prayers. Enjoy your week!

Karyn & Norm

Kim Abraham - Mom to the Fabulous Five! said...

Thanks for the tip about the hot and cold water! That's good info to have when washing hands or waiting for the shower to heat up. ;0)

Sira said...

So good to hear you made it and hey about the vodka... you know when in Rome, well when in Izhevsk...

can't wait until tomorrow- I will be checking for your post like crazy!

Jane and Jim said...

So glad you made it ok and the flight was uneventful. I can't wait to read about your new man!!
Good luck tomorrow, I'll be thinking about you.
Jane

Anonymous said...

I am so excited to hear you made it and everything is going well! I can't wait to hear about your visit! Keep Warm!!!
Love,
Sarah

Sara said...

I found your blog while "blog hopping". We are just beginning our adoption journey. We plan, Lord willing, to adopt two boys from Russia (to add to already 3 children at home). I would LOVE to hear your story - and welcome any advice or thoughts you might have on agencies, regions, children and the process in general. BLESSINGS!!!

Ryan and Amy said...

So glad you made it safely. I'm sure I will not be the only one stalking your blog tomorrow to hear about your first meeting.

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

You made it! You're finally there to meet your little boy! I hope that your first visit goes very well! Try to relax and just have fun and with him! I look forward to reading your next post!! :)

Susan said...

How many times in one day can I stalk your blog looking for updates?? I am so excited for you two and can't wait to hear about you meeting your little one tomorrow. Enjoy the day and may God bless you three!!

Joel and Clarion said...

We're glad to hear that your trip has gone so well. Blessings as you meet your little one for the first time. It's such an incredible experience.

Suz said...

It sounds like your trip is going great. It's such a wonderful adventure and I love reading your descriptions of it!

I can't wait to read about your first meeting with your little one!!

junglemama said...

How exciting! I can't wait to read more that you have posted.