We arrived in one piece, into Sheremetyevo airport this time. This airport is much closer to the city center, but traffic is far more congested on this route. The airport was much quieter than in October. Imagine that, not as much tourism into Russia in the dead of winter. :) We were met with a little snow and found that streets and highways are not plowed extremely well. A big disappointment at the airport was that Vitali was not with Anna to drive us. That's what you get with BMW's. Great, when they're running! Vitali's is out of action for the moment. The temporary replacement driver's car was less than grand and we had to keep one of our luggage bags in the back seat since the trunk was pretty wet inside.
So, the bad news is that Moscow is fighting a major flu outbreak. All the schools are closed and the orphanages are not allowing visitors. Anna called the head doctor to plead our case and we are going to go visit. The doctor said we can't stay long, but we are hoping that once we get there, with another set of donations, she may soften her stance.
Regarding our trip over, the flights on Air France were not as comfortable as British Air. The seats were very close together and the cushions less padded. The guy's knees in my back were less than pleasant also. Charles de Gaulle airport was a bit more peaceful than Heathrow, but their energy conservation policies made it a tad cold. Jacki took a nap with my jacket as a pillow and after a while I started walking around to keep warm. :)
For dinner last night we decided for quick and light. We looked around a bit for a place called Yalki Palki, whose sign was a new addition to our neighborhood (yes, we're back at the same Courtyard Marriott). Once again, just like last trip, we can't find this place. The last time we could see the restaurant sign on a building but couldn't find the way in. This time couldn't even find the building. We settled on Chocoladnitza, a coffee house type of place, where we split a panini and Caesar salad. I ordered a cappuccino and Jacki pointed out probably not a good idea just before trying to get some sleep after the long trip. Luckily, I was so tired, it didn't effect me. Back at the room we didn't last long. 9:15pm and we were asleep. Slept till after 8am this morning.
Right now we are waiting in the lobby for Anna to come pick us up. We'll update later on how Tasha looks and whether we got to stay for any amount of time.
So, the bad news is that Moscow is fighting a major flu outbreak. All the schools are closed and the orphanages are not allowing visitors. Anna called the head doctor to plead our case and we are going to go visit. The doctor said we can't stay long, but we are hoping that once we get there, with another set of donations, she may soften her stance.
Regarding our trip over, the flights on Air France were not as comfortable as British Air. The seats were very close together and the cushions less padded. The guy's knees in my back were less than pleasant also. Charles de Gaulle airport was a bit more peaceful than Heathrow, but their energy conservation policies made it a tad cold. Jacki took a nap with my jacket as a pillow and after a while I started walking around to keep warm. :)
For dinner last night we decided for quick and light. We looked around a bit for a place called Yalki Palki, whose sign was a new addition to our neighborhood (yes, we're back at the same Courtyard Marriott). Once again, just like last trip, we can't find this place. The last time we could see the restaurant sign on a building but couldn't find the way in. This time couldn't even find the building. We settled on Chocoladnitza, a coffee house type of place, where we split a panini and Caesar salad. I ordered a cappuccino and Jacki pointed out probably not a good idea just before trying to get some sleep after the long trip. Luckily, I was so tired, it didn't effect me. Back at the room we didn't last long. 9:15pm and we were asleep. Slept till after 8am this morning.
Right now we are waiting in the lobby for Anna to come pick us up. We'll update later on how Tasha looks and whether we got to stay for any amount of time.
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