Our 12.5 hour flight from LAX to SVO was rather uneventful. It was a light flight so we were able to spread out over 2-3 seats and sleep most of the way.

I was kind of nervous going through immigration and customs in Moscow. But if you have done any traveling in Europe it's really not any different. It only took 5-10 minutes to get through to baggage claim. We had to wait 15-20 minutes for our bags. We had nothing to declare, walked through the green lane, and were met by a translator (can't remember her name) and driver Galina.

They warned us that the drive into the city could take 2-3 hours due to traffic but we made it to the hotel in 1.25 hours. I didn't find the driving that scary - there were moments - but maybe driving with M has prepared me well for this trip. ;-)

We checked into the Marriott Grand - very beautiful hotel and rooms - and made our way in the rain and sleet to Cafe Margarita. But it was closed (?) due to construction. So we are at another coffee house just right around the corner from the hotel.

Now the good stuff. We learned that we will be picked up at our hotel tomorrow evening at 7PM. The night train to VL leaves at 8PM. We'll arrive in the early morning, check into our hotel and have breakfast at 7AM. The orphanage is in the town and we'll arrive there about 10AM. We'll get to see M 1-2 times on Monday, and the same on Tuesday. (Who would only want to go once???) We also found out that we won't be staying in the VL until Wednesday, but coming back to Moscow on the night train Tuesday. So we'll have an extra day of sightseeing in Moscow.

They warned us to get our rubles in Moscow because there might not be an ATM machine where we are going. VL is the second largest town in the region with about 100,000 people. I was very happy to hear that there wasn't going to be a 2-3 hour car ride (each way) to the orphanage! :)

OK, I should let Michael use the computer now. But we are safe and happy and having fun trying to communicate in Russian.