In Russia - Stage 1 complete

Hello all,

We arrived safely in Russia yesterday (it is now Sunday morning). We are 9 hours ahead. We arrived around 10:30 am (10 hour flight). Their inflight entertainment system did not work so I worked on my proposal for Delta during the flight.

After waiting 1 hour to get through the immigration line, we met our translator Anton. Very nice guy, 21 years old who is our translator and driver.

After a 1 hour drive, I exchanged some money (24.3 roubles per dollar), went to a food market for some lunch and supplies and then we arrived at our Hotel where we cleaned up and took a little nap before we went on our short sightseeing tour.

Very warm here (around 90 degrees F), yesterday (Saturday) was the hottest day of the year here. First, we went to Red Square and Kremlin (very cool considering my past life in the govt satellite world), then too the largest mall in Moscow, and to a local area with shops, ski jump and view of the city.

A quick dinner with tradition Russian food and then to bed.

Today we will do a little more sightseeing and then board our flight tonight at 10:00. Another redeye and we arrive in Novokunesk tomorrow morning. From there, a quick clean up and off to the orphanage to meet Liam.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. To our family we love you all very much. To our friends, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Mike and Cathy