a bit more about today

Moscow traffic is the craziest thing I have ever experienced. The lanes truly are just guidelines and the amount of cars is amazing. We probably spent 3-4 hours in the car today and didn't go more than 15 miles roundtrip. We had to sign some more paperwork declaring unequivocably our independent status. That is done - and sewn together in fine Russian fashion. Much cooler than our silly little apostille stamps.

As of now we have been up for 30 hours. The plane ride is bearable, but that is about it. But, hopefully by tomorrow we will be well rested in the luxorious Marriott Grande and ready to hit the streets of Moscow for some serious sight seeing and souvenir purchasing. We spend the weekend here, and then take a midnight train to Smolensk on Sunday. We arrive bright and early Monday morning and head to the Tsentralnaya hotel to freshen up and then to the Regional MOE to present our request to meet with T. All a formality. We hope to spend 3 days with him - Mon, Tues and Wed. Then back on the midnight train to Moscow for one more night.

Couple of rumors to dispel - wear anything you want here. You see jeans, capris, tennis shoes, spiked heels. Doesn't matter, if you have it, they probably wear it here. Secondly, the airport was a piece of cake. Signs were in english as well as cyrillic, so no problems at all.

So far, other than the jet lag, all is fantastic. Just counting down the days to hold our little guy!

thanks for the good wishes and notes, we will check in again tomorrow.