Day 1 Blog, Sunday, March 30 - We're here!!
Welcome to Moscow!
Well, we finally made it. It was an interesting day to fly from Florida as they were halting all flights due to inclement weather and then tornado warnings. After sitting on the tarmac for over an hour, we finally lifted off and made our way to JFK. From there, my travel partner, Emily, and I rushed to our Moscow gate, arriving just in time. I was a little worried about the luggage - but all arrived safe and sound - very wet and water logged clothes throughout the suitcase, but safe.
My first trans-atlantic flight was very interesting. It was actually rather pleasant considering you have to be on a plane for nine hours. I was hoping for a little more leg room, but made due with the little you are given. They did serve us dinner and breakfast and offered free TV/movies for the trip. I sat most of the trip crammed by the window next to a rather large Russian boy. Although the apparent language barrier, we made do with pointing and smiling. The crew on the plane were also very nice and always repeated all announcements both in English and Russian.
Upon arriving at Moscow's airport, we were greeted by Carol, the IREX representative who now lives and works in Moscow. She is one of the most hospitable, fun, and energetic people I have ever met. She is instantly likable and fun to meet. In terms of the airport itself, I was pleasantly surprised how modern the airport looked. The bathrooms were pristine - much better than what I can say about Cleveland's bathrooms. Looking around out the window, reminded me very much of Cleveland. Kind of dreary and muddy, where snow has just melted and grass has not yet greened.
I especially enjoyed the bus ride to our hotel, about 40 minutes, as I looked out the windows and tried to make sense of what I saw. Is that a mall? Is that a sporting arena? Is that a hotel or apartments? Without knowing any of the Russian language, I am pretty much at a loss of what places are. I did notice a Starbucks, KFC, Ikea, Papa Johns, Dolce and Gabbana store, and the Accounting Firm, Price Watershouse Cooopers.
Our hotel, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, is the nicest hotel I have ever been in. The staff spoke in English and are always willing to help. Some of the differences I noticed compared to the US in the amount of smoking in the lobby, the time clocks in military time, the beday in bathroom, lack of English speaking shows on TV, and the outlet plugs. Other than that, one would think they are at a lavish New York Hotel. My hotel room also overlooks the Red Square. It is an amazing site to see at night all lit up.
We ate dinner tonight as a group at a Georgian Restaurant. It was exceptional food and fun to try the variety of appetizers and different foods. The sea bass was wonderful along with my favorite appetizer, the cheesy bread. It was a quaint restaurant with trendy families and young people stopping for coffee or catching a drink with a friend.
All in all, it has been a great first day. I must admit I am extremely tired after staying up all night from traveling and the time change.
Tomorrow we get to visit the US embassy for a discussion on Russia and then a tour to the Kremlin. Now the big decision is what to wear on one's first trip to the Kremlin. :)
Welcome to Moscow!
Well, we finally made it. It was an interesting day to fly from Florida as they were halting all flights due to inclement weather and then tornado warnings. After sitting on the tarmac for over an hour, we finally lifted off and made our way to JFK. From there, my travel partner, Emily, and I rushed to our Moscow gate, arriving just in time. I was a little worried about the luggage - but all arrived safe and sound - very wet and water logged clothes throughout the suitcase, but safe.
My first trans-atlantic flight was very interesting. It was actually rather pleasant considering you have to be on a plane for nine hours. I was hoping for a little more leg room, but made due with the little you are given. They did serve us dinner and breakfast and offered free TV/movies for the trip. I sat most of the trip crammed by the window next to a rather large Russian boy. Although the apparent language barrier, we made do with pointing and smiling. The crew on the plane were also very nice and always repeated all announcements both in English and Russian.
Upon arriving at Moscow's airport, we were greeted by Carol, the IREX representative who now lives and works in Moscow. She is one of the most hospitable, fun, and energetic people I have ever met. She is instantly likable and fun to meet. In terms of the airport itself, I was pleasantly surprised how modern the airport looked. The bathrooms were pristine - much better than what I can say about Cleveland's bathrooms. Looking around out the window, reminded me very much of Cleveland. Kind of dreary and muddy, where snow has just melted and grass has not yet greened.
I especially enjoyed the bus ride to our hotel, about 40 minutes, as I looked out the windows and tried to make sense of what I saw. Is that a mall? Is that a sporting arena? Is that a hotel or apartments? Without knowing any of the Russian language, I am pretty much at a loss of what places are. I did notice a Starbucks, KFC, Ikea, Papa Johns, Dolce and Gabbana store, and the Accounting Firm, Price Watershouse Cooopers.
Our hotel, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, is the nicest hotel I have ever been in. The staff spoke in English and are always willing to help. Some of the differences I noticed compared to the US in the amount of smoking in the lobby, the time clocks in military time, the beday in bathroom, lack of English speaking shows on TV, and the outlet plugs. Other than that, one would think they are at a lavish New York Hotel. My hotel room also overlooks the Red Square. It is an amazing site to see at night all lit up.
We ate dinner tonight as a group at a Georgian Restaurant. It was exceptional food and fun to try the variety of appetizers and different foods. The sea bass was wonderful along with my favorite appetizer, the cheesy bread. It was a quaint restaurant with trendy families and young people stopping for coffee or catching a drink with a friend.
All in all, it has been a great first day. I must admit I am extremely tired after staying up all night from traveling and the time change.
Tomorrow we get to visit the US embassy for a discussion on Russia and then a tour to the Kremlin. Now the big decision is what to wear on one's first trip to the Kremlin. :)