Moscow

(These posts are a bit delayed since we lost Internet access) 

We arrived in Moscow on Wednesday at DME. There was a long wait for our baggage and we saw the C family again who took a later flight. V picked us up and we took the 2+ hour car ride to the hotel. Along the way we stopped by a photo studio so we could take some additional visa pictures of E. Our Moscow facilitator, P, met us there and it was really quick and cheap (250rub). Funny, we saw the C family again at the photo studio. A short ride later we were at the Renaissance Moscow for our stay here. With the recent rioting in Moscow it's much better that we are a little further from the city center as our last hotel was across the street from all the activity. The Renaissance has an adoption rate (breakfast included!) and I recently received gold status at Marriott so we have access to the club level for snacks and drinks. There was a crib all set up in one of our rooms.

The doctor came at 7am Thursday for E's medical appointment. It was just like the States - he came in for ten minutes and it still cost $200. We noticed E went to him easily when he asked and he taught us the Russian phrase for come here. That one has been really been helpful. We had the rest of the day to ourselves and ate at the Elki Palki one last time.

Today we had our embassy appointment at 2pm. We were picked up at 1pm and made our way over in about twenty minutes. No cell phones or electronics are allowed so we had to leave these in the car. P gave us instructions and our appointment sheet and directed us to the entrance. There is a side entrance where your appointment slip is checked by a guard along with your passports. Then another checkpoint. Then security. There is a short hallway where you turn left and up a short set of stairs. There is a long line at Window #4 for the cashier, do not wait in line. Go directly to the front. I paid the fee and we waited a few minutes until 2pm for our appointment. There were several families there including the C family. At 2pm a man came out and explained the process. A few forms to sign, what to do with the visa packet (Do not open it!) and other issues, including dual citizenship. The moment we land in the U.S. E will be an American citizen. He did mention one thing - since we are connecting tomorrow in London there may be an issue without a visa. The UK does offer transit visas, though, and it sounds like it shouldn't be a big deal. Since our layover is overnight, however, we are concerned we will not be allowed to leave the airport. Anyhow, when our name was called we signed some forms and were on our way. On the way out we said goodbye to the C family and the embassy worker came out and took our visa packet. I'm glad she caught whatever mistake now instead of standing at the border control at O'Hare.

We're anxious to get home soon.