Thursday, October 30, 2008

What I Miss About Russia...

Can it be Thursday, already? The week has flown by - which is good as I prepare for my countdown to get a court date.

I have found it amazingly hard to get used to whole normal sleeping. A 15 hour time difference really stinks on the way home! I think I adjusted more quickly over there because I was so excited about everything that was happening and my 2nd day there was an emotional overload. That will help you sleep for sure!
There were so many big events last week, it's hard to pin-point all the highlights, but here is a quick list of things I miss about Russia:
1) Meals with the "family": Most of the times we would eat breakfast and dinner in the Vlad Inn with the other adoptive families on their journey. Because everyone is going through the same experiences, the compassion is endless. We'd sit for hours - and not just because we had nothing else to do - and laugh at each other's stories. On one particular enchanting evening, one of the pre-adoptive fathers, Ed, ordered the "Sea Bass" from the menu. I can't help but sharing what arrived. Now I am NOT a vegetarian, but it's rather hard to eat something when it's staring at you...

2) Fireworks: Rhonda and I had heard rumors of nightly "gunshot" sounds from around the hotel. We hadn't heard it, so it really didn't concern us; until one night at dinner. The sounds of two rounds of gun shots were heard for sure. After returning to our room and starting to fall asleep, both Rhonda and I woke up to the sounds of ... more gunshots. Being the stealth creeper that she is, Rhonda crawled to the window to see what was going on. These shots sounded close! And she didn't to get shot through the window. Imagine our surprise to find out that it was only fireworks! And nice ones at that! We aren't sure what the celebration was, perhaps just our being in their city was celebration enough!

3) Beautiful scenery: Being a stone's throw from the Sea of Japan has it's highlights! Other than almost loosing Rhonda's camera under a train, we had a great jaunt down to the beach. My other favorite piece of Russian scenery - the gorgeous Cathedrals. They are timeless and classic and make you think of Russia instantly when you see them. Here is one for your viewing pleasure...


4) And finally, of course.... Little Tatiana. I wish I could post one of the 258 pictures Rhonda took of her while we were there... but alas, you'll have to wait until January. With the holidays, it looks like we'll be targeting a January return for court. It could happen before Christmas, but looks like January. Keep your fingers crossed!

10 comments:

Tiger & Kar said...

Okay, the Sea Bass thing - - creepy! I just told my husband if we ever return to Russia, we will NOT be ordering that from any menu!

We had a ton of fireworks each night when we were there in May. I think Russians must just like them, as we didn't find any real reason for them to be shot off each night. But they were truly beautiful and I do miss staring out my window watching them!

I hope you're able to get back before January. I know you must miss Tatiana terribly...besides, I want to see her pictures!! :-)

Nancy said...

Wow, glad I didn't order that while I was there!

I never heard fireworks while I was there...maybe I'm a deep sleeper!

I hope that January comes around soon!!!

Over-Caffeinated said...

I don't know why, but this time of year I always miss Russia. :(

Ondrea

findingourdaughter said...

I cannot wait for you to return to Tatiana. I hope the time passes quickly. I know she will just blossom with her new mommy!
Rick would have freaked if the fish showed up that way....he won't even hardly eat meat with bones on it (chicken, steak, etc.).
God speed your court date!
Hugs!!

Little Patch of Heaven said...

Gotta love it. Love the fish. Russia is such an interesting place:) Take Care

Danette

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

Memories!! Such nice ones!! Your departure left an empty place at the Inn! We were all missing you! Here's hoping for a quick court date! Things to bring on trip 2...Peanut butter (as discussed) and air freshener spray...those stinky diapers really fill up the place...so wishing we had some! Miss you lots! Mike & Heidi

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

One more thing...the Saturday you left there was a wedding at the Inn. They had fireworks and we believe they were being shot from the tennis courts because they were loud!!

Roger and Joanne said...

It may well be after the holidays but for your sake I'll hope they are BEFORE the holidays. Ya never know.....
I personally can't wait to go to Russia and am sure I will also find many things very special. We love to travel the world and I'm sure (like other adoptive parents have remarked) that I will actually miss it when all is said and done, too.

Here's wishing a speedy call!

-Joanne

Annie said...

Tatiana is a LOVELY name!!! It was the name I used throughout my career as a Russian student. After the heroine of Pushkin's Evgenii Onegin.

Annie said...

And....I should have added - not a day goes by I don't miss Russia!