Saturday, March 7, 2009

Safe and Sound at the Vlad Motor Inn

Finally here! After what seems like days (oh wait! it was!!) I have finally arrived at the Vlad Motor Inn in grand old Vladivostok, Russia! I did NOT get to see Little T today -- as my flight arrived around 2:15pm - and even though I pushed my way through customs and luggage claim (ask Rhonda about her experience last time!), apparently the baby home in Artem suggests 12-3pm as "visiting hours" so there was no time today. Good news is I get to see her tomorrow AND Monday before Court on Tuesday.

I am just getting settled for a bit and will eventually wander out to the restaurant for some dinner and in hopes of meeting some other families - although NO ONE on the Vlad adopt board OR FRUA responded to my post about being in Vlad in March. I can't be the only American here can I?

Random thoughts about the trip so far...
* I have turned into one of those crazy people who talk to themselves. Ok, well not really in public, but if there would have been a camera or microphone in my room at the Seoul airport hotel you would have thought I had lost it. It's harder than you realize to go for basically two days without really talking to anyone you know!
* It's also weird to be without a cell phone. I left mine at home this time as it was one thing less to carry. I use my phone as a "watch" as well -- so it's hard to get used to having something around your wrist all the time again. I brought my Christmas present watch from mom - a dual time zone watch. Very handy for not having to figure out what time it is back in Michigan! Funny story -- I got her the SAME watch for Christmas.
* Korean Subway food = not so great. I think when I go to a "chain" like that I expect the same taste -- always dissapointed.
* And last but not least for today -- as there will be many more random thoughts... I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE LITTLE T!!!

18 comments:

Jason said...

sorry, i should have warned you off of the Subway shop in Incheon. I made that same mistake too. The meatball sub was the worst thing ever. Not sure if it was really meat or what kind of meat it was. They were ball shaped lumps of something awful. Dunkin donuts is your best bet for next time around.

good luck with everything!!!

Jesse said...

You will soooo be chatting with little T non stop. there are always other Americans! A lot do not use Vlad adopt. They will file in and out... on their individual journeys.

Let's not forget the fun tv channels! lol Our coordinator hooked us up with some Russians that wanted to speak English with Americans - but you will not have time for that - you are getting your daughter! just sleep! I had to tell myself, to adjust to the time change, Sleep time is for sleep. Sounds lame, but it worked.

You have us if you need to chat! :) you are never alone!

ok, almost a mama, chow down, and get some sleep! The last you will have for like what? 16 years? (you will be sooooo wishing for that sleep in a few more days!!!!

and, yeah, what is up with the Korean Subway? UCK. I just cannot get a good meal at Incheon.

Lindsay said...

So glad you will be seeing Little T again soon. At least when you have a little one, you can talk non-stop and no-one will think you're mad!

Barb said...

Yippee - - glad you're finally there!

Anonymous said...

Glad you made it! Sorry you didn't get to see T yet. Hopefully by now you've had your reunion.
I could use that watch too--I can't keep track of what you "might" be doing. That's why I'm stalking your blog and checking in at least once (twice, maybe more) an hour--looking for any and all updates. It's just so exciting I can't stand it!!!!

Laura said...

So happy to hear you made it! Looking forward to hearing how your visits with T go ~ and can't wait to hear that she is YOURs!!!

The Subway in Ekat was very similar to the ones here in the States...except in Ekat they offer you beer! Sorry Vlad's is not quite the same...

Enjoy every moment -- will keep checking in to see how you're doing!

~Laura :)

Nancy said...

YAY! Glad you made it there! Hopefully you will have some company at the Vlad Inn this week...when Brian and I were there for our first trip with Nathan's adoption back in 2007, we were the only ones at the hotel until the last day of our trip and were so lonely!

Anonymous said...

Glad you made it safe and sound! I do not envy you that long trip. Can't wait to hear about your meeting with Little T tomorrow. Sleep well!

Heather said...

Hey Amy! Surely you will begin to see other adopting families wondering around. When we were there for trip number one I was suprised by the number of people that didn't really keep up on any internet communication (email, chat, blogs, etc...)so they may not have seen your request to see who was gonna be at the hotel.

We are waiting with anticipation to see how things are in Artyem and how excited little T is to see her MaMa.

Carolynn and Steve said...

So glad to hear that you're safely there! Holding you in my prayers this week!

Roger and Joanne said...

It would seem strange to not "talk" to anyone for a couple of days. I guess we just take it for granted there's always people around us we so easily have conversations with. Surely there'll be some other families there in Vlad. I wish it would have been me. :-)
You won't be lonely long....

Good luck on the reunion!

Jennifer said...

I am so glad you made it there. We are a anxiously awaiting your every post. Riverside is also waiting for the new addition to our weekly dinner date. Ashley is already making signs for your return home.

I know you will be seeing T soon.

We can't wait until you get home with T.

See you soon.

Joy said...

As I read this I am sure that you are on your way to see Little T. I know you are loving being there. PS I talk to myself all the time. At least I know I am in good company.
Joy

Tamara said...

I'm SO excited for you, Amy! I can hardly wait to read the post that you saw T again, that you passed court with flying colors, that you're enjoying your last childless few days :) and that you're on your way home. Ah .. this is the beginning of a whole new chapter my friend. WAHOO! I have a couple more bottles of bubbly to celebrate your next milestones :)

Anonymous said...

congratulations for making it and being so close!!! :)

Rich and Jolynn said...

So happy you made it without any glitches. I agree, you would think there would be more Americans there. Some folks to hang out with. Very excited and looking forward to reading your post about your visit with Little T.

Anonymous said...

hi amy! i'm thinking of you lots and following your journey through your blog and facebook. lots of good wishes sent your way! xo

Mike and Heidi Lee said...

Hey Amy!! Yay, you're there! So funny about Subway, we had the same experience, just not quite the same Subway taste! Unlike Jesse and Jason, I didn't have the same experience with Dunkin Donuts...the chocolate tasted and felt like plastic. At least you're in Vlad know! Yay!