A few more sleeps and we are away. For some reason I am a bit more relaxed about this trip that I usually am. It is only a little over two weeks long is possibly one reason.
My biggest fear is the arrival at the Moscow Airport. We were there 17 years ago with friends Andy and Merle and it was utter chaos. There were absolutely no English signs, of course nobody spoke English or gave a damn and the arriving passengers had no respect for queues or common courtesy. We felt like cattle as we slowly shuffled our way to the large Russian woman at the immigration counter who looked like Atilla The Hun's wife. A glance at us, a big show of her stamping our passport, and a grunt.
We then went to the luggage area where we hoped our luggage would still be after over and eternity in that ugly holding pen, it was, but our ride had gone! Andy went outside, [brave soul] and located a Viking Cruise Line employee who got a van to collet us and take us to the ship. There was a mass of cab drivers who seemed to sense our plight and were willing to transport us to the ship. [A great opportunity to fleece some North American tourists caught in a bind.]
Hopefully things have improved in the years since 2001.
There is not much more for us to do in regards to leaving. The house and garden are in excellent shape but there is always a bit of concern by me for a few days before thinking that we may have forgotten something essential.
We heard from a friend in England today that we shared a World Cruise with in 2004 who has been on a more Southerly route of the Trans Siberian and she thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. Amazing that we have kept in touch after 14 years with Prue.
We heard from a friend in England today that we shared a World Cruise with in 2004 who has been on a more Southerly route of the Trans Siberian and she thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. Amazing that we have kept in touch after 14 years with Prue.
Fellette's colourful selection of blouses for train and hotels
A partial selection of cough and cold fixes. Doug usually gets something that ends up as a cough.
My back pack got a test-close today. All good.
Fellette's bag, for checked luggage. Will we ever see it again...
This is a carry-on with some essentials in it.
My checked bag, expendables possibly if it goes 'astray'.
No comments:
Post a Comment