Saturday morning was the day we were to pick up Macy's passport. We arrived a little later than planned and discovered that most of Eastern Europe was there to pick up their passport as well. Looked like we were going to be in for quite a wait. Much to my surprise (and to the others waiting in line) we jumped right to the front, pushed our way to the next window for help, verified that the information on the passport was correct, and off we went. Just that quick! It was back to the hotel to pack up and head to the train station.
This was the portion of the trip that we were least excited about. We based this on our last experience with Max. It quite possibly was the longest 5 hours of our lives. The crying, kicking and screaming was uncontrollable. Would Macy act the same way? There was only one way to find out.
The train we took this time was a high-speed train. It took 4 hours (vs. 5 before) and the accommodations were much better. We had 4 seats facing each other with a table in the middle, which made it easy for snacks, etc.
Macy did quite well for the first 3+ hours of the trip. She ate, played and actually took an hour nap, which turned out to be the only one of the day (keep that in mind as you read on...).
Just about an hour outside of Moscow, the wheels fell off the bus. There was nothing to do to console her. Food? Toys? Drinks? Nothing. Shelly and I couldn't get off the train fast enough.
As soon as the train stopped, we saw the familiar face of Ilya, our driver and translator. He shuffled us and our bags off en route to our apartment that we have rented for the week. Once settled in the apartment, we walked downstairs to a McDonalds. Surely that would calm the savage beast in Macy. For the most part it did, but as usual, once the food was gone, she still wanted more. I would put this girl up against Kobiashi in a Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest anyday. She just doesn't stop.
From Micky D's, it wad back to the apartment to turn in for the night, something that all three of us needed very badly.
In the morning, we found the weather to be rather rainy, so we waited until after her nap to go out and explore. The weather broke and it was warm and sunny, so we ventured a few blocks down to Red Square to see the sights.
I know we had been there before with Max, but it never ceases to amaze me that I am actually standing where so much history has been made. From the iconic onion domes of St. Basil's, to the Kremlin wall, or Lenin's Tomb...it's all so surreal. You've undoubtably see Red Square during a New Year's celebration, or seen the military parades thru Red Square. There are communist dictators buried less than 50 feet from you. Just amazing. Clearly the highlight of our sightseeing.
So we walked back towards our apartment and stopped along the way at a grocery store. I take that back...not just A grocery store...it is the fanciest grocery store I have ever seen. We picked up some staples, then headed back to the apartment to meet with Ilya to go over some paperwork for tomorrow.
As for tomorrow, we have an 8:00am appointment at the medical clinic for Macy's exam. I think we may do some paperwork at the US Embassy as well, in preparation for Macy's visa. We shall see.
We have a tired little girl fast asleep in her bed next door, and two parents who are in need of some shut eye as well. Tomorrow will be here before you know it!
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