Sunday, October 26, 2008

Day in Vlad

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We got out of our hotel room yesterday and braved the train to Vladivostok. We went with another adoptive father, which really helped, as he had visited downtown Vlad before. He had never ridden the train, so that was a new experience for all of us. It was a beautiful ride, the train travels right along the bay. Once we got there, we walked around getting lots of pictures and experiencing the culture. Whenever we are with our facilitator...it is all business and no time for taking pictures. So, we were glad that we were able to see Vlad from a tourist viewpoint. We even got a picture of the outside of the courthouse. We spent about 5 hours sightseeing (including train rides), so it really helped our wait time go by. We had a great meal (Italian...I know, we aren't very brave trying out traditional Russian cuisine). Then we headed back. Catching the train to Vlad was easy, but we were not very sure of our return trip. There were 4 platforms to leave from, and we had no idea which one to go on. I was able to use some of my basic Russian and asked a local if we were on the right train. She was helpful and said we were on the right train, and we were back to our hotel safe and sound.

8 comments:

Amy said...

Sounds like a great day in the city! Rhonda found a great book on Vlad in the little shop upstairs at the airport. It's great - and has lots of pictures of the city.

Can't wait to hear about the reunion on Tuesday!! Counting down for you....

Carey and Norman said...

The trip into Vlad sounds fun. I wished we had ventured out like that. It is nice to get out and sightsee as you are limited on time while doing adoption business. I'm getting excited as your Gotcha Day is so close!

Anonymous said...

So glad you were able to get out & see part of the country....can't wait to see all your pictures.
Time is almost here, to get Bradyn, and then head for home, boy am I ready.....give him our love...
Love ya lots
Mom & Dad/Grandma & Grandpa

Anonymous said...

How observant I am, I just said I can't wait to see your pictures, and after I, started to close and noticed you have 29 pictures just above your writing, love the pictures, it looks like a beautiful city
Mom

Joel and Clarion said...

Did you eat at the "Italian Cafe"? That's where we ended up when we were there. The food was good and menu was in English! Blessings as you get closer to Gotcha Day!

Anonymous said...

Great photos, looks beautiful. I especially enjoyed Mike's "goatee".

Roger and Joanne said...

Nice to hear you were able to spend the day out of the hotel. Whenever we get there we'll definitely do the same thing and head out. You'll have to tell us which platform it is we would need to take for the return trip. We love to explore when we travel. Nice photos--it didn't look too cold yet! Also, looking forward to the photos soon of Bradyn.

-Joanne

Anonymous said...

I decided what to give Mike for Christmas......Razor ;-)?
Actually looks good Mike.....
Heidi, can't believe how much your hair has grown in such a short time.
Good luck today getting our boy...
Love ya Mom & Dad