Trip One, Day 1- Sightseeing!

We are trying to take advantage of having the extra day here in Moscow. We got to sleep in (well, not for our bodies…it was still like waking up at 2 AM at home), and then enjoy a yummy buffet breakfast at our hotel (I want to make note of the sweet, mini- pancakes here…I loved them!), followed by a nice, brisk late morning walk up to Red Square.


It was really an amazing site, as we walked up a road, seeing St. Basil’s Cathedral coming slowly into view. We weren’t sure how the picture was going to turn out, but here was our view as we were walking up the hill:

It’s pretty neat when you get to see something amazing like that in person, after seeing it so many times in photographs. And, after quickly looking at the pictures we just loaded onto the computer from this morning, no picture does the site justice. The colors and details of the architecture are truly amazing!

The Kremlin

St. Basil's Cathedral

A closer view of St. Basil's

The Kremlin and surrounding buildings

A real close up of St. Basil's

From behind St. Basil's, looking out into the city

The clock tower outside of St. Basil's

Below is a picture of a huge building that we discovered on our way out of touring St. Basil’s, was a mall! It’s definitely not like the malls we are used to! Everything is very upscale and sophisticated here. I am wondering as I type this, how this may contrast with the orphanage tomorrow…and as I am typing that, I am feeling more nervous. Not nervous about meeting our child…okay, nervous about that too…but more nervous in general…like a first day jitters type of feeling.

Inside the mall

Overall, we are doing great! We are trying to relax, and take in the culture and sites. We figured that after today, our focus would be consumed by someone else. ;)

In an hour or so, we are going to venture out to Arbat Street to look at the shops, and maybe even find a restaurant to try. If all else fails, we will head to the local TGI Friday’s.

We are anxiously awaiting tomorrow’s MOE meeting and even more so getting to meet our child. We will keep everyone posted on how it goes! All of your e-mails and comments have been so encouraging! Thank you!