Departure Preparations

[KGSodie 0]

With about 3.5 weeks left before I leave for Moscow and awaiting the interview results, Natasha and I have at last agreed upon a return date so I have purchased our plane tickets. The interview is February 26, and we have decided that March 5 should give us time to receive the visa (directly at the DHL office). I know all of the advice: you really shouldn't purchase your tickets until the visa is in hand, just in case there is a problem. If I have to change the tickets, it will cost me another $200 per ticket ($600 total) but that's a risk I'm willing to run.

The only remaining arrangements to make for Moscow is to locate an apartment. Natasha has many feelers out from friends and relatives that live in Moscow or who have friends that do, and I have also contacted Moscow Rick and Russian Girl Friday so that they may check their sources and see what is available.

When we return, and possibly while we await the visa if the apartment we locate has internet access, I'll do a write-up of the interview, per Natasha's recounting of it. After I have time after we get back to the USA, I'll do a write-up of the POE experience as well. I'll be blogging about all of our new experiences together too, particularly about Vika's experiences adjusting to school here. I'll try and post relevant entries back to VJ too, but everyone is welcome to read the blog directly if they like.

I'm so excited I'm exhausted. Those of you who have been through this already probably know what I'm talking about, and those of you who will follow after me will probably come to know what I'm talking about!

Good luck to everyone and a hearty thanks to everyone here who has helped with advice and counsel. I will of course still be on VJ throughout the AOS process and beyond.

Kevin

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

With all those plans. I think you two will be 100% ready with little to fear! Smooth sailing Comrade Kevin!

[mox 298]

Not much to add here except to say that I'm vicariously excited through you! Hard to believe that six weeks from now the three of you will be together at last and embarking on all the "interesting" stuff that means.

I'm very interested in reading about your accommodations in Moscow. If the good lawd's willing and the creek don't rise I'll be in your situation a few months or so from now and it'll be handy to benefit from your experience. Unfortunately Nadya's only acquaintance she feels comfortable enough about asking to stay with in Moscow just recently got married and moved to St. Pete. Pretty selfish if you ask me.

[KGSodie 0]

Not much to add here except to say that I'm vicariously excited through you! Hard to believe that six weeks from now the three of you will be together at last and embarking on all the "interesting" stuff that means.

I'm very interested in reading about your accommodations in Moscow. If the good lawd's willing and the creek don't rise I'll be in your situation a few months or so from now and it'll be handy to benefit from your experience. Unfortunately Nadya's only acquaintance she feels comfortable enough about asking to stay with in Moscow just recently got married and moved to St. Pete. Pretty selfish if you ask me.

I'll definitely be sure to post back here with all of the particulars about the apartment we stay in, and I'm sure I'll take tons of photos too.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Just remember the airlines do impose weight limits! I'd hate to see that overweight tariff!

I'll definitely be sure to post back here with all of the particulars about the apartment we stay in, and I'm sure I'll take tons of photos too.

[mox 298]

Just remember the airlines do impose weight limits! I'd hate to see that overweight tariff!

With the ridiculously low baggage weight limit they allow, don't give them any ideas. "Oh, you have too many photos on your digital camera. You must go to the cashier and pay a fine."

Edited January 25, 2008 by mox

[slim 1,514]

Good luck, Kevin. And don't forget to have fun!!!

I'm interested in reading your blog too, so let us know when it's up and running.

[KGSodie 0]

Good luck, Kevin. And don't forget to have fun!!!

I'm interested in reading your blog too, so let us know when it's up and running.

It's been up and running since I returned from Russia last year. It's mostly just personal life update stuff, with some mushy romantic posts thrown in too. There's a link in my profile, but I'll post one here too:

Kevin & Natasha DOT net

The blog is linked from the main page as 'Notes From Us'.

[KGSodie 0]

We definitely plan on some fun while in Moscow, though it will be of the family oriented, calm variety. Vika (Natasha's 10 [soon to be 11] year old daughter) has never been to Moscow. Or on a train or plane for that matter, so she's getting a lot of life experience in a short amount of time. We have a visit planned to Red Square for her, of course, and whatever else we decide to do (Moscow February weather permitting).

[KGSodie 0]

With all those plans. I think you two will be 100% ready with little to fear! Smooth sailing Comrade Kevin!

Thanks, I appreciate it! I've been debating if I should bring an empty suitcase along, in case Natasha's are too heavy. I've obviously switched to the other posts here about overweight luggage. That way, some of her stuff can be relocated to my empty suitcase. I plan on traveling light - my computer backpack with a few essentials (including all the interview documents) and a small pull along suitcase, so I'd easily be able to pack my bag inside another empty one.

[mox 298]

With all those plans. I think you two will be 100% ready with little to fear! Smooth sailing Comrade Kevin!

Thanks, I appreciate it! I've been debating if I should bring an empty suitcase along, in case Natasha's are too heavy. I've obviously switched to the other posts here about overweight luggage. That way, some of her stuff can be relocated to my empty suitcase. I plan on traveling light - my computer backpack with a few essentials (including all the interview documents) and a small pull along suitcase, so I'd easily be able to pack my bag inside another empty one.

Haven't read the other post yet, so this might be redundant. However...bring the extra luggage. Your ladies will have no problem finding stuff to pack in it, and it might even save you a few dollars on those ridiculous luggage fees. At the very worst, you haul back some empty luggage, but I doubt very much that will be the case.

Hmmm...would said extra luggage be "Nadya sized?" I might have a proposition for you...

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Hey, Kirk, the Havana offer is still on the table! Oh and Kevin, Alla is only 44 kilos.

Yes, bring extra luggage, Since there are three of you, spread the wealth! I got screwed with the excess weight coming home last year. Same contents, but they lowered the weight limit. I ended up paying for some and leaving a bunch in Russia.

With all those plans. I think you two will be 100% ready with little to fear! Smooth sailing Comrade Kevin!

Thanks, I appreciate it! I've been debating if I should bring an empty suitcase along, in case Natasha's are too heavy. I've obviously switched to the other posts here about overweight luggage. That way, some of her stuff can be relocated to my empty suitcase. I plan on traveling light - my computer backpack with a few essentials (including all the interview documents) and a small pull along suitcase, so I'd easily be able to pack my bag inside another empty one.

Haven't read the other post yet, so this might be redundant. However...bring the extra luggage. Your ladies will have no problem finding stuff to pack in it, and it might even save you a few dollars on those ridiculous luggage fees. At the very worst, you haul back some empty luggage, but I doubt very much that will be the case.

Hmmm...would said extra luggage be "Nadya sized?" I might have a proposition for you...

[KGSodie 0]

Good thoughts, all. Shall we open the bidding?

[mox 298]

Good thoughts, all. Shall we open the bidding?

How's this then. Alla can take the suitcase if Nadya can have her approval!

[KGSodie 0]

Hey, you'll have to talk to KazanTiger about that!