Sunday July 30, 2006
Vancouver->Alaska
We woke up this morning at 6:00 AM by alarm. We had also scheduled a wake up call at 6:10 in case the alarm didn’t work. When the phone rang, there was nothing on the other end, just silence. Odd, but I guess effective.
We showered, and went down to Main street where we eventually stopped at a café called “Waves.” They only had breakfast burritos, which sounded good in theory, but weren’t so hot in reality. Still, it was a funky little place with decent seating and free wireless internet.
Eventually finishing breakfast, we made our way back to the hotel, checked out and met everyone else downstairs at 9 AM when the bus arrived. We somehow crammed all the luggage in underneath, and drove off, eventually arriving at Granville Island where we had an hour and a half to wander.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr1l5sY2RotX_n2oWcW8h-8YYO_2PNLiFtSuBROOYNwciGvDn_YuXiIoMS6zcB8QvOf70NhEiItkBPfHvWflWhyphenhypheno_y9xvIgVwYObDC7ty-EaufJYTqbsmjbLFGDSGe5n6jQRzIsVL7N0f/s1600-h/PICT0922.JPG
The Granville Market is an amazing thing. We were getting rather jealous looking at all the amazing food. It’s a foodie’s paradise with all sorts of fresh fish, sausages, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and just about any other ingredient you can think of. I think we would blow a bundle there if we had a kitchen.
We did buy two bottles of wine at a store there. We took recommendations from a girl with glasses. She saved us when we told her we planned to smuggle them onto the cruise ship. She told us to be sure to put them in checked bags, rather than carry ons as they scan the carryons (she was right, they did). Since we were planning on doing the opposite, we were very grateful for the advice. Even if the wine isn’t so hot, she’s forgiven just for the tip.
After this, we all got back on the bus and went to the mall near the pier. We had 45 minutes there, and DH and I picked up small bottles of hand cleaner (I couldn’t find mine before we left) and some lip balm (labello, which they don’t sell back home). At the very last minute, we found a Starbucks and I got my final Green Tea Frappacino until we reach a port.
Back on the bus, and 10 minutes later we were off and heading towards customs. The bus driver took care of our luggage, we only had to deal with carry-ons, which was very nice. We had to go through several lines: one for security, one for customs, and one for getting our room key, and then finally on the boat.
The boat itself, The Celebrity Infinity is enormous. It dwarfed the Norwegian Cruise Line boat docked next to it. As we boarded, they provided Champagne and Mimosas. We grabbed a champagne each and headed over to the shore excursions line as we had been neglectful in making those reservations. So, we booked the incredibly expensive glacier trek and a hiking trip, and then headed to our cabin.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MeRZffnSRAHiNgw788sgw8qS7ltEz0BfMepY9yd91-y-uzIOMIwyPBlFp_o4hK_lTdHvhFElIZYIoS6_nQtGuI0-rlE-UsXNEyLkx7wvDHyi-Mdaqcf26nju7pH9WK5M2KSBVxMvxUc/s1600-h/PICT0937.JPG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANpxbRCBODqyhZjINv5gjuMZ601XqxN0tgmjKOG3AtE2rCf-QbAK_H1OBpaq5RYwmiNX7gH6JW8kGjmLKH8Ibo2KqfLHKCMMjtECjRMP7GGiM9UACqAkV1mNn3S53DuclHZQ7RqDfnb4/s1600-h/PICT0943.JPG
Room 9132 is ok. The room itself is nice, oddly enough, the bedspread brings it down quite a bit. The room would look much better with a less threadbear cover, but the rest of it is fine. I do notice the inevitable signs of wear and tear, but we have a balcony and that makes up for a multitude of sins.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwACw0sVxZT9IJV0y7h8GL3RBZPk7zXmJOgJ7QrHqk2Ea2XVFQgEDJv9LvQhyPf8IPY_K9MeF-xP0Z1NkgY8-xu4YS_fSnIbfvKUhU2khgRpV1x9kZMPOWXM5aKU8I4Nk6_ZbmaWnrT04/s1600-h/PICT0950.JPG
We grabbed a late lunch sitting on an outdoor deck in the back of the ship. The food (salad and veggies for us) was quite good and the staff seemed very friendly. We wandered around a bit and entered a give away (which we didn’t win), and eventually made our way back to the cabin where we found our luggage waiting outside the door.
As we unpacked, there was a knock at the door and we met our stateroom attendant, Meriam. It’s strange unpacking to such a degree, but nice to not be living out of a suitcase, which we plan not to touch for the remainder of the trip.
At 5, we had a lifeboat drill where we had to go down to deck 4 (from 9) and stand around listening to euphemisms for “we’re sinking” while we all wear large orange life vests. People on the dock laughed and took pictures, but we know they’re jealous they aren’t coming.
45 minutes later, we were finally back in our cabin getting ready for dinner which was supposed to be a six. While we were getting ready, there was another knock at the door, and Meriam brought in a covered dish which contained chocolate covered strawberries from M (the girl we booked the cruise through). Very nice touch. Since we were about to leave for dinner, we put it in the fridge for later.
Even though it was casual night, we still had to put a little effort into our clothes as we can’t wear jeans. It also turned our that we were the only ones at our table for at least a half an hour.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlmo3qs-XueLLbjdPXFh5F4STuxNsm0FXdgqkcR4pBrGV2wI3RT0w70W2KaxK4lUFO0rlRaHQQ2_CnrZG5m9rYOtfrLlrE3aKL3DOUdh4B-8XZtVmF8JATK-oars6pUgEmIq7Y0nwdO4/s1600-h/PICT0968.JPG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimNhydPhqwYvU6gtXjQkOQfuy3mkOGpQdkMUkfAznRDqM8sE-IANJSU9wzSRJ9WV7ZXF0OnKC2WdkFM8W42biGEkPyUbaJRfG2ohSJ7OuHfmkqr-Uwf8jer0ljDLrwC98z9nVvr42Wu8/s1600-h/PICT0969.JPG
We went ahead without them and we were into the second course when everyone finally arrived. We are seated with all the family. I don’t know what the hell that was about, but apparently the habit of being late runs in the family.
DH and I had the same things until dessert: Shrimp Cocktail, Tomato Bisque soup, Caesar Salad, Prime Rib, and dessert. I had the Crème Brulee, and DH had the Raspberry Cheesecake. Everything was excellent, except the salad was too drenched in dressing for my tastes, so I ate very little of it.
After dinner, we went to see AM's room, which is actually a suite as they had grandma with them too. It’s beautiful. There’s a separate bedroom with a walk-in closet and a wide-screen plasma TV. The bathroom has a whirlpool tub and a window to the living room, which has panoramic windows. The rooms are located in the front of the ship and stick out a bit. There is no balcony, but they had floor to ceiling glass and the effect is really something.
Later, we walked around the ship checking everything out and at 11, made our way back to our room. We sat outside with the strawberries and the cheaper of the two bottles. It wasn’t bad. A little more fruity than we’re used to. Has a great smell. For $12 Canadian a bottle, it was way better than the $8/glass wine we had with dinner (the name escapes me). Went well with the strawberries too.
When we finished the strawberries, and were just chatting, we caught the distinctive smell of Marijuana. Leaning over the balcony, I noticed a young guy in a white tee shirt and baseball cap way up ahead on the same floor. He was clearly the one as I saw him take a puff and when he turned and saw me, he pulled away from the railing and neither he, nor the smell made a reappearance.
After describing what I saw to DH, we both realized that it was likely a cousin. The area we saw him in was about where his cabin is. We plan to mess with him tomorrow, mentioning in front of others how we smelled pot from our balcony while he’s in earshot.
So, now it’s about 12:40. We should be in the inside passage tomorrow.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Vancouver: Saturday, July 29, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Last night dad took DH and I to the airport. Our flight was on Air Canada at 8:50, so we dropped off the car at mom and dad's just before 6:30 (after picking up a splitter at radio shack) and then we switched cars and headed over H3. At 7, we pulled up to the terminal and DH and I both rejoiced at seeing no one else unloading. Then we came to a stop, and realized no one was unloading because everyone else was already there. Bummer.
Fortunately, the line moved quickly and we were soon greeted by a very friendly agent. She gave us our seats and when we realized that we were assigned to the middle section with an aisle and a middle seat, we requested different seats. She told us the flight was very full, but she would see what she could do. So she gave us our boarding passes and then told us to find her at the gate in a little while. In all this, she almost forgot to check our bags. She never even weighed them, and we had spent so much effort making sure the big bag was under the limit.
We went and bought Chocolate Chocolate Chip Frappaccino from Starbucks for us to split (earning the envy of a little boy who walked by) and headed for the gate. The agent from before was already there, and she told us we had great timing, and then gave us the window and aisle on the left side of the plane. YAY, no-one sitting next to us! What a nice lady. DH says her name was Kris. We should write a letter or something.
The flight was uneventful. They served us a meal (only because it was international) and then showed a movie starring Anotonio Banderas (dance something or other). It was ok, although rather formulaic, especially at the end when the kids take over the ballroom.
The flight was just over five hours and the time difference is three hours, so about 5:30am, we arrived in Vancouver. Going through customs was almost a non-event. The line wasn't very long, probably just people from our plane, and they didn't even ask us if we had anything to declare. So, one stamp in our passports later, we were officially in Canada.
Our first order of business was to get some cash, so after an initial misfire, we found a working ATM that eventually took our card once I got mad at it. Then we caught a cab to the hotel, the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel on Kingsway. It's ok. The rooms are rather humble, with the smallest bathrooms I think I've had yet, but there's a restaurant with cheap food downstairs, lots of shops and other restaurants nearby, a free paper, and cheap internet access. Could be worse.
We got to the hotel, and our room wasn't ready yet, so we went to call M when we discovered our phones didn't work in Canada! Crud. So we asked for the room number for the B family and got three. Trying one, we got K who came downstairs to get us. We met up with Uncle S for breakfast and then they let us sleep in their room until ours was ready. They went in the bus to go pick people up at the airport and do a little sightseeing.
Eventually, we got a room, slept a while, and then showered and went out. The neighborhood seems slightly seedy, but generally safe. I see a lot of new businesses opening up, and a lot of new condos being built. It looks like it's in a rebuilding period. The new things are all very nice, and the old looks like it's being brushed away.
We tried to get a new sim card for our cell phone, but the guy at the store did a trial run and it didn't work. Our phone seems to have a block on it, so we are trying to get that removed. We also tried to follow one of Rachel Ray's recommendations and try a dim sum place about a mile away, but it appeared to be booked for a wedding. The bride was right at the door greeting people, so we backed out.
Eventually, we just grabbed a slice of pizza and made our way home. We're doing pretty good, ready to sleep some more, but ok. I seem to be coming down with a cold, but hopefully I can avert the worst of it.
Going to bed, planning on watching a movie on the computer.
Last night dad took DH and I to the airport. Our flight was on Air Canada at 8:50, so we dropped off the car at mom and dad's just before 6:30 (after picking up a splitter at radio shack) and then we switched cars and headed over H3. At 7, we pulled up to the terminal and DH and I both rejoiced at seeing no one else unloading. Then we came to a stop, and realized no one was unloading because everyone else was already there. Bummer.
Fortunately, the line moved quickly and we were soon greeted by a very friendly agent. She gave us our seats and when we realized that we were assigned to the middle section with an aisle and a middle seat, we requested different seats. She told us the flight was very full, but she would see what she could do. So she gave us our boarding passes and then told us to find her at the gate in a little while. In all this, she almost forgot to check our bags. She never even weighed them, and we had spent so much effort making sure the big bag was under the limit.
We went and bought Chocolate Chocolate Chip Frappaccino from Starbucks for us to split (earning the envy of a little boy who walked by) and headed for the gate. The agent from before was already there, and she told us we had great timing, and then gave us the window and aisle on the left side of the plane. YAY, no-one sitting next to us! What a nice lady. DH says her name was Kris. We should write a letter or something.
The flight was uneventful. They served us a meal (only because it was international) and then showed a movie starring Anotonio Banderas (dance something or other). It was ok, although rather formulaic, especially at the end when the kids take over the ballroom.
The flight was just over five hours and the time difference is three hours, so about 5:30am, we arrived in Vancouver. Going through customs was almost a non-event. The line wasn't very long, probably just people from our plane, and they didn't even ask us if we had anything to declare. So, one stamp in our passports later, we were officially in Canada.
Our first order of business was to get some cash, so after an initial misfire, we found a working ATM that eventually took our card once I got mad at it. Then we caught a cab to the hotel, the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel on Kingsway. It's ok. The rooms are rather humble, with the smallest bathrooms I think I've had yet, but there's a restaurant with cheap food downstairs, lots of shops and other restaurants nearby, a free paper, and cheap internet access. Could be worse.
We got to the hotel, and our room wasn't ready yet, so we went to call M when we discovered our phones didn't work in Canada! Crud. So we asked for the room number for the B family and got three. Trying one, we got K who came downstairs to get us. We met up with Uncle S for breakfast and then they let us sleep in their room until ours was ready. They went in the bus to go pick people up at the airport and do a little sightseeing.
Eventually, we got a room, slept a while, and then showered and went out. The neighborhood seems slightly seedy, but generally safe. I see a lot of new businesses opening up, and a lot of new condos being built. It looks like it's in a rebuilding period. The new things are all very nice, and the old looks like it's being brushed away.
We tried to get a new sim card for our cell phone, but the guy at the store did a trial run and it didn't work. Our phone seems to have a block on it, so we are trying to get that removed. We also tried to follow one of Rachel Ray's recommendations and try a dim sum place about a mile away, but it appeared to be booked for a wedding. The bride was right at the door greeting people, so we backed out.
Eventually, we just grabbed a slice of pizza and made our way home. We're doing pretty good, ready to sleep some more, but ok. I seem to be coming down with a cold, but hopefully I can avert the worst of it.
Going to bed, planning on watching a movie on the computer.
Tinman: Sunday, July 23rd, 2006
Sunday, July 23rd, 2006
Today, I did the Tinman! I am a triathlete! On the way over, I prayed for no accidents and no flat tires. Not walking on the run and coming in under my predicted time (3 hours) would be bonuses, but no big deal. I got everything I ever hoped for and more. My race went better than I could have imagined. No accidents, no flats, no walking (except through the three aid stations as I have not yet mastered the art of drinking while running), and nine minutes under the time I was shooting for!
I was up around 2:50AM and left the house at 3:30. The race packet said parking would be scarce. They lied. Just after 4, I pulled into the lot we go to all the time for our training days, and it was wide open. Maybe 10 cars were there of about 150 or so stalls. Check in was from 4 to 5:30, so I imagine it filled up not too long after though.
By 4:30, I had managed to get someone to write my number on me and went into the bike area. I got a great spot on my wave's rack right at the end of the rack. It was right in front of the chute that we run through after the swim, so no searching for my bike. I set up my stuff and mentally went through my transitions a few times to make sure I had everything laid out right. I did the standard bathroom run and then got my timing chip from the race organizers.
I was feeling a little uptight at this point, so I lathered on the sunscreen, tucked my swim cap and goggles into my swim top strap, and taking part of a pb&j sandwich, headed for the beach. At this point it was still an hour from my start time at 6:05. I was in the last wave, and happy for it. It was still completely dark, and the idea of swimming in darkness wasn't one I relished, so being last gave the sun a chance to come up. Also, there wouldn't be anyone left to pass me and bum me out. It's all good.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4S2JmegrBpxt4l7m6zOO76Wd6DKc3yTLF9ahHGui133AfiiG6AqT_gPfTE_V8mCDOMk_ue_PKAvc_pSGZnb4uiJ2Wmw_T2W2TQtRRjRxc1K-KDsVundY_utc7y23LAYp5evp-C_HAdFS/s1600-h/3477339-7%7Ffp33;%3Enu=3238%3E572%3E8-3%3EWSNRCG=323394%3C68;-6;nu0mrj.jpg
I sat down and leaned against a coconut tree and looked at the ocean. The sky was clear and the water calm. In the darkness, the lights of Waikiki twinkled along the shoreline curving out to the right. It was just beautiful. It seemed that everyone was in their own world, very little conversation, so all was quiet. It struck me again how lucky I am to live here.
After a while more and more people congregated there, and eventually I saw some people I knew. We all talked story for a bit and faster than I would have imagined, the first group was getting in the water. These were the elite athletes along with men 20-30 years old. I never even heard the start, it turns out it was being done by a guy with a bull horn. You don't hear him unless you're in the water. Odd. Anyway, suddenly, the water turned into one of those "piranha" scenes you see in cheesy movies. It started to boil and thrash as they all started to swim. Visually, very entertaining. I was amazed at the speed at which some of these guys can cover 800m. In about 8 and a half minutes, the first guy was dashing out of the water while most of the pack was still at the half-way point.
The crowds parted to let the competitors dash into the chute towards the bike rack. At one point, a couple of guys swung wide and came out way to the side of the chute and the crowd had to point them in the right direction. I guess the leader of that small group didn't sight things quite right and the others just followed him. When he started up the sand, he looked up, saw the crowd (and no chute) and look of befuddlement passed over his face for a second until he took the hint of the people pointing to the side and he dashed off.
One wave at a time, all my friends and training partners went in until eventually I was alone, with a bunch of other people in black caps. This was the 30-34 women along with relays. Excepting a few guys who must have been doing relays, it was all women. The guys made a few comments about how fortunate their circumstances were. We made our way into the water and I was amazed at how warm it was. I've swum at Queen's beach at all different times of the day, and it's always been on the cold side and at least a little murky. Today was perfect. It was like bathwater, and so clear. You could see every detail on the bottom.
The bullhorn announced the one-minute warning, then started the ten second countdown where I started my watch timer, and then we were off. The swim went about as well as could be expected considering it's my first time in a large group start. Since swimming isn't my strong suit, I positioned myself near the back of the pack. I didn't really get kicked, but we all felt each other up a bit before we spread out some. I think I finished somewhere in the middle, but I didn't look back as I ran out of the water and up the beach. I was stripping off my cap and goggles when I saw mom and dad, which was cool as I wasn't sure if they had come (Mike wasn't there as he had to work).
Did my first transition without a hitch and started to dash for the bike exit when I had to grind to a halt for mom to take a picture. I wasn't too happy about that at the time, but I was sure happy about it later (details to come). Out on the bike course, I initially didn't feel too strong. I was heading into the wind down Kalanianaole when I thought maybe I was hungry. So I put a piece of pb&j into my mouth and promptly gagged. Hmmm, that was unexpected, but I persevered and eventually managed to swallow, and...all was well. Don't know why it didn't want to go down, but once in its destination, it was soon converted to fuel.
I went along the course and eventually made my way up heartbreak hill and at the top I caught a second wind. Suddenly, I felt great. I blazed down the hill and started picking people off one by one. One girl tried to pass me back, but I caught her and never saw her again. The return trip was a blast, I don't know why the first half was so whimpy, but I'd rather get better over the course rather than weaken. In what seemed like no time at all, I was heading into the bike chute. I jumped off and started to run, and then there were gumby legs. It seemed that my legs lost all bone structure for a moment and just decided to do whatever they felt like. Ok...so I walked quickly for a few steps and then they were fine again and I dashed off, pausing for another gritted-teeth photo.
2 minutes or so later (and another photo stop) I was out on the run. The run starts with a loop around the zoo and then a left from Paki onto Monserrat which is basically a big long uphill. Oddly enough, I remember almost nothing about going around the zoo. I know I did it, but other than a tiny recollection of some volunteers on a corner, it's like it never happened. The hill on the other hand, I can't forget. It looms above you and your tired legs. So, looking down like an ostrich putting its head in the sand, I labored up the hill. This wasn't going well, but I know this hill always sucks for me and I get better once over the top. Sure enough, at the top of the hill, I hit the first aid station and was soon on the downhill.
Around now I got a decent rhythm and I think my pace increased throughout the run. Even going up diamond head was no big deal and I was able to pass quite a few people, which gave me more motivation. Then you finally hit the corner of Kapiolani park and your brain screams "It's not fair, I'm at the park, I should be done...Where the HELL is that finish line?!" Eventually you round a corner and there it is, so you accelerate (ok, it was imperceptible, I'm sure, but it felt like it), and soon, I was done and someone was molesting my ankle to steal my timing chip.
I walked into the finishers area and the runner who had finished just in front of me leaned over and started heaving. I'm not sure if that means she had a good race or not, but I got out of there rather quickly. The rest of the morning was spent comparing stories and we had a post-race party in the afternoon. I finally went to sleep at 9 last night and slept for 10 hours straight.
The aftermath: My timing chip was defective...AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH. Not happy. They lost all my times except my final overall. Here's where the pictures came into play, each one had a timestamp, and as she took pictures before and after my bike and run sections, I can calculate within 20 seconds or so my times. So here's what I got:
Overall: 2:51:40.9
Swim (800m) and T1: 19:30
Bike (40k): 1:27
T2: 2:10
Run (10k): 1:03
All in all, it was a good day. I don't know what I would have done differently, and as for my first triathlon, I'm very happy with how it all went. Of course, it didn't take me five minutes after crossing the finish line before I started thinking about how I can improve for next year. One year ago I was being a couch potato, and I just finished a triathlon. It's shocking to me, but I'm sure happy about it.
Today, I did the Tinman! I am a triathlete! On the way over, I prayed for no accidents and no flat tires. Not walking on the run and coming in under my predicted time (3 hours) would be bonuses, but no big deal. I got everything I ever hoped for and more. My race went better than I could have imagined. No accidents, no flats, no walking (except through the three aid stations as I have not yet mastered the art of drinking while running), and nine minutes under the time I was shooting for!
I was up around 2:50AM and left the house at 3:30. The race packet said parking would be scarce. They lied. Just after 4, I pulled into the lot we go to all the time for our training days, and it was wide open. Maybe 10 cars were there of about 150 or so stalls. Check in was from 4 to 5:30, so I imagine it filled up not too long after though.
By 4:30, I had managed to get someone to write my number on me and went into the bike area. I got a great spot on my wave's rack right at the end of the rack. It was right in front of the chute that we run through after the swim, so no searching for my bike. I set up my stuff and mentally went through my transitions a few times to make sure I had everything laid out right. I did the standard bathroom run and then got my timing chip from the race organizers.
I was feeling a little uptight at this point, so I lathered on the sunscreen, tucked my swim cap and goggles into my swim top strap, and taking part of a pb&j sandwich, headed for the beach. At this point it was still an hour from my start time at 6:05. I was in the last wave, and happy for it. It was still completely dark, and the idea of swimming in darkness wasn't one I relished, so being last gave the sun a chance to come up. Also, there wouldn't be anyone left to pass me and bum me out. It's all good.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4S2JmegrBpxt4l7m6zOO76Wd6DKc3yTLF9ahHGui133AfiiG6AqT_gPfTE_V8mCDOMk_ue_PKAvc_pSGZnb4uiJ2Wmw_T2W2TQtRRjRxc1K-KDsVundY_utc7y23LAYp5evp-C_HAdFS/s1600-h/3477339-7%7Ffp33;%3Enu=3238%3E572%3E8-3%3EWSNRCG=323394%3C68;-6;nu0mrj.jpg
I sat down and leaned against a coconut tree and looked at the ocean. The sky was clear and the water calm. In the darkness, the lights of Waikiki twinkled along the shoreline curving out to the right. It was just beautiful. It seemed that everyone was in their own world, very little conversation, so all was quiet. It struck me again how lucky I am to live here.
After a while more and more people congregated there, and eventually I saw some people I knew. We all talked story for a bit and faster than I would have imagined, the first group was getting in the water. These were the elite athletes along with men 20-30 years old. I never even heard the start, it turns out it was being done by a guy with a bull horn. You don't hear him unless you're in the water. Odd. Anyway, suddenly, the water turned into one of those "piranha" scenes you see in cheesy movies. It started to boil and thrash as they all started to swim. Visually, very entertaining. I was amazed at the speed at which some of these guys can cover 800m. In about 8 and a half minutes, the first guy was dashing out of the water while most of the pack was still at the half-way point.
The crowds parted to let the competitors dash into the chute towards the bike rack. At one point, a couple of guys swung wide and came out way to the side of the chute and the crowd had to point them in the right direction. I guess the leader of that small group didn't sight things quite right and the others just followed him. When he started up the sand, he looked up, saw the crowd (and no chute) and look of befuddlement passed over his face for a second until he took the hint of the people pointing to the side and he dashed off.
One wave at a time, all my friends and training partners went in until eventually I was alone, with a bunch of other people in black caps. This was the 30-34 women along with relays. Excepting a few guys who must have been doing relays, it was all women. The guys made a few comments about how fortunate their circumstances were. We made our way into the water and I was amazed at how warm it was. I've swum at Queen's beach at all different times of the day, and it's always been on the cold side and at least a little murky. Today was perfect. It was like bathwater, and so clear. You could see every detail on the bottom.
The bullhorn announced the one-minute warning, then started the ten second countdown where I started my watch timer, and then we were off. The swim went about as well as could be expected considering it's my first time in a large group start. Since swimming isn't my strong suit, I positioned myself near the back of the pack. I didn't really get kicked, but we all felt each other up a bit before we spread out some. I think I finished somewhere in the middle, but I didn't look back as I ran out of the water and up the beach. I was stripping off my cap and goggles when I saw mom and dad, which was cool as I wasn't sure if they had come (Mike wasn't there as he had to work).
Did my first transition without a hitch and started to dash for the bike exit when I had to grind to a halt for mom to take a picture. I wasn't too happy about that at the time, but I was sure happy about it later (details to come). Out on the bike course, I initially didn't feel too strong. I was heading into the wind down Kalanianaole when I thought maybe I was hungry. So I put a piece of pb&j into my mouth and promptly gagged. Hmmm, that was unexpected, but I persevered and eventually managed to swallow, and...all was well. Don't know why it didn't want to go down, but once in its destination, it was soon converted to fuel.
I went along the course and eventually made my way up heartbreak hill and at the top I caught a second wind. Suddenly, I felt great. I blazed down the hill and started picking people off one by one. One girl tried to pass me back, but I caught her and never saw her again. The return trip was a blast, I don't know why the first half was so whimpy, but I'd rather get better over the course rather than weaken. In what seemed like no time at all, I was heading into the bike chute. I jumped off and started to run, and then there were gumby legs. It seemed that my legs lost all bone structure for a moment and just decided to do whatever they felt like. Ok...so I walked quickly for a few steps and then they were fine again and I dashed off, pausing for another gritted-teeth photo.
2 minutes or so later (and another photo stop) I was out on the run. The run starts with a loop around the zoo and then a left from Paki onto Monserrat which is basically a big long uphill. Oddly enough, I remember almost nothing about going around the zoo. I know I did it, but other than a tiny recollection of some volunteers on a corner, it's like it never happened. The hill on the other hand, I can't forget. It looms above you and your tired legs. So, looking down like an ostrich putting its head in the sand, I labored up the hill. This wasn't going well, but I know this hill always sucks for me and I get better once over the top. Sure enough, at the top of the hill, I hit the first aid station and was soon on the downhill.
Around now I got a decent rhythm and I think my pace increased throughout the run. Even going up diamond head was no big deal and I was able to pass quite a few people, which gave me more motivation. Then you finally hit the corner of Kapiolani park and your brain screams "It's not fair, I'm at the park, I should be done...Where the HELL is that finish line?!" Eventually you round a corner and there it is, so you accelerate (ok, it was imperceptible, I'm sure, but it felt like it), and soon, I was done and someone was molesting my ankle to steal my timing chip.
I walked into the finishers area and the runner who had finished just in front of me leaned over and started heaving. I'm not sure if that means she had a good race or not, but I got out of there rather quickly. The rest of the morning was spent comparing stories and we had a post-race party in the afternoon. I finally went to sleep at 9 last night and slept for 10 hours straight.
The aftermath: My timing chip was defective...AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH. Not happy. They lost all my times except my final overall. Here's where the pictures came into play, each one had a timestamp, and as she took pictures before and after my bike and run sections, I can calculate within 20 seconds or so my times. So here's what I got:
Overall: 2:51:40.9
Swim (800m) and T1: 19:30
Bike (40k): 1:27
T2: 2:10
Run (10k): 1:03
All in all, it was a good day. I don't know what I would have done differently, and as for my first triathlon, I'm very happy with how it all went. Of course, it didn't take me five minutes after crossing the finish line before I started thinking about how I can improve for next year. One year ago I was being a couch potato, and I just finished a triathlon. It's shocking to me, but I'm sure happy about it.
Mammoth, CA: March 2005
So, DH and I went to Mammoth, CA for our first experience playing in snow. We flew to LA on an afternoon flight, and slept at my brother's for the night. The next day, we packed up 4 adults, 2 kids, and a large dog into two cars and drove up to Mammoth. About 4 hours later with a stop at a rather odd road-side restaurant (a taxidermist did the decorating and they only served burgers. scary), we arrived at the "cabin." That's in quotes because it's really just a normal house, I don't know why everyone kept calling it a cabin.
The first order of the day was to go up to the ski resort and get everything prepped for tomorrow. DH and I were fitted for boots and boards. I don't know if you've ever rented ski gear before, but it's not very high on my list of things to repeat. It's not very pleasant to try on a pair of boots that probably had just come off a rough day on the slopes and hadn't even dried yet. I was pretty grossed out, but there was nothing for it.
With gear in hand, we went on the hunt for lockers, apparently they are a precious resource out here, so once you get one, you don't relinquish it until you are going home, and I don't mean back to the "cabin." Stowing the none-too-pleasant-smelling gear in a musty locker (lovely, just lovely), we went back for dinner and a good night's sleep in preparation for the lessons that DH and I were signed up for the next morning.
Woke up early and got dressed. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and nearly laughed out loud. I looked like a boy! Baggy ski pants and my jacket was too big. With a hat hiding my hair, big boots and thick ski gloves, I looked exactly like an awkward teenage boy. I guess snowboarders aren't known for being fashionably clad.
While my brother and family hit the ski slopes, DH and I maneuvered our boards over to the lessons area. I figured it wasn't a good sign when the first 20 minutes were teaching us how to fall (Omen number one). Turns out that there really was a reason for that. I'll get into that later. After making us practice falling, we strapped on our boards and went up and down a tiny little hill (not kidding, 30 feet long, maybe 4 feet in elevation). After learning how to turn and stop, and working on that falling, seriously, it was happening to everyone, they took us to the lift.
That first lift ride was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. The scenery is just stunning and to be lifted up like you're flying over it is an amazing thing. The fact that there's nothing holding you in and if you lean too far forward you're toast might have had something to do with the exhilaration, but I still remember the rush. We went higher and higher. Looking back down the mountain it was cool to see the world drop away, and looking up I was amazed at how far further some of the other peaks go. I was looking at one peak that was insanely tall and steep when to my horror I realized people were actually skiing down it! I think they were committing suicide, how could anyone survive that!
One other thing about the lift. You can see all the people skiing and snowboarding by beneath you. It's pretty cool to watch people, you see the ones who really know what they're doing, and you also see some spectacular falls. What I fortunately didn't notice until later was that about 95 percent of the people we saw fall down, had snowboards attached to their feet. Omen number two.
To my dismay, the ride came to the end, followed by the single most difficult thing for me to accomplish...the dismount. I just can't get off those things gracefully. I ate it almost every time and had to crawl away as fast as I could with that damn board stuck to my leg. The dread of the inevitable getting off tainted every lift ride thereafter. Too embarrassing.
So, we're at the top of the bunny slope where I'm like, "Is this REALLY the easiest thing you have?" The lane is narrow with trees on each side and in some places, if you don't turn in time, you go off a cliff into a 10 foot deep ravine. That's the bunny slope. Great. Ok, so after they have us all sit on our butts in the snow getting soggy bums, we get started. There was not a one among the group that went more than 4 feet before falling back down. Snowboarding is HARD!
So after falling our way down the slopes, we reach the bottom and go back up for another round. Every member of the group looks like they've been beaten. We're all limping a little, rubbing parts of our bodies, straightening clothes that have gone awry. We're not a pretty sight. But, here we go again.
The second run was better in some ways, but worse in others. We're all able to manage going for a while before falling, and stopping and changing directions by shifting weight, but now they want us to learn the 'S' turn. Hoo Boy, a whole new world of pain there. You see, when you change directions by coming to a stop, and shifting your weight, you never really go very fast. When you start doing real turns, you can really start booking it if you're not very careful. While that's fun later, in the beginning all you know is that the faster you go, the nastier the falls are. DH and I took some whoppers. The worst ones are when you are facing up hill, start to turn, lose it, and fall backwards downhill. I think everyone learning this should wear a helmet and a neck brace.
To add insult to injury, there are all these little kids, maybe 5-7 years old just zooming by. They're all on skis, but still, it's a little annoying to be sitting in the snow trying to convince yourself to get up again and to have these kids effortlessly go by. What really got me was at one point, I was on my rear, catching my breath after yet another tumble, when this little girl, weighing maybe 30 pounds, pulls up and goes "are you ok?" I wanted to smack her! I know it's not nice, and I'm sure she had good intentions, but ooooh, I was NOT happy.
By the third run, we had mostly gotten the hang of it. We would fall occasionally, but there were enough seconds (note, not minutes) in between falls that you could tell this can be fun. At one point, the instructor had us all sit together, then moved down slope and had us one by one do 'S' curves down to him and stop. I got up first and did it perfectly, no problem. I was so impressed with myself until I got up to the instructor, stopped, and promptly fell on my a**. So much for my ego.
After that, the lesson was over and we were on our own. After another run, we decided we had enough bruises and called it quits for the day. We stored our gear in our lockers and went home. After peeling off my ski clothes, I was grateful we were in cold weather, because I wasn't showing any skin for a while. Someone would think that DH and I beat each other! Also, if DH wouldn't have pretended to not know me, I might have worn a pillow strapped to my rear the next day. Whooee, it hurt to sit. But, it was all worth it.
The next morning, the alarm went off, and I opened one eye. I was afraid to move. Slowly, I wiggled fingers and toes, then shifted arms and legs. Testing the pain that was going to be involved with getting up. Oh My! Everything hurt! DH was the same way. We moved like geriatrics with bad arthritis. After lots of grunts and groans we got into our ski gear and headed back to the slopes.
I'm happy to report that day two was infinitely better. The first run down the slopes had us worried, it was pretty bad, but after that, our bodies picked it up again and it went well. By the end of the day, we were doing an occasional entire run without falling and we were testing how fast we were willing to go before chickening out. That's really a rush BTW, going fast is fun, but you know you're still unsteady enough that if you hit too big a bump, you're going to eat it.
Things transpired that kept us away from the slopes the next day, but I can't wait to do it again. I hope that we don't forget how and have to start all over again. I also hope that I will have magically figured out how to get off the lift gracefully.
The first order of the day was to go up to the ski resort and get everything prepped for tomorrow. DH and I were fitted for boots and boards. I don't know if you've ever rented ski gear before, but it's not very high on my list of things to repeat. It's not very pleasant to try on a pair of boots that probably had just come off a rough day on the slopes and hadn't even dried yet. I was pretty grossed out, but there was nothing for it.
With gear in hand, we went on the hunt for lockers, apparently they are a precious resource out here, so once you get one, you don't relinquish it until you are going home, and I don't mean back to the "cabin." Stowing the none-too-pleasant-smelling gear in a musty locker (lovely, just lovely), we went back for dinner and a good night's sleep in preparation for the lessons that DH and I were signed up for the next morning.
Woke up early and got dressed. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and nearly laughed out loud. I looked like a boy! Baggy ski pants and my jacket was too big. With a hat hiding my hair, big boots and thick ski gloves, I looked exactly like an awkward teenage boy. I guess snowboarders aren't known for being fashionably clad.
While my brother and family hit the ski slopes, DH and I maneuvered our boards over to the lessons area. I figured it wasn't a good sign when the first 20 minutes were teaching us how to fall (Omen number one). Turns out that there really was a reason for that. I'll get into that later. After making us practice falling, we strapped on our boards and went up and down a tiny little hill (not kidding, 30 feet long, maybe 4 feet in elevation). After learning how to turn and stop, and working on that falling, seriously, it was happening to everyone, they took us to the lift.
That first lift ride was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. The scenery is just stunning and to be lifted up like you're flying over it is an amazing thing. The fact that there's nothing holding you in and if you lean too far forward you're toast might have had something to do with the exhilaration, but I still remember the rush. We went higher and higher. Looking back down the mountain it was cool to see the world drop away, and looking up I was amazed at how far further some of the other peaks go. I was looking at one peak that was insanely tall and steep when to my horror I realized people were actually skiing down it! I think they were committing suicide, how could anyone survive that!
One other thing about the lift. You can see all the people skiing and snowboarding by beneath you. It's pretty cool to watch people, you see the ones who really know what they're doing, and you also see some spectacular falls. What I fortunately didn't notice until later was that about 95 percent of the people we saw fall down, had snowboards attached to their feet. Omen number two.
To my dismay, the ride came to the end, followed by the single most difficult thing for me to accomplish...the dismount. I just can't get off those things gracefully. I ate it almost every time and had to crawl away as fast as I could with that damn board stuck to my leg. The dread of the inevitable getting off tainted every lift ride thereafter. Too embarrassing.
So, we're at the top of the bunny slope where I'm like, "Is this REALLY the easiest thing you have?" The lane is narrow with trees on each side and in some places, if you don't turn in time, you go off a cliff into a 10 foot deep ravine. That's the bunny slope. Great. Ok, so after they have us all sit on our butts in the snow getting soggy bums, we get started. There was not a one among the group that went more than 4 feet before falling back down. Snowboarding is HARD!
So after falling our way down the slopes, we reach the bottom and go back up for another round. Every member of the group looks like they've been beaten. We're all limping a little, rubbing parts of our bodies, straightening clothes that have gone awry. We're not a pretty sight. But, here we go again.
The second run was better in some ways, but worse in others. We're all able to manage going for a while before falling, and stopping and changing directions by shifting weight, but now they want us to learn the 'S' turn. Hoo Boy, a whole new world of pain there. You see, when you change directions by coming to a stop, and shifting your weight, you never really go very fast. When you start doing real turns, you can really start booking it if you're not very careful. While that's fun later, in the beginning all you know is that the faster you go, the nastier the falls are. DH and I took some whoppers. The worst ones are when you are facing up hill, start to turn, lose it, and fall backwards downhill. I think everyone learning this should wear a helmet and a neck brace.
To add insult to injury, there are all these little kids, maybe 5-7 years old just zooming by. They're all on skis, but still, it's a little annoying to be sitting in the snow trying to convince yourself to get up again and to have these kids effortlessly go by. What really got me was at one point, I was on my rear, catching my breath after yet another tumble, when this little girl, weighing maybe 30 pounds, pulls up and goes "are you ok?" I wanted to smack her! I know it's not nice, and I'm sure she had good intentions, but ooooh, I was NOT happy.
By the third run, we had mostly gotten the hang of it. We would fall occasionally, but there were enough seconds (note, not minutes) in between falls that you could tell this can be fun. At one point, the instructor had us all sit together, then moved down slope and had us one by one do 'S' curves down to him and stop. I got up first and did it perfectly, no problem. I was so impressed with myself until I got up to the instructor, stopped, and promptly fell on my a**. So much for my ego.
After that, the lesson was over and we were on our own. After another run, we decided we had enough bruises and called it quits for the day. We stored our gear in our lockers and went home. After peeling off my ski clothes, I was grateful we were in cold weather, because I wasn't showing any skin for a while. Someone would think that DH and I beat each other! Also, if DH wouldn't have pretended to not know me, I might have worn a pillow strapped to my rear the next day. Whooee, it hurt to sit. But, it was all worth it.
The next morning, the alarm went off, and I opened one eye. I was afraid to move. Slowly, I wiggled fingers and toes, then shifted arms and legs. Testing the pain that was going to be involved with getting up. Oh My! Everything hurt! DH was the same way. We moved like geriatrics with bad arthritis. After lots of grunts and groans we got into our ski gear and headed back to the slopes.
I'm happy to report that day two was infinitely better. The first run down the slopes had us worried, it was pretty bad, but after that, our bodies picked it up again and it went well. By the end of the day, we were doing an occasional entire run without falling and we were testing how fast we were willing to go before chickening out. That's really a rush BTW, going fast is fun, but you know you're still unsteady enough that if you hit too big a bump, you're going to eat it.
Things transpired that kept us away from the slopes the next day, but I can't wait to do it again. I hope that we don't forget how and have to start all over again. I also hope that I will have magically figured out how to get off the lift gracefully.
Russia: March 2005
I was in Russia! I can hardly believe it myself. A friend of mine was going to adopt two sisters from Russia and asked me to go along. With about two weeks from when I was asked to when we went, I said yes! In what seemed like no time at all, I was freezing in Russia.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTmFlfD-YDS5n7L1cSC9dcZWuM1Rr7VyLx7RjA-j1P81XqTTHMctQZfs-5pGAI0ANQ4EFzkGpG2b_n8Eq4sHE6zY4YJIaY-0NxxHaqb5LvGk0tvYLjBOzPKZnXhoGtGlOI7EISHdf_eYU/s1600-h/PICT0230.JPG
We landed in Moscow, the picture is the view from our hotel window right before we went to sleep for the next 15 hours. (more about Moscow later). We were in Moscow for two days and then we took a four hour flight into Siberia, landing in Novokuznetsk (south-central Russia). From here, it was a 15 minute drive to the orphanage where we met the girls. My friend, A, had already been there once and met them before, but they had never met their future father. They’re adorable girls, 7 and 11 years old.
The orphanage was actually rather nice, granted everything is relative. The plumbing was primitive and they kids wear the same clothes for a week, but I understand that’s not uncommon around those parts. Generally I got the impression that the orphanage staff try very hard to make it a nice place for the children.
The town itself was rather grim. It’s a coal mining town and everything is coated in black soot. The snow, the buildings, cars...everything. It’s just a depressing place. Very poor. You can hardly imagine that people can survive the winter in the shacks that qualified as homes.
After we left the orphanage (sans girls, we can’t take them until after the court date), we drove three hours to the town of Kemerovo. Kemerovo is sort of the capital of the region, and fortunately, it’s a big step up from Novokuznetsk. It’s a modern town, big governmental buildings, hotels, restaurants, etc. Our hotel looked good in the lobby, but my room, well, let’s just call it an adventure and leave it at that. Functional, but not something you really care to remember.
Here was my first real experience with Russian food, and to my surprise, it’s really good! Not to mention cheap. For about five bucks I ate in a nice restaurant and had food that would have cost me 15 to 20 bucks back home! I’m amazed that no matter where we ate, there was an attention to detail that was very impressive. They take great care in the presentation and everything tasted as good as it looked.
In Kemerovo, we spent the next few days dealing with legal stuff. We had the court hearing where my friends were declared the legal parents of the two girls. I wasn’t allowed in the court room, but I’m told there’s a jail cell in the corner of the room. So much for prejudicing the jury.
One interesting thing about the Russian adoption system is the secrecy involved. You get the impression that people are hiding things from you. You ask questions about the kids you’re about to adopt, like health or their past, and if the people in charge think you won’t like the answer, they’ll evade. This gets confirmed when eventually they’ll drop a little morsel of the negative information here and there when they think the time is right. You just have to wait and get in their due time. To top it off, sometimes they’ll drop bombs on you right in the court room, moments before everything’s official. Fortunately, nothing too major this time, but it’s happened to my friend before on her last adoption. Oh yeah, she already has two other girls from previous Russian adoptions, one is now 17 and the other is 13.
After the court hearing, you spend a bunch of time running around town getting documents signed and notarized. The Russians are alllll about documentation. Things got a little humorous around now. You see, A’s church donated about one thousand dollars for her to buy things for the orphanage. She couldn’t just give the orphanage the money, because corruption is rampant, so we had to spend over one thousand dollars in a place where most things are ridiculously cheap.
We bought shoes, clothes, books, toys, and hygiene and medical supplies. Everything in massive quantities as there are over one hundred children in this orphanage. At the end of the day, we had to haul it all up to our rooms. People in the hotel lobby stared at us open-mouth as five adults hauled tons of childrens stuff through. They probably thought that this was rampant American excess, “adopt one child and look at all they bought for it.”
The next day, with all the main legalese finished, A’s husband flew home to take care of the other girls and A and I headed back to the orphanage, along with our huge haul of purchases. Christmas came early this year. A number of children came out to help us bring everything in and their faces reflected total amazement with each armload taken out of the van.
In the orphanage, we were escorted to a room where the girls were to meet us.
One thing to note, is that the children are not allowed to take their clothes with them (needed for the next child), so you have to bring clothes with you. Apparently, these two knew the drill and were eager to get going because they ran in the room and started stripping down reaching for the new clothes. In just a few minutes, they were ready to go. They left clutching only the teddy bears that A had given them during her previous visit. They actually owned NOTHING else.
Back to Kemerovo, a three hour car ride with two little girls on a big adventure. It actually went surprisingly well. In Kemerovo, the adoption facilitator announced that A had to go get the girl’s passports, so I took the girls into the hotel. I’ll never forget this. As I walk into the hotel lobby with two very cute little girls trailing behind me, all these Russians, both men and women, went “awwww.” They act tough, but a lot of it is an act. This hotel is used for a lot of adoptions, so I guess they knew what was going on.
The next day, we head for the airport. We hand over our tickets, and the lady, who of course speaks no English and looks as mean as a bull dog, points at the date on my ticket. To my horror, it said I was supposed to leave the day before, apparently with A’s husband. The travel company that booked us all had made a huge mistake. I almost panicked with visions of being left behind in Siberia with no means of communication.
Thank heavens I was with a group, or I might have been stuck. The lady looked at our panicked faces and motioned for us to wait. She continued processing the other passengers for what seemed like eternity (reality: 10 minutes) while we stood there each with a little girl holding our hand. Finally we were motioned to put our bags up for checking and she slid a new set of tickets over the counter for all of us! They put me on the flight! I was sooo happy and relieved. I had figured they wouldn’t make us stand there if they weren’t going to help us, so I had pulled out a can of macadamia nuts I had brought along. When she gave us the tickets, I said “thank you” in Russian, and gave her the can. This woman, who looked so intimidating, actually cracked a smile, although you could see she tried to stifle it.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8X-I2x4Drk8kqwk_o7QsMIBsQM1vXor8iDUj8UFVkmwev-oGQ8C2UrimRllTvLen1S4bj6-XkoNI3d3nL9ypNCJ0HMt65f1_eA4eDA8XsRiwea6XpS1VkY08PbTZHTj0U93f6M64G0at/s1600-h/PICT0251.JPG
The rest of the trip was spent in Moscow. It’s a wonderful city. Lots of beautiful buildings and loaded with history. Near all these amazing things, to my shock, I encountered a McDonalds. Now I didn't eat there, but I was surprised at how busy they were.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_QRt6EKcd5_2D4_tFyUE4vULamIxeLcvXRB_W3QbVN3x4eQGHxnWXFWGn8ltuURw8-Wq0vCDsnhbwbkWrgdqsxWSGm_CuioW5x_ODWCNSy5AQ9GCKo-siXAxeRMnrIpxwLTMK7o0-Lfo/s1600-h/PICT0238.JPG
I had one day to myself and I used the most of it. I went to Red Square and saw St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s tomb (supposedly you can see the body, but they weren’t letting people in that day), and the Kremlin. I got to go inside the Kremlin (the seat of the Russian government) and tour the places they let you see.
There’s a big museum inside of the Kremlin called the Armoury. It holds all the state treasure. It’s got diplomatic gifts from other countries, clothes that the Tzars wore, jewels, etc. All the Russian history sort of stuff. It was fascinating, but unfortunately, most of the plaques weren’t in English. No problem. There were a number of private English language tours going around (expensive), so if something interested me, I’d just wait a bit and someone would come by and talk about it. I stayed for two separate tours in front of the Faberge Eggs! They were just amazing.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMjUeAeTVVc2L5bmcuC1PXjj6VmQa55ubrE_lEzP1fl7GXsq2Xso_o3N3fZrRnA4TtS0UaA9vMuRZSWuaLlwSWVfAOWk-ZM-QHQtOa-ZnHL_7al8HONnCBrsNwDMLOJDSuVQI76QRxh4D/s1600-h/PICT0236.JPG
After the Kremlin, I went to the Tretyakov art gallery. The best collection of Russian art in the world. My guide book sucked, it didn’t say what metro stop to use or what streets to follow after that, so I guessed. Oh wait, the metro... The subway stations here are amazing. You'd think you were in an art gallery. Can you believe there are chandaliers over where the trains go in and out? And there's no litter and no graffitti. The "Palaces of the People" indeed.
Ok, back to the Tretyakov... When I got off the metro, I wandered a bit, then asked a trio of babushkas how to get there (in Russian. Maybe one in 20 Russians speak English and that’s being generous). They pointed and rattled something off. I was going to just go on the point, but I guess they realized I was clueless and took pity on me. They motioned me to follow. We went down a path with them glancing over their shoulders every so often to check that I was still with them. I felt like a lamb following a shepherd. Eventually, one turned off and the other two, motioning me to follow, went the other way. Down another street, they stopped in front of a building and motioned to it. They had gone out of their way and took me right to the door of the place! They laughed as I thanked them, turned and went back on their way. I encountered alot of that in Russia, people going out of their way to help you.
The rest of the time in Moscow, we wandered all over the place. It was fascinating to watch these kids with so little life experience. They had never seen an escalator! An American two year old can negotiate these things, but these two had no idea had to negotiate the move from solid ground onto something moving. A and I had to each firmly grab a child and hold on tight as they got on/off or else they would fall down. They seemed to think it was great fun and giggled alot about it.
To these two, everything is amazing. They’re fascinated by subways, statues, buildings, and especially those little Russian dolls that are embedded inside each other. It’s a wonderful experience to see things that you might take for granted reflected in their eyes. It’s a big new world for them.
Whooo, it’s late, I’m tired. I better wrap this up. In all, I spent 11 days in Russia, and it was an amazing experience.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTmFlfD-YDS5n7L1cSC9dcZWuM1Rr7VyLx7RjA-j1P81XqTTHMctQZfs-5pGAI0ANQ4EFzkGpG2b_n8Eq4sHE6zY4YJIaY-0NxxHaqb5LvGk0tvYLjBOzPKZnXhoGtGlOI7EISHdf_eYU/s1600-h/PICT0230.JPG
We landed in Moscow, the picture is the view from our hotel window right before we went to sleep for the next 15 hours. (more about Moscow later). We were in Moscow for two days and then we took a four hour flight into Siberia, landing in Novokuznetsk (south-central Russia). From here, it was a 15 minute drive to the orphanage where we met the girls. My friend, A, had already been there once and met them before, but they had never met their future father. They’re adorable girls, 7 and 11 years old.
The orphanage was actually rather nice, granted everything is relative. The plumbing was primitive and they kids wear the same clothes for a week, but I understand that’s not uncommon around those parts. Generally I got the impression that the orphanage staff try very hard to make it a nice place for the children.
The town itself was rather grim. It’s a coal mining town and everything is coated in black soot. The snow, the buildings, cars...everything. It’s just a depressing place. Very poor. You can hardly imagine that people can survive the winter in the shacks that qualified as homes.
After we left the orphanage (sans girls, we can’t take them until after the court date), we drove three hours to the town of Kemerovo. Kemerovo is sort of the capital of the region, and fortunately, it’s a big step up from Novokuznetsk. It’s a modern town, big governmental buildings, hotels, restaurants, etc. Our hotel looked good in the lobby, but my room, well, let’s just call it an adventure and leave it at that. Functional, but not something you really care to remember.
Here was my first real experience with Russian food, and to my surprise, it’s really good! Not to mention cheap. For about five bucks I ate in a nice restaurant and had food that would have cost me 15 to 20 bucks back home! I’m amazed that no matter where we ate, there was an attention to detail that was very impressive. They take great care in the presentation and everything tasted as good as it looked.
In Kemerovo, we spent the next few days dealing with legal stuff. We had the court hearing where my friends were declared the legal parents of the two girls. I wasn’t allowed in the court room, but I’m told there’s a jail cell in the corner of the room. So much for prejudicing the jury.
One interesting thing about the Russian adoption system is the secrecy involved. You get the impression that people are hiding things from you. You ask questions about the kids you’re about to adopt, like health or their past, and if the people in charge think you won’t like the answer, they’ll evade. This gets confirmed when eventually they’ll drop a little morsel of the negative information here and there when they think the time is right. You just have to wait and get in their due time. To top it off, sometimes they’ll drop bombs on you right in the court room, moments before everything’s official. Fortunately, nothing too major this time, but it’s happened to my friend before on her last adoption. Oh yeah, she already has two other girls from previous Russian adoptions, one is now 17 and the other is 13.
After the court hearing, you spend a bunch of time running around town getting documents signed and notarized. The Russians are alllll about documentation. Things got a little humorous around now. You see, A’s church donated about one thousand dollars for her to buy things for the orphanage. She couldn’t just give the orphanage the money, because corruption is rampant, so we had to spend over one thousand dollars in a place where most things are ridiculously cheap.
We bought shoes, clothes, books, toys, and hygiene and medical supplies. Everything in massive quantities as there are over one hundred children in this orphanage. At the end of the day, we had to haul it all up to our rooms. People in the hotel lobby stared at us open-mouth as five adults hauled tons of childrens stuff through. They probably thought that this was rampant American excess, “adopt one child and look at all they bought for it.”
The next day, with all the main legalese finished, A’s husband flew home to take care of the other girls and A and I headed back to the orphanage, along with our huge haul of purchases. Christmas came early this year. A number of children came out to help us bring everything in and their faces reflected total amazement with each armload taken out of the van.
In the orphanage, we were escorted to a room where the girls were to meet us.
One thing to note, is that the children are not allowed to take their clothes with them (needed for the next child), so you have to bring clothes with you. Apparently, these two knew the drill and were eager to get going because they ran in the room and started stripping down reaching for the new clothes. In just a few minutes, they were ready to go. They left clutching only the teddy bears that A had given them during her previous visit. They actually owned NOTHING else.
Back to Kemerovo, a three hour car ride with two little girls on a big adventure. It actually went surprisingly well. In Kemerovo, the adoption facilitator announced that A had to go get the girl’s passports, so I took the girls into the hotel. I’ll never forget this. As I walk into the hotel lobby with two very cute little girls trailing behind me, all these Russians, both men and women, went “awwww.” They act tough, but a lot of it is an act. This hotel is used for a lot of adoptions, so I guess they knew what was going on.
The next day, we head for the airport. We hand over our tickets, and the lady, who of course speaks no English and looks as mean as a bull dog, points at the date on my ticket. To my horror, it said I was supposed to leave the day before, apparently with A’s husband. The travel company that booked us all had made a huge mistake. I almost panicked with visions of being left behind in Siberia with no means of communication.
Thank heavens I was with a group, or I might have been stuck. The lady looked at our panicked faces and motioned for us to wait. She continued processing the other passengers for what seemed like eternity (reality: 10 minutes) while we stood there each with a little girl holding our hand. Finally we were motioned to put our bags up for checking and she slid a new set of tickets over the counter for all of us! They put me on the flight! I was sooo happy and relieved. I had figured they wouldn’t make us stand there if they weren’t going to help us, so I had pulled out a can of macadamia nuts I had brought along. When she gave us the tickets, I said “thank you” in Russian, and gave her the can. This woman, who looked so intimidating, actually cracked a smile, although you could see she tried to stifle it.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8X-I2x4Drk8kqwk_o7QsMIBsQM1vXor8iDUj8UFVkmwev-oGQ8C2UrimRllTvLen1S4bj6-XkoNI3d3nL9ypNCJ0HMt65f1_eA4eDA8XsRiwea6XpS1VkY08PbTZHTj0U93f6M64G0at/s1600-h/PICT0251.JPG
The rest of the trip was spent in Moscow. It’s a wonderful city. Lots of beautiful buildings and loaded with history. Near all these amazing things, to my shock, I encountered a McDonalds. Now I didn't eat there, but I was surprised at how busy they were.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_QRt6EKcd5_2D4_tFyUE4vULamIxeLcvXRB_W3QbVN3x4eQGHxnWXFWGn8ltuURw8-Wq0vCDsnhbwbkWrgdqsxWSGm_CuioW5x_ODWCNSy5AQ9GCKo-siXAxeRMnrIpxwLTMK7o0-Lfo/s1600-h/PICT0238.JPG
I had one day to myself and I used the most of it. I went to Red Square and saw St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s tomb (supposedly you can see the body, but they weren’t letting people in that day), and the Kremlin. I got to go inside the Kremlin (the seat of the Russian government) and tour the places they let you see.
There’s a big museum inside of the Kremlin called the Armoury. It holds all the state treasure. It’s got diplomatic gifts from other countries, clothes that the Tzars wore, jewels, etc. All the Russian history sort of stuff. It was fascinating, but unfortunately, most of the plaques weren’t in English. No problem. There were a number of private English language tours going around (expensive), so if something interested me, I’d just wait a bit and someone would come by and talk about it. I stayed for two separate tours in front of the Faberge Eggs! They were just amazing.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMjUeAeTVVc2L5bmcuC1PXjj6VmQa55ubrE_lEzP1fl7GXsq2Xso_o3N3fZrRnA4TtS0UaA9vMuRZSWuaLlwSWVfAOWk-ZM-QHQtOa-ZnHL_7al8HONnCBrsNwDMLOJDSuVQI76QRxh4D/s1600-h/PICT0236.JPG
After the Kremlin, I went to the Tretyakov art gallery. The best collection of Russian art in the world. My guide book sucked, it didn’t say what metro stop to use or what streets to follow after that, so I guessed. Oh wait, the metro... The subway stations here are amazing. You'd think you were in an art gallery. Can you believe there are chandaliers over where the trains go in and out? And there's no litter and no graffitti. The "Palaces of the People" indeed.
Ok, back to the Tretyakov... When I got off the metro, I wandered a bit, then asked a trio of babushkas how to get there (in Russian. Maybe one in 20 Russians speak English and that’s being generous). They pointed and rattled something off. I was going to just go on the point, but I guess they realized I was clueless and took pity on me. They motioned me to follow. We went down a path with them glancing over their shoulders every so often to check that I was still with them. I felt like a lamb following a shepherd. Eventually, one turned off and the other two, motioning me to follow, went the other way. Down another street, they stopped in front of a building and motioned to it. They had gone out of their way and took me right to the door of the place! They laughed as I thanked them, turned and went back on their way. I encountered alot of that in Russia, people going out of their way to help you.
The rest of the time in Moscow, we wandered all over the place. It was fascinating to watch these kids with so little life experience. They had never seen an escalator! An American two year old can negotiate these things, but these two had no idea had to negotiate the move from solid ground onto something moving. A and I had to each firmly grab a child and hold on tight as they got on/off or else they would fall down. They seemed to think it was great fun and giggled alot about it.
To these two, everything is amazing. They’re fascinated by subways, statues, buildings, and especially those little Russian dolls that are embedded inside each other. It’s a wonderful experience to see things that you might take for granted reflected in their eyes. It’s a big new world for them.
Whooo, it’s late, I’m tired. I better wrap this up. In all, I spent 11 days in Russia, and it was an amazing experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)