We are finally here! I can't believe we are actually in Moscow! Our flights were great, no problems. We actually had a wonderful flight attendant/purser. He was so kind, excited that we were on our way to adopt and actually announced it to the entire plane! He wrote a note to Elliana and gave her 1000 miles...her very first miles! :)

When we pulled up to the gate the there was a team of three Russians (two women and one man) wearing face masks who boarded our plane and took our temperatures. If anyone had any evidence of the swine flu they were prepared to quarantine all of us. The flight attendants said this was the first time they had done this...they were all quite upset but couldn't do anything. One of them turned to us and said, "we are in Russia now, it is very different." In fact we have to carry our papers with us at all times as the police routinely stop and ask for them. All was okay though and they let us de-plane.

Jim and I are trying to stay awake so we can adjust to Moscow time. We are 9 hours ahead of Texas time (CST). It is a holiday in Russia today...they are celebrating their victory over the Germans. Many of the streets are blocked off for Military parades and they are having fireworks tonight. We just saw on the news that there are hundreds of thousands of people at Red Square to see fireworks and there are about 10,000 protesting. I am glad we are tucked away in our room. The fireworks show just happened and we had a great view from our room on the 11th floor! There were several displays...we could see three different ones from our room. We are a couple of miles from Red Square so we had a great vantage point. How neat...to finally get to Moscow...and on a night when they have a large fireworks display and celebration!

Our hotel is beautiful and the staff has been very friendly. The hotel itself is a historic landmark, Hilton bought it last year...the rooms are very modern, and the lobby very baroque.

We have hired a guide, Serghey, recommended by our adoption team, to be our tour guide tomorrow. He will take us to Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's etc. We are excited to see this beautiful part of Moscow. Then, tomorrow evening we are going to Bolshoi ballet...I am so excited! I have always wanted to see ballet at the Bolshoi...and now we get to!

I am thankful to have many fun things to do and see to keep us occupied until Tuesday...I can hardly wait to meet her!

Our first day in Moscow has been a great one! More tomorrow!