My Summer Vacation (a report)

It's been just about six weeks without a blog post, and, I am glad to say, I am now back in the land of spotty internet access and pay-for-megabyte plans, so what better time for an update.

America was amazing. The kids had an absolutely amazing time with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. The food was, well, for the most part, cooked by someone other than me, and GOOD. We saw, visited, relaxed, socialized, tried to get work in, shopped, and now we are back.

We made it, and, I am happy to report, the trip back, with Yisroel, was about 10 times easier than the trip TO New York. Delta still had nasty customer service, but the cheap Russian airline we took from Moscow to Vladivostok had the sweetest stewardesses. We didn't get a bassinet on either flight, but after asking and being refused on Delta, our seatmate had enough and begged for us to be moved, so we got that bassinet after all. Domadedavo Airport, in Moscow, has an amazing childcare room. Typically Russian, in order to enter, one must present a doctor's certificate of good health. Of course, the doctor is located at the other end of the airport, a floor down and a ten minute walk away. But if should ever find yourself in Domadedavo Airport with little kids, let me assure you that it is well worth the effort. There are tables, chairs, and highchairs. Toys, games and cribs. And best of all BATHTUBS! The kids were so relaxed after their baths that they slept the first 5 or so hours of the flight.

So we are here, thank G-d. Unfortunately, our luggage is not, at least not yet. We packed five suitcases, 3 of clothes, 1 of important food item that I just can't live without, and a 5th of clothes that the kids outgrew, clothes that will fit them next year, and some food items that weren't all that crucial. From New York we were allowed 7 pieces of luggage; from Moscow, only 4, so the we planned to send our 5th box by train, and pick it up in Vladivostok in a few weeks. Guess which box made it to Moscow?

Heaven forbid we should travel without the allowed amount of luggage, so we stopped on the way and bought all sorts of Kosher goodies obtainable in the great city of Moscow. Soy milk, peanut butter, granola bars, wine, and most importantly, mayonnaise.

We arrived on Tuesday, and our luggage was supposed to arrive on Wednesday. JFK airport says they sent it, Moscow says it left there, but the Vladivostok airport says that it has not arrived here. As all my shoes are in the suitcases, I am walking around wearing crocs, probably the only person in this entire city of high-healed wearers to be wearing slippers outside. The saddest part about the saga of the lost luggage is my cheese. I bought a bag of cheeses that were supposed to be my breakfast for the next few months. We wisely sent it under the plane rather than carry it in our hand luggage, because, after all, it is much cooler under the plane.

I am convinced that airport officials somewhere in Siberia are feasting on my cheese. Yisroel says that maybe that's why they made it here yet - no one wants to get close enough to the smelly suitcases to send them here.

Stay tuned for an update.

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos!