Moscow Trip, Part 1 of 2

So, I flew to Moscow last Monday for 3 days. But before I write about my trip, let me tell a story about how this trip was supposed to happen.

Nearly 20 years ago, I spent my final university semester studying abroad in Moscow. For me and 8 other new friends, it was a tough time as the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse. Real revolutionary times and the foreign students of the Pushkin Language Institute were given no special treatment.

I and a guy named Bill dealt with the hardships together, fast becoming close friends by the end. We always figured we'd arrange to experience Moscow again someday, but since 1991, it never happened for either of us. Until this summer. The plan: Bill flies to Prague for 4 days, then we fly to Moscow for 3 days.

Or maybe not. Unfortunately, Bill's only experience of Russia this summer stopped with the Russian embassy, who held his passport for 2 weeks longer than expected, overlapping even the departing flight to Prague. No passport, no flight to Prague or Moscow. In short, vacation ruined for Bill, thanks to the embassy.

So, before I write about how Moscow went for me, I'm going to share how Moscow called out for Bill. I sent it off to Bill only a few minutes ago.

We missed you, Bill!

Keeping Busy, but Not Too Busy

Clearly, between me and Maylia, only one of us is on vacation. And it ain't her.

Maylia has her hands full. May's mom has been in Halifax helping May's sister, Erin with baby Ben, so Maylia has her own full day with two kids. May's dad stays busy with community projects and goings-on.

Finally, since yesterday, Maylia and her mom switched places. Ella and Mattias are now with their Yaya, while Maylia gets some quality time with Ben (& Erin & Michael).

I, on the other hand, only dream of rallying the kids for breakfast or readying them for bed.

Bachelorhood is a tough & lonely life, but I'm getting the hang of it.

Last weekend, I was invited to a friend's birthday party. Dinner was pleasant, but dancing until sunrise was grueling fun.

This weekend, I'm spending tonight and tomorrow night at a coworker's house outside of Prague. A large group will help us celebrate a summer party which a coworker and I have been planning for months.

And as a bachelor I find I'm even losing weight. Not because of any exercise, of course. I'm just not eating big meals. Making meals is too much a bother anyway, so long as there's corn flakes. If milk only came in containers larger than a liter, I'd be all set.

This past week, between these tough weekends, I took a little vacation to get away from the snap, crackle, pop of Prague. I only told my managers (work and wife) and very few friends, so my vacation was quick and quiet. I'll post a teaser video here...

I'm going to start thinking about painting the flat next week, though. I'm really strongly considering it. So close.

[Meanwhile, back in Prague]

Sure is different here since Monday.

No worrying about noise, spills or writing on walls...
No kisses hello when coming home...
No kids to bathe and get to sleep...

Last night I spilled some rice on the floor and I had to laugh. I actually enjoyed cleaning it up.
Tonight after doing some laundry, I might draw on the walls. Why not.

And They're Off...

2nd Update: Got word from May's dad, Bill that he successfully met up with Maylia in Montreal. Whew! Will make for a much easier last leg to Halifax. Kids are doing well.

Update: Got a text msg from Maylia in Frankfurt about 2 hours ago. First flight went okay. Frankfurt to Montreal flight was a bit delayed, but she's since taken off.

I'm watching the flight at work here: http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightTracker/flightTracker.do



"It's going to be tough," Maylia said to me at airport security. Maylia and the kids left for Canada at six this morning. Already at airport security, Maylia was looking a bit worn, but maybe because we got only 3 hours sleep since Ella woke twice in the night, once just for a runny nose. We figure Ella was nervous, too. And then the alarm rang at 3:30am to start the trip.
Flying alone with kids is hard enough, but tack on two connections, Frankfurt and Montreal. And, since yesterday, both kids have coughs. In fact, listening to Mattias' cough this morning had us considering calling it all off. But we calmed ourselves with the thought their coughs always sound worst in the morning. We only hope the flights don't make the kids' health much worse. They should recover well when they get to Canada. (It's fresher air there anyway, right?)


Everyone, have positive thoughts for Maylia's sake. (And pitiful thoughts for the passengers around them)


I know she will make it (she has to), but it's going to be a long journey.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BENJAMIN SPENCER!!!!

We are so very thrilled to announce the birth of our nephew. Congratulations to Erin and Michael on this new addition to their family. And an even bigger congratulations to Ben for finding himself with such amazing people to be his parents. Born on July 10 at 3pm and weighing in at a whopping 9lbs 8oz, Ben is someone who likes to do things at his own pace. He finally entered the world 12 days past Erin's latest due date, nearly 2 days after Erin's water broke, and after nearly a full day of active labour. (Erin is one strong woman!) Seems like he's already teaching Erin and Michael the virtues of patience while parenting. Or maybe, he figures, after this commencing ordeal, any other trouble he causes will seem like peanuts!

As you can well imagine, we are chomping at the bit to meet him and smother all three of them in hugs and kisses.

Two more sleeps....