Live from Bishkek

Yayyy!! That's the great news. Our flights went well and we even cut an hour off our over 10 hour layover in Moscow. Unfortunately we didn't connect with the other couple traveling until just before we boarded the flight to Bishkek. Ironically, we all sat together (same row - unplanned).

I slept a good bit on the JFK to Moscow leg and the flight to Bishkek was very nice. I have to say we had a nice experience with Aeroflot all the way through. The layover in Moscow was the worst part, but we made it and that's all that matters. Mom didn't really sleep, but she's managed a good nap during the day today. In fact, she's snoring as I write this. (don't tell her I told you!)

We were met by our coordinator and translator. So far so good. We were dropped at the hotel by 7am and were able to check in early. Thank goodness we had this day to rest and get settled because it's been slightly rocky.

I am suppose to work and Internet here is not good at all. In fact, I cannot login with my work PC at all since apparently it is missing the VPN set-up. This is my first experience with a hotel that uses vpn to connect to the Internet. If anyone reading this has any insight, please send me an email pipimaus@bellsouth.net. Two folks have tried to help me and finally gave up. They felt so badly that they loaned me a laptop to use while I'm here so I can communicate with my IA Dr. I am thankful, of course, but I am not sure how it's gonna work when I try to send pics and short videos. The supposed 'high speed' seems worse than dial up.

I'm really disappointed about this Internet issue since I had planned to check in with work daily. I'm also a bit cranky due to jet lag and feel bummed out :( Don't get me wrong, the Golden Dragon is very nice and they have tried to help me in my helpless state. I almost feel as though I am wearing out my welcome with all my questions and it's only the first day.

To top it off, we took a cab to an Internet Cafe. Well, we thought we were going right down the street. I cannot even begin to tell you where this guy was driving us, but we finally got somewhere after 15 min. I walked in with my work PC thinking that I could use it there and have better connection to the Internet and thus a better chance of connecting to work. But 'no', you cannot bring your laptop. And, no one spoke English. We left right then and there.

Tim, Mala - send me an email if you have any insight from your recent trip. Thanks!

I really just need some sleep, and tomorrow will be our first visit to the orphanage. We will be picked up at 8:40am after enjoying an interesting breakfast smorgasboard.

Sending hugs.