Waiting Day Five
We had an interesting start to day nine in Russia. We stayed out to near 1:00am with Lauren and Marco last night having a wonderful dinner and hours of fun conversation. Jeff slept in until 9:00am and Maria 10:30am. We got up and were just hanging in the apartment in our pajamas having breakfast when the door bell rang around 11:00am. We have heard the bell for the numerous repair people trying to fix the internet and heat, which they never fixed, but that is another story. We know that today the cleaning person is to arrive so we thought it was him. Jeff unchained the door and outside the second set of glass doors that locks our hallway from the elevator were two police officers. Jeff stepped out to unlock that door thinking that they were going to go down the hallway to visit another apartment . . . wrong! They started speaking some Russian to Jeff to which he replied “English”. The simple response was “Passports”.
Jeff grabbed both passports and presented them to the two officers who remained in the hallway. They studied the passports, registrations, and visas for two minutes, but it seemed like ten. All the time Jeff is standing in his American flag pants (see photo below). After what seemed to be forever, the young officers smiled and handed back the passports and turned and left. Boy that was really fun! We had no idea what was going on, but apparently, this is becoming part of the routine under the new rules for registration that the police will randomly check to see that you really are where you said you would be. Both our hearts were racing a little bit after that, but all was fine.
We had an interesting start to day nine in Russia. We stayed out to near 1:00am with Lauren and Marco last night having a wonderful dinner and hours of fun conversation. Jeff slept in until 9:00am and Maria 10:30am. We got up and were just hanging in the apartment in our pajamas having breakfast when the door bell rang around 11:00am. We have heard the bell for the numerous repair people trying to fix the internet and heat, which they never fixed, but that is another story. We know that today the cleaning person is to arrive so we thought it was him. Jeff unchained the door and outside the second set of glass doors that locks our hallway from the elevator were two police officers. Jeff stepped out to unlock that door thinking that they were going to go down the hallway to visit another apartment . . . wrong! They started speaking some Russian to Jeff to which he replied “English”. The simple response was “Passports”.
Jeff grabbed both passports and presented them to the two officers who remained in the hallway. They studied the passports, registrations, and visas for two minutes, but it seemed like ten. All the time Jeff is standing in his American flag pants (see photo below). After what seemed to be forever, the young officers smiled and handed back the passports and turned and left. Boy that was really fun! We had no idea what was going on, but apparently, this is becoming part of the routine under the new rules for registration that the police will randomly check to see that you really are where you said you would be. Both our hearts were racing a little bit after that, but all was fine.
Because of a change of schedule, we are going to see Tyler tomorrow, so we will have more pictures and video . . . not that the blog world can see them, but we treasure them. We are leaving a little later (10:00am) so we can be sure to use the playroom. We may not get home until after 4:00 depending on traffic.
That is all for today. It is now 4:30pm in Moscow and Maria is preparing for some work calls.
Jeff and Maria
14 Comments:
Oh my, that sounds like a fun adventure. I bet they loved the pajama pants! So glad you get to see Tyler on Tuesday rather than waiting until Wednesday.
Can't wait for pictures.
See you soon.
Rena
Never a dull moment with you guys! I just know something like that (the police visit) will happen to us. I can just imagine the panic, and the self-consciousness over the flag pants! Glad to hear you were able to see Tyler sooner than anticipated. It must be agony to wait the 10 days and only being able to visit Tyler every so often. Well, it's almost over! In the meantime, keep the great stories coming. If you are emailing pictures, we would love to see: mlhinkley@adelphia.net
Lisa H.
Oh my gosh!!! That is so funny...you both just need to get home and stay here...I am so excited you will see Tyler tomorrow. Hershey is doing well...send pictures when you can...
Annie
So the man came to see you..too funny....Jeff you might want to tone it down with the pants...LOL...hope your visit tomorrow goes well....
Father Guido Sarducci
Talk about exciting. I bet you didn't need any caffeine after that wake-up call!
I am peeing myself envisioning Jeff standing in those pants.
I'm so glad you posted a picture of those pants. That story would have been purely nerve-wracking if it weren't for the US flag pants. Now, I'm sorry you went through it, but it's so stinking funny.
Hi Jeff and Maria!
I saw your parents at the Meyerhoff this past weekend and they gave me your blog address. How exciting, but nerve-wracking this must be. What a wonderful adventure. We are praying for you and anxiously awaiting your return. I'll be making a "Tyler Slowikowski" name tag for the next crab feast. By the way, these stories are really great!
Hi Jeff and Maria,
That was some adventure that you had with the policeman this morning.
Nice to know that you will be seeing Tyler on Tuesday rather than Wednesday. We are looking forward to seeing him in person. It is about two weeks now but who's counting.
Looking forward to your next post.
Love Mom and Dad
Hi Jeff and Maria,
Love the pjs did you get any for Tyler?
Nice to see that Linda got into the blog. Everyone has been calling for updates. Love and miss all of you.
MON
I know how scary that can be. We were stopped in Red square on trip one. but that is weird that they knocked on your door. I guess I will have to register right away.
Nothing like a little drama -- wow, that sounds very scary!! Can't wait for the next round of videos and pictures == we live for them and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY == enjoy it with your little sweetheart == love and kisses,. isy, sa and joey
What a great story - I am surprised they haven't been back to show their other police friends Jeff's pajamas! Glad it is something you can laugh about now-I am sure you were so scared at the time!
Sandra
What a great story - I am surprised they haven't been back to show their other police friends Jeff's pajamas! Glad it is something you can laugh about now-I am sure you were so scared at the time!
Sandra
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