First and foremost, I made it! And I could hug dad. And below is a picture to prove it.

Yesterday, my journey from Istanbul was fine. But it was very, VERY, long. I took a 7:30AM flight to Moscow, that was about 5 hours.

In Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, everything took a long time. Passport control. Customs. I had to find a place with a good rate to exchange dollars into rubles. Some places, offered 69 rubles for 1 dollar, but Sberbank (pretty much the biggest Russian bank) came through with 74 rubles for 1 dollar. Heck, when you are exchanging a significant amount of money that is a big difference. Since neither Visa nor Mastercard work in Russia, and for me to pay for a. car rental and b. apartment, I had to bring cash.

The flight to Chelyabinsk was a little delayed (40 minutes) so I had a glass of wine with some… watermelon? That’s how it was served to me.

By the time I boarded the plane to Chelyabinsk, I was tired. Landed at around 6:30PM. Went to the rental agency at the airport, and the place was all closed up! They told me they will be open and hold a car for me. An agent came in about 20 minutes, took my information, issued me the car, I paid him (in cash!), signed the contract (aka a receipt), and started driving.

I have never driven in Russia since I received my drivers’ license in the US. Last night I lucked out because it was kind of late, the road from the airport was empty and it was still light out. Thirty minutes later I was at the apartment building. Had a hard time finding the actual apartment but the agent waited for me. A nice person opened the door, showed me how to work the shower, and the stove, and where all the light switches are. I then paid her (in cash!) and signed the contract (receipt).

My apartment here is technically a studio with a separate kitchen and bathroom. It’s more than enough space for me. Most importantly, it has a kettle, a microwave, and a washing machine since I did not bring a lot of clothes with me.

This morning, I just could NOT wake up. Chelyabinsk is 9 hours ahead of NYC. I am definitely feeling the time change and the jet lag.

I stopped by a cafe to get some coffee and a pastry. The way apartment buildings are constructed here, is that on top, you have apartments, and on the bottom floor there are little shops. In my building, there is a fruit and vegetable shop, a hair dresser, a wine store, a bakery/cafe, and a tool shop. I’ll be frequenting that bakery for sure.

I then drove to my parents’ place. Mom was happy to see me, she was very touched. I was on my best behavior- smile and nod. She actually waited for me outside so when I pulled in I saw her right away. I brought the window down and said “hey madam, did you order a taxi?” and then she recognized me. lol

We went up and I saw dad, sitting and having some tea. His condition is still difficult. He needs a lot of help with the most basic needs, and we are looking at rehab centers to have him work with a physical therapist. I think he is in line for one in the area. I can see that he is also sad, depressed even, about what happened to him. And rightfully so. At some point he stated “I didn’t think this would happen to me.”

My plan is to visit him every day, spend time there, help with exercises for his left hand, make tea, do grocery runs, whatever is needed.

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and for following along with this journey.