Travel to Moscow: July 20-21

We departed Knoxville at 5:45 bound for Atlanta. From Atlanta we flew to D.C. and then to Vienna, Austria and finally to our destination of Moscow. It was indeed a long travel day. And guess what text I got when we landed in D.C.? A text we all hope to get! My luggage did not make the flight and would be delayed, and I would need to make a claim when I arrived in Moscow. Hopefully it will only be one day late. Not exactly the way I wanted to start our vacation....but there was nothing I could do but fill out the papers and give solace to myself that I can spend like crazy to replace what I need. The European airlines fully refund your expenses.....yeah...for flying Austrian Airlines.

Our room at the Mercure Arbat. How did Haley get a room bigger than ours? That sneaky, sneaky daughter?!?

The pedestrian only Arbat Street just outside our hotel. Perfect for strolling and shopping.

The fountains just outside the Kremlin walls.

The gate that leads to Red Square. Haley was adorably excited to see the square. I wish we had videoed her response.

The ear to ear grin pretty much says it all.

Haley standing in Red Square with St. Basil's in the background.

We had dinner in the food court of the GUM Department Store. The store was formerly a market and later a high priced department store for ranking members of the communist party. The architecture is gorgeous and so are the flowers. It was in the 50's this evening. 

The top floor of the GUM.

The flowers were so lovely.

Angie & Tim on Red Square

Haley finally made it to see St. Basil's in person. The church did not disappoint. It is very, very beautiful.

After we got all the lost luggage paperwork filled out. We popped out to the arrivals area and there was our car service. Luckily Tim had text Dan, our guide, about the luggage and he had relayed the info to our driver. He drove us to the hotel where check in went like clock work. No problems at all. After a quick shower, we headed out to explore our neighborhood and take Haley to Red Square. 

After dinner and crepes we headed back to the hotel where a quick rainstorm cooled the evening even more. I can't believe how cool it is here. In 2010 we roasted with 95-100 degree temps every day. Now it is in the 50's with expected highs in the low 70's. What a contrast.

We we are exhausted. Tim is falling asleep next to me....so with that goodnight from Moscow.