just another morning here

Russia, land of the Tsars – also this summer was notably a land of heatwave, peat and forest fires, and smog. It seemed so bizarre to me that while Pakistan was enduring huge floods, Russia was suffering from quite the opposite.

Anyway. This summer’s trip to Russia has been in the pipeline for years; it was first conceived by a small committee of people around the time that Anna joined Exeter Children’s Orchestra three years ago. Little did I know then that I’d have anything to do with it at this point!

Last year we signed up to be part of the trip – I figured it would be the experience of a lifetime, since I knew that our family would never be brave enough to go to Russia on our own. I’ve been part of the planning process this year, working harder on things as the year went on, so it was just incredible to finally see it all come together and for 104 people to *actually* go to Russia (and get back, too!!). We had an amazing time – we all really enjoyed it for various reasons, and I don’t regret it for a moment. I’m almost looking forward to helping organise the reciprocal visit!

So, read on if you want the details … or as many as I can remember, at least
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Bang goes the third weekend of the holidays!

Friday night was fab, because Steve came home from a trip to the accountants in a good mood, and took us out for dinner Nice to know that all his hard work has paid off, this year at least.

On Saturday the girls took part in a singing workshop with the Panto people – great fun by all accounts. Josiah and I pootled around all day getting little jobs done – sorting out pets etc.

Today we spent lunchtime at Steve’s parents’ house for a BBQ, celebrating Steve’s Grandad’s and Mum’s birthdays, so that was nice. Sadly his Grandad wasn’t really up to taking part in his own birthday party though

Other than that, we’ve been packing. And giving the house a ritual pre- holiday tidy and clean (which everyone else moans about but I see as essential!). Also watching Moscow webcams and waiting for updates – the smog is clearing and apparently the airport is fully functional tonight so things are looking good for our flight next week. We’re all excited, if a bit nervous as well, but it should be an experience of a lifetime!

So, while many people that I know were up on Ten Tors and the Jubilee Challenge, our own challenge for the weekend was to get 105 Visa Application Forms signed and completed with passport photos, to send off with 105 matching passports to get our visas for visiting Russia in the summer. I think we have 102 done – so that’s not bad going, just a few stragglers to follow up. We stayed dryer and warmer than the walkers, too We went out for dinner to celebrate our achievements so far!

In other news this weekend I have been playing Angry Birds and geocaching (an unsatisfactory 6 today I’m afraid due to an annoying dnf). The rest have done work at the garage, homework, singing, watching the Grand Prix, and some other random jobs & music. And that’s about it.