Was in bed by 10 o’clock last night but didn’t get much sleep. Up at 4 am, suitcase in the hall by 4:20 and the bus was rolling at 5 o’clock! Due to the early hour, traffic was no issue so it took us just about fifty minutes to arrive at Domodedova airport which is located to the southeast of the city center. Check-in, security, and passport control were a breeze and we were at the gate by 6:45. Plenty of time to relax before our 9 am flight to Frankfurt.

Our flight arrived in Frankfurt on time, however we had only an hour and fifteen minutes between flights. Normally this should probably be fine but not today… Our plane was parked on the tarmac and we bussed over to the terminal. We entered the security line at noon for our 12:45 flight. We (Jerry, Doug, Nancy and myself) didn’t make it through in time. Jackie who was using wheelchair assistance and Diana who accompanied her, were able to make it through in time.

Thus began our adventure to find a hotel for the night. It first took awhile to find the hotel phones. We reached the Holiday Inn which said they had rooms available so we headed that direction. On the way we spotted a Sheraton which was onsite which would have been more convenient but they wanted 500 bucks. Onward. It was a little confusing navigating out of the airport so we stopped at McDonald’s for an ice cream. Called the Holiday Inn to confirm location and room availability. Finally made it out of the airport and after a dead end street found are way to the Holiday Inn. They were now sold out…

They suggested the place across the street. In the meantime I was able to secure a room at the Hampton Inn next door. The other hotel was also booked. Turns out there is some convention in the city this week. The Hampton Inn was also booked so we had just the one room for the four of us. Fortunately it had a queen bed Plus a pull out sofa so we could manage.

We went next door to the Holiday Inn for dinner as it was pretty much the only restaurant in walking distance. While we were having drinks, Doug checked if any rooms had become available and they told him to check back after 7. So as we were having dinner it passed seven o’clock and Nancy check on a room and luckily enough a room was available. So in the end we all had comfortable space for the night.

Next step – get out of here tomorrow morning!