To fight jet-lag, we took some herbal remedies and also, to test out Rick Steve's suggestion of getting lots of sun, while waiting for the plane at Heathrow, Susan deliberately sat in a seat in direct sunlight. Between those two things and forcing herself to stay awake until 10pm, she didn't suffer any effects of jet-lag.

After a short flight (3 hrs) we were on the ground again, but this time in Moscow. Although it's best to make a beeline for the Passport Control area, nature's call was coming in loud and clear, so by the time we made it to Passport Control there was a long line... well - by calling it a "line" it gives the impression of some semblance of organization - scratch that thought out of your mind... it was a mass of people ever so slowly moving forward.

After a small amount of confusion and much waiting, all three of us made it through to go collect our checked bag. It had already come out of the plane and was waiting there for us with many other bags. We cleared security and wandered out into the midst of the crowd looking for a familiar face. Soon enough, a flash of pink (who turned out to be Marina) appeared at our side to usher us towards Cousin Anya and Papa Viktor.

We took the bus to the metro to get home and by the time we emerged from the metro station it was raining cats and dogs, so we took a bus to the closest stop rather than walking the last few blocks. The streets turned into rivers (reminded us of Placerita Canyon in the winter) and Papa Viktor tried his best to keep us dry. At one point, there was no way around a 6 foot wide river, so Papa Viktor acted as our "water taxi" and carried us each across on his back (luggage and all!). I was very thankful to keep my shoes and socks as dry as I did, thanks to him. Aunt Vera met us at home and we had a relaxing eveing together. We were all exhausted by the end of the day and were eager to fall asleep at 10pm.