Marathon Medicals

May 21

We began our day with a trip to a Moscow hospital for our eight doctor medical visit. We already had extensive exams and lab work done back home with our doctor, but we have to have additional doctors here verify our health. I had been been a bit apprehensive about these exams, not really knowing what to expect. It turned out to be relatively painless. Some of the doctors were seen separately, but we saw four of the doctors simultaneously. It was a bit surreal to be standing there with Jeff as the four doctors circled us poking, prodding, and giving instructions in Russian as our translator sat behind a screen and relayed them in English. At times I was uncertain who was supposed to be sticking out their tongue and who should be taking a deep breath. At any rate, they finally pronounced us healthy. 

Once our medicals were completed, we were driven out to our region. We are staying in the city of Tver, which is the capital of the Tver region. It is about two hours northwest of Moscow. We are back at the Hotel Osnabruck, which after four visits is starting to feel like our home away from home. We currently have the nicest room to date. It is very large with a separate sitting area and balcony. The bathroom is also quite spacious. I could get used to this. 

Tonight we dined at the restaurant in the hotel. We will probably eat here every night as it is the only restaurant we have been able to find. Before we left, I searched the web for dining possibilities and found this place described as the finest restaurant in the city. Given that description and the fact that the food here is "not too bad," we aren't very motivated to search out the lesser establishments in town. My usual meal here is the chicken schnitzel although I will probably branch out and try some new items, just not the enigmatic "Salmon in a Mysterious Way." Perhaps that dish would do well paired with the "Refueling Spicy Greens" from the hotel in Moscow. 

We have seem many familiar faces at our hotel. Many of these people worked here 2 1/2 years ago when we adopted Riley. One of the most beloved is the keyboard player at the restaurant. He begins his performance each night promptly at 7:00. As best as we tell, this man has not changed his repertoire since Gorbechev was in power. Every evening we are serenaded by the synthesized strains of " The Girl from Ipanini." Another favorite is "Let it Be," which he plays using the human voice setting on his keyboard. Even though we find his performance a little quirky, there is some comfort in the familiarity of it. 

Tomorrow we see Colin!