20 July 2009
We met up with Christian and Natalie at the gate for our flight to Almaty. It ended up that not only were we on the same flight but we were seated across the aisle from each other. We chatted at the gate while waiting to board and for a short time when we first boarded. I think we all had the same objective of eating dinner and then trying to sleep. We were on a bigger, newer plane this trip and the seats were actually quite comfortable.
We arrived in Almaty at 11:55pm, cleared customs and went to get our bags. The first one came out quickly. We then waited and waited but no second bag. Wayne noticed they had the carousel next to it going as well and headed over there. After a few passes still no 2nd bag. I then heard someone yell about the 3rd carousel and I headed over there to see if it showed up. I was beginning to get concerned something happened to the 2nd bag after several times around and then suddenly there it was.
We said good bye to the Pelletiers and told them we would see them in Taraz. They are coming by train on Monday so they won’t get here until late. As always Ernur was waiting for us outside the baggage claim area. We greeted each other and then headed for the car. We made record time this trip and arrived in Taraz at 6:58am. Only about 6-6 ½ hours.
The hotel was very quite and the bar and restaurant were not yet serving breakfast. We have our old room again, Room 220. We met up with Kara and her mother Marcia on the stairway as we were coming upstairs. Her mother seems very nice and I am looking forward to getting to know her in person. She is very anxious to meet her newest grand daughter. They did not go to Umit yesterday but Ernur said Janette would meet us downstairs at 9 or 10am. We don’t know if it is to go to Umit or just fill us in on when we will go and when we get to spring them! Zema, our translator, is in Kyzlorda still with her mother so I am assuming Janette will have Shirin translate this morning. She is filling in for Aima this summer and has been working with Kim, Alina’s mother.
More later…..
We have now had breakfast with Kara and Marcia (thanks for the tenge loan) and packed our bag for Umit. The only place to eat at the hotel this morning appeared to be the buffet in the restaurant. We’re wondering if it is there way of getting people to eat the 10.00 buffet instead of the 10 cent pastries from the outdoor café or bar.
We resume our ritual of gathering outside on the benches to wait for Janette. We finally met up with Kim who was already out on the bench. Once Janette arrived it was a female gab fest. Janette asked about Wayne and I pointed to the bench on the other side. Her comment was, “Wayne goes home and becomes shy.” I assured her it was more likely he was staying away from all the estrogen.
First things first, “passports pajulsta!” We turn them all over and then we are informed that we will be going to Umit this afternoon. Then she catches us all off guard by telling us we will be springing the kiddos today! Yikes! Or we can wait until we leave for Almaty. Who’s she kidding! Option to take him now or wait until the end of the week, does she really need an answer to that question. Janette also informed Wayne and I of Lukas’ behavior since Kim came on the scene. It appears he is not too happy about the fact that Alina has her Mama to play with and his Mama and Papa aren’t there. So what does he do, hits Alina! I told Kim we would be bringing an end to that today. I don’t know if that means he missed us or was just jealous because he had to stay with the group.
We got upstairs and realized we had better go to the store now so we have something for the poor kid to eat and drink. When we got back we added his going away clothes to the bag. So it is now off to get some ZZZZs so we will have some energy and clear heads to deal with Lukas’ adjustment to his new world.
THE RELEASE OF LUKAS ANTON
We met Ernur, Shirin and Janette at 3pm along with Kara and Marcia. Off we went to Umit for the last time. When we got there Janette went inside to see if an administrator was there. She came back out and asked for their clothes. About 5-10 minutes later she and Shirin came out with Symbat and Lukas. He got a big smile on his face and came over to Papa. Wayne picked him up and Lukas gave him a big hug. Papa then gave him to Mama and she got a smile and big hug as well. We headed to the gazebo and right on cue he started looking through the bag for his tamook and toys. Janette came back out with the Social Worker who congratulated us, thanked us and wished us all well. After a little discussion about paper work Janette said it was time to go. I don’t think we were there for more than 30 minutes.
Lukas had no qualms about walking out the gate and was thrilled to get in the car. I think he is addicted to riding in cars already. He laughed and smiled all the way to the hotel. He kept pointing to cars and saying machina and pointing out all the daddees. When we got to the hotel he didn’t want to get out of the car.
So far he seems to be enjoying his new adventure. He came in the room and I showed him where his toys and his backpack and he just sat down and started playing. We watched a little Thomas the tank and took a tour around the hotel suite. We then decided to go out side for a walk. We had one minor short lived crying episode when he was told he couldn’t get in the machinas. We then got an ice cream cone. To bad we didn’t come prepared with the camera. We then took an hour long walk. He really seemed to enjoy himself.
That’s all for to day. Stay tuned for more Adventures of Lukas Anton on the outside.
Paka,
Lynda, Wayne and Lukas
