For Those Coming After Us...Part 1 :)

I figured that while I have time, I'll talk to those of you that are coming after us.  I'll do it in parts, as I think of things.  We're sitting at Friday's now - just reading and emailing, so I definitely have the time now - but I may not in the next few days.  So - here goes!

This is the door to our apartment - the floors are cement.
This is not America - do not come expecting the Ritz Carlton.
It's not going to happen.

Us, fearing for our lives in the elevator :)
No really - the first time was scary, but we've felt very safe since then.
Just try not to think about it!

The hall from the outside door of the apt building to the elevator.
It looks like something from a horror film - but we feel VERY safe.
That says a lot, coming from me.  I'm a total 'fraidy cat.

The placemat at Friday's.  Why do I show you this?  To tell you that it's not scary to go out.
If you're freaked about ordering in your first few days here, go to Friday's.
The wait staff speak english, and the food tastes JUST like home.
If you're still scared - just point :)
And don't forget to ask for ice - otherwise all drinks are served at room temp!
It's a bit pricier, but think of the cost as helping to cure your homesickness :) 

Obviously - you MUST bring a laptop!  It's been vital for us!  We email everyone at home, and blog several times a day.
If you don't have one, it would be absolutely worth it to buy a cheap one that has wi-fi.
Friday's is one of the many restaurants that has free wi-fi, just ask for the password.

Bring water and snacks with you everywhere.  We haven't had the serious 'paper-chase-all-day' experience yet, but even just walking around the city, there are times we just need to sit down and have a granola bar (which we brought from home).
We bought this fiji (jake feels better drinking something non-Russian!) at the Billa Market.
More on that later!

If you haven't read this book yet, buy it and bring it along.  It's The Connected Child by Karen Purvis.
We're both reading it, and some of it seems like common sense - but it's been a good conversation builder for us when we're bored to death.  And trust us - in these first days, there WILL be times when you're bored to death!!!

Don't be afraid to just hang out at your apartment, especially in the beginning.  You will see the city in time - even if you're heading to another region.  It's so important to be well rested in order to really enjoy this journey.

That's all for now - check for part 2 in a few days!

One Thing I Know For Sure: No matter how much you read about this place...it never fully prepares you.