Friday May 19th

Hello from Almaty! We've had a busy day, but are so happy to be on our way home. Sam had a great first flight and only was nervous to enter the plane and loved it once we were inside. We sat next to an artist who like most people, adored him, and had him sit on her lap numerous times. She also drew him pictures of animals and he to name them in English and Russian. Sam has started to turn down food, which is a great sign. We were able to take him to the Dr. Apt. today and all is well. He will have to get a few shots back in the US, but I was expecting as much. We also filled out our US Embassy paperwork and will visit the Embassy on Tuesday as his passport will be arriving on Monday night. We then take the 0310 flight from Almaty to Frankfurt on Wednesday and arrive home the same day around 1515. A long day, but so very happy to be going home earlier than anticipated! Met up with the Blewers today and walked around in the TSUM and found many nice momentos! Don't worry Daddy I didn't buy the store, just researched a bit. Had dinner in some open air cafe and they had an elaborate menu in English and Russian, reasonable prices, and easy to find. There will be no picutures for a while as I'm on the hotels computer and i can't be bothered to down load, etc. It's quite hot here, but our guides have asked up to go up into the country side tomorrow and get a better view of the Himalayas and to some resort, should be nice as a change of scenery. My friends leave Sunday, so really I'll only have Sun/Mon to explore and then home, yippee!!

Paka from Almaty!!