Saturday, November 24, 2007

In Conclusion.


Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.


Robert Frost



Return Travel to Almaty was quite different than our first jaunt to Kazakhstan. First of all I was alone. Secondly, I was on a mission to rendezvous and recover our two daughters from middle Eurasia. "I move faster alone" I told myself, like some kind of green beret on top secret mission in the jungles of Vietnam. So fast in fact, that the first thing I did upon landing in enemy territory was move so hasitly through the airport in the early morning hours, I found myself outside the main exit surrounded by 10 hungry taxi drivers hovering over me like buzzards. No problem, I'll just pivot around and come right back where I came from. Yeah, except for the very obvious universal sign that screamed DO NOT ENTER! So I did what every non Kazak speaking man should when being stalked by cabbie's. I took a quick look around... and went for it anyway! I really thought I had it made when all of sudden from out of no where a very serious security guard welding "heat" stopped me moments before I disappeared into the crowd. My story fell on deaf ears as he kicked me all the way to the curb. "Welcome to Kazakstan" one of the cabbies blurted in crude English. I had been given orders that I would be picked up, briefed and shuttled to my hotel by someone I had never met, holding a clearly marked sign with my name. But whomever that joker was, he wasn't anywhere near where I thought he should be when I needed him to be there. I made a few attempts to use my new phone, which I had been assured would work abroad, as the vultures came in for the kill. "Vsoy harrasho!" (my translation for I'm okay!) I said over and over. Unfortunately, they woulld not be worthy to be called taxi drivers if they gave up that easy. And after what seemed like an hour I decided I had to get back inside again to find my ride. And save my life. Scanning the surroundings I found the entrance just to my left. Of course I had to check back through security, complete with interrogation. Once through headed for the mass of people awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. At that moment things started looking up and just like it was planned I found my savior, Nickoli. Funny thing was, I didn't feel any safer. I said a silent prayer and introduced myself.

Nickoli, the nicest guy in the world.

MORE TO COME.

guy

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for my first laugh of the day ;-) What a GREAT photo! Looking forward to hearing more.
Shannon

Jennifer said...

LOL! Boy do I miss your posts!! Can't wait to hear more!

And, oh by the way, maybe how the girls are doing. :-)

Amy said...

Oh my gosh! What a riot! That story and then that photo with the name mistake and the droll expression.

Sarah said...

Oh my gosh! Too funny! I recognize that face, Mr. Personable isn't he?

Nan & Jim said...

I found you thru KZ Adoptive Families...checking on others who've been down this road. We came home with our little guy from Kostanai in May. I love the picture of Nikolai - he was also our driver in Almaty...and helped out in so many ways. Thanks for the memory!