One Final Step Before Our Trip Home

Kazakhstan has a rich history which predates to the days of the Silk Road. The Tienshan mountains which are located in the south and east part of the city of Almaty are stunning, and divide Kazakhstan from China. And it was through these Tienshan mountain ranges which camel caravans traveled to the west to trade their precious commodities of Chinese silk. The Silk Road refers to routes which crisscrossed Eurasia and carried the riches of people and traditions of Asia with those of Europe. The mountains around Almaty are actually the most picturesque parts of the Tienshan ranges, and nowadays one may find Kyrgyz and Kazakh nomads herding cattle, sheep and horses up there. They live in yurts (special round tent-like homes), and live off the land and their animals. Sandy and I are hoping that tomorrow, our last day in town, we can go to the mountains to take a peak.

Speaking of sight-seeing, yesterday I walked around with Sofia - who doesn't last much longer than 1 hour in the stroller - and ventured into streets I haven't been to while searching for the KLM Airlines office. I ran into a large, beautiful park, and in its center found a beautiful church. It was Panfilov Park in which the Zenkov Cathedral is located. I have seen this cathedral in Almaty websites and had the desire to see it. So voila!



It was built in 1904 by the architect Zenkov and it is all made of wood and connected with wood -- there are no iron nails anywhere. It is gorgeous and colorful and one of the few buildings remaining from the Tsar era. It is also one of the few buildings in Almaty to have survived the 1911 earthquake. As far as religions goes, Kazakhstan is about 44% Russian Orthodox and 47% Muslim. This cathedral is Russian Orthodox and after having been converted into a museum for many years, the city decided to return it to its original use.

Panfilov Park also contains the monument to the 28 soldiers from Almaty who died during WWII near Moscow and for whom the park is named. It is impressive in size and detail.

Today we had our visit with the Consul at the Embassy. Sandy and I went with all our extra documents, and were ready for anything. We were not nervous, but just didn't really know what to expect. All went well (and NONE of the extra documents we worried over getting back on time from Sacramento before our initial trip to K'stan were needed!!)!!. As we waited to be interviewed, there were about 7 or 8 adoptive parents in that room waiting for the final a-OK in order to leave the country with their children legally, and with the proper documentation. As I looked around the room at those parents' tired-looking faces and at their beautiful children, I was very proud of what we all had accomplished in order to give a child a life of stability, love, and many opportunities. It is no easy task, and it definitely takes determination, perseverance, endless flexibility and inner-strength to go through the whole process without giving up. Having been through this experience, I applaud all those who adopt internationally.

That being said, on Friday I take my flight home with our daughter Sofia, and we will leave the hotel at 3:30 am for a 7:15 am flight. I will be home in about 30 hours from the beginning of that trip. I will post once again tomorrow, and then not until I am home.

Meanwhile, Sofia says Good Night Alex, Dominique and Daddy, Grandparents and Judy, and cousins and Tia Mana, and Vovo and Uncle Jacques, and Auntie Diane and Amber, and all our friends and family!