After Alex, our interpreter arrived, we were led to the director's office. There was a glass coffee table with snacks, tea and coffee on it along with chairs and a big couch aroundit. It was us, Allison (another adoptive parent), our interpreter Alex, the director, two other doctors and five other people that seemed to be together, all in the room. First, the director asked us a few questions while Alex translated. Then, the two doctors, a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist, asked us questions in the same room with everyone else still present. Neither one of them examined us. They just asked questions like, "Do you have allergies? Have you ever had a cough? Have you had any communicable diseases?" etc. Then, we waited and had some tea and cookies while Allison was interviewed in the same room. Done. That was it. Two down, six to go.
Next, we waited until the next doctor was ready. Ed and I and Alex were led down the hall to another office. There was another doctor there, a Neurologist, and she told Ed and me to take our shirts off. As I am taking mine off, I notice the window with the blind open and a view to the outside. No problem. The Neurologist proceeded to perform a basic neuro exam checking our vision, strength, and reflexes. Wow! Then we were done and once again waited in the director's office.
Next, we were examined by an Oncologist and an Internal Medicine doctor both in the same room. Once again we were told to take our shirts off. The Internal Medicine Dr took our blood pressure and listened to our chest. The Oncologist told me to also take my bra off. She proceeded to give me a breast exam while I stood up with Ed, the other doc and Alex in the room! Can I just say,
Lastly, we were taken into the bowels of the clinic where lots of construction?/ renovation? Was going on. (see picture below)
We went back to the Director's office where we were told to give the envelope with "the money.". This was to go to the Director and then she would stamp and sign all of our paperwork. A bribe? No comment.
Then, we were to pay the bill for each of the docs and we were off. What happened to the two other docs you ask, because we only saw six? When in Russia, don't ask questions.
Alex was gracious enough to accompany Ed and me for a few hours in St Petersburg. She took us to a quaint little restaurant that was known for their delicious meat/fish pies, which are a popular Russian dish. I had the whitefish pie upon Alex's recommendation and eventhough I was leary to have fish, it was very good.
Then Alex took us to a mall so I could get Grisha some Russian children books. And after that she showed us a beautiful church that I can't remember the name of it. Alex also has a regular job as a tour guide so she was in her element here explaining some history and culture of the church and of Russia. We went inside too, and below are the pics.
We arrived at the hotel in Arkhangelsk at around eleven so exhausted, but eager to see the boys. Dimitry greeted us and helped us to check in. We were going to our room and asked where the boys were. But guess what? Dimitry said The boys were in bed asleep. Drats! As I was walking down the hallway I was thinking, "Grisha is in one of these rooms". I just wanted to call out his name to wake him up, so he would come out so I could give him a big kiss and hug! Oh well! Sigh. Dimitry told us to come to the lobby at 9 am tomorrow. It was probably for the best anyway since we were so tired with little sleep. We will wake up "fresh" tomorrow as well as the boys, and start the day off together. I can't wait!!! :)
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