Day 1 – 16th June 2005 Our journey began at 4am, leaving Skerries on the bright Thursday morning.  We checked in at the airport and beat the security queues – although we had to remove our shoes it really was quite painless! After the short flight we landed in London and fought our way from Terminal 1 to terminal 2.  We checked in for the remaining leg of our journey only for Niamh to be stopped by a sniffer dog because she had too much cash!!!  We had an hours delay in London and eventually landed in Moscow 8.30pm local time – apprehensive, excited and tired.  We collected our bags and proceeded to the arrivals hall.  We were met by Ulia, Dima, Dima’s father and Al.  After the hugs and kisses and the delight of meeting our Russian friends again we left the airport.  Leaving the airport it looked like any other city.  Hard to believe we are here, less than one year ago I would never have thought this would be possible.  We were lucky to arrive in Moscow after the rush hour (5pm to 8pm); we were able to travel to our hotel via the city centre.  Now we were in Moscow – the buildings were amazing.  I have never seen architecture like it before in my life.  All I can say is WOW.  The photos in the travel guide do it no justice, TV does it no justice, I cannot wait to get back in here to explore in detail.  We arrived to our hotel to be shown to our room.  It was basic but clean.  We decided to have a night cap! Vodka Absolute and Sprite and Flambé Pancakes.  Hmmm!  I think we will like it in Moscow.