My first cold, cold day in Russia, 16 November

It was a sunny and windy day when I safely landed in Vladivostok at 2pm (local time) on the eastern part of the world largest country, Russia. At -3°C, it was not as cold as I thought it would be because this cold breeze was simply refreshing.

The delegates from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam whom we met at Incheon Iinternational airport were also embraced by this unique greeting of the Vladivostok wind.

After that, Olga led us to the Money exchange counter where they bought 1USD for 29.00 Rubles and sold 1USD for 31.40 Rubles.

Then she brought us to a warm bus which later arrived at Sedanka hotel at about 4pm. I savoured my first Russian dinner. The hotel rooms were well-furnished and cozy. Though it was only my first day, I have already been homesick. Fortunately, the heaters and the people made the hotel atmosphere comforting. So on this first cold, cold day in Russia, I began to like this hotel.

[Background: Sedanka hotel. From left: Me, Ann, Onny, Rini]