Barely Into Russia

What would you do if you were a traveler journeying into an absolutely foreign land without any money, any means of guaranteed accommodation, running out of food and could barely speak Russian to save your skin? Probably just pray for the best.

Especially for our parents and relatives reading this blog, we’re glad to share that we’re definitely safe and sound, our technicalities sorted out. Though indeed this faintly reminds of the biblical patriarchs travelling into foreign lands promised by God. In both senses, we all know God will certainly provide and protect even as the future seemed unknown.

Our Vladivostok hotel bookings in past week frustrated us over the Net, and the hotels we called up could only respond to us in Russian. As circumstances go, we didn’t manage to suss out a money changer in Harbin in time, nor an ATM to withdraw Russian roubles on arrival. And so we give an approving nod to those who invented the credit card, and our Russian cabbie who accepted payment in RMB albeit at an inflated price.

Whilst Harbin in the past 2-3 days nearly froze us (Willy caught a cough virus), Vladivostok hums along warmly at around -8 Deg on average. At least until the mighty wind-chill factor kicked in. We also recall our little adventure of walking across the frozen surface of Harbin’s Songhua River whilst intently listening out of surface cracks. As the mighty creator of our world, we’re certain God has much in store for us in our journey ahead. But only if we trust Him to lead.