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Day 2

It's day 2 but feels like day 14. We have packed a lot in since arrival. I think Im most full from talking to every delegate that is in range. Then stoping all the tour guides and locals and surprisingly we communicated pretty well. Most people at least speak some english. I feel bad this is their country and I only can say two words.
We are walking and in the lovey weather a soft breeze makes the temp perfect. The city so far is easy to navigate. We have a map from the help desk. We find the streets , just don't even try to pronounce them. I wish we had Gerald Haanpaa here. He would be talking in finish in two seconds flat. Then he would be cornered by all the delegates getting pictures of him. We still have Finland to get to and I feel bad that our Jerry isn't here. But I know you will make up for lost time in the new system. Never seen u not make a friend or be lost for conversation. Just know we are thinking of all of you. Not all at once but when little things happen. You honk to yourself oh so and so would love this.
We had a lovely event that made me cry. I was seriously at risk of a crying fit bit got it in control. The brothers asked us not to mention the activity or post picks for a while so that we don't spoil it for others. Will write more when we can.
Love u lots
Kathleen..or Katia. :-)


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Estonia!!!

We are finally here! It's unbelievable! Yes I keep using exclamation points!!! Ok so we get off the plane and brothers and sisters there to hug and welcome us. Maybe 6 of them. We had other delegates from the states on our flight too. All single sisters from Texas New Mexico Nebraska. Hey there was a girl there that is part of the Karin group. She had visited our Burmese group in Indiana. Her name is breanna.
Small world.
We got flowers and cards. And they all speak english which was a blessing. Got on the taxi and to hotel no problem. Help desk ready to help! It was just like when we had ours. So nice to be on the other side of the table.
Walked in Tallin to see some of the sights and ate at a restaurant in the mall. We kept getting stopes by JW from all around earth to visit! I loved it. Cassie was a social butterfly. Her food got cold and she didn't care cause she was talking in Russian Finnish and Estonian. Haven't used any spanish yet. :-)
Ok I'll put picks up. Love u all.














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Turkey!

We made it! It was a piece of cake till about 4 hours into the flight and trying to be a Gumby Pretzel and sleep. We got to sit next to each other so we abused family space big time. Hey did u know on international flights they still treat u like royalty!? First 5 min...Big chocolate truffle offered. Then few min later clean new pillow. Then blanket new in package. And tooth brush lip balm eye masks socks and slippers! Crazy comfortable! Great dinner tasty chicken and veg and all the sides of salad special cheese and all u could drink. Even alcohol! We passed on that. 10 hrs is a long time but there were personal TV for eAch and w new ear pieces. Tons of movies to pick from in english! No charge! So I now am recommending Turkish Air. Oh and a lovely breakfast too!
I will say we were less than competent on no sleep trying to get to the hotel desk at the airport. Didn't realize u had to leave to get to it. On the outside. Then they kept telling us in broken english go to Starbucks! Ughhhh there were two and in opposite directions by 20 miles of walking. !!! Oh well. Now we have had a delicious turkey dinner nothing like USA kind. I will post some picks. Thanks for reading this. Can u just note u name or something so I know if anyone is reading ? Thank u guys. Kathleen














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First day !

They finally got me out of the bus and we are on our way to Chicago !! I'm ready for the adventure.



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Day before departure

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So it's raining again! And fantastic thunder and lightning, what a send off. Gabriel our friend who once had to fly to Iran and other parts said for us to try to stay awake tonight to sleep on the 10 hr flight. Don't think it will be a problem.
The picture of my wallet and passport is courtesy of my Pa. He never goes anywhere with out his rubber band. Many uses. :-) thanks Dad.
I'm nervous but excited for tomorrow... Did I get everything? Did I clean everything? Ughhh we will see.
Over and out
( which by the way is only a CB term. Not official )
Kathleen

6 days till...

Hello dear friends and family! My stomach is in constant turmoil in anticipation for our departure. My goal of only carry on luggage has gone out the window. We will have one checked bag for all 3 of us cause we have so many gifts and everyone who went to the Korea convention has warned us we will be bringing lots of gifts back. We have nearly every hour planed. Still a few small gaps but that will let us be free to see the area and also to visit closely with new ones we meet.
Thank u for reading our posts. We will try to keep it to the point and have pictures ready. Please feel free to give this to the friends or family who may want to see. Love u all
Kathleen.


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