28th January 2022
I checked in the for the flight early as always seat already reserved and visa checked and approved as well as the vaccination certificates. So, I was actually going on the flight or would things be cancelled at the last moment?
This was the first time since Covid since I had flown and I had forgotten so much, it was very surprising, but things came back to me very quickly. I walked through to the fast-track security lane, forgetting to take my computer out, empty my pockets and all the other things that used to be second nature to me. Thankfully it was very early and there were only a few people behind me. The security staff were patient and did not snigger too much. I was honestly embarrassed and angry at myself
I walked straight through security and then to the lounge for peace and quiet. I was still not really convinced that all would be ok but the adventure had started and I was beginning to think that all would be ok and then trying to prepare myself for the arrival process once in Moscow. Looking out of the window of the lounge the red sky and I was hopeful that the old message of “ red sky in the morning ..shepherd’s warning” was not true in my case .
I decided that for my trip it was a good omen, I hoped.
I checked in the for the flight early as always seat already reserved and visa checked and approved as well as the vaccination certificates. So, I was actually going on the flight or would things be cancelled at the last moment?
This was the first time since Covid since I had flown and I had forgotten so much, it was very surprising, but things came back to me very quickly. I walked through to the fast-track security lane, forgetting to take my computer out, empty my pockets and all the other things that used to be second nature to me. Thankfully it was very early and there were only a few people behind me. The security staff were patient and did not snigger too much. I was honestly embarrassed and angry at myself
I walked straight through security and then to the lounge for peace and quiet. I was still not really convinced that all would be ok but the adventure had started and I was beginning to think that all would be ok and then trying to prepare myself for the arrival process once in Moscow. Looking out of the window of the lounge the red sky and I was hopeful that the old message of “ red sky in the morning ..shepherd’s warning” was not true in my case .
I decided that for my trip it was a good omen, I hoped.
I found a good seat close to the bar and quietly read the paper, drank tea and people watched. In the past there were lots of Russians around for the flight. But this time there were only a few Russians (most of whom were going skiing apparently). It would be interesting to see how many people would be on the plane.
The flight was relatively, smooth, on time and uneventful, it was very empty, peaceful and quiet, which was perfect. I had plenty of time to rest, reflect and prepare myself for the normal chaos that I had always experienced in the past in passport control and then customs. Of course, I had forgotten that Covid was still serious around the world (especially in Russia) and that people had not travelled for a long time. Russia had only just opened to vaccinated tourists and as the Covid rates were still very high in Russia. Of course, in terms of Russia itself, in addition to Covid, people were still not prepared to travel to Moscow with the concern about the looming crisis and possible war in Ukraine.
The plane avoided Ukraine and the areas of possible conflict but the closer we flew to Moscow; it was clear that winter was in full flow and that as expected it would be very cold in Moscow with heavy snow on the ground.
The plane avoided Ukraine and the areas of possible conflict but the closer we flew to Moscow; it was clear that winter was in full flow and that as expected it would be very cold in Moscow with heavy snow on the ground.
On arrival there was a new procedure, temperature scans firstly as a medical team walked through the cabins fully masked and gowned up, and then disembarkation by row, being on the second row and no one was in front of me, I was one of the first to exit the flight. No obvious additional security and I was shocked that the passport section was empty (in the past it often took up to an hour to pass through passport control). I was also even more surprised that they were very relaxed and just took my entry forms, scanned my visa and then very politely (and almost smiling) waved me through without any delays or dour faces as in the past. Unbelievable change from the past.
Then prior to baggage claim there was a Covid PCR test section which checked my certificates with a cursory glance and then I was separated from the Russians who had just to do a lateral flow test. I was told that prior to leaving on the train journey there would be a need for 2 additional tests within the 8 days but that it could be done close to the hotel and the results would be sent to the Ministry and if it was positive, they would contact me in the hotel but could isolate there. Very reassuring. I was free in the meantime to wander around without any restrictions. Rules in restaurants and public areas had to be followed (masks etc.), but nothing onerous or restrictive (apart from museums where there was a need for QR codes which were not available for foreigners as far as I was told.
My luggage was collected from the conveyor belt and then it was through to the customs section, whose inspectors looked very bored as there were not many incoming flights to handle. To keep busy they made everyone to scan the luggage and finally it was out to meet the driver and to the hotel. Very straight forward painless and civilised. The first time in over 20 years.
Then prior to baggage claim there was a Covid PCR test section which checked my certificates with a cursory glance and then I was separated from the Russians who had just to do a lateral flow test. I was told that prior to leaving on the train journey there would be a need for 2 additional tests within the 8 days but that it could be done close to the hotel and the results would be sent to the Ministry and if it was positive, they would contact me in the hotel but could isolate there. Very reassuring. I was free in the meantime to wander around without any restrictions. Rules in restaurants and public areas had to be followed (masks etc.), but nothing onerous or restrictive (apart from museums where there was a need for QR codes which were not available for foreigners as far as I was told.
My luggage was collected from the conveyor belt and then it was through to the customs section, whose inspectors looked very bored as there were not many incoming flights to handle. To keep busy they made everyone to scan the luggage and finally it was out to meet the driver and to the hotel. Very straight forward painless and civilised. The first time in over 20 years.
