Category: Animals

The time has come, sooner than expected, to leave Moscow, after nearly 14 months. At the end of March we were given a week to leave Moscow (whilst I was away working in China). This led to an almighty rush to get everything packed and sorted. Plus cats ready and arranged to fly, however begrudgingly. Times have been decidedly challenging in Moscow, but I am glad to have been able to have lived there and explored the city throughout the four seasons. Possibly, unfortunately I will not be there during the hosting of the World Cup, although this could have been a very busy and stressful time. The next stage of the journey is a little unclear for now, so we will try and enjoy the moment.

After much planning the time had arrived when the trip from Washington DC to Beijing with two cats in tow had to be made. The cats formed part of a large amount of luggage that needed to be checked in (6 suitcases, 1 box and two cats in carriers in total).

Cats and Luggage Ready to Go

Smoggy at Dulles

Luckily, the cats could travel as checked baggage, rather than cargo and did not need to be quarantined. However, travelling through two airports, being handled numerous times and then sitting on a plane for 14 hours was still an adventure for one cat and one kitten. The cats adventure included having to be taken out of the carriers at airport so their carries could be x-rayed, then once we reached Beijing the cats had to be removed again, to be checked and photographed before being admitted into the country. Once we arrived the cats settled down from their adventure and seemed to be enjoying their new light and airy home.

After visiting El Salvador, the next stop was Costa Rica, which was a completely different culture and environment, particularly given their relative proximity. The first thing, which stood out in Costa Rica, was the (very) lush vegetation, and the second thing was how slow the traffic moved up and down the hills and around the bends. After hiring a car at the airport, it took two and a half hours to drive the 75 miles to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The National Park contains two volcanoes, a lake and lush tropical rainforest at base of the volcanoes. Whilst staying in the national park we were able to see many wonderful sights, the highlight being wild monkeys and toucans.

Wild Monkey

Wild Toucan

In addition, the trip to the national park offered excellent cuisine and great activities. These activities included a ziplining canopy tour and a day relaxing at a spa with over 25 different thermo mineral hot water pools. Although, the top activity was a trip to a local rescued animal sanctuary, as this allowed the opportunity to feed monkeys and other exciting animals.

A weekend hiking trip to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, enabled the opportunity to not only see peaks and waterfalls, but also the opportunity to see some of the local wildlife.

A Deer in Bear Country

A Black Bear

Included in this wildlife were deers and birds but also the notoriously different to spot Black Bear. During the weekend whilst hiking and driving, we managed to see a black bear on three occasions, in three different locations. On one occasion, it appeared as though one was following us down a trail and wanted to have his photo taken.