Suzy and I left Venice on a 3 hour flight to Moscow via Aeroflot, Russia’s best Airline. We had a 2 hour layover before connecting to a 9 hour flight to Bangkok. We decided that after the events of Malaysia’s flight 370, using Aeroflot was our best option. We boarded our flight but after about 45 minutes, it was certain we were going to be delayed and possibly a while longer. After about an hour and a half, whatever was delaying us in Venice quickly vanished and we were on our way. The flight was actually uneventful and quite good but now it was certain we would not make our connection flight to Bangkok. After arriving in Moscow and making it to the customs transfer official at the airport we were quickly rushed upstairs and brought before Aeroflot officials. They quickly apologized for the mishap and told us we were now the guests of Aeroflot, we were to be put up at a hotel, a room and food would be provided. Other than the disappointment of not arriving Bangkok today, I guess this was the best we could do. We were then whisked downstairs, back to customs officials where it became clear, this was not to be a holiday experience. First we were told we would not see any of our bags until Bangkok and whatever we did have would then be screened again. After the in depth screening, we were escorted by armed guards to an airport bus where we waited for the other lucky people that were also delayed like we were. All together there were seven of us, all with different destinations. Once we were all gathered up, we all had a lot to say to one another, most of us spoke English. Some were terrified by armed guards, some were apprehensive. Suzy and I on the other hand found it amusing, like something out of a movie. The bus made it to a checkpoint at the Airport, this was more like a border crossing with elaborate barbed wire fencing, many officials speaking Russian and explaining just what they were doing with this bus full of non-Visa holding people. After a few minutes of phone calls and screening, our bus made it past the Airport check point and into the streets of Moscow making its way towards the Hotel. After about 15 minutes, the bus arrived at Novatel Moscow. One of the officials told us to follow his lead into the Hotel, get in line, and check in with the paperwork Aeroflot handed us. At that moment we all knew the party was over, we were told by the armed officials that “we were being detained, do not leave your rooms for any reason, do not for any reason come to the lobby or be arrested. I asked about food and drink, possibly being able to eat at the restaurant. Quickly I was told again, do not leave your room, food and drink would be provided. We all were escorted to the 7th floor, apparently a detention floor used continually for illegals like us. Suzy and I made eye contact and I could see she and I are still chuckling under our breath, just make sure we don’t show this to our stone faced Russian friends who were quite serious about what they were doing. Once on the 7th floor we were escorted to our room, told to make ourselves comfortable, food and drink would be forthcoming. Suzy and I walked into the room and had a look around; it was a real nice room, but not to leave for about 20 hours would be a stretch, especially without room service and cocktails. I was wondering about our afternoon cuisine, I knew Suzy wanted the pool and a martini. That was not in the cards today. I turned on the TV and walked to the window, drawing back the drapes. Unbelievable ! The windows were frosted white…. This must really be serious, we can’t even plan our escape using bed sheets ! After an hour or so I peeked out the door thinking I might venture out into the hall and ask about food. Not a chance, at the end of the hallway was an armed guard at a desk who quickly got up from behind the desk, came towards me to make sure I did not leave the room. Since I saw him coming I asked about food. The Russian guard in a broken English voice I was told “dial 72”. After going back into the room I dialed 72, I was then greeted by a Russian speaking voice who I asked about food, quickly I heard a click, guess what ? I was hung up on. I guess we are not allowed to ask questions, just go with the flow. Serious stuff ! After a few hours we had a knock on our door, by now its dinner time. We were handed a tray with coffee, salad and two foil bound TV dinner type dishes. I guess this was Aeroflot’s idea of being their guests for dinner. Suzy and I had a go of it, the next morning breakfast arrived, coffee, toast, juice. Then lunch, more of the same. At about 3pm that afternoon we got a phone call to be ready to leave. We never saw our other non-visa holding guests again. We were escorted back to customs via the armed guard bus, escorted through security, had our passports checked again and then allowed to board our plane to Bangkok. Suzy and I were glad to board and I am sure the Russians were glad to have us leave. It was quite an experience. Originally I thought I might be able to go out to enjoy some local Russian color and cuisine, the Russians made sure this was not going to happen. Once aboard Aeroflot flight 2597 to Bangkok, a 9 hour flight, I was hungry from the day before. All I had to look forward to was a few more TV dinners. I elected to order cocktails for Suzy and I and make the most of it.
The adventure continues…….. 
