For starters, I was afraid of kids getting tired and going berserk on our way to Ukraine. It was almost the case on the way to Korea as there was little entertainment for them on the plane and not enough place to have a good sleep. However, Korean Air provided us with free hotel and breakfast for half a day and we've managed to put kids to sleep for another 4 hours before next flight.
Than I was afraid 3 years old Kael will miss mom (we dropped her in Korea and it was just me and kids for two weeks in Ukraine) and cry. In fact, it was 5 year old Tanisha, who started crying as soon as we passed immigration in Seoul. But that one is usually easy to handle.
But the worst is yet to come. Kids were fine all the time. They managed to get some sleep on the way to Moscow and behaved well while we were waiting at airport for three hours for connection. The flight to Kiev was relatively short (1.5 hours vs 10 to Seoul and 8 to Moscow) and very very boring... and the thing I was afraid the most did happen - both went into deep sleep about half an hour before landing! So, half an hour later we have two carry on bags, two unresponsive bodies and only two hands trying to get off the plane. I was lucky there was a couple who helped me to carry Tanisha through immigration and luggage claim. Customs didn't even bother checking the trolley full of bags with two bodies sleeping on top
I am really happy with the time we spent in Ukraine. I had a chance to meet with friends I did not see for 4 years or more, kids had a chance to see grandparents, cousin, the rest of the family, visit circus, ballet and zillion other things they've never seen in their lives. And they HAD to speak Russian only, niiice! The only disappointment for Tanisha was ... "So, it is cold in Ukraine... where is the snow?!"
After two weeks and two flights we are back to Korea. Spent a few days in Seoul taking kids to Everland, Lotte World, Korean Folk Village. Kael met height requirements for two roller coasters for kids at Everland and just did not want to leave. Tanisha, however, met height requirement for a couple of rides for adults. One of them even my wife trying to avoid, but me and Tanisha had about 10 goes and only stopped because the park was closing. She loved it even more than I did! Next time I am taking her instead of my wife One of the most exciting rides in Lotte World was empty. Either because people got tired of it (unlikely) or because it is too scary (likely). I took that one a few times anyway. I you think it's not that scary - check this one
Then we went to the south of Korea, spent a few days with parents in countryside. It is fall in Korea and all mountains are a mix of red yellow and dark green colors. Just amazing.
Then went to sister in law in another city on south, placed kids into childcare... and ran away for four days!!! That was the first time in 5 years when we could spend some time away from kids, just two of us. Since now we did not have to look after little devils angels, we went to Everland again, but this time it was slightly more than roller coaster for kids. Can't wait for Tanisha to grow to 130cm, she'll love this one; the fun starts at about 1:17, that's almost vertical drop.
For four days we had so much pizza, movies rides and sleep that it all pretty much covered the luck of those in past 5 years. And I really enjoyed being with my wife away from everyone else.
Now I am back to AU. However, what many do not realize is that I still have about a month of vacation. The wife and kids will be back to Sydney just before Christmas if not after New Year. So, did I hear somebody saying "party"?