What does it mean to be old in Russia today? When we were in Moscow, our guide was explaining to us how, under communism, once you had retired, the state basically looked after you in lieu of a formal pension as such. Of course, what this meant when communism collapsed was that very many elderly people were actually left with nothing. Whilst the young can start saving / paying into pension plans, the elderly have no such option. Poverty is a serous issu...

Greetings from Irkutsk. We are in the heart of Siberia but it has been a very warm and sunny day today. To update on previous events. From a comedy point of view, the haircut (350 roubles) was a grave disappointment. However, from a hirsure point of view, it was a masterpiece! Hair was washed twice, much clipping and effort went in, and the end result was universally agreed to be good. All that was required from a communication point of view was to nod twice...

Greetings from Ekaterinberg. Note that the map is as wayward as ever, and that we still haven't got any photos uploaded (so Moscow is still shown). A further note. To save A-Ms wrists, and because I talk so much rubbish, I have been writing most of the text. She does check through to amend and correct where she, usually incorectly, belives this to be neccessary... :) Ekaterinberg is famous for being a big Russian city (3rd largest). The military are very big...

Greetings from Moscow. Map has been updated - Chris, please let me know the exact error in latitude and longitude. Cheers We arrived early yesterday morning, bleary eyed from the overnight train. We shared a cabin with 2 others - a young Russian by the name of Alexander, and a girl from Dublin. What was remarkable about young Alex was his timid and peaceful nature before we all turned in for the night. Alas, come the midnight hour and he metamorphasised into...

Dave says... Our final couple of hours in St P. as we catch the overnight train to Moscow. A few observations from St P to help give you more of a flavour of the city. i) there are very many street vendors, from whom you procure water, chocolate etc. But they have a great aversion to giving change (eg try to pay for a 35R bottle with a 100 note and they generally refuse point blank.) This 'exact money only' approach has been a little confusing at times. ...