Irkutsk Monday 18 July 2011

Seems hot today, 22C, need a jersey when I went out this am but this pm much hotter. My Phone told me I was in Moscow, so that was quick, but alas similar big drive tomorrow. The Hotel Europe is best yet, food great, hot showers and bathroons turn to drying rooms at night, good for the russian washer woman with riffle board, so up to date now for a few days.

Went looking for russian arms shop but either it was early or had moved on. The girls found a market, some lovely dogs for sale, but the boys went for walk-about by the river. We again saw the trans-siberian in motion. Looks like an easy option if you're not into doing battle with local Kame Kaze drivers and their roads.

Amazingly the town people give way to pedestrians at crossings, we tried an eight lane this morning, and although I have lost the use of two legs and one arm can still type this blogg. Many old buildings falling down around the inner city, but new developments happening, some of it in solid timber caulked with felt. Have yet to try the trams, which are very old.

Yesterday we drove from Ulan Ude 470Km to Irkutsk, but took all day as local highway chocker with sunday drivers and level crossings create huge traffic jams, some many Km long.

At Lake Baikal the kids went for a swim while I dipped for an octave or two change, too cold for the full baptism, great spot but very hazy all day so views dissapointing. Bought smoked cold fish for lunch which went well with the bread, cheese etc Murray got from the Tardis earlier that morning. The shop was actuall two shops in one and had two sets of staff, but they knew who sold what. Down the road at morning t we got a taste for bier sticks. Great being able to stop and boil the billy whenever, sometime the locals will supply the hot water.