THE FINAL FLING

We arrived safely in Moscow and were met at our train carriage by our cab driver (thank God, because the place was chaotic), so were in our hotel by 10.00pm. Our room overlooks the monastery gardens, with towers and spires - quite an oasis.

We went into the city this morning by the metro (taking our lives in our hands) - Christine had, letter by letter, translated the relevant metro names into Russian script, so we made it. Our bus tour of the city was unsettled by a huge student demonstration (staged by the government) to show their support of Putin. Before the tour, we had Red Square almost to ourselves - afterwards, the area was overcrowded with military and students. Quite fun, really! We wish we had allowed more time in Moscow - there is so much to experience. Musn't be greedy.

It's Singapore Airlines meals tomorrow - we meet up with Annette in Dubai - it will be good to swap notes.

See you all soon!

BEATEN BY THE SYSTEM

Yesterday's plans were hastily revised when we found ourselves totally unable to make any sense of where, how and when a train went to the station near Catherine's Palace - we were at the right station to go, but there was NOTHING to guide non-Russian speakers, and Catherine's Palace is a meant to be a major tourist attraction. Perhaps only Russians get to go there - we gave up!

Instead, we had a happy excursion to the St Peter & St Paul Fortress on an island in the Neva River. We understand the No 7 bus, which took us to that side of town - getting back another way was a different story, as the No 3 bus must have been hijacked - but we eventually found our way back to the city centre.

In the evening we went to a Georgian restuarant, recommended in our guide book. Lovely food and very nice red - served chilled.

We'll be off to Moscow this afternoon. We've organised a touristy Moscow-in-4-hours to get a quick overview of that huge city tomorrow. We then start the journey home on Thursday morning.

Keep those comments coming, though.