If you are a tourist in Moscow you will miss this:
The Russian people really know how to party. A party means whenever three or more friends and a bottle of vodka come together. We managed to pull together four of Olga's friends (those who were not ill)and added food, wine and vodka - place ingredients in a room for four or five hours with some lively music and leave.

I pointed out in an entry a few weeks back that there is a way to drink vodka that minimises any deliterious effects. The secret is 'zakuska'. This is food - pickles, meats, savoury biscuits and one of these is eaten IMMEDIATELY before downing a shot. The only other male guest (Anatoly) and I practiced this technique over and over. The effect is that you know you are getting gradually very drunk but you stay in control AND I was feeling 100% fit on Sunday! No hangover whatsoever!

Three of Olga's friends speak English at about the same level as I speak Russian. So we get by and have fun in the process. Olga tells me I should be more forthcoming when out and about in shops etc. but I have problems dealing with strangers that I don't have with friends.

**

I have been contemplating the motoring preferences of the Russian, wondering why they have such a liking for big, ugly, aggressive motors with blacked out windows. It is because it is what they are accustomed to. They have simply changed from big, ugly Russian cars to big, ugly European and Far Eastern motors.

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There seems to be a lot of 'lane changing' accidents. Lane discipline is non-existent. Combine this with windows that stop you seeing out and this is the result:

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This situation continued for over an hour as ALL accidents require the presence of the police before any vehicle can be moved.

We return to the UK tomorrow, after two months here. I have lots of reports still to make so watch this space.

Do svedanya,

Graham