She barked in Russian at the two if us, and signalled that we should follow. We weren’t going to argue. She took us to a platform just as a train was arriving, and indicated that we should get on.
Read MoreThe couple sitting across from us in our compartment polish off a bottle of vodka. We’re issued with a little lunchbox, with the driest looking sandwich I’ve ever seen. We’ve no vodka to wash it down so I just leave mine.
Read MoreIn the restoration department one student had been working for six months already scraping layers of paint off a Russian icon to reveal an original painting, centuries old. Another large painting of Lenin was being cleaned – on the other side, a painting of Tsar Nicolas II had been revealed. It hadn’t yet been decided which portrait was the most worthy of preserving.
Read MoreThe evening was spent hunting for a restaurant with an English menu, which is no small task in Russia. After another long walk, we encountered a charming little restaurant with a fairy tale theme. And yes, an English menu.
Read MoreWe then met with Shona Robison MSP for Dundee East and Roderick Campbell MSP for North East Fife in the beautiful setting of the Scottish Parliament’s garden lobby. Many thanks to both Shona and Roderick for their kind words and for meeting with us on the usual busy Thursday, what with First Minister’s Questions and all.
Read More