Submitted by admin on Sat, 09/21/2013 – 15:53
Twelve days in Russia – St. Petersburg to Moscow via riverboat. Finally back to “normal” after our return 10 days ago. Great bike ride yesterday, first in weeks – weather stays beautiful. Well almost normal – Russia still invades my dreams. It was a fascinating trip. The country is lurching towards becoming a free market democracy but vast corruption and the ignoring of constitutional protections reign. A growing middle class (ours appears to be shrinking!) seems to be the force which may make for change. Criticism of Putin is widespread, particularly in Moscow. People are very friendly, though English speaking not easy to find. Will be posting pics soon –