Civilization!

Well of a sort. We are in Khaborovsk, a mere 15 miles from the Chinese border, in a bustling city that we both like the best in all Russia. Young, prosperous, and not quite so many hanging jaws when we walk by.

Its a beautiful city, quite old for Siberia (149 this year) and it's a stunning 30 degrees out today.

I have decided that the worst possible job in Russia must be....doing voiceovers on Russian television. Most of the shows are foreign (American) imports and all they do here, right, is have one guy simply read out the script over the original soundtrack. Drama, comedy, action, romance, whatever - it makes no never mind to the bored, lugubrious guy who REALLY hates his job, he just. reads. the. script. In the most stilted, monotone you can imagine. I even got to hear him cough once (and no it was not in the script). If we are really lucky, they sometimes have a woman read the female parts. Its just mind numbing to listen to, so at least I have no trouble being lulled to sleep.

Two days here in the lovely city, then Vladivostock. Our visa runs out on Saturday night, so we are rushing to the end of the Trans-siberian now....