A day without a Guide Pt 2

Mmmmmmmmmmmm let me think a day without a guide some title. Yes, we did have a guide and the name of the guide was Gill, well that at least what she proported to be. Yep she is not tooo bad at finding her way around strange cities however today with weird spelling of street names and lots and lots of people who don't actually speak any English I believe firmly that we probably saw about twice as much of the city to see the same sights we would have with a guide!! I would in fact say that we walked at least 20k's - no in fact probably double that.

Moscow, if you haven't been then you don't know just what you are missing, its a fantastic place with lots and lots of history. Of course the bonus is if you know someone with local knowledge then you have an absolute bonus.

Cam purports to not have much language - my belief is that whilst he may not have lived here for ever his level of the language is certainly competent and he can understand and speak fluently in most cases. He was even able to write down a request for two tickets one way on the boat to a certain point and the lady understood that.

Last night we went out to dinner with a group of his friends both Kiwi and local. It was fantastic to meet up and share time with people who are important in his life here in Moscow and see just what a great bunch of people he has got to know. Dimitri who came to NZ in February was there as well.

Rode to dinnner by one of those Lada taxi's that are not a taxi and home by the same means - interesting though on the way home when we left the restaurant as a rather large group they (that is the lada's) just appeared by the roadside like a bunch of flys seems like everyone is in on the action. You then negotiate a price direct with the driver, if acceptable ride, if not acceptable try the next Lada.

Well thats all for a couple of days as we are off to St- Petersburg today and not taking the writing equipment so till later that's all from me. Have a great week and if you're working bad luck - unless of course you are saving for a trip somewhere and for those of you who are playng have fun!!