4 Jacks and a Turtle...

Just arrived back from the countryside. Quite different then the madness of the city - quite beautiful in fact. The landscape tends to look fake for some reason - probably all of the vodka.

Spent the night in a traditional ger camp. I am quite anxious to convince Julia into purchasing some land and building a yurt. I can grow potatoes and grow a beard. sounds lovely in theory - except for the beard part. Rode horseback (yes i piloted the mighty steed - make your own jokes) for 2 hours to Turtle Rock, quite an experience. I was invited into one of the local yurts by some elder who shared his cookie crumbs and broke out a bottle of vodka - i was a little scared as the dirty cup kept being filled over and over. No worse for wear i managed to get my horse back to the camp in on piece.

I was lucky enough to particiapte in some archery this morning - archery, wrestling and horse racing are the 3 biggest sports here. I wasn't able to wrestle anyone which was probably for the best. There are some big lads here, most of which could put me in their pocket. I pretend to be injured - or slightly dim and they take pity.

2 hour journey back into the city for a quick clean up and to pick up some groceries for the next leg of the train ride. 40hrs by train to Irkustk, Russia. The stories are endless about this leg of the trip, told not to expect much but wonder how much less there can be then the 'regular' train. I guess i shall find out this evening. There is however hot water on the train so noodle soup it will be for the next couple of days. We are more concerned about how much beer to bring - its a slippery slope here. You don't dare drink too much, it would be similar to spending a night in hell, as a few have already found out. I politely smile and nurse my drink and watch the younger guys on the train spend an evening in a toilet that most prisoners would choose not to use. I guess it's all part of the charm.

See you in Russia...