22.15 Moscow 19.45 uk.

I've just got 15 mins before they close - it does say 11, but the poor babushaka has been here all day and it does look an awful boring job.

I have wanted to come to Moscow for a number of years, and in the 15 hours or so that I've been her, I can say for certain I am not dissapointed. Lots of things sum it up, but one in particular. I have just got off the metro and come back in to the hotel, it is about minus 14 outside right now, and as I was coming up the steps, I heard a bot of a racket that turned out to be two old boys, both of whom appeared to be sober having a game of some derivative of backgammon - loudly! And without gloves with the board on the ground. brilliant.

Not got time to say what I want, but hope to pick up tomorrow with, amongst others, why do so many people cop off on the metro and generally in public? why is it not customary to put lighted cigarette ends in the bin? why are you not allowed to take explosives in the lift with you? and why do stray dogs have the free roam of the metro? And, why Moscow is simply better than New York by some margin!

Tomorrow hopefully.