Perhaps our main lesson over the past week or so is how far you can get in Russia only knowing two words: 'thank you' and 'soup'. One has been slightly more useful than the other, however with a lot of gesticulating we have managed to get the cracked axle welded, spare hydraulics installed after the two huge holes in the back of the car were patched up and everything greased to within an inch of its life. A wonderful feeling.
We are staying in a large grim hotel 25 mins from the city centre (the problem with travelling with 100+ cars is that we have to stay in places with huge carparks - never a good sign), the one redeeming feature being that this fantastic garage is just round the corner. It has been incredible being here ahead of the herd and being able to go straight in and have them setting to work immediately. The mechanics were brilliant and couldn't have been more helpful.
Having had a couple of days off, we are now itchingy to get back on the road and continue the adventure. No idea how many cars are still going, and still not entirely sure how many miles Priscilla feels she has left in her, so nothing taken for granted, but really looking forward to Estonia. As Nigel has mentioned, it has been amazing travelling through the two 'communist' superpowers and seeing the progress, which is staggering. China feels to us the place where things are really moving. Moscow seems to have money coming out of its ears - endless new Hummers, Maybachs, thuggish bodyguards etc. St P appears to have remained pretty much as was. It has the beauty, but the cash is firmly in Moscow. If there was a smileometer it would have shown a slow steady descent throughout the journey so far with the Chinese being the outstanding winners, although the support from passers-by throughout has been incredible. It's been very strange travelling in taxis here and getting no attention, so can't wait to get back in the old jallopy!
3 comments:
Dearest Nigel,
I have now written two very lengthy comments which have been lost when I have tried to send them! It is now 11.30 and I am rather weary but let's hope third time lucky and all that.
I have been reading your and Tim's daily reports with increasing enjoyment and admiration. I dont think I had any idea of what you were setting out to do when you left and am almost rather envious of the fascinating places you are visiting and indeed the whole experience. It must be rather bonding for you both and a shared life experience that will stay with you both always.
Priscilla, has done so well until the latest glitch but I am sure it is all to be expected with the mileage and roads. You must be very much looking forward to getting going again. I have greatly enjoyed the photographs and look forward to seeing all yours when you get back. Sending good wishes and very much love from all the Balniels and Lindsays. Please know that we are very proud of you indeed.
I have to report that we had the happiest weekend with Katie, Tom and Alfie. Katie was in flying form and in the short space of the weekend re-arranged my laundry, filing and storage - all much required and greatly appreciated.
Happy travels and hope you continue to go from stregth to stregth. With much love Min xx
ps Have you come across Hugo Upton and Nigel Gambier. Hugh and I are mutual godparents to Kathryn and Harry Buscall's boy and thought I don't know Nigel Gambier well we have a Zimbabwe connexion....
Hi Nigel, sorry I haven't been in touch before now but have just finished my GCSE's. I have really enjoyed reading about your travels in Priscilla - and have had a good geography and history lesson at the same time! Good luck for the last bit - lots of love Sapphie xxxx
Boys - just love reading the fascinating accounts of your travels - like you, Rory found the Chinese esp north of Shanghai so friendly and full of smiles. Gangsta Moscow must have been fun - do hope you found time for a spot of clubbing?! Can't wait to have you both back safe and sound - big xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx's Shan
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