Just as we thought the car was really now run in, we have encountered a wee problemo. Driving on Russian tarmac roads is (when you can find them) is particularly hazardous as immense potholes loom up with no warning, and when the road is narrow, and you can't dodge them, even at 20 mph, they make for an awful crunch. It seems we paid the price for one of these yesterday while drining to this city, called Perm. We noticed as we parked at the massive Soviet-style hotel that the car was sitting on her heels a bit. A journey to a recommended backstreet garage, and sure enough, the rear suspension is broken. The main leaf has snapped. One car in front of us in the bay, a glorious 1927 Mercedes, with similar ailment. Won't take long apparently, we got here at 5pm last night, but at 5.30 am this morning, their car is lowered and Priscilla takes her turn. Incredible, these guys are prepared to work all night to get these rally cars back on the road. I stayed with the car, so that Tim could get some sleep to drive today, but it's now 11.30 am and the car is still not finished. They do an amazing job, taking the suspension apart and welding a new leaf in , all on the garage floor, with min safelt equipment. So the rally has moved on and we must catch up. We are not (and cannot be!) in a hurry, and we are in the hands of these kind mechanics, who speak not one word of english. Tim's and my Russian is limited to "thank you", and "soup" so we wrestle a bit when it comes to "shock absorber". Oh well.
More pics and observations about Russia once we are on the road.
2 comments:
Having just caught up with your blogs I am wiping dust from my eyes and can smell the sump oil. I am envious, I think, and full of admiration for the three of you, especialy Tortoise. Various things I have noticed about your writings.
1 No mention of ablutions.
2 No mention of change of underwear.
3 No mention of liaisons ( dangereuses or otherwise). Items 1 and 2 may have something to do with this.
4 Yet to see reference to longing for Blighty, wifey or family... Paris, whoever he is seems to be the focus of your desires. Meanwhile...
5 ... Tortoise is obviously your put upon mistress into whom you climb daily and take to hell and back, poor girl.
However I am impressed you have neither been arrested, bitten or indeed eaten. The photos are fab so keep them coming. I have always admired you Nigel and this only proves what a misjudgement that has been and in fact you are certifiable. Allez! Allez! Charlie
... never mind what these unexpected potholes are doing to Tortoise (alias Pricilla) ... what about YOU. You make jolly sure they weld the right bit on in the right place or there may be a less than enthusiastic home coming for you my boy!
All missing you here ... Lily confused and wants to know why you are having a Perm? ... and she says that I am daffy .... !!
We all send so much love. xxes for T. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. xxxxxxxxxxx
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