Observatory

Further up from Big Almaty Lake lies an old Soviet observatory which is mostly a relic of old times yet also continues research on a small scale.

The setting is stunning and it's difficult not to picture yourself in a Bond film when you're here. Especially with this kind of kit hanging around.

My father (James Bond) escaping on a ski-doo

I was thrilled by the sense of adventure here. Mountains, telescopes, satellite dishes, vehicles in various states of disrepair scattered around the site. A complex of buildings, also variously wrecked, and Soviet scientific manuals spread around like litter.

Comrades!
Economise on electricity
When leaving, turn out the lights.

There were guards further up the hill and we snuck around with a sense of mischief as we'd heard that we're not allowed to be there. We also tried unsuccessfully to find some people! Eventually we found a couple of very friendly scientists and had a look at one of the telescopes. Unfortunately we couldn't stay late enough to see the stars. There's always more to do. But I was just so happy to finally reach this fabled institute, which met and exceeded my expectations of adventure and excitement. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

Yes, I see it - a lovely ceiling! Hurray for mock ups.

Kostanai benchmark

Kostanai, roughly analogous to Leicester, has charming housing. Benches abound here, including this lovely pink piece in the park where we enjoyed a lovely walk.

The analogy breaks down almost immediately of course. Kostanai was the breadbasket of the Soviet union and continues to produces masses of grain for export, as symbolised by this roundabout,

Best taken with a pinch of salt.

The landscape around the city shows almost endless flat, harvested land.

Eventually we reach no-man's-land, the endless steppe. Constant winds, beating summer sun, and the lush, intense smells of wild herbs.

An eagle chillaxing on the steppe

Ekaterinburg whistlestop

A quick well done to the ceiling painting team at Ekaterinburg train station,

And I thought the VIP terminal at the airport was notable too:

In my few visits to Ekaterinburg airport (to the pleb terminal, of course) I've found it to be quite a pleasant place. And on that note I'll be leaving Russia for a while!