I pulled into the Ibis hotel yesterday to call Inga. I figured it was a big enough landmark to make it easy for her to find me. I’d just killed the engine when a guy smoking outside said ‘hello, where are you from?’.

I got taking to Oli, a German guy from Hamburg. Inga was going to be an hour, so we sat in the hotel bar to wait. (coffee for me, the limit for alcohol whilst driving in Russia is 0).

Oli is working away in the tobacco industry, but will be home in 3 weeks time. My planned route takes me through Germany petty close to Hamburg.

Another guy came into the bar, also working away from home. Jan is from Denmark, also very close to my intended route and only 3 hrs drive from Oli.

Nice to meet you guys, I’ll be sure to let you know when I’m passing through!