I’ve been joined by my girls for a holiday in St Petersburg, we’ve had the last 5 days together to look around the city. It’s been a great few days, we’ve been very busy doing touristy things and consequently I haven’t had time to update the blog. In that time, quite a few people have mailed me or commented asking if I’m OK!

I didn’t realise I was being followed so closely, but it’s quite touching – thank you all for your concern! No need to worry, the worst that happened to me was being ripped off by a taxi from the airport (but me being me I’m still struggling to let that one go!). I will be updating as per usual from here on in, now that the girls are safely at the airport.

The weather has turned, after a few sunny days it was distinctly cold this morning. In the picture you can see a couple of brave faces in front of the aptly named winter palace. The palace has over 1000 rooms, 1800 doors and 100 staircases. It’s over a mile in circumference and houses the Hermitage museum.

It’s been great to see Jenny and Alice and a welcome break from life on the road. I plan to leave Russia via Murmansk, where tomorrow’s forecast is for highs of 4°C and lows of 0 – it’ll certainly be hard to get moving again!! Brrrr!