[perfect day] the sun shines down on a winter wonderland

This is one of those times where, if I don’t post now, the moment will be lost, when Russia is at its very, very best. The before dawn, blizzard paths have cleared, to reveal a pure white picture book landscape, the sun’s shining and it’s a clear, fresh minus 20 degrees out there. Maybe 5 degrees warmer would have allowed a longer walk outside on the scrunchy, hard-packed snow paths.

I’ve just been paid and have bought some ketya [scrummy red fish], which I’ve just eaten on toast, with smyetana [sour cream] on top; there’s a thick meaty soup waiting, followed by some little delicacies the Russians and indigenous people here are famous for. Simple pleasures.

Now, just add one beautiful girl with rosy cheeks and a winning smile, her face encircled by a furry hood and the picture is complete. It’s not for everyone but for me, the simple pleasures are the best. It took me decades to finally wake up to this. Stephen Pollard please note.