Day 15

A solid breakfast of meat and potatoes prepared us for some serious exploring. Oleg led our convoy to visit “Independents” one of Land Rover's biggest dealers in Russia. Also the purveyor of extremely good coffee, which we all appreciated. On return to the hotel, Leg 1 joined us for a tour of Moscow. The underground alone was spectacular, marble, chandeliers, mosaics of Lenin. We must have taken a hundred pictures between us. By stark contrast, when we stepped off the underground, the first shop we saw was a “Next”! Although 3 of our number were extremely pleased to see somewhere they knew they could buy new underpants!!

Moscow is an impressive city, Ben had chatted to some locals on the plane on the way in & had suggested a boat trip. It was a relaxing and peaceful way to see the city. Oleg explained some of the sights, we had a giggle ad enjoyed the sunshine until the first glimpse of the unmistakeable psychedelic domes of St Basil's cathedral came in to view. We left the boat and walked to the Red Square. As we were taking photos a bridal party came past ad we couldn't resist asking the bride to have a photo with our GO60 banner. It made such a good shot.

The Red Square was worth the wait. I fervently hope that everyone reading this gets the opportunity to see it just once. It was a good opportunity to hold a symbolic “handing over” of the GO60 banner from Gary (Leg 1) to Ian (Leg 2).

The domestic stuff followed, eating, souvenirs and underpant shopping for those who needed it. It was a long day again, and both legs had long journeys ahead of them. Pearls of wisdom (and spare travel towels and pillows) were passed on from the Leg 1 “veterans” before turning in.