Hanna & Julia's Whirlwind Adventure: Vodka, Pancakes and Baboushka Dolls

Last night we got a maximum of two hours sleep. Jason snored like nothing I have ever heard before! It was HORRIFIC! He sounded like a lawnmower on crack, ear plugs didnt help at all. Im surprised he didnt wake himself up. I was contemplating suffocating him with my pillow and Hanna dreamt I threw a boot in his face. He would definitely have deserved it.

We met our lovely honcho Marina, a 23 year old Russian girl with a twin sister. We were expecting a 2 metre tall bearded man so we were pleasantly surprised. She took us for breakfast at a local cafe. Hanna and I ordered pancakes (the only edible thing on the menu), BIG mistake. They were stuffed with cottage cheese and jam. Disgusting combination of savoury and sweet, as well as a long black russian hair placed nicely on my plate. The tea we drank tasted as though it was made from a sweaty old sock. 99 reubels and no breakfast later we set off for the local flea market. Here we were forced to buy baboushka dolls by angry russian locals. There were some fur hat salesmen offering free things for kisses. We declined seeing as they had no teeth. There was also a lovely collection of animal rugs made of wolf with the head still attached. Hanna bought one for her Mum- hopefully the swedish customs wont confiscate it on the way home.

By this time we were starving and walking zombies from the lack of sleep but nonetheless we set off towards the wooden kremlin. This was beautiful and built in 2003. Here we visited the Vodka Museum. Now we are professionals on how vodka is made and the russian history behind their traditional drink. We were all offered a shot of local vodka, perfect since we had not eaten anything and felt like death. The day was looking up as I tripped over a table, the vodka went straight to my head.

After this we headed to the revolution museum. (Still no food) This was not something either of us was in the mood for but we followed our group and thought it would be a speedy visit. Quite the opposite. I have visited a lot of museums in my life but never have I experienced such a massive exhibit with so many rooms. It took us 2 and a half hours to push through the whole thing. On the verge of collapse by the time we were done having not eaten anything for 7 hours we ditched our group and ran to Pizza Hut. Saviour in our time of need!