Dear Ann

Not sure what I said in the last email but ignore it. In fact, don't tell Phil, but it's been a blast! We're back in range to send emails again and I should be home in another 30 hours. Looking forward to seeing you and catching up on what I've missed.

I must say that when we first met our contacts Ivan and Ruggy we were a bit concerned, but they turned out to be great guys. I think the fact that I had some whiskey in my carry-on was helpful (those travel guides are so useful!) and they consumed that while we got roasted on Russian vodka. Their English was a bit up and down but they had some great sailor stories! I tell you these guys live life to the full. The captain was an interesting guy. Young chap, we realised on closer inspection, but from a long family of sea captains. He was incredibly well informed on history, his great grandfather was one of the 'white' Russians but his Dad and Granddad were in the Soviet navy. We talked politics and capitalism and the cold war and naval battles. And we saw whales. And an iceberg. And a sea lion. It was really fun! We played cards (not gambling, male bonding!) and even though I lost my pants I did gain some nice Russian navy gear!

Oh yeah, the bloke in the Parka. It was the wildlife man's wife! He was a nut, but she came out of her shell quite a bit, I can tell you. That was a night!

Anyway this trip has really made me think about what I'm doing with my life. You only get one life, I think, and we've been given an opportunity with our lottery win. Once we are married I'm really going to do something!

Anyway,

love you soon

Simon.