Landing at evening time in Moscow during one of their October revolutions (this one was Oct. 1993) the jumbo jet had to take 'lift off' again so fast (not an easy task) as it was announced that another plane was heading towards the one I was in... both on the same runway ! it was a very bad start and didn't help my feelings on my own in the airport later (the plane landed safely) : )) seemed very dark and the place was full of journalists. all men, all seemed to be wearing dark long coats and hats and giving a feeling of being very 'crowded' fright crept in so badly I froze completely...horrible not to be able to actually be and do what one has to but, eventually pulled myself together (with the help of Olga, a beautiful friendly receptionist who let me sit behind her desk for a while... until I got unfrozen ) :: ) I got ok, and got a taxi. it was snowing lightly in the darkness on a journey which took appox. one hour to an arranged place to stay that night all went very well from then on. I enjoyed all I saw and the people I met. very much. most are a wonderful warm hearted people with a great sense of humour. As I was out and about walking a lot it was best to hide my compact camera and 'dress down' so as not to look like a tourist and 'be as safe as possible'. on the train to Siberia I got a few shots. I arrived home in one piece a week later. the visit is something to remember always. writing for a police magazine they covered the story on three glossy pages, with a few photos included (the awful badly photographed snapshots) :))) a newspaper article was printed also (on two different pages) police and all the people I met were very kind and helpful, making me very welcome during my visit to their country