Day 19

Distance Covered: 80 miles

Total Distance Covered: 3610 miles

Heading into Astrakhan, not liking the prospect of any more wild city driving we opted for the rather swanky Radisson Park Inn, not exactly experiencing the local culture I know but they would at least be professional enough to register our visa’s officially which was all we really cared about (and of course the allure of air conditioning and good showers). Four long showers later we headed out on our stomp round astrakhan. First things first I (Joe) was in desperate need of flip-flops so a short quest later and I was the proud owner of a 2euro pair from the local supermarket. Starving, we then found the closest fast food joint (a McDonalds I’m ashamed to say) and re-fuelled. The guidebook we had informed us that the only real site of interest here was an old fort or kremlin in Russia so of course we sought this out. After debating the benefits and effectiveness of immunisation, asking a few people for directions and what seemed like a very long walk in the baking 36degree heat we found it, unfortunately because of our mindset we were not overly impressed and after a quick look round we headed back. More showers and relaxing ensued and some very warm rum and cokes from the van before heading out in search of a bar of some description. After almost giving up the quest, a last desperate cry for help to a bunch of local youths led us to little bar run by a Frenchman, After a couple of rounds he came over, intrigued as to why we were in Astrakhan, after explaining ourselves we were treated to shots of his personal brand of flavoured vodka, nervously we accepted but to out amazement it was not only drinkable but actually damn nice. At closing time we had a taxi called for us and we headed back. A few more drinks at the hotel bar and a disastrous attempt from Rob at helping the bar girl pour a pint and half our party decided it was time for bed (with hindsight, very sensibly). More drunken debates and countless drinks later we finally made it to bed at 6am (not that I remember).