Notes from Russia, from Zubin Al Genobi
The average monthly income is $600 US in St. Petersburg. The average apartment rents for $400 US so they share a 2br.
Food is relatively inexpensive and fresh. Caviar is $40 an ounce.
A cop stopped our limo driver. A long negotiation ensued resulting in a $100 payoff to avoid a one year license suspension. This is apparently common. Doctors also require payoffs for "free" healthcare.
Submarines and warships lined the river ahead of Putins visit to his summer house. The summer house was an imperial palace.
It hailed grape sized hail. The weather was sunny and 60s with occasional rain and thunderstorms.
The port is huge. It makes Oakland look small. It must serve the entire Russian economy.