A Russian immigration stamp in my book, last time I was here I didn't get one and they said I could not go ashore, this time the boys seemed to be in better "spirits" or had been to the local for half a day before arriving on board. All was stamped and sealed with the usual "presents" ( Marlboro, Gevalia, Famous Grouse etc.)from the old man. One has to keep the wheels of industry greased, just depends on the grease ....
We are at a loading depot, where the cargo arrives by train and tank wagons, the original colour of the wagons is hard to tell, probably because of the loading method, when they see oil pouring out of the top then its full, each tank has black streaks all over the side, looks really professional.....
The post communist wealth has not spread itself to the paint industry here, the place could do with a lick of paint, or to be more realistic a shipload of paint, as the grey concrete look is so 80's. It's hard to know how the place goes around at all, I suppose it is down to priority, basic as possible seems to be the level their at.
Off to Germany next, Hamburg according to the best guesses, the definition of efficiency will be changing radically in 3 days when we arrive there.
more reflections later, bye for now.Tim|||114395016039677250|||