Escape from Russia
Collectively the Russian people were glad to see our dynamic duo depart. Many people had gathered at Vladivostok airport to witness the occasion. It did not occur to them that the people may have been there for their own travel arrangements.
Tim and Ian got the Aeroexpress from Vladivostok Vokzal to the airport. The trip cost 200 rubles each, much cheaper than a taxi, and safer. The trip took 48 minutes, which was a lot faster than the previous taxi ride. It was interesting the carriage had few occupants.
The Aeroexpress appears to be a similar model train to those in Moscow. It is functional and has a moderate amount of comfort.
The last train from Vladivostok runs at 8:04 PM, so we had a while to wait at Vladivostok airport. The new facilities at the airport made the waiting comfortable. (Ian last passed through Vladivostok in August 2012, when the facilities were very Soviet)
By chance we were at the front of the queue to check in, so we got the pick of seating. We met our new best friend, Eason Qu, a medical student. He was happy to find someone speaking English, after spending 20 days in Russia. Tim resisted telling him about Boris.
As it was Saturday (27 Sep) there had been many weddings. Tim sat next to a couple going on their honeymoon, we suppose. The bride was still wearing her veil. And further forward on the plane were another couple, where the bride had flowers in her hair.
Thankfully the flight was relatively short (2:30 hours), the processing through immigration was swift, the wait for luggage was moderate, but then the drive into Beijing was lengthy. Roadworks on the Airport Expressway made it a parking lot.
Upon arrival at the Novotel, just down the street from Beijing (main) Railway Station, we were to witness the desk clerk having a heated argument with another customer, while we were being checked in. Oh, for goodness sake! We just want to get to bed. And we did, eventually.
and the keeper was more dangerous and less impressed when Timofei approached too close to the enclosure. It seems that his standard answer of “ya ne govoroo par russki” is not being understood nor well received. English is not his strong language either. When they saw one of Santa’s reindeer, they were circumspect. 
They did not mention they had consumed one of his cousins. (Alas Kevin Radd was no more – only jerky). The oryx kept pointing their behinds towards the observers. 
Maybe they had good sense. Timofei and Boris were grateful after they saw the stork had been imprisoned 
for delivering so many babies – doubt whether this fairy-tale translates to Russian folk-lore. Finally they met the cockatoo.
It was a bloody bird! How could it tell them a coded message.
The world awaits this positive outcome.
What do you see out the window of the train? Trees, trees, trees, trees, a field and an occasional village.
They traveled through birch forests which are turning orange and brown. A lovely sight.
They were proud that they are eating like the natives, standard Russian fare. They progressed to a patisserie for dessert and coffee. 
And on the way back to the hotel Timofei had to buy fruit from a kiosk (Boris did not feel that health conscious).
At that point we saw five new Chinese cars with distinctive registration plates. 
(Later we determined they were GAC Triumpchi GS5 five-door sport utility vehicles). They looked good.
Before we could find out more, a minder got the drivers back to their tasks. They certainly have set out on an adventure.
Tina gave a running commentary in perfect English as we went. She brought the town alive with historical stories and pointed out the significance of landmarks. The trip included a tour of the Kungur Ice Cave. This is an interesting geological formation. The tour of the cave was led by Olga, who pointed out in detail every grotto and rock and ice formation. The tour of the cave lasted 2 hours. We were well dressed in warm clothing for the tour, which is essential. The temperatures vary between -3C to +5C (26F to 41F).
