Yekaterinburg Day 2

We had a good sleep the bed only a double could have been bigger, we were tired the previous day was a long one. Started exploring the city around 11:00 it was colder than the day before – 9 C. Thermals are a must and we both have DLX jackets great for this climate. Our main plan was to go up the Vistosky Building 53 stories high with a viewing platform. But we could not see the building due to the mist and pollution could see the sun was appearing so would try later on in the afternoon. There is a lot of sculptors in the center and walking open malls. The people we met were friendly and helpful except the railway station porter.

Next to the our hotel was the modern theme barber shop I walked in and a guy spoke English and said did I have an appointment told him I did not but one of the barber guys said he would do my hair and trim the beard. Got the shampoo and rinse part and he trimmed my hair not short for this climate and then he trimmed the beard washed my hair again and dried it and the price was just over £10. 

Went to the Russian restaurant for more Borscht soup and it certainly warmed us up. Then made our way to the Vistosky Building the 2nd highest building in Russia apparently the highest is in Moscow. It was a bit hazy and you could see the pollution from the big chimneys. The views were good came down and walking back towards our hotel came across the Scotch Bar had to go in there. The barman was wearing a kilt and there was a lot of Scottish memorabilia on the walls with pictures of famous UK rock groups. I could have been back in Aberdeen or Edinburgh. Penny had a stout and loved it and we ate raw herring pickled onion and warm potatoes a Russian dish and mushroom wrapped in bacon in a dough batter and we dipped them in a curry mustard sauce , both dishes were lovely.

Found a supermarket looked like the equivalent of MS a bit pricey but we need provisions for our 50 hour rail trip departing at 03:30 tomorrow morning. From our last long train trip they did not have much of anything except Vodka. Penny got a bottle of Vodka so she will be happy.  Dropped the provision off in the hotel and back to our favourite Russian restaurant but unfortunately no Borscht soup so had salad and meat balls. Off to bed earlier than normal tonight to get a few hours of sleep once settled into our first class carriage we will have some more sleep.