Four years ago I enjoyed a trip to Russia. Getting the visa was tricky enough but I am guessing it will be slightly more tricky these days given recent events in Ukraine.

I thought, following events of the past 10 months, it would be good to revisit what I wrote at the time not to mention share some of the the photos you have not seen so far.

The trip was with a group and centred on two locations – the first being Moscow before moving onto St Petersburg by train.

I had visited St Petersburg previously, in 2012 during a Baltic cruise, but that was just two days so it was interesting to experience more of Russian life and culture.

It would be good to go back at some point when things have calmed down considerably.

BTW the relevance of the Tayto crisps is, I am reliably informed by Irish friends, they an institution on both sides of the Irish border and bizarrely two different companies picked the same name but totally unconnected.

Holyhead: Wednesday, September 26, 2018:

When I headed for Holyhead and left Carlisle there was a splash of rain which was unusually warm.

There was already a mix up with the trains – they were not running to Warrington Bank Quay because of signalling problems in the London area bizarrely.

I got sat next to a group of happy Scots who were travelling to London to watch a game while playing Catchphrase and drinking Tennants.

I caught the next London train so I would probably get into Holyhead an hour later than expected and then caught a connection to Chester which was a very creaky train.

My connection to Holyhead was another rickety train but it seemed to be making good progress. This time my fellow passengers included the local nutter and a drunk couple.

I finally arrived at 8.15pm and picked up a sandwich before exploring the nightlife.

I have to admit I have been feeling apprehensive about this trip. Probably all the uncertainty about the visa and seeing journalists and film crews getting hassled by the security forces. Having said that I have been to St Petersburg before and that was fine – apart from stern border guards – so we shall see.

Mobile phone reception was rubbish and I ended up in a bar watching classic episodes of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – although there was no coughing – and Bullseye – yes they actually could have won a speedboat!

Moscow: Thursday, September 27:

I hung around the ferry terminal before a relatively smooth crossing to Dublin where I managed to get some sleep before catching a taxi to the airport.

The driver was surprised to hear I was going to Russia – especially as I am a journalist – he said “don’t go buying any perfume” which I thought was good advice.

I caught my flight where I was sat next to a one of my fellow Travel Department group and enjoyed a cheese sandwich and coffee.

At Frankfurt I found the connecting flight to Moscow and the airport has great reclining seats in the waiting area. It was strange seeing the actor Clive Owen in an advert speaking German.

I spoke to a couple of my fellow passengers – a mother and son called Caroline and Rob who are also part of the group – and sat next to the same TD person (Carmel) on the two-hour flight to Moscow as I did on the first flight.

The evening meal was chicken and pasta and I watched the Sun setting over the wing of our aircraft.

We were picked up at the airport and our guide is called Olga and our driver is Alexander.

Apparently there was an Indian Summer – on Monday it was 26°C but then it turned colder.

The journey to the hotel was a minimum of one hour and the hotel is a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Pubs, bars and shops are all nearby and we are advised to not drink the tap water but it is okay if it is boiled before making tea and coffee.

There was an ATM in the hotel and a bank nearby – but you need to show your passport.

One Euro = 78 Roubles. Bottled water is 60 Roubles. If I need Wi-Fi I need to ask at reception.

I checked in okay but by this time it was midnight local time. I sussed out safe and Wi-Fi.

The room is okay but there is a musty smell – particularly in the bathroom.