Sink Estate

Irkutsk

Got a place to stay in the end and a cheap one at that although it took a bit of finding. The only clue to its existence is the word "hostel" spray painted in red between two scrutty looking doors round the back of an apartment block. It's better on the inside. Went into the bathroom for a shower, on getting out I put my hand on the sink only for it to completely give way and smash all over the floor. The woman who runs the place may be the only cheerful female in Russia which was just as well. Not batting an eyelid at my dripping wet, towel-clad body she sang along to herself as she swept it all up before saying "kaput" several times and walking out again. Strange lot round here, maybe it's something in the water. Irkutsk is the only city in Russia where the stuff from the tap is ok to drink because it all comes from the lake. Hopefully its legendary medicinal powers will put me in better condition by tomorrow.