Today they rode a little more than 300km in 23°C (73°F). When they entered the city Khabarovsk they took a side road and after a little while they met the police and decided to ask for directions. Of course they didn't understand a word but soon a couple with a small child in their car arrived and the husband, Alexai, knew about 3 words of English. They managed to make him understand that they were looking for a hotel by calling Alexei's friend (who spoke English) and Einar explaining their dilemma to him and then him translating to Alexei, problem solved. They followed Alexei to the main tourist hotel of the town. It's been wonderful to experience how helpful the people are and it's much appreciated.

At the hotel they booked a room and took a hot and long awaited shower which was needed after riding in the heat and dust. They soaked the riding gear and left it in the bathtub for a while.

There's a beauty salon at the hotel and Sverrir took a seat and asked to get a buzz cut. The poor girl hesitantly asked if he was sure that's what he wanted, and yes he was. Satisfied that the customer is always right she cut his hair. Next Einar got in the chair and asked for the same. This is probably the first and only time she's had two customers asking for this the same day as she looked very confused during all of this. But they got their buzz cuts in the end. However the beards were left alone.

Today is their mother's birthday and she's celebrating with her husband in Paris. They called to wish her a happy birthday as do all of us here.

There are good pictures on Google Earth from Khabarovs, amongst them some from a beach that's close to their hotel and the plan is to go there and take a look for themselves.

Happy June 17th from Russia