Day 1:

Not the start we wanted…in fact if you could have asked us for a worst case scenario then this would have come close. Ms Pattison did actually say, “this is my worst nightmare”. I don’t think she was joking. Happy Birthday by the way…

We got to Doha airport where we lost 9 fellow comrades due to the lack of transit visas 4 the Pakistani, Indian and Sudani students. We feel saddened and in no short measure, guilt ridden by the “needless loss” of President Pattison and her crew. Mr Williams and the rest of us got to Frankfurt airport…just. duty free shopping was really exciting, buying cheap stuff (like coke zero, traditional McDonalds…with fish??)$$$$.

Arrived in St Petersburg at about 2 pm (no time diff) and discovered that Mo Ali's and Dimas's bags were still in Frankfurt. We were whisked along through the city and given a brief explanation of everything, its historical and political significance. The roads are brilliantly designed, very wide and geometrically logical. The buildings are all tall and grand. We are in the hotel now (Hotel Andersen if you want to look it up), most people are having a nap.

Just got word that the others should be joining us sooner rather than later which is fantastic news!! Can't wait to see them, it wouldn't feel right doing it without them.