By Victor Marino , July 2002

Hello Jack,

I am just now getting to thank the people who assisted me on my trip to Siberia and I certainly wanted to thank you for the part that you played in helping Lena and I survive our adventure at Baikal. My preparations, at work, were really insufficient
for such a long absence. I have spent the last 4 weeks fixing the problems the came up while I was gone. In addition, 4 days after my return, I got sick with some type of flu. It lasted most of two weeks. It is probable that I acquired this illness on the
plane to Seattle.

I think that you might be interested in a review of our stay at this resort "Baikal". On dropping us at the place, you saw our minimalist accommodations. We had 1 electrical outlet in our room. This was the only place that the small electric heater
could be plugged into. The weather was cool during most of our stay. We saw the sun only a few hours each day for the first three days. This caused us to stay in our little room. We watched movies on my computer but it was constantly a choice- heat
or entertainment.

On the second day, we were able to rent a 'catamaran' (peddle boat). The sun was shining, the lake was peaceful and I was ready to challenge the largest lake in the world from the seat of my peddle boat. We took a few bottles of beer for courage,
should the sea become stormy, and peddled our way towards unfamiliar (to us) waters. I had imagined peddling out a kilometer or more and taking photos of the scenery and any fish that might swim below. As we exited the bay, a motor boat
was dispatched to bring us back to the bay. I had not understood that we were expected to stay close to the resort but Lena was able to explain that the man in the boat had insisted that we return immediately. This ended our only adventure out onto the lake. Quite a disappointment.

So, you might wonder about the food. The first evening we went to the dining room. Large and empty would best describe the place. We sat at a table next to two Germans. Our food was brought to the table and the meat dish was unfamiliar looking
to both Lena and myself. Being a bit more adventurous than Lena, I cut a piece of what looked like beef and inserted it into my mouth. Uck! Liver! Lena understood this word and wisely refused to eat it. We ate the other items provided. they were
acceptable but nothing special. The Germans excused themselves and left. I glanced at their table. Two plates of liver, untouched. We were never served liver again but the food was most unexceptional. 'Edible' is the nicest thing that I can say
about it. Lena and I both spent great time longing for the warm, dry weather of Irkutsk and the good food and service provided by the Angra Hotel's restaurant. We were unable to find transportation on the day of our departure to Krasnoyarsk,
so we departed a day early and returned to the hotel.

I greatly enjoyed touring the sites of Irkutsk. A comfortable, interesting and civilized city. I could recommend a trip there to anybody, without concern. However, 'Baikal' resort is a different story. Next time that we visit Baikal, I will ignore Lena's
wishes and contact you for a visit to Olkhon Island. I think we will also go later in summer, next time. My stay with Uncle Pasha, in Moscow, was quite enjoyable. I found him a most interesting and enjoyable host and guide. I expect to visit with
him again and I am able to recommend him highly.

Thank you, Jack, for your help,
Victor Marino