Once again, they leave you in no doubt: the Soviets woz here! These lovely buildings can be admired on the drive into town from the airport.

There may well be more opportunities to admire the view, and local law enforcement. Here, as elsewhere, one is likely to be stopped by a cop. A discussion between him and the driver will follow, and usually an agreement can be reached with which to calm the copper’s ire.

I was then delivered to the best hotel in town...

Here the careful observer will note a lack of street lighting - especially disconcerting at night. But then again, chronic energy shortages make street lights a luxury anyway.

The old town could actually be quite pleasant, given a few million dollars worth of restoration.

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