READ the latest blog entry by Bourne End resident Sarah Rees, 22 is embarking on the journey of a lifetime with a three-month train trip from Russia to Thailand.

Tuesday 22nd July.

St Petersburg

What a place! Though first impressions were dreary as, just as I broke the surface from the depths of the metro the heavens exploded. I arrived in Russia wet, tired and bent double under the weight of The Bag.

But today has been bright and beautiful and I am already smitten. It has wide sensible roads (unlike London!) and seems very European, with large old buildings and iron bridges that criss-cross the waterways that divide up the city.

I walked and walked to try and get my bearings, and happened across the Hermitage which is just spine-tinglingly stunning. Despite its gawdy colours (Russians seem to go for colour and more colour) it stands magnificently in a massive square. Equally massive though was the entrance queue so I will return on Wednesday with a book!

I've seen the rooftops of St Peter from the dome of the cathedral and paced the palace where Rasputin was killed.

The weather is British-stylee although the length of days is a little eerie. I try to persuade my brain to go to bed at 11 when outside it looks like 5pm! Sun sets at 11.30 and rises at five.

Despite expecting it, I feel like a Martian with the cryllic alphabet everywhere. I cling to the phrasebook like a talisman and bless the patient waitress/shopkeeper/ticket seller as I fumble for words. Buying a bottle of water has never been so stressful!

But so far so good. Lots more to see!