The rotor has gone on the alternator- this had been recently repaired but has now gone again and so currently I am waiting for DHL's finest to deliver a replacement rotor to me as quickly as they can.
I have got good company, some backpagkers and also Colebatch is in town - from the Sibirsky Extreme Project. He is my current roommate and has turned out to be as messy as I am.

He has been regaling me with stories about how cold Siberia is now- in response I have gone out and stocked up on various items of cashmere clothing (it's very cheap here)ranging from socks and gloves to a jumper and hat- I'n going to need it.
I have got 6000kms of Siberia to get across to reach Vladivostock.