Happy Hellos To You!

What is there to be happy about? As usual, pretty much everything. For starters, I’m ALIVE!

Furthermore, photos are getting processed, even as more are being taken. Not sure I’ll ever catch up, but I’ll keep trying. Anyway, here are links to a couple more new galleries:

https://balloonbill.smugmug.com/Other/Lake-Baikal-2

https://balloonbill.smugmug.com/Other/To-Kurumkan

Now, I’ve moved south just a little, to the town of Gubkinsky. Springtime is obviously getting closer, as the last two days were the first I’ve experienced in a few weeks where the high of the day was above 0°F/-18°C. It’s getting to be almost T-shirt weather!

Something I can’t help but mention again is how incredibly well I am treated everywhere, unexpectedly, over and over, often many times per day, with many extra-special treats. Each incidence surprises and humbles me. The latest was just now, when out for a walk, I went into a little coffee shop for a break. The owner served me and asked where I was from, speaking no English. After I finished the coffee, she brought me another cup, for free. She obviously wanted to give even more, to make sure I knew she was glad I was there. She went back to the counter and picked up the chocolate bar she had just opened for herself, broke it in two, then with the friendliest of smiles handed me half…

Life is good.

Bill