I'm fascinated to read about your language problems - like you say, Russia is scary enough, but it doesn't take long to figure out the basics. The idea of being in a properly foriegn land and suddenly being illiterate and dumb is scary indeed! I've been looking at a fortnight long tour/holiday to China I've seen advertised - but it's with a small(ish) tour group. While it looks fantastic, it feels a bit wimpish not to do it totally independantly - but I think you've confirmed that I'm not *quite* that brave ;) (Not that I can actually afford this holiday, but I can dream, can't I?)

How are you now that you are back? It must be a bit of a culture shock to be home too, after your adventures. Are you returning to London?