HOT NEWS FROM THE TRAVEL FRONT

We're in the middle of an unusual heatwave here in Russia, and since the G-8 Summit hasn't started yet, it can't be due to bureaucratic hot air. Our unofficial temperature reading at Red Square in Moscow Tuesday was 95 degrees. And it's even more fun on Russian airliners, where they don't turn on air conditioning until reaching cruising altitude. It had to be over 100 while waiting to take off on the one-hour (seemed like four) flight back to St. Petersburg. Hey, it's like a "bonus sauna"! Ah, but no real complaints overall. The Regent Seven Seas Navigator is a fabulous ship with wonderful service, and the short excursions fascinating. Just being at the Kremlin and touring Red Square was incredible. St. Petersburg, known by some as the "Venice of the north" has beautiful canals and palaces. Still the contradictions in Russia everywhere: Capitalism vs. communist tendencies; new money vs. pensioners who long for socialist stability; churches back in business and other expressions of freedom even as Putin tightens his grip. Hey, the old KGB man is in charge. This country is going to be very interesting to watch as politics and world dynamics heat up in coming months. That's why it's curious that NBC has just closed it Moscow bureau (following the lead of another network):
www.showbizdata.com/contacts/picknews.cfm?id=41801
Maybe they have to put more news resources into chasing Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stories.
It's not surprising that most Americans are clueless about international news.
And here in St. Petersburg the G-8 Summit begins shortly after we leave the port Wednesday night. Despite the historical heritage and beauty, there are problems under the radar, too.
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/11/world/main1790666.shtml
Of course, like anywhere in the world, you can see what you want to see.