My only knowledge of Russia came from Hollywood movies, James Bond films in particular - though I was aware that From Russia with Love was made back in 60s.
What I wasn't expecting was just how beautiful everything looked under the sparkling white blanket of snow.
Tomsk mountaineers had radioed for help but rescuers failed to reach them in time.
Place your bets as Russia takes on Macau and Las Vegas to woo Pacific gamblers.
Tragedy as mother and 9 year old girl cannot escape after car sank.
Alexander Chepurnov had already recovered once when he re-infected himself in an experiment.