Among the Russians

I, Melachi ibn Amillar, being of unsound mind and body,  did read Colin Thubron's book Among the Russians, which details his camping trip by car across the western Soviet Union around 1982. Quite a curious thing to do at any time, though. He gives pleasing accounts of the sights and journey, which are most interesting in the Caucasus. The locals he meets are strangely similar: morose, inquisitive, drunk and oddly blank. It would not be fascinating to find out what has happened to them since. I wonder if these traits appertain less to Soviet Man than to those who approach foreigners on campsites. The author draws no conclusions, and remains an enigma, as do even his car and camping equipment,not unlike the sphinx he observes.