Now we are in Irkutsk or more precise in Listvyanka at lake baikal. Much more interesting than Ulan Ude. What a lake! Lake Baikal is the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, containing roughly 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface fresh water.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_baikal
Went diving there – but I used a dry suite as it would be too cold even for me (10 or 12°C water temp). Diving was not too special, but at least now I know how dry suite diving feels like (not really mine favorite – prefer the 29°C and no suite at all diving!).
We went two time to “banyas” – Russian version of sauna where you get beaten with birch branches. Second time was even better – as it was directly at the lake in we jumped into the lake after each time (like 5 times) we went into the sauna. Yes, still 10-12°C and this time no dry suite 🙂 Was really good!!!
Lake Baikal is really worth a visit…