The Happy Ending Story

(This should be read after A Story with a Happy Ending – a somewhat unflattering portrait of Russia.)

On our final night, probably ever, in Russia we ended up camping close to the Georgian border in the forecourt of a cafe/petrol station (avid fans will recall my blog post ‘Service Without a Smile‘ and know how these work). It was really cold outside so, having eaten in the cafe, we smuggled in a bottle of wine and some beer to drink in the warmth. We were half way through a rather dull game of Scrabble (yes – Captain was winning) when the friendly security guard approached for a chat and to give us some sweets.

He wanted us to take a photo of him but, having done so on the iPad, we couldn’t email it to him as there was no internet. Thinking it would achieve nothing more than solve the problem, I went and fetched the Polaroid camera so that we could give him something. It would be an understatement to say he loved it…..he was blown away 🙂 We then spent the next hour or so giggling away while taking photos. It was hilarious. We had the fuel attendant coming in to pose; the cook from the cafe; the lady that worked in the shop; the rather glamorous lady in the fuel kiosk – all the time our security man was directing and staging each shot.

He was so enamoured that, like an enthused child, he sorted his collection from his favourite to least favourite. As regulars came in to the cafe the photos would be passed around and admired. He kept touching his heart and saying ‘spasibo’ (Russian for thank you). The next morning the cook left clutching her collection and the fuel attendant only drove off after stopping to say thank you for his three photos.

We always knew that the Polaroid would woo children but never imagined that it would also bring such joy to adults. In that one evening we, with absolutely no common language, finally got to fall in love with our Russian comrades. Now that really is a happy ending.