Nick Paton Walsh: "How I learned to love Vlad"

As it feels like a sin, then this must be a confession. I have been in Moscow for four and a half years, reporting on the presidency of Vladimir Putin - its slow erosion of democratic freedoms, its savage disregard for the individual, its petro-dollar arrogance. I've been reflexively critical, due to the obvious truth that the battered Russian people deserve something better. They have done for centuries. But now my time here has come to an end, I need to confess: I am becoming something of a Putin fan.

The Guardian correspondent in Russia Nick Paton Walsh returning home. Some kind words from he.

Let's talk

For thoose of you, who are learning Russian language. Now I had a Skype account. It is sergey.belyakov. I will train my practical English with great pleasure. So, if you want to talk with me - just call. =)

Kazan "off screen"

I didn't post such nice material for a long time! Photo exhibition Kazan "off screen" is about capital of Tatarstan - city that recently celebrate his 1 000 day of birth.

All photos are beautiful and comic, but you should know some Russian to understand image text: "Dear brothers and sisters! Candels buyed on the street are not valide in cathedral! Don't use it please.", "Muslim will do massage", "People in building" etc.