In the tiny Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport everything was smooth: no questions from immigrations, no questions or bribe suggestions at the customs (but they screen all luggage). In front of the airport (left side) bus 63 was waiting just for me (other 11 pax took a taxi). I paid 14 roubles for me and another 14 for my backpack (it is worth to have some Russian money – I did not see any exchange office in the airport).
Bus took me to the railway station. It is not busy (no rail connection to the mainland Russia) so the institution of the babushka-room does not exist here. I went to the cheapest hotel in town – Moneron Hotel just near the station. A room with share bath and WC costs already 1100 roubles (1 USD is worth 29 roubles). From the window I see Lenin Square with a huge statue of Lenin. In the reception you can read main local daily paper: Sovyetsky Sakhalin. No much changes…
