Our site was unavoidably offline for nine days, and we want to thank our loyal readers from all over the world for the amazing messages we received on our Facebook and Twitter during our absence. 

Your interest and enthusiasm for Siberia and the Russian Far East means so much to us.

The thirst for knowledge about the seven time zones we seek to cover - from the Urals to the Pacific - is inspiring.

We are already updating with some of the missing stories and pictures from the period when we were away.

Listening to your comments, we hope in the coming months to bring you much more great photography, highlighting Siberia and its nature, as well as showing how people live here, and more science and archaeology stories .

In our absence, we've been noticed by Mashable, who focus on some of our stories, but not others. Fair enough. 

As ever, our point is this. We want to challenge some of the worn stereotypes about Siberia, and open a few windows on this vast and vibrant territory, that includes much of the last remaining wilderness on the planet.

Here are a few of the many comments we received on Facebook:

Pamela Storer: Please come back soon. Not only lovely pictures, but great articles, especially the updates on archaeological finds in your area.

Cindy Burton: No worries, stuff happens. i love your posts, and learning about your truly incredible part of the world.

Janice Marie: Thank you so much for introducing me to the beauty and magic of Siberia. It has been a gift. From New Jersey, USA I wish you the best of luck. Hurry back.

Robert Cousins: Hope to see you back soon! Love the beautiful nature photos you put up showing your country in all its majesty. Rob from Dublin, Ireland.

Derya Yaylak: Thank you for the fantastic stories, wonderful pictures and news! Hope you come back soon! Good luck

Ann Williams: Come back soon! We need your stories from the real world. Meanwhile, your pictures from paradise will still enchant us.

Great to see you again!