Remains from the Zhokhov island in the East Siberian Arctic show trained sled dogs existed almost 10,000 years ago.
The Australian travel company is revolutionising the image of Siberia in the outside world.
My only knowledge of Russia came from Hollywood movies, James Bond films in particular - though I was aware that From Russia with Love was made back in 60s.
Avelina Antsiferova fulfilled her life's dream when she sat in cockpit of wartime Douglas C-47, 69 years after kissing her papa goodbye for last time.
Huge economic boost from upgrade to Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian lines.
He landed onto the track in minus 40C wearing only a T-shirt, shorts and slippers. He had left his compartment to go for a cigarette.
'We're Russian Koreans,' comes the reply.
Feeling ill during foreign assignment, she was sent alone on 300 km train journey less than 48 hours before she died of serious blood infection.