"The local community is a little thick when it comes to books and arts," Vladislav said in fluent English.

"All people think about is upgrading cars and buying stuff," he commented. But he was quick to understand the irony of somebody in real estate complaining about consumer society. He admitted that he liked expensive cars, as well.

As he talked, I could hear someone mumbling in the background. According to Vladislav, this was a great Russian writer, who was giving much better answers than him. Now and again he would pass them on like a simultaneous translator