Our conversation with two Irkutsk residents now lead to the next stage of our Trans-Siberian trip: looking at the pre-historic origins of modern-day Buryat.
The old, wooden Decembrist buildings of Irkutsk look fascinating to visitors and tourists, but we find out that there are real issues for those who live in them.
Continuing our interview with two Irkutsk residents, we look at mentalities and attitudes of the people of the city towards tourists and other matters.
Visiting Irkutsk offers an opportunity to see a game of Bandy - a sport which combines soccer and hockey on ice - as well as the regular visitor experiences of seeing churches, museums and art galleries.