Thanks Ratty, MrChile, Ray and Chris.
Long time getting back here- my apologies.
Away from the big cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, the people were much friendlier looking and acting. Especially down in Uzbekistan. Nobody ever objected to my obvious presence- they just ignored me mostly- which was what I wanted.
Yes, I was a teacher... schools and in the tourist industry (lecturer, narrator, guide, etc.) Most of my non-school teaching was in the extended summer seasons in Alaska, freeing me the rest of the year.
The wheel and tire? I have no idea, but your ideas sound entirely reasonable .
Charlie
