Spacewalking is hard work; the suit needs airing out afterwards. Here's how the Russians dry their gloves

If Soyuz has an emergency and we land in water, we put on our 'форель' suit to get out. It means 'trout'

'Rocket Man'. It was fun to film! On Global TV this Saturday at 7PM: http://goo.gl/atM2G

Dock with the Space Station - this is the probe-and-cone that connects Soyuz to ISS. See how it works?

How to Fly a Spaceship: my instructor's notes on Manual Approach and Docking theory. Ouch!

Russian Spacewalking Gloves - not very easy to work in, especially when the suit is pressurized

On Frozen Pond - even without the sign, I wasn't tempted to go for a swim today. Star City, Russia

Putting on a Russian spacesuit: you climb in from the back and shut the door (in blue thermal underwear)

How do you sleep in space? In this bag! Note the armholes, foot flap, and straps to tie yourself to the wall

Orlan Spacesuit training on Thanksgiving Day with Oleg and Evgeni - crewmates! 1 yr, 2 days til launch

How does an astronaut protect his pumpkin pies? Happy American Thanksgiving! (from a Canadian in Russia)

Russian spacewalk trainer in Star City - suits are suspended to simulate weightlessness

It's hard to reach in a spacesuit - to help, here's the Shuttle 'swizzle stick' vs the Soyuz "Указател"

Mystery island is Bermuda! 1st correct answer was @vy2hf in PEI. Harder question: where's this?

I took this in 2001 because it was beautiful. You can see the dredged harbour channel. Where on Earth is it?

despite the clever camouflage, I still managed to find the Soyuz simulator today

There's lots to think about when you're wearing a pressure suit inside a spaceship preparing for launch

Mystery Space Hardware - guess what this is! Hint: it's used in 'Zvezda', the Russian Service Module

Custom-poured Soyuz shock-absorbing seat; KX are my initials, knee straps hold legs in place, blue pole for comm

Local Russian fresh fish market. The live Carp were 140 rubles/kilo (2 $/lb)