When in Russia, I’m always reminded of the burning FAQ’s I have yet to address. For example, ‘Why Are All Russian Women On The Internet?’

Very few people are aware that all these virtual hotties and Kournikova leg-alikes on the net are just ordinary shop assistants.

Quite simply, Russian shop assistants are unable to meet anyone in the normal way. Not even their customers. The ubiquitous Soviet kiosk is designed in such a way that eye contact - or any other contact - is impossible. One serves or is served through a prison style handhole. The only touchy feely possibilities are a jar of Bulgarian pickles and a few roubles in change.

My local Novgorod corner shop. God knows who works in it.

Even in the open markets, Russian modesty forbids women to be seen and the produce is always piled higher than any hair-do, like an inverted veil. Can you spot the woman in this picture?

About the only possibility of meeting a Shop Olga in the wild is on her cigarette break. Note that, in dating agency profiles, Olgas never admit to being either smokers or shop assistants. But every picture tells a story. I took this expose round the back of the rinuk.

Myesta Delya Kurenia - Free Range Olgas In Smoking Area