The centre of operations for several tv companies including the BBC and CNN was this kindergarten. This pic also shows the BBC's armoured Land Rover. It arrived back one day having been in to Grozny with a crater in the window next to the driver's head having been fired at by a sniper. A CNN cameraman got shipped home after arriving back with a similar crater in the back of his flack jacket, only the kevlar plates saving his life.

A typical evening's entertainment in the Kindergarten (note the kiddie-sized furniture which is all we had). This usually consisted of the guy in the trendy red white and blue shellsuit who we nicknamed Uncle Vanya proposing toasts to all and sundry - Wife, mother, children, love after handing round seemingly endless cups of vodka. It was difficult to refuse when "toast" became "special toast" - always to much the same thing - Wife, mother - you get the idea. This picture must have been before about 7 in the evening because nobody looks drunk. I'm not sure if my liver has ever been the same since.