more memorable to Yuri Borisenko than his first trip to Bermuda.

The Moscow realtor was here to visit his friend Thad Outerbridge, whom he had met in the United States.

"I met Thad in Moscow,''he said. "He was in Russia in 1992, and I was extended an invitation to come and visit Bermuda. It's very nice, and I'm deeply impressed.'' After a 131 hour journey, which included stops in Montreal and Toronto, Yuri arrived in Bermuda on Christmas Eve.

He didn't come unprepared though.

"I had an idea of what to expect. When I decided to come I researched. I wanted to know about the history of Bermuda and all of the special places.'' To celebrate Christmas, Yuri went to church and then to Thad's brother's home for a traditional Christmas dinner.

Boxing Day events found him on a boat trip, sightseeing from Hamilton to St.

George, and also at the beach for a swim.

"Yes, it was cold, but nice,'' he said with a laugh.

Yuri has a remarkable command of the English language. In fact, he speaks it almost as well as a native. This is especially helpful because his job requires him to work with many foreign clients. But learning the language wasn't easy.

"It was very difficult for me. I started to learn when I was young. In college I studied Engineering, but took English classes as an additional subject.'' Since the breakup of the former Soviet Union, life has become quite good for Yuri.

"Life has changed for me since the end of communism. For instance, we now have an economy. That didn't exist before ---- at least it wasn't `real'. It has changed for me personally. I think it has changed for the better, but it's like going to the doctor. In order to heal the patient, sometimes you need surgery. At times it has been very painful.'' "Some people in Russia are making a lot of money. They don't always do it legally, but they seem to be doing OK. My salary is quite good.'' The 30-year-old is divorced, and currently lives in an apartment in Moscow with his parents. His elder brother is married and lives in a nearby town.

Yuri stresses the importance of voting. "I voted for Yeltsin. I didn't vote for Zhirinovsky.'' Vladimir Zhirinovsky is the controversial ultra-nationalist politician who recently won a place in the Russian Parliament. Zhirinovsky has promised Russians that he will restore the Russian Empire and solve all of the nation's economic headaches.

"The situation is so complicated. Any changes may enable the anti-Yeltsin groups (to advance their causes). Sometimes it's (the political situation) absolutely ridiculous.'' Yuri has also dined at that most American of restaurants -- McDonald's.

"I've been to McDonald's. In fact we have three. The choice is limited -- they have hamburgers, salads, and desserts. But more and more private restaurants are being opened.'' One problem Russians are being faced with is "who owns what''. Just before the collapse of the Russian monarchy, many aristocrats and "White'' Russians fled the country, leaving behind homes, land and property.

"Some people are coming back to claim what they possessed before,'' Yuri said. "But so much time has elapsed and a lot of the beautiful places have become national museums.'' "Many people would like to see the return of the Russian court. There are many (with titles) I know personally. Every now and again they get together as a sort of society club. They're doing their best to revive the monarchy.'' In addition to the economic reforms, and the return of some of its citizens, Russia has begun to see the return of religion and the building and restoring of churches.

"During communism, many churches were destroyed -- more than 240. Now little by little, whatever still exists, the government is trying to restore.'' And Yuri wants everyone in Bermuda to know what a lovely place Russia is.

"You must come and visit. There are many beautiful place to see. Come and see the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kremlin. Visit the Russian Art Gallery and St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square.'' But for now, Yuri is enjoying his Christmas visit. "It has been nice. Bermuda is a very interesting and beautiful place.'' IN FROM THE COLD -- Moscow realtor Yuri Borisneko.