Now the Far East of Russia linked to beaches and cities in the sun with direct routes from Vladivostok on low-cost airline Vietjet.
Construction has begun on a Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Novosibirsk with its opening planned for 2014.
What I wasn't expecting was just how beautiful everything looked under the sparkling white blanket of snow.
The Tu-104A was once revered around the world, and is now in the process of being brought back to its former glory.
Honour in Yakutia to Karina Chikitova, who - at the age of 4 - survived 12 days and nights alone in the Siberian wilderness.
Place your bets as Russia takes on Macau and Las Vegas to woo Pacific gamblers.
This was the generic response over the past year when I've told people about my plans to run in this Sunday's Siberian International Marathon.
A medical rescue flight to Thailand by the Emergencies Ministry brought home four Russian men to the Siberian city of Tyumen on Sunday.
Perhaps the best located hotel in Novosibirsk for those who need to be right in the city centre. A two minutes walk from the Lenin Square, ten minute drive from Novosibirsk Glavniy train station, and about 40 minute drive from Tolmachyovo airport.
Tsentralnaya Hotel is a budget option, covering the basics like free wifi, free parking, ATMs, air tickets office, sushi bar and a buffet, laundry, ironing and hairdressers.
The hotel offers studios, as well as deluxe and standard double and single rooms.
Anna Tereshkova unveils her ambitious plans to break old taboos and make Novosibirsk a capital of modern art.