French fashion model Christiane Richard wears a bikini while drinking her morning coffee, 1950. (Photo by Nat Farbman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

French model Frédérique Bel attends the screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 18, 2022 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters)

People take pictures with public art instalation titled “GIANTS: Rising Up” by the French artist JR, at Harbour City, Hong Kong, China on March 16, 2023. (Photo by Lam Yik/Reuters)

Mexicans dressed as French soldiers carry handcrafted guns, ahead of a reenactment of the battle of Puebla between Zacapoaxtla Indians and the French army during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico City, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Monsalvo said he has been portraying Napoleon III in the annual neighborhood event for 28 years. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of an ill-equipped Mexican army over French troops in Puebla on May 5, 1862. (Photo by Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo)

This undated handout picture made available on February 3, 2016 and provided by Russia's punk band Рussy Riot shows Рussy Riot frontwoman Nadezhda Tolokonnikova performing in the band's new music video titled “Chaika” in Moscow. Russian punk band Рussy Riot, which became a symbol of resistance for a church performance slamming President Vladimir Putin, released a new protest song on February 3 mocking a senior official for alleged corruption. Titled “Chaika”, the satirical song and accompanying video take aim at prosecutor general Yury Chaika, whose two sons have been accused of using their father's position to accrue large fortunes. (Photo by Andrey Noskov/AFP Photo/Russian Punk Band Рussy Riot)

Londoners enjoy a “Silent Night” as Big Ben falls silent, London, UK on August 21, 2017. ose Allerston from Clapham, London said “After a stressful day in the office, I couldn't think of anything better than going home and climbing into bed – but when I saw this bed opposite Big Ben I just couldn't resist getting in for a snuggle”. (Photo by Imagewise Ltd/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer of Switzerland, couldn't resist the temptation to have a friendly “hit” on the world's most unique tennis court, the Helipad of the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel. Standing 321 metres high on a man made island, the majestic Burj Al Arab is without doubt the most recognizable hotel in the world. The hotel's helipad, which is situated 211 metres high covers a surface area of 415 square metres. The pictures were taken on February 22, 2005, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Getty Images for Dubai Duty Free)

Only the most intrepid urban explorers cross the tattered ruins of the old Iron Curtain to endure the excessive bureaucracy, military paranoia and freezing winds of the East to hunt for the ghosts of an empire. Rebecca Litchfield is one who couldn’t resist the haunting allure of the ruins of the Soviet Union.