Days 12 & 13: In Transit through Eastern Siberia

Trip Start Jun 05, 2010
1
11
12
Trip End Jun 20, 2010


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
Golden Eagle Transsiberian Express

Flag of Russia  , Far East Russia,
Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The next 2 ½ days were spent exclusively on board with a brief 20 minute stop here and there where we could stretch our legs on the platform - and stain the carpets with grease we picked up crossing the tracks – my Provodnica Tatiana was not amused! Whenever the train stopped anywhere the water was exchanged, supplies restocked and the brakes checked by a little man clonging different parts of the undercarriage with a hammer. Made us feel ever so safe.

These days were structured by regular 3-course meals, Russian classes and entertainment blocks (cinema, guitar concert by resident guitarist Alexander Saga). There was ample time to read, listen to music or just chat away with fellow travellers in the bar where the evenings ended in some beautiful songs, especially when our guide chimed in with pianist Anatoli to sing some of his compositions or Russian hits.

We were saddened by the fact that we had to leave behind one of our fellow passengers en route on grounds of illness.

The last night on the train was a lovely celebration. John the Irishman kindly lent me a polka-dotted bow tie and we were good to go to dig into our dinner of Sturgeon. Afterwards our Russian class performed 3 traditional songs – Kalinka, Moscow Nights and Ochi Chornye: great fun.  I had the honour of being soloist. Afterwards all nations present  (18!) sang a brief traditional song. This could be a national anthem or in my case "Meine Oma fährt im Hühnerstall Motorrad"- 'my grandma's riding her motorbike in the chicken coop’ (!).
Slideshow

Use this image in your site

Copy and paste this html: