Boris got me onto the train Ok , turned on his heel and bye - he was gone. Four berth cabin and was joined by natasha (Doctor) Sergie (officer) and Vitalie (railways engineer). Not one could speak engish hardly but we conversed Ok after a bottle of vodka was produced. Slept well that night.

You can travel so far on a loaf, slab of cheese and a wadge of salami. 4500 km to be exact. landscape were varied with forests, plains, towns, cities. train stoped about every 2 - 4 hours for between 2 and 20 mins. There were lots of stalls selling everything from beer to food. Crack was good but was glad to step off in Ulan Ude.

Went to a four night homestay in the wilds near lake Balkai. Step back 100 years. toilet was rough, food was delicious, vodka was with every meal. Went ice fishing through a hole cut in the ice. Temperatures were about - 10C at 8Am and up to +2 maybe but a biting wind. Also went out with a hunter to the forest to check traps on a horse and cart. Only method of transport. Really enjoyable but back on the train and this time a few english speakers from new Zealand and Holland. Good crack all the way to the border and Customs. Thats another story.