long red lines across a map

There was a real sense of nervous excitement as everyone gathered in the eastern waiting hall of the Irkutsk Station. When I say everyone that is because in addition to our trio there were a number from our hostel, those we had met on Olkhon Island, and enough others that would fill the train and meant that it was standing room only in the spacious hall.

Bye bye Irkutsk

[read on]

Sitting on the final train that will make up this trip across the world’s largest country, conversation somewhat inevitably turns to trying to sum up the whole experience. In an odd turn of events the whole carriage is housing predominantly western travelers at about a nine to one ratio. Most with the same thoughts on their mind. The consensus is that taking the time to stop in more than the standard stops was crucial to the success of our time here. No-one could say that Russia is an easy country to get through. A theme that  has been repeated many times here. Yet it is easily the most rewarding and interesting country I have visited so far. [read on]

It is rather fitting that the last piece of real sightseeing that we will complete in Russia is to go see the trans-Siberian Builder's monument. There was a pleasant surprise on our return to the Downtown Hostel. Anthony had returned ... [Continue reading this entry]

In every book you read about Lake Baikal there will be a little piece about how swimming in it will add a quarter century to your life. Apparently this story only exists among western travelers. Maybe it was started by ... [Continue reading this entry]

Though Nikita's is about the only accommodation option in Khuzir nothing is stinted upon to make a stay very comfortable. A little more expensive than the oh so basic city hotels the provision of three cooked meals a day more ... [Continue reading this entry]