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Articles Tagged ‘nature’

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The Eye of Siberia

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

When doing some research for our Baikal excursion this gem was found; “under Russian conditions nothing is easier than getting to Olkhon Island.” Once a price for the ride had been negotiated and the other passengers had shown up this proved accurate.  For the next seven hours we watched as the scenery changed from city to industry and finally to beautiful taiga countryside.

There is a paradox in Siberia that nature is so overwhelming and extensive that the industry using these resources is very dirty.  As though to make itself known in a setting that would otherwise be uninterested.  A particularly striking image was an actual river of smoke from a single factory.  Perfectly clear sky marred by a brown line twisting away to where the blue was met by the grassland. [read on]

Where Anthony Makes An Appearance

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

It is quite easy to spot other backpackers on the trans-Siberian.  Even as out of practise as we have been through lack of opportunity these past few weeks.  So while waiting for 11:15pm to roll around it is a nice surprise to see a young guy come into the waiting hall and stand beside his green pack.  The ability to differentiate is possible because locals travel in one of three ways.  No luggage at all or maybe an overnight bag.  Even if the journey is nearly two days long.  Otherwise they will be lugging one of those ungainly square rice bags, the largest size only.  Or else it may be a collection of string tied boxes.  Rarely a suitcase and never a backpack.  So Anthony, for this was his name, really stood out.  A Scot who lives in Northern Ireland as we found out in the preliminary conversation.  Then our train was finally announced but we would see him again soon enough as he was booked into the same Irkutsk hostel.  Yes a hostel, and we know where it is.  This time was going to be easy. [read on]

Joyous Nature

Monday, September 7th, 2009
Krasnoyarsk is a place that makes itself very hard to like.  The buildings are dour and the sky has not changed its dark gray complexion.  Most likely because of the continuous smoke you can see belching from the smokestacks across ... [Continue reading this entry]