Blogs from Centre, Russia, Europe

Suzdal is a chocolate-box town, known as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the Golden Ring. Every building is pretty and different to the ones around it, and although Suzdal is famed for its churches, the real pleasure is just in walking around the town and taking in the sleepy atmosphere. Arriving on a quiet, sunny morning was unreal, and I felt like we were in a model village. The highlights of my day were both musical, and both in the St Euthimius Monastery. Firstly the hourly chiming of the bells, playing a chaotic, lively dance tune over a steady droning beat. Overall it reminded me of Hitchcock soundtracks, which was eerie in the quiet, deserted monastery grounds. Later we were looking around the church, the only people there apart from one couple, when three monks, ... read more

Moved on to Vladimir today. Although the journey was only 3 hours, and was in the middle of the day, we are now officially on the Trans-Siberian route, so were in a sleeper car (3rd class, since we were only sitting). Even during the day on the Trans-Siberian there are many people lying around on their beds, and we were issued with bunks and bedsheets, even though we had no intention of using them. And, of course, the radio is playing (music and, apparently, comedy programmes) and many sales people are passing through the train, selling food and souvenirs. Excited for the forthcoming longer journeys! The Winter Olympics are coming to Sochi next year, and Russia is excited. The official kit is prominently displayed in shop windows in GUM, and it is not uncommon to see ... read more

5 décembre 2012, Moscou Snif snif! Le train est fini… déjà! Depuis le temps qu’on rêvait au Trans-Sibérien, c’est déjà terminé, je n’en reviens pas comme ça va vite. D’ailleurs, on a passé le cap du 300 jours de voyage! Mais je ne pourrai pas dire que j’ai fait le TransMongolien au complet puisque nous sommes arrêtés un arrêt avant Moscou, à Vladimir, pour aller à Suzdal. En campagne! Pendant le trajet de bus d’une heure, j’avais l’impression de me balader dans la campagne québécoise. Des fermes par-ci par-là, dans des champs de foin séché, couverts d’une mince couche de neige balayée par le vent. Avec des gens qui embarquent et débarquent aux croisements de deux rangs, sortis de nulle-part. En débarquant du bus, au croisement d’un rang-pis-d’la-main, je me pensais presqu’Ã... read more

I started the day early in Moscow. The weather was miserable, mist and rain the order of the day. My hotel was in the North of the city and about twenty minutes on the metro from the centre. I had not really eaten much over the last four days on the train so when I saw the buffet breakfast in the hotel I was straight up there, three times in fact. Now replenished and ready to go I headed out with map in one hand and the guide book in the other. I asked the hotel reception for some directions " just follow the crowds " was all I was told. I soon found the line of down beat Russians all heading off to work for the day, I tagged along and soon found the metro ... read more