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Published: August 1st 2018
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Our group at the lakeWe left Irkutsk at 10-30 on a lovely sunny day. We drove into the countryside, heading for the largest fresh water lake in the world. Lake Baikal contains 20%of the world's fresh water and I was very excited to be able to see it. We reached the shore in about 45 minutes and stopped to take a group photo overlooking the water. Our first main stop was at the liminolgical museum, one which concentrates on the lake and its history and ecology. It was very crowded, with tour groups, not only from our train, but from China as well. LArisa took us through the different stages in the formation of the lake and then the ecology, explaining why the water is so so pure and the different organisms essential in its ecology. As we went through the exhibits we learned more about this place and then we went into the aquarium. This contained living examples of the native fish, the Omlu and the small shrimps which are vital in eating up the pollutants. Then there was a contrast in the fish present in Lake Baikal and the second largest lake, Lake Tanganyika. The final tank contained the loca seals. These are
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Local fish in the aquarium the only true freshwater seals in the world. The babies are white in fur and have very big eyes. The adults are very roly-poly and were zooming through the water upside down, quite a comical sight.
From the museum we stopped at a souvenir shop and I bought a top for myself and T shirts for small girls. Then we were taken to a small wooden church, dedicated to St Nicholas. This was built after a merchant was caught in as torm on the lake and praying to the saint he promised to build the church if he was saved. He survived dan the church was built. We stayed for a short time admiring the icons and the decoration.We then drove into Listvyanka village which was buzzing wih tourists, local and overseas. Here we had a free hour to stroll along the shore and investigate the local markets. We enjoyed walking along the lakefront, seeing the locals tanning themselves, boats collecting passengers, the same as anywhere in the world. Walking back we stopped at the local markets, seeing the fish and other products, as well as rows of souvenirs stalls. We bought a matching pendant for the earrings I
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Roly poly seals had bought yesterday. We strolled back to the hotel for lunch.Our main course was unusual but delicious, a paper boat containing a small Lake Baikal fish with a mushroom cheesy sauce over it.
After lunch we were driven to a boat which was to take us across the lake to rejoin the train. Our English speakers group managed to sit altogether right at the back of the boat where we all had chairs. It was a short but memorable trip.Back on the train we steamed along the side of the lake. We were given an opportunity, for an extra charge, to ride on the lakeside of the locomotive for a short stretch. This was great. We were behind a rail but occupational health and safety would never permit this in Australia. It was pleasant, watching the beauty of the lake while standing en plein air!! They stopped and started three times to allow as many as they could to do it. Further along the lake the train stopped at a siding next to a "beach" on the side of the lake. This was for two reasons: the first to allow those hardy souls willing to risk the coldness of
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St Nicholas Church the water to have a swim and then for us to have a BBQ dinner/picnic in the woods.A number of people ventured into the water while I enjoyed watching, The younger ones, especially had some fun. There is one carriage that is occupied by 36 people from three generations of one family holidaying together, and I thought having thirteen of us was an achievement!! The food consisted of shasliks, cooked over a wood BBQ accompanied by various salads. There was also free local wine and vodka. There was a trio of folkloric singers to entertain us as well as a "military" unit who offered the opportunity to shoot at targets as well as participate in their version of darts. The food was fine though the lineup descended into chaos when peoplle started trying to go both ways. However, it was a balmy night and very pleasant sitting in the gathering dusk, drinking our red wine and listening to the music.
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