Trans-Siberian

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We alighted the Trans-Siberian train at Moscow on July 26th, not really knowing what to expect from the journey.We booked ourselves into a 1st class cabin (thought this luxury would be a good way to break us in gently to the travelling life!) online when back ay home. This journey is the longest in the World! There are, I think, 3 different routes in total, you can go through Mongolia into Bejiing, or continue in Russia slightly north, or continue all the way to Vladivostok like we have.
Anyway 1st class to Irkutsk was a comfortable ride. The cabin for only the two of us meant we didn't need to share with anyone (I know terribly anti-social!) Our beds were made, had china tea cups, a wash kit, huge wall mirrors, curtains, tv storage space and music played every so often. It was quiet, peaceful, very realxing, private and the afternoon siesta seemed inevitable most days!! The carriages have an hot urn which came in very handy for hot drinks and pot noodle type of meals. We had some food, but ate in the restaurant for our main meal evry day. We bought bread, cheese, water and fruit from street sellers when the train stopped.
We expereinced 2nd class too, on our journey from Ulan Ude to Vladivostok. We shared a cabin with 2 other Russians, who didn't speak a word of English. They slept most of the day! If you did choose this oprion one day, you could end up sharing with a rather smelly Russian man, they do seem to wear a strong odor some on them! We were lucky (ish!). Both class cabins supplied bed linen and a large enough window for you to watch the scenery go by. As the days tick by, people become in need of showers but you really wonder how you've spent the hours, amazing how days pass. A good book to read, a diary to write, a blog to draft, pictures to draw, play card, listen to music, an afternoon nap, eat and drink kept us occupied.
Who travels along the trans-siberian? Everyday Russian peoplevisiting friends and family and Russian tourists.
We had fun travelling across the whole expanse of Russia.

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Photos

Trans-Siberian Train
Home for a few days

Our cabin
Before we trashed it!!

Restuarant
Vodka after dinner!

Vodka
Shots... we bought orange juice too!

Oh luxury!
Flip flops were so handy!

Comments

[Alex Yun]

Trans Sib
1st class travel is really cool, I used to travel alot across Russia, we did it this way - bought tickets in 2nd class for all the seats in the coupe so it turned out to be 1st class (save money). But today it is no more possible. If not 1st class then I only like Platzkarte (3rd class) - though there is alot more folks around - you have more space around and if lucky - exciting storytellers around. Russians are more than just stinky fellows :)) Well... I hate odors too and sometimes get into really bad situations. But this is a different story :)