From Irkutsk to UB

Day 37 - 01/07/2010 - 23:54 - In Transit, Russia

We're on our way out of Russia! We're on the train to Ulaanbaatar (UB from herein). Once again we are sharing with two women - however one is German and the other is Swedish. Both speak very good English. I was thrown at the start though as they were speaking French to each other. I found out (talking to the German woman) that they both live in Brussels which explains a lot.

The two of them are travelling the Trans-Siberian and they stopped in Moscow, Novosibirisk and Irkutsk (Listvyanka) and were now going to Mongolia on a 11 day excursion! We had quite a good chat about our Russian experience. Both seem to agree that it's expensive for what you get and there is a complete lack for the need of tourism in Russia - they don't seem to want or need it. To be honest, I've been thinking that this whole trip and apart from value that is the only other thing I didn't like about Russia. Apart from that it's beautiful.

The particular carriage we are on is different to the rest of the train - there are about 30 carriages in total - the cast majority are either going to Ulan Ude (other side of Baikal) or the Russian side of the border with Mongolia. All of the carriage staff are Mongolian and it seems much cleaner (especially the toilets)! Signs are in English as well as Russian and Mongolian (notices etc). Yay! We're both on the top bunks tonight (we forgot to specify) - hmm, should be interesting - I feel like a child again!

She also took great delight in the fact that Germany beat England 4-1 in the World Cup. She said she didn't know but I'm not so sure!

All four of us stood in the corridoor for quite some time trying to see Baikal as the train passed it - it got darker and darker and in the end we did see it - but only off the reflection of the lights in the nearby village it was so late!

So today was our last day in Irkutsk. We didn't do an awful lot - as usual taking our time to check out. We headed out of town a little to go and see the Kazan Cathedral (no, not the one in St Petersburg!) and it was stunning! We made our way back to town by foot and tram, passing the old Jewish synagouge on foot. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the parks of Irkutsk - the fine, hot weather helping quite nicely. As for tea, we went to the same place we did as on the first night in Irkutsk (Old Cafe). Unfortunately I had something different this time (chicken parcels) - they were not that nice!

We also spent some time stocking up on supplies for the train journey - including Baikal water (bottled). I also bought some Irkutsk brand vodka and some caviare which I fully intend on consuming when I have a fridge to chill them both (probably Beijing now!)

Day 38 - 02/07/2010 - 21:30 Local Time - In Transit, Mongolia

It feels nice to be out of Russia! It was a very beautiful country but we had spent a little too long with the lack of curtains and the relatively bland food. I slept OK I guess last night, my body was too small for the bed though, my feet up against the wall).

Today however, has not been all that great - certainly not as wonderful as the Mongolian mountains with the sun setting behind them - occassionally spotting a ger or two and herds of animals etc.

We've spent 7 (yes 7) hours at border stations today. Around 4 at the Russian exit point and 3 entering Mongolia! It has been very very tiresome. Sat down on the train, when you can't leave because the authorities have your passport is very very annoying! Dull dull and dull infact!

But that said, it hasn't been all that bad! My Zune and cabin friends have been more than good company! The pair that we are sharing with are VERY well travelled. The both work for the European Community (hence Brussels I guess!) and have been to around 55 countries each (although this is only the 3rd time they are travelling together!) A lot of it was with work apparently, but it's still very impressive. That said they were impressed with my 25 at such an age (we all counted Mongolia!)

We've had a few conversations, their English is fantastic and it's nice to be able to say and use such a comprehensive vocabulary with strangers and they understand you! We talked a lot about Brussels and the divide between French and Flemish speaking people as well as the Russians (again!), what Mongolia has to offer and also asking me about what I think of the UK government!

I also (quite impressed with myself) managed to read some of their guide book on Mongolie! It was all in French but I managed to read a fair bit, including the entry on Golden Gobi - whom we are staying with! Only 8.5 hours to go!!