Many people asked me; “Why Russia?” Well, I wanted to see its vast nature, to learn Russian, to understand its history a bit better, and also to see the face of multicultural Russia. It is a country with over 100 different languages and many nationalities. As many of you might know, Slovakia, at that time part of Czechoslovakia, was heavily influenced by Russia during communism. Therefore, since I was a child I have heard quite a bit about this country (bad and good), and that’s why I wanted to visit and make my own opinion.
I boarded a train heading to Russia. It took me 2 nights to get to Moscow, where I had a quick look around, and then jumped on another train all the way to Siberia, to the magic Lake Baikal, which was my home for next half a year. The ride took around 90 hours (4 nights). Almost all my friends were telling me that I was crazy. But it passed quite quickly. I wasn’t bored at all and didn’t even start knitting the socks I had planned to make.
In total, to cross the country from Moscow to Vladivostok is just a bit under 10,000 km, only around 7 days on the train. The trains are still a lot cheaper than flying and also probably the safest way of transportation in Russia, that's why they are quite full and you have to get your ticket ahead of time.
I took the 3rd class, where there are no coupes. The whole wagon is divided with sidewalls in sections (kind of like a coupe), but no doors with 6 people per section. The main activities on the train are eating, and if you are a Russian guy, drinking lots of vodka, beer, and playing cards. For me it was lots of reading, learning Russian, and doing different crossword puzzles.
"Platzkart" 3rd class wagon
"Samovar" - very popular thing, a machine that keeps boiling water. It is quite convenient, you can make your tea or even a noodle soup during a few days ride.
There are 2 toilets per wagon, which are closed half an hour before and after each of the longer stops (usually in the bigger cities). These stops lasted up to 50 minutes. This is time to get out, get some fresh air and buy some food from “babushkas” (old ladies), who are selling dried and smoked fish, “piroshky” (Russian pastry with filling) and lots of other things.
Busy platform in every bigger town, ladies trying to sell whatever they got.
Smoked "omul" endimic fish for the Lake Baikal
Of course some alcohol, very important part of Russian culture.
Someone might need even toys on the train. One week can feel pretty long.
