02 April 2006
Irkutsk and Lake Baikal
Caught the Trans-Siberian train on Saturday night heading for Irkutsk. After 4 nights and 3 days we eventually arrived. The train was great and we made some russian friends albeit they were 11 years old! It wasn't a smooth ride to say the least but we enjoyed it all the same, and we spent the time watching the beautiful snowy scenery, playing cards and "Guess Who"! and trying out our Russian lingo on the locals. In Irkutsk we organised a 2 day trip to Litsvyanka, a small fishing village at Lake Baikal, and this was the highlight so far of our trip. The oldest and largest Lake in the world was completely frozen over, and people were walking, driving and diving (!) in it. We went for a Banya (traditional Siberian style sauna) in a locals house! which was an experience! We ate the local fish only found in this lake from the market. Then back on the train to Ulan-Baator. This train was full of tourist (we seemed the youngest there) and we arrived at the Mongolian capital this morning. Looking forward to our trip to Terelj national park to stay in a ger camp with a Nomadic Family.
05:15 Posted in Siberia | Permalink | Comments (5) | Email this
Comments
-"russian friends "; "11 years old"; "Sauna in a Local's house" - I'm begining to wonder about this trip! I don't want to see those types of pictures thank you very much. You know your parents are probably reading this blog - shame on you. And you've stayed in a tramps hotel - already! Didn't take you long to find your feet!?!
You go off galivanting around the world and look what happens - you change. So, before you change anymore I think you should both come back here to Paris, where it's still the same; sit back in front of your old computers, there still there (ish); and become normal (ish) again. None of this living the dream nonsense - it's far to wacky. You might have life changing experiences - and then how will we put up with you. I can hear it now: yap; yap; yap; "Trans Siberian"; yap; "biggest lake"; yap; "11 year old boys". - it's unbearable already.
So, if you're going to carry on with this blinking adventure; once in a lifetime - yeah right - thing, then remember: "Only regret the things you haven't done, and never the things you have". Although the 11 year old boys thing we should all try to forget.
Keeps us up to date and start uploading those images (kerry - that means put the photos Hayley has taken onto this website by using the computer you are sitting in front of while writing your Blog).
Envy; jealousy; admiration none of these words come to mind when I read this Blog.
Enjoy every minute of it.
X
Michael.
Posted by: Michael | 04 April 2006
Hi Guys!
Has the cold got the better of you yet? It all sounds amazing. Get those pics up and running!
All well here..must mention the weather!!....Warm sunshine here with a slight westerly wind. Possible frost tonight!!!!!
Anna now wishing you hadn't got that globe for her at Christmas Kerry! Wales not as exciting as Moscow!
Hope rucksack bearing up.Missing your phone calls at the most annoying times of the day! Bacardi glass designed by your own fair hand in constant use! Andy taught Anna how to make one on Mothering Sunday...I am made!
Love to you both and look forward to reading your next installment,
Jan and family xxxxx
Posted by: Perkins ' (Shropshire Division!) | 04 April 2006
Hiya you two, you sound as if you're having a brilliant time - BUT WHERE ARE YOUR PHOTOS? Or is it that I'm pressing the wrong button?! Paris sunset is lovely but that was ages ago, I'm waiting to see the lake, the sauna but not the boys thank you very much - you know your Mum reads this Hayley!
Continue to have a wonderful time, we all send our love
Joyce xx (and if you get this it'll be a miracle!)
By the way, like the hats - and the beard?!?
Posted by: Joyce | 04 April 2006
hey my darlings! didn't realise the blog was up-running, had to catch up...what can i say? i'm so jealous!!!!! enjoy every moment of this journey, tell us lots more stories, it's so refreshing to read them as i'm sitting in my dull house in sydney!
try to remember how cold it is in russia as by the time you get to NZ, it'll be as cold!!
see you in 4 months, darlzzz!
Posted by: Patricia | 05 April 2006
Hi to you both hope you are well, starting to look a bit rough round the edges yet?
Hayley, finally mums managed to get the hang of using the internet but she's had to write everything down before she types, bless her.
Everything sounds so amazing i bet its hard to take it all in at times, hopefully your in china and its waiting to show you what it has to offer enjoy every second.
Dad wants to know where to send your easter eggs?
Everyone in swad sends their love, have you finished with your hat yet now your in china it must be warm, mum needs it coz it still feels like winter here.
Just had a roast chicken dinner it was lovely ( mums typed that!)
All our love to you both
take care
Mum and Tom xxx
Posted by: Tom & Mum | 06 April 2006
The comments are closed.