kez & hay travels 06

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.

Ok you were right its bloody freezing here.  Thermals in full use.  Hayley already looks the part with her Russian hat.  Bit intimidating at first as didn't understand a thing and no-one understood anything we said.  However we have managed to cross that barrier with a bit of "give us a clue" action!  Managed to get from airport to hostel metro stop with little problem.  Hostel Tramp by name, Hostel tramp by nature!!! Dog blankets galore - but I suppose we've got to get used to this back packing lifestyle.
Have visited the Kremlin, the Red Square amd St Basil's Cathedral.  We visited a Russian market today where we sampled tea the russian way i.e with a drop or two of vodka.  Getting good at batoring already as got tickets for Bolshoi Ballet last night, 5 minutes before it commenced.  Ballet was wonderful but have no idea what it was actually called.
Getting ready now for our 4 day trip on a trans-siberian train, so off to buy our supplies (uufortunately Hayley doesn;'t think Cadbury exists over here!)

Hopefully will start downloading photos once we are in Irkutsk.