The Trans-Siberian train journey was all we were expecting and more. The weather was bitterly cold outside but we were snug in our cabin, surrounded on either side by Mongolian traders with the dubious sound of sellotape reverberating through the carriage both before and after stops. The scenes of chaos outside the train at the stations were quite a sight to see as the Russians and Mongolians had a battle of wits to sell their wares before the last call for the train to depart.
The countryside rolling past the window was varied, with everything from forests to plains, and snow nearly all the way. Lake Baikal was a person highlight of mine, but to be honest the whole trip was fantastic. It was nice to get off at the stations from time to time, and by the time we got to Ulan Bator we were very keen to get moving again.
Mongolia has been an eye-opener for me. It was much colder than I was expecting, and on the first morning I ventured out without my hat and nearly got frost-bitten ears! Lydia was not impressed... We arranged a trip out to the Terelj National Park to explore the wilderness a bit and had a very interesting time, both there and getting to and from the park. I did a two-hour horse riding experience, and when you see the photos you'll understand why it was such an Experience!! I was amazed the horse could even walk with me on it's back. We also did a lot of walking, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. We wer put up in a family Ger, and in the evening had the children competing for our attention while they showed us photos of their prize-winning horses at the local Naddaam festival. We were well bundled up when we went to sleep, and with good reason. Overnight the fire died out, and we woke to -20 c. When we went for our morning walk in the sun, I was even getting frost forming on my beard from breathing hard. There was even someone who's toothbrush had frozen in their bag after they rinsed it with some water.
Tomorrow we are being taken to the station in the morning for a 0805 train to Beijing. It's a 30 hour trip, so after the Trans-Sib we're feeling a bit like old hands at this! We've been to the supermarket and stocked up on supplies for the trip, but we have yet to work out the logistics of eating as we're not only in separate cabins but separate cars as well! It was the best we could get at short notice, and one person couldn't even get a ticket for the train.
