Up at 3am and off the train (the couples carriage is organised, clean and loves a pre-pack). Met our new Honcho - Sennia - a cute and quirky red head who will show us around for the next 2 days. Jumped in the taxi, a real shaggin wagon, with a driver who only knew one speed: ludicrous speed. We arrived at our guest house at Lake Baikal where we'll be for 2 days...relaxing change from the city. Walked down town (only 4000 people live here) to the market, some of the group ate the local smoked fish and Sennia told us a little about the lake and its spiritual connection for some people. She took us to a hunky blacksmith who looked like he'd stepped straight from a GOT set and the girls forged necklaces - I really enjoyed being part of the process - and you blow on it at the end to place part of your soul into it. The russian pagan symbol I chose was an arrow meaning courage and strength. We had a home cooked meal at the guest house tonight.
