Halfpintharrier Homeward Bound

Coaches to Burstwick

halfpintharrier — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 22:20:00 GMT

Mon 22nd - breakfast was laid on in the hostel and was a very good spread. We invited some Chinese students to eat with us. We had also bought porridge so ate this up in the kitchen. Our coach was at 11am so after checking out we walked down. The coach was much, much nicer than previous coaches. We got a seat near the front. The journey was very long. We did not stop to get off until almost 12 hours later and this was only a short stop at a German service station that had not much. Lucky we had packed our own food but we ate most of this early in the trip. We passed through some cities in Germany - Dresden, Dusseldorf.

Tue 23rd - arrived in Calais and took the ferry across to Dover. Got some breakfast on the ferry. Arrived in Victoria Coach station about 7.15am which was not too bad, only delayed as the ferry was slightly delayed leaving Calais. We had until 2pm to wait in London to catch the coach to Hull. At about 9.30am we met Cam and Libby and had coffee and then lunch with them in a pub. At 2pm we got the coach to Hull. We managed to get a good seat near the front. The journey was slightly delayed due to traffic. We missed our 8.15am bus to Burstwick so went over to St Stephens and I bought a sim card. We then caught the 9.15am and arrived in Burstwick.

Wed 24th - Got a lift into Hull City and went to M&S for coffee. Saw Kath who was lovely and remembered us from the year before. We looked around the city, Troy bought a phone in Tesco and I bought some stuff that had been made in Hull. In the evening we went back to Burstwick and had a glass of wine in the local pub. This was the end of our amazing trip.

Prague

halfpintharrier — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:11:00 GMT

Sun 21st - arrived in Prague very early. We waited until baggage storage opened and left our big suitcases here for just over 24 hours. We took our smaller bags and walked down to the hostel which took about 45minutes. The lady at reception was very nice but unfortunately our room wasn't ready so we dumped our smaller bags and walked into the city. It was very early and hardly anything was open so we walked down to the Charles Bridge (passing on the way the famous clock, although nothing happened when the hour passed) and took some photos then walked over the bridge and grabbed breakfast at Cafe 22. I had french toast and Troy pancakes - was delicious. We walked up to the Palace, the biggest I think in the world and saw the changing of the guard. We then walked back down to the main square to look around the Christmas market to see if anything for lunch. We decided to go to Paul bakery for lunch. After this we walked back a different way, passing a strange silver head that moved and went to Tesco to get some food for the coach journey the day after. We chilled in the hostel and then went back out and had dinner at a nice restaurant.

Krakow

halfpintharrier — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 21:56:00 GMT

Thu 18th - left the hostel in Berlin very early and caught the subway to the bus station. Here we caught the 7am Polski bus to Krakow. The bus was very busy and also very crampt. Hardly any space and only really stopped once for us to get off and get some food. We arrived late into Krakow. The bus station was very central so we were able to walk to the hostel (Giraffe hostel and bar). As soon as we got in it looke noisy as there were loads of people in the kitchen. There was some function that evening but the girl at the reception assured us that it would not be noisy. We decided to walk outside and look around. We walked over the Christmas market which was lovely, less crowed then those in Germany. We had a chai latte at a cafe near the market. Back at the hostel it was really noisy all night. I asked to checkout out a day early and get a refund. I spoke the manager on the phone but he refused a refund as the credit card payment had not shown on his statement. We complained to reception again in the middle of the night but they didn't go anything.

Fri 19th - we complained again in the morning and decided to checkout either way as the Ibis Budget was cheaper and close by. In the end we got a cash refund for one night. We walked over to the Ibis and dumped out bags then caught a mini bus to Auschwitz. We spent about 4 hours at Auschwitz. It was located in a more built up area than I expected but it was very sobering. There was a lot to take in and we were quite exhausted by the end. It was almost 70 years since it was liberated. We got the bus back and went to the Christmas market for dinner (had lots of veggies).

Sat 20th - we got up and walked down to Krakow parkrun which was located at a park in the city. They were very friendly and it was well organised. The course was 2 and a bit loops and again we found hard with the cold. After they had hot tea and cake etc as this was the last before Christmas. We walked back into the city, went up to see the castle and the dragon statue and looked around the market (had a bulgarian cheese bread for lunch) and some shops and a local market (great internet connection). We managed to get a later checkout (until 3pm) so chilled in the hostel then took our bags over to the bus station to get the bus to Worclaw. This bus was quite spacious. At Worclaw we had to get off and wait about 4 hours so we went over to McDonalds in the bus station to wait until midnight. Our bus to Prague came. It was like the original Polski bus we got from Berlin. We managed to get 2 seats to ourselves to stretch out. The trip to Prague was out 5 hours.

Berlin

halfpintharrier — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:44:00 GMT

Mon 15th - got up early in Hamburg and did a run then back to the hostel and took our bags to the station so we could catch our last train of the trip to Berlin. The train was pretty busy and we didn't have reserved seats but managed to get 2 seats together, albeit backwards facing! We arrived in Berlin station mid-afternoon and got some lunch (sandwich) in the station before walking to the hostel (about 45mins away). The hostel was called the Easterner Hostel. We were lucky that the owner was in. We arrived at 3.30pm and usually he would have left. He was friendly and showed us around. Hostel very quiet, room was fine but heating hardly worked. We walked to the supermarket (Netto) and had rice and mackerill for tea.

Tue 16th - got up earlish and walked to the Brandenburg gate and Checkpoint Charlie. After this we walked to the Jewish museum and spent a couple of hours here which was very interesting. We then walked to the Eastside section of the Berlin Wall which was amazing to see. The art was spectacular and we spent quite a while taking photos. On the way back to the hostel we walked into the town hall and took some photos and passed through a Christmas market. It was pretty much the same as the ones in Hamburg. We got some more Grogg to drink and took the cups as souvenirs (paid deposit)

Wed 17th - up for a run early and ran down to the Brandenburg gate and the Holocaust memorial which was around the corner. We also ran over to the Reichburg. We ran then to a small cafe near the hostel and got some breakfast. After changing at the hostel we walked back to Checkpoint Charlie so I could get a stamp in my passport (forgot to take passport the day before). We then caught the subway out to the bus station so we knew where to go the next day. From here we took the subway out to the Olympic stadium. It was pretty amazing to see but we didn't bother to pay to go inside. Instead we walked back toward the city, stopping on the way at Charlottesburg and a famous department store called Kaufhaus Des Westens. Here we went up to the food dept and bought some bread and German cheese to eat. After walking back to the hostel we went to a burger bar for dinner (very delicious!).

Hamburg

halfpintharrier — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:39:00 GMT

Sun 14th - the night before when checking in a couple gave us 2 tokens for a free breakfast so we used these this morning. Was a simple breakfast but not bad for free. We then walked into the centre of Hamburg which was close to the hostel. It was still fairly early and the Christmas markets were all setting up and were really, really nice. They were everywhere. Everything else in the city (shops) were closed as it was Sunday. We got some Grogg to drink and kept the cups (paid a deposit). We also had some Schmalzkuchen which are small German donuts. On the way back to the hostel we stopped at a pub near the station and had some wine then later we came back into the city and went to a pizza restaurant next door to the pub for tea.

Copenhagen

halfpintharrier — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Wed 10th - we left the hostel in the early morning in Stockholm and got the subway to the railway station. Here we waited for our train to Copenhagen. The journey was comfortable although we were going backwards the whole way. When we arrived in Copenhagen, we got Mcdonalds as we were quite hungry and it cost almost $30SING - very expensive! The hostel was a little further out so we got a train there. The hostel was a youth hostel (Danhostel) and pretty quiet as it was out in the middle of nowhere but literally everything had to be paid for - bedding, cutlery etc etc. We walked to the supermarker (Netto) and looked around a nearby shopping centre.

Thu 11th - We walked into the city (about 45min walk) and grabbed a coffee at a cafe near the station (it was nice but very expensive). We booked a free walking tour around Copenhagen at 11am. The tour was pretty good and covered some interesting areas. We stopped halfway and the group split to get food etc (we got a pizza from a bakery called Holm's bakery). We finished the tour near the palace. After the tour finished we watched the changing of the guards (the guards all very young and looked slightly sloppy). It started to rain but we walked over to see the 'little mermaid' from Hans Kristenan Anderson and then walked around the Christmas market. Had soup and bread for tea back at the hostel.

Fri 12th - First proper rainy day on the trip, quite miserable in Copenhagen. We walked to Chritiansen (a hippy part of the city) and went to an indoor street food market. It was nothing that special and again very expensive. For lunch we went to 7eleven which was surprisingly nice (and cheapish) and then decided to go to the Copenhagen museum. It was free which was a bonus and actually quite interesting. We walked home and had soup and bread again for tea.

Sat 13th - leaving today so packed stuff. We needed to check out by 10am and were going to parkrun so had to be quick when we finished. parkrun was at the park next to the hostel - Amager Faellel. It wasn't the most pretty of places and with no flags it was difficult to find initially. It was 2 loops and we found it quite difficult (cold) but overall enjoyed. After rushing back to the hostel (no shower) we took our bags to the station and waited for most of the day for the train to Hamburg. The train was again comfortable and as we went over to Germany the train boarded a boat (The Deutschland) for about 45mins. We got some chips to eat! We arrived about 8.30pm in Hamburg and walked over to the AO Hostel. It was a huge hostel but actually really nice and the room was pretty big. We walked to the station to get some food and went to the food court in the station. Troy got a german sausage and I got a bowl of vegetarian food.

Stockholm

halfpintharrier — Tue, 9 Dec 2014 05:28:00 GMT

Sun 7th - the clocks went back an hour so we got up naturally early. We went to grab some breakfast. Had a great chocolate muffin and coffee and got a seat by the window and saw the sun rise. Was quite lovely. Also read all the results from the Singapore marathon. After disembarking at Stockholm we caught the subway to the hostel. We couldn't check in so left bags and wandered into Stockholm. We passed an ice rink and walked in to watch some Bandy (like ice hockey but with a ball). Grabbed some bread and cheese from a supermarket close by for lunch. It is a stunning city, lovely building and surrounded by water. We decided to walk to the ABBA museum. The museum was really good. Gave all the history about the band and was interactive. Really enjoyed. After we walked in the park but it was getting dark so headed back to the hostel. Walked down a shopping street and got dinner at Burger King. Back to the hostel and had an early night.

Mon 8th - went for a run along the water which was a good way to start the day. Walked into the centre and got a takeaway coffee and muffin from a coffee shop and then went to the City Museum to buy a map for a walking route but it was closed on Mondays. So decided to take a ferry to Dronnington but there were no ferries. We walked to tourist information at the central station but they were useles and only after specificially asking did they say it was actually shut. So we decided just to walk around which was really nice. Went to the flagship H&M store and saw the changing of the guards at 12.15pm. Went to a kind of deli market for lunch (got a take away pastry) and then wandered around the shops and narrow streets. Walked back early to the hostel, on the way stopping at a pub for a glass of wine. Dinner was pasta at the hostel.

Tue 9th - got up for another run, this time running across the other side of the river near the hostel and through more of a wooded area. After showering back at the hostel and breakfast we walked into the city and walked up some stairs to the Katrina lift (an old lift). We then walked into the old town area of cobbled street into a lovely little cafe called Cafe Schweizer Konditori and had a big coffee in a mug. The food looked great too but it was so expensive. We then walked to the gardens and then back towards the hostel to have a drink in the pub we went to yesterday. In the early evening we went to the Nobel Prize museum as it was free after 5pm. It was okay but a little disappointing.

Helsinki and Rovaniemi

halfpintharrier — Sat, 6 Dec 2014 04:48:00 GMT

Wed 3rd - arrived Helsinki and left bags in the storage lockers. Spent the day walking around. First went to the markets by the harbour. Bought some weird pastry thing from the indoor food market and then some postcards and magnet from a stall outside. Walked to a church and the Cathedral Square and had a coffee in a cafe. Had some lunch in the supermarket (fish and rice) and walked over to the old Olympic Stadium as well as through central park. Helsinki was small, easy to get around but the nowhere to go to the toilet. Had to pay pretty much all the time! Waited in the station a bit before the train. Met a Japanese guy called Taiga. In the evening caught the overnight train to Rovaniemi. Had seats, no bed and it was a little uncomfortable and noisy but managed some sleep.

Thu 4th - Had a croissant on the train and arrived Rovaniemi early, about 7.15am. It was thick snow. Saw Taiga again who had caught the same train. We wanted to walk to our hostel but the snow was so thick and it was hard to wheel the suitcase so had to catch a taxi. The taxi dropped us at the hostel but when we got out we had to checkin at the Santa hotel which was another 1km down the road. The taxi driver was not so helpful and left us to wheel our bags all the way to the hotel to check in. The taxi cost a load too. So we got to the hotel and they said in fact our room was ready so we checked in and had to get another taxi back to the hostel! After this we walked back to Lapland Safaris. We had booked a 9.30am cross country skiing trip. It was really good. We wore the gear they provided and drove about 10 minutes out. There was a family of 4 from Australia and a Singaporean couple. It was beautiful thick snow and a really clear, sunny day. The skiing was hard and fell a few times but loved it. Half way through had some hot tea and biscuit. After the skiing, had a pizza in Rovaniemi and took the bus to Santa Claus Village and to cross the Arctic Circle. Saw Taiga again! Queued up to meet Father Christmas which was really good and bought the digital photo and video for 40 Euros. Then boughts some cards and sent these at the post office as well as some letters. Then got both passports stamped. Back in Rovaniemi, went to the supermarket for tea and had the food back in the hostel.

Fri 5th - Got up early, had breakfast and the kind cleaner called a taxi for us. We took our bags to the train station to leave in a locker. Then we went for a coffee in the centre. We met Taiga, whose birthday it was, for a drink and then decided to walk around for a bit after having some lunch at Hess Burger. We walked down to the river and then up along a nature trail where we built a small snowman. Then back along the river where we built a bigger snowman. We then walked to the train station and caught the 6.05pm train overnight back to Helsinki.

Sat 6th - Arrived in Helsinki early and decided to take our bags straight to the Stena Link ferry terminal. We had to wait a short while for the terminal to open at 8.30am and then left our bags in the back room of the newsagent. It was Finland's National Day and it seemed most places were shut. We walked back in to the centre and got porriage and berries from a bakery in the station. We then caught the #2 tram and took a 1 hour journey on the loop (both #2 and #3, it switched half way through). It was a good trip. After this we walked over to McDonalds and had a coffee then decided to walk over to some of the outdoor attractions - a church that is build into some rocks and some silver tubes hanging down. The weather was wet and overcast but it was nice to walk around. For lunch we had Burger King in the station. We then walked down to the Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry at 5pm to Stockholm. We were both in 4 berth dom rooms. Lucky for me there was no one else inside and Troy had only one other person so he came to share with me. We had a drink in the pub then walked around the boat then bed early.

Likes

- Finland is clean, safe and everyone speaks English and was friendly

- Helsinki was easy to get around

- Rovaniemi was full of snow and quite pretty.

- Great fun meeting Father Christmas

- Cross Country skiing was fun

- chocolate bars are great

- weather was not so cold

No so like

- expensive. coffee, food, all the activities in lapland etc all quite expensive

- so difficult to find a toilet and then when you did you had to pay

- the hostel in Rovaniemi was not so good - location poor, wifi rubbish

St Petersburg

halfpintharrier — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 04:41:00 GMT

Mon 1st - went for a run along river and to Finlandskyi station as we wanted to see if possible to walk there (train early to Finland from here). After run went to get pancakes for breakfast and then walked to church *******. We bought tickets to walk up to the top and get panoramic views of the city then we also looked inside which was stunning. After this we walked to Peter and Paul fortress. We had lunch before at Burger King. The fortress was interesting, good views of city river. We then walked back towards city, walking by the eternal flame and taking photos of the Church of Spilled Blood. We walked along the Main Street and by chance discovered the Faberge museum. We walked back to hostel and had soup and toast for tea.

Tue 2nd - we wanted to check we could get to the train station by subway on time so got up early and took the first subway to Finlandski station. We then walked back along the river to the hostel and had toast and waffles. We went to the post office to get stamps then walked over to the Hermitage. We got there a bit early so decided to walk over the bridge to see the Steve Jobs memorial but couldn't see anything. We walked back to the Hermitage which was amazing. Very big. Unfortunately some of the famous pictures etc were not on show but we saw a few. Managed to see most of it but would need another day to see it properly. After about 4 hrs there we had lunch at Burger King then walked down the Main Street again. We went to see the Arcade Machine museum nut it was 300 rubles to enter which was a lot (the Hermitage was 400!). We walked back to the hostel and relaxed then walked down to the Faberge museum for 4.45pm and had a tour in English. The Royal eggs were beautiful. After the Faberge museum we walked to have pancakes for tea then back to the hostel to pack.

Wed 3rd - got up early, checked out and took subway to Finlandski station to get Allergro train to Helsinki.

Likes

- the hostel was amazing, the best hostel so far (possibly ever been to)

- museums were great. The Hermitage was surprisingly really interesting for me and so was the Faberge

- the architecture was stunning

- the shopping street was really pleasant to walk down

Dislikes

- hard to find toilets

- no great supermarkets

Moscow

halfpintharrier — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:37:00 GMT

Wed 26th - arrived in Moscow at 6am and the ok the subway to the hostel. The hostel Unity Bay was very hard to find as not clearly signposted. They weren't particularly friendly either when we arrived. No where to put our bags securely. As we couldn't get into room straight away we walked down towards Red Square, on the way we got pancakes for breakfast. I got cheese and mushrooms. When we got to Red Square we queued to get into Lenin's mausoleum for 10am. A bit like Mao he looked very waxy although much less people. St. Basics opened at 11am so we went into GUM shopping centre which was lovely, all decorated in Christmas decor and had a coffee. At 11am we went inside St Basils which was very pretty. We had pizza slice for lunch and walked around then went to the supermarket and had soup and bread for tea. Supermarket was expensive.

Thu 27th - walked to tourist information which was closed yesterday and again it was closed today. Decided to walk to where parkrun starts from and on the way stopped at The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. We used Apple maps to find the station for parkrun but it was completely wrong. We eventually found it and decided to walk to Sparrows Nest which wasn't that great and then we could see the Lomonosov Moscow State University building which was amazing. We walked right up to it. On the way back it was pretty cold so we grabbed a hot chocolate and walked back along the Moscow river. Saw a big outdoor ice skating rink and the Radisson Royal river cruises. We had dinner at McDonald's in Pushkin Square which was the first ever McDonald's in Russia and had recently re opened after being closed for 4 months. Night in hostel was noisy. They had a weekly sailing group come in who didn't go until around midnight.

Fri 27th - after pancakes for brekkie, walked to the Kremlin. After getting tickets and putting bags in storage we walked around and visited the cathedrals which were all impressive. Dropped Troy's iPad and screen smashed. Walked to tourist info which was finally open but apart from some leaflets it was not really any good. We had jacket potato and a jam tart for lunch then walked to the White House and back along the river. Soup and bread for tea.

Sat 28th - went to Gorky Park parkrun. We got there earlier and grabbed a drink from the vending machine. It was very cold but well organized and friendly. About 29 runners and an out and back along the Moscow river. After participants had brought hot tea and pancakes which was really nice. We then went across the river with a few of the guys and had a drink. They were very kind and gave us a Russian parkrun bag and plastic bracelet and also a badge for doing marathon. We walked back down the river and had McDonald's for lunch then chilled out in the hostel for a bit. After soup and bread for tea we went out to see some of the artwork in a couple of subway stations. Another restless night in the noisy hostel. Tv and people talking well past midnight.

Sun 30th - got up early and walked down to a pedestrian street then coffee in McDonald's. Pancakes again and then walked back to hostel to checkout and go to Leningrad station to take the train to St Peterburg at 1.30pm. It was a bit difficult at first to send the station but once we did we took seats and waited for train. Train was really nice, modern and fast. We arrived in St Petersburg on time and took the subway to the hostel, Soul Kitchen. The hostel was amazing. The service was extremely friendly and helpful and the hostel layout and rooms were fantastic. We dumped bags, had a shower then headed to get food (McDonald's), then back to hostel. We bumped into the same guy who met in Mongolia and again in Irkutsk.

- lots of history

- subway was very artistic

- walking along the river was really nice

- parkrun was fun

Not so like

- the hostel was noisy

- tourist information was useless

- expensive, even in the supermarkets

- bitterly cold

- generally the people were not helpful or polite, in fact they were quite rude

Trans Siberian train journey

halfpintharrier — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:35:00 GMT

Sun 23rd - got up early and walked down to the train station to catch the 6.55am Rossiya train. It arrived on time and we were in first class. The cabin as spotless and so much nicer than the previous trains. The restaurant guy came around a few hours later and we both ordered pancakes and red Cavier. When we got the bill it was very expensive, later we think he ripped us off. Started to read the Seb Coe book and got off the train every time it stopped to stretch legs and walk around. It was cold outside. The train was so comfortable, had a good nights sleep.

Mon 24th - Had chocolate porridge for breakfast. Had brought own food and bought some bread from the stations although found this mostly stale. It was a really restful day and read the rest of the Seb Coe book. Finished! Stopped at one place and it was minus 28 degrees. There was a supermarket there were we bought some water which was very cheap. Again got off every time it stopped during the day. Scenery was not spectacular but it was pleasant and relaxing. Was given a free meal today of rice, peas and meat. Obviousy wasn't that great for me

Tue 25th - Had porridge again for breakfast and managed to fix my Mac computer which had stopped working in Irkutsk. Watched some of Band of Brothers, got off the train a few times and went through a time zone. Had a meal in the restaurant car - had potatoes, mushroom and onions. The guy tried to overcharge us but I saw it and questioned it.

Likes

- great clean, private and comfortable carriage

- very relaxing

- scenery whilst wasn't spectacular was interesting.

Dislikes

- wish had longer at each place to wander around

- food wasn't good value. The guy it seemed ripped us off.

Irkutsk

halfpintharrier — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 20:00:00 GMT

Tue 18th - a long full day on the train started with what seemed like forever stuck somewhere near the border in Mongolia. We were able to get off the train and pay to go to the loo. Over night all the other 15 odd carriages of the train had disappeared and gone somewhere else in Mongolia. It was cold! We then had to board and Mongolian customs and immigration came on board. The Korean girl had to leave with immigration, she came back later to get her wallet to pay something? After this we left then got to the border with Russia where again we had to wait and customs and immigration came on. Finally once it was all done we could get off here as we were stuck wherever we were for 4 hours. We stuck with some others and went to this tiny cafe. There was a vague English menu. Had a salad and some stale bread, Troy some kind meatball and rice. Then we found a small shop and got a chocolate bar and small cake. Back on the pokey train. So cramped and the Korean girl kept bringing her mate in for chats and eating, then she encouraged this annoying Russian toddler to keep comimg in and climbing everywhere . At around 10pm we reached Ula Udan and the Russian lady and the Korean got off, yah! We had the apartment for the rest of the journey overnight to ourselves

Wed 19th - train pulled in to Irkutsk around 7.30am. It was dark, cold and full of people. We wanted to take the tram 1 to the hostel as they had given us directions but when it passed by it was jam packed. So then we thought easier to get a taxi. The hostel said to pay no more than 300rupkes. The first guy said 500 to me then Troy asked another guy who said 800! We opted for the tram which wasn't too bad and cost us both together less than 100ruples. The next task was to get off at the right stop and find the hostel. We were lucky as two ladies who spoke no english helped us, in fact one even walked part of the way with us, very kind. The hostel was called The Best Hostel. It was brand new, clean etc. the room was small and 2 bunks. The shower was really odd as the walls didn't quite close and if you were having A shower someone could easily see you? We showered and walked to find something to eat. We discovered an undercover market with fruit, bread etc. After this we walked to the tourist information. We were lucky. As soon as we walked in they asked us to stay until 11am as a Tv crew was coming in and they wanted to interview some tourists about Irkutsk (apparently they had won some Russian prize for tourism). I got interviewed and both Troy and I got filmed. The show was shown for about 5 mins the next day. After tourist info we decided to follow the greenline tourist trail which was pretty awesome. Before that we had a coffee in Lenin cafe on Lenin street which was really cozy. We then followed the green line which took us around numbered sights and gave a history of each place. Was very interesting but it just got really cold so we didn't finish the last few as decided to go find somewhere to eat. We by chance found a food court and I got some rice,wedges and veggies. After that we came back to the hostel and then went to a supermarket nearby.

Thu 20th - got up and had some Bernie then went to the market to grab some food as we were going to visit Listvyanka at Lake Baikal. We walked to the bus station but it was hard to find when and where the bus went from so we asked around and got pointed in various directions and eventually ended up in a mini bus. It was a bit strange as people just got on and off along the way. We were dropped off at the museum at Listvyanka And walked about 5km to the town centre. The lake was huge and saw seals in the water. When reached the end walked around a little market then at 2 pm took a bus back to Irkutsk. back in irkutsk had a drink at Lenin cafe again then back to hostel. Beans on toast for tea. Did some washing.

Fri 21st - got up and went for a run. Was very cold and eyelashes had long bits of ice. Ran to the station to see about left luggage and then ran back. After brekkie did the remainder of the green line qnd went to post office to post postcards and had coffee in Castro cafe. Had some pancakes for lunch from supermarket. Then walked to the dam and the ice breaker. After this walked to the church of Kazan icon of Virgin Mary. It was spectacular. dinner in hostel was soup and bread and watched you tube video of interview. Did rest of washing.

Sat 22nd - packed big bags and took these by tram down to the station and left in left luggage. Then walked back along river and to a small park. Returned to Castro care for a drink. Walked via the post office which was shut so got some bread from market. Walked to the Irkutsk City museum. Cost 150 but it was all in Russian so looked interesting but didn't understand much. Then walked back into town centre and took photos of some states. After dropping bags back at hostel we walked to Central Park and then had dinner at Friendly burgers. After that got some food for trip on the train.

Likes about Irkutsk

- friendly tourist info and great sign posts everywhere

- green line tourist trail

- cool coffee shops (Lenin and Castro)

- awesome market

Dislike about Irkutsk

- whilst occasionally we had some helpful people mostly there are no pleasantries (please it than you)

- funny bus system

- Irkutsk museum had no English option :-(

Ulan Bator

halfpintharrier — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:54:00 GMT

Thu 13th - arrived mid afternoon in Ulan Bator. The train journey in was not that spectucular. The Gobi desert is flat as a pancake. The sunrise was pretty amazing and it was good to see some Gurs on the way in. Knew it was Ulan Bator as on the way in you could see the layer of smog.

The hostel (UB Guest House) picked us up from the station along with two other travellers (Gin and Ernie from Malaysia). The guest house was old and not that fancy but was clean, quiet and safe. Troy realised he had lost his phone, left on the train. In his usual indecisive self he didn't really know what to do or was proactive in actually doing anything. Eventually went down to the train station and asked about it. The lady was very helpful but in the end told us his phone wasn't on the train. Had a great pizza for tea and found some great local chocolate. Albina bars are fantastic!!!

Fri 14th - breakfast was bread and some local kind of buns in the hostel. We then walked down to a buddhist monastry with the Malays we met on yesterday. The Monsastry was pretty and it was good to see locals in traditional clothing walking around. We bought some paintings. Then walked back to the centre and visited the British shop where finally we could buy some cuppa soups for the train journey! We also found a Coffee Bean and Tea leaf and sat in and had a drink and surfed the net. We then talked to the train museum and the National Square. Hands were freezing. It was so cold so tomorrow wearing thick gloves for the first time. Dinner went to a Mongolian fast food chain.

Sat 15th - hired a car and driver for $90 to visit the Gengkis Khaan statue and visit the Tereli National Park. The Gengkis Khaan statue was pretty impressive, had a museum and could go right to the top. There were not many people there. Outside there was a guy with eagles and vultures so we both had our photos taken with one on our arm. It was quite heavy. Tereli National Park was scenic. We stopped by a turtle rock formation and walked around. There was snow on the ground in the shade. We were back in Ulan Bator by mid afternoon and had pasta for dinner in the State Department store. Pollution index reached 999!!!

Sun 16th - got up around 7.30am and went for a 5km run. The temperature on my phone was minu 21 degrees. It was very cold. One pair of tights was not enough, my thighs were so cold. Could only really manage 5km, the air felt quite dirty. After a shower and breakfast we went to a coffee shop (Cafe Bene) at the State Department store and got a drink. After this we decided to walk up to a hill on the outskirts of UB. We didn't realise but there was a statue and memorial here. There were excellent views of the city but it showed all the smog. We walked back and went to the UB department store which was not that impressive. We also walked to the National Museum but it was closed (and closed Monday) so we missed out. We went to the State Department store and had pasta again (so cheap 6500 each) and then bought a doll souvenir from the store.

Mon 17th - Had a Skype call with Red Cross in Melbourne then we checked out. We were lucky however to be able to stay in the room until we needed to leave as our train wasn't until 8.30pm. We went for a short walk but the air was really dirty, could clearly see the pollution. We got a coffee in the same Cafe Bene as yesterday then lunch was pasta again. We bought a fridge magnet then came back to the room to shower and wait for our taxi to take us to the train station at 4pm. The taxi was simply a guy who was flagged down in the street. All kind of random but we got to the station for a reasonable fare. In the station we waited for about 5 hours for the train. There were loads of kids who were very curious and we tried talking to them using the translate app on my phone. One kid and his sister played cards with us. At about 8pm we boarded the train and unfortunately we were sharing with two others. A rather grumpy looking Russian lady and young Korean girl. There was no space at all for our bags so I slept with my suitcase at the bottom of my bed. Troy slept on the top bunk. The train was very slow and spent half the night stopping.

Likes about Ulan Bator

- it was easy to get around and I liked that is wasn't so commercial.

- people were generally friendlier and more helpful

- food was cheap and lot of selection. Very cheap pasta at the State department store

- Wifi everywhere

- Albino chocolate bar

Not so like about Ulan Bator

- pollution was horrible. Really sad.

- crossing the road. Cars just run you over

- no parks to visit, it was a bit drab

Beijing

halfpintharrier — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:41:00 GMT

Fri 7th - We arrived by overnight train from Hong Kong into Beijing West Train Station and took the subway to our hostel The Peking Yard Hostel. It was a nightmare on the subway as it was so busy and there was security everywhere but once on it was okay and we were able to reach the hostel okay.

Beijing was just full of people, all the time, everywhere. That is the thing I disliked most about Beijing. The people were also not so helpful and quite rude. But that is the way it is.

Food was difficult for a vegetarian. I tried the bakery, these kind of flat bread things, apparently a Beijing speciality. A bit plain but very cheap.

The Wednesday we arrived in the afternoon so just walked around in the evening and had dinner in McDonalds. Had popcorn from a little man near the hostel.

Sat 8th - went to the Great Wall at Bagalang by bus. It was quite difficult to get the right bus at the station and there were so many peoople. The Great Wall however was amazing. Wish could have seen a differerent area and walked further. In the afternoon we got back and walked around Jingshan Park then got a sweet potato for tea.

Sun 9th - early start to get to the Forbidden City. Was massive, walked right through the centre. After this went to the park at the back and then walked back to Tiannamen Square. We then walked to Beijing Station to see what it was like as this is where we would be taking the train to Ulan Bator.

Mon 10th - Got up early to do a run. Ran for about 50 minutes along a long strip of narrow park that was close to the hostel and ran parallel to the Forbidden City. After this got a shoulder and back massage and then got a train to the Summer Gardens. Again loads of people. It was quite pretty, had noodles for lunch. After this we tried to go to see the Birds Nest Stadium however the APEC summit was on and all the stations and roads around the area were closed so unfortunately we couldn't go. We went back to the hostel and just walked around the local area, we wore face masks for the first time as pollution factor was quite high.

Tue 11th - Another early start. Went back to Tiannamen Square to queue up to see Chairman Mao's mausoleum. The queue for a change was orderly but very long. Once it opened at 8am however it moved very quickly. Saw Mao. He looked unreal, like a waxwork! We walked back towards the hostel after and down a craft street and bought a small Chinese doll. Put in some clothes to get washed at the hostel and walked further down a main street close ot the hostel and saw the hotels that the APEC representatives were staying at. Had dinner in the hostel.

Wed 12th - Today we left Beijing. We wanted to take the subway to the station so got up really, really early and arrived at the station at about 6.30am so as to miss all the peak hour traffic. The station was actually really nice. We had Starbucks for breakfast then had an early McDonalds lunch before the Train T3 departed for Ulan Bator at 11.22am. The train ride was pretty spectucular on the way out of Beijing, passing through some mountains and some impressive rivers. We had a free lunch and dnner on the train. The cabin was a bit small but generally okay. There were only 2 of us in the cabin. The hard part was when it reached the Mongolian border around 10pm. We were there around 4 hours and it was really hard to sleep as we had customs and immigration come on board plus they changed the bogies which was very noisy.

Likes about Beijing

- history - loads of it

- weather - dry, bright and no rain

- hostel was clean

- Beijing bread - really cheap and interesting taste

- Dove chocolate - chocolate was so difficult to find! The only chocolate sold was Dove and Twix. A bit strange.

- toilets everywhere

- Li Ning sports wear - should have bought the sport top I saw at the outlet mall :-(

Not so like about Beijing

- people everywhere, all the teime

- people generally quite rude

- little information in the hostel and could not find a tourist information anywhere

- no chocolate

Photos: Hong Kong

halfpintharrier — Thu, 6 Nov 2014 17:49:00 GMT

Hong Kong

halfpintharrier — Thu, 6 Nov 2014 17:40:00 GMT

Mon 3rd November - Today we left Singapore and headed off on our travels. Before we left we had breakfast at ABC, french toast which was awesome - yum.

We then took a taxi to the airport and waiting to see us off were Jake, Ali, Lyn, Shaik and Sam (from reception). It was really nice to see them - they gave us a card from them and some photos they had put together. We had lunch in a fish restaurant.

The flight was no problem. We arrived at HK airport, had McDonalds and then took a taxi to stay with Niki Brown, one of Troy's old clients. The apartment was very small but nice and clean and very central.

Tue 4th - as we only had a few days in HK we decided to pay a bit extra and take one of the open top buses around HK. This took us to the Peak Tram which we took to the top (although the day was hazy). We then took a boat ride and saw the Jumbo restaurant. The bus took us over to Stanley which was very pretty. We also took the bus around Kawloon then stayed round to watch the fireworks. We had a slice of pizza for dinner.

Wed 5th - we took a boat to see the Buddha. It was very impressive and worth the trip. In the afternoon we went to Andrew Cox's fitness studio however he was running late. As we only had a limited amount of time we had to leave at 3.30pm so unfortunately didn't get to see him. We walked around some of the stalls, watched the fireworks from the other side of the water and then had dinner at Kawloon were we got ripped off.

Thu 6th - we started the day with a short run in HK. There wasn't anywhere easy to run. Tried to run along the waterfront. It was okay but not that easy. After breakfast at Starbucks we did some washing then took a taxi to the railway station for our train to Beijing. The train was clean and comfortable and we had the cabin to ourselves as the lady we were sharing with moved.

Likes about Hong Kong

- history

- pretty harbour

Dislikes about Hong Kong

- lots of people

- people quite rude

- ripped off at dinner

- no spaces to run