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.
