Travelling tales from Russia, places to go, observations and tips
The ritual of the Russian “Banya” was something I thought I could live without. However, I was persuaded otherwise. Following a motivational talking to and a pep talk to get over my bathing suit body issues from a very kind, yet matter of fact Bristolian buddy, I donned the ill-fitting cozzie, hiking boots and a…
[slideshow]Heading down the icy stretch from the Guesthouse to the roadside it was impossible to not be in impressed by the view of the worlds’ deepest lake (up to 1637m deep in fact). Lined with a mixture of soviet style tower blocks and capitalist condominiums interspersed with wooden chalets and shacks, the road to the Lake…
[slideshow]Arriving at a bustling Irkutsk station at 10.45am we were ready for a decent breakfast (which did not consist of noodles), a healthy dose of fresh air and a good wash! Met at the platform by an enthusiastic “Costa”, who was to be our guide for the next few days, we marched across the crowded…
After a gruelling four day stretch on the Trans Siberian Express from Moscow to Irkutsk we had quick conflab in the carriage to offer fellow travellers some survival tips: MUST DO’s: Pack Baby Wipes – ESSENTIAL for every eventuality and main source of washing (as no shower on board and toilets are locked at illogical interludes for…
[slideshow]It shouldn’t have worked…a Lawyer and a Fishmonger from London, a special needs Teacher from Bristol, a trainee Solicitor from Newcastle, a Scottish Care worker and Oil rig assistant from Aberdeen, a Hospitality Manager from Melbourne and a PR Exec from Nottingham…but as it turned out, I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of…
[slideshow] Although not overtly welcoming to tourists during the winter season, St Petersburg or “Piter” as its affectionately know by the locals (and previously known as Petrograd and Leningrad), has plenty on offer for avid sightseers such as myself! Few of the descriptions at main attractions and museums are in English, but the architecture, alley ways…
Arriving in Russia, during winter, as an unseasoned traveller is a daunting experience. Many of the well travelled people I’ve met recently have said Russia is the hardest place they’ve ever visited, so as a first timer I was comforted to know that I wasn’t alone in finding the going tough. It is however a…