There is expensive, and then there is Russia. Long gone are my .50/hr internet rates traded in for the $24hr rate here in Yekaterinburg, Russia. I said goodbye to Irkustk (home of the 'Decemberists' for you historians) and made my way ~50hrs west here (home of the murder of Tsar Nicholas II for you historians). Russia has far surpassed my expectations. Mongolia is what made me want to brave the trans-siberian, but Russia is certainly what this trip is all about. I have a couple of days here before heading to the 'Big Smoke' - Moscow (i don't really think its called the 'Big Smoke', but it sounds good).
I am not sure i mentioned anything about my homestay in my last post, but it was most interesting. Mikail and his wife were charming hosts and i was fed more food then you could pack in a car. The food in Russia has been a treat. Babuska's bring home cooked treats to the train stations where you can pick them up for nothing. My favorite train station treat is currently the 3L bottle of beer for $4 (yes, 3L bottle of beer). Something about strength in numbers - 3 is pretty strong.
Off for breakfast and then to photodoc (that is the proffesional term) the city. I am far underdressed and will probably have to stop off and pick up some clothes so i can actually venture out at night. The dry-fit t-shirt and patagonia pants just don't cut it in this country - although further east i know where all of the acid wash jeans and mesh shirts went after the 80's.
In about 100kms i will be leaving Asia and crossing into Europe. I have about 55hrs left on the train, which will take the grand total on the train to somewhere around 160hrs - or so. Not bad over 3 weeks - do the math, its sickening.
I also think i will be cutting the trip a few days short and heading home from St. Petersburg. Missing the girls like mad and will save some of the other European countries for another time. This is still not concrete, but i will see what flights are available. I am sure you all miss me beyond words and will be lining up to pick me up from the airport with flowers and hand baked goods.
By the way, i just noticed people were posting comments, i hadn't noticed before, but when i next sit down i will take a look. Again, i am at the mercy of a highly inflated hourly rate - and last i checked i didn't have a job....
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Interesting Jeff, that's a long time to spend on a train. Cabin fever or smashed? Oh by the way' you spelled "perfeshunal" rawng..
ReplyDeletethe grammer and spelling went out the window pretty quickly.
ReplyDeleteno cabin fever, when you remember where you are its not very boring. booze helps at times though - more to silence certain people around you.