Sunrise As Viewed From Train
I keep hearing the words: “Russia again? Really?”
Yes!
People are surprised that I am visiting Russia again.
Honestly, I am surprised too. There is so much out there to see that I have not yet laid my eyes on. Does it make sense to go back to a country I have visited before seeing new ones? I actually gave up my visit to New Zealand for this second visit.
What makes Russia so appealing?
This trip is not a repeat. I repeat, not a repeat! Russia is a colossal in scope! It is almost twice in size compared to the USA and even occasionally growing…Crimea….
When I planned my first Trans-Siberian trip, I hedged my plans. I had never travelled East of Moscow. I did not know what to expect. I was afraid of taking on too much.
Knowing what I know now, I would have spent more time on my first trip.
I really like moving by train. The trains are comfortable, reliable, safe and cost effective. They are convenient as well; train stations tend to be located within walking distance of their city centers. It is a great way to interact with Russians. They are so friendly and eager to share in conversation. I think the train dynamic helps facilitate that.
Many of the writers I have been reading who travelled within Russia also took more than a single trip to this vast expanse of the Earth, another reason why I decided to come back.
Some of my schoolwork revolves around travel in Russia by train. More train journeys can only help that! The American Dollar is strong while the Russian Ruble is weak, making this also a good return on my investment.
Also, the types of foreigners I run into at hostels are of a unique variety. Travelling in Siberia in the winter is not a common experience. This helps create an immediate link between us that is harder to come by in other parts of the world.
Thank you for following along and I hope you enjoy this trip as much as my previous one.
// Oliver