|
|
TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
|
|
Arrived in Irkutsk after 4 nights on the Trans Siberian Rail from Moscow. The first 3 days of the journey were pretty relaxed with both of us spending most of our time sleeping. By day 4 the scenery had changed with lots of snow and ice - big problem as neither of us were particularly prepared for major winter weather.
We made the 1 hour drive from Irkutsk to Listvyanka and arrived at our Homestay to be met by a lovely lady called Dowmiller and a lovely welcoming breakfast. This was very much appreciated as all we had to eat for the previous 4 days were pot noodles, pot mash and a varied assortment of foods purchased from the station venders at our many stops.
Listvyanka is a pretty village on the shores of Lake Bailkal the largest fresh water lake in the world - its the size of Belgium! They say that the Lake will eventually break to form a new Ocean which will split the Asian continent right down the middle - so long as it doesn't happen until we have left!
Homestays are definately the best way to experience the Russian Hospitality. Dowmiller made us very welcome into her home and cooked 3 fab meals for us each day - lovely traditional meals such as soups, pancakes and lovely cakes.
We have some time now in Irkutsk before we leave this evening for another 2 nights on the train - joy of joys. This time we have found a supermarket where we can stock up on fresh fruit etc before we leave so hopefully no more pot mash!
Love to you all and will update you soon about Mongolia and Beijing.
previous travel blog entry
Would you like to comment or ask a question?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).