Across Russia to Moscow

Following time in Irktusk and Lystyvanka (including a boat trip on Lake Baikal) it was time to board the train. We were on train #9, the "Baikal".

We had a first class compartment, which means that it was a two-berth only. It was very well appointed, even including a flat-screen video, to watch movies provided by the provinitsa. As it happened, we had a few English-language videos that we had picked up in Beijing, so we didn't have to limit ourselves to the Russian language titles on the train.

The trip of about 6000 km took 77 hours. It was quite good. We read, we watched the scenery, we had parties (including one to celebrate crossing from Asia to Europe), we dosed, we ate and we slept. The train wasn't completely full, so this made things easier. We ate in the restaurant car (fair), we bought food from vendors on the stations (great for fresh things) and we cooked the mass of food that we had bought.

After the 6000 kms and five time zones, the train rolled into Moscow on time.

Moscow is a surprise in a way. We weren't expecting Moscow to be this attractive. The buildings are often quite beautiful and the city has limited itself to six or so stories mostly, so it isn't dominated by skyscrapers.

Our hotel is the Rossiya. It is very large (reputedly the second largest in the world) and is looking a bit tired. Apparently it will be converted or demolished to become apartments. However, it has an excellent position a short walk from Red Square and St Basil's. It's amazing to have breakfast looking out on the Kremlin.

We've done a bus toup around the Moscow sights and had a good look around Red Square. We have tickets for the opera tomorrow night, though unfortunately the main Bolshoi Theatre is closed for three years for renovations. There is lots to see, so we will be busy.