Had an interesting (?) Happening at the hotel when we arrived. A few of us got into the lift with our bags and went up to the floor – luckily 2nd floor- but the door wouldn’t open! It then made a couple of juddering jolts back down to level one. Once again the door didn’t open and we started to jolt downwards , as this happened, the lift lights went out! I let out a scream and started banging on the door. You could feel the temperature rising and we were pressing all buttons. You’ve seen those movies where lifts fall down empty shafts well that’s what I was imagining. Luckily there were people around and finally the door opened. My heart was racing and the hotel staff were very concerned about what happened. We all had a laugh about it later but we had all had a little panic.
Before starting our long train trip we did an early morning tour of the Moscow metro. The stations are really beautifully decorated and each one has a different theme. We learnt that some of the Moscow dogs use the metro to get from place to place and they have become quite special to the commuters
12 noon saw us heading to the main station and after a short wait made our way onto the platform. We lost Marian and Mark for a worrying 10 minutes- they had wandered onto the wrong side of the station and Viv could see them through the fence where I think there was an exchange of expletives! Finally we reached the correct carriage and found the attendant in a very unhappy state because none of us were getting on the train without the guide! Passports were checked and then you had to make the leap of death – there was a huge gap between platform and train -which was difficult to perform with all the additional bags of food. Made our way to our compartment, stowed the bags under the seats and set up our home for the next four days.
Before getting on the train we bought a bottle of beer so decided to celebrate this new part of the journey. Unfortunately the carriage attendant came along and started shouting at us in Russian and waving her hands around. Seems that we were in trouble for having a drink. She disappeared and was back a few minutes later waving a couple of bags of crisps under our nose. We politely declined but soon got the message that because we had been naughty we needed to buy them so I did – didn’t want to be on the wrong side of her! Each time she came past she would shake her head so in the end I tried to beg for forgiveness by going on bended knee with a bar of chocolate – it actually bought a slight smile to her face!
We played a few card games, had some dinner – bread, cheese and pickles – caught up with the rest of the group, got off for 20 minutes at a station – the attendants start yelling at you a good 5 minutes before the train leaves- and then settled down for the night. Slept well on the bottom bunk. I remember the train stopping s couple of times.
The is hot water at the end of each carriage so it’s always possible to have a cuppa! There is a loo+sink at each end of carriage – basic but acceptable apart from when the train start to rock at great speed.
This is now day 4 on the train and we have change time zones 4 times which makes the time go quicker. Sleeping is fine, although it can be quite hot. The beds fairly comfortable with sheets and blanket (I don’t use that). We seem to be retiring around midnight – sunset is around 11pm. Although the other night it was more like 1am as we had a whole group of people in our cabin – interesting conversations and of course the odd cup or two of alcohol! Helps you sleep!
We usually have 3 stops a day where we can get off the train. It’s usually between 20 and 30 minutes. There are little shops at these stops and you can get a variety of fresh and convenience food. We have been able to jeep ourselves going without resorting to the dining car. The dining car is far to small for the number of people on this train but that’s the way it is. The group usually meet there late afternoon for a bevie! It’s interesting going from carriage to carriage as the train belts along.
Seller at one of the stations. She looks like I felt!
Before starting our long train trip we did an early morning tour of the Moscow metro. The stations are really beautifully decorated and each one has a different theme. We learnt that some of the Moscow dogs use the metro to get from place to place and they have become quite special to the commuters
12 noon saw us heading to the main station and after a short wait made our way onto the platform. We lost Marian and Mark for a worrying 10 minutes- they had wandered onto the wrong side of the station and Viv could see them through the fence where I think there was an exchange of expletives! Finally we reached the correct carriage and found the attendant in a very unhappy state because none of us were getting on the train without the guide! Passports were checked and then you had to make the leap of death – there was a huge gap between platform and train -which was difficult to perform with all the additional bags of food. Made our way to our compartment, stowed the bags under the seats and set up our home for the next four days.
Before getting on the train we bought a bottle of beer so decided to celebrate this new part of the journey. Unfortunately the carriage attendant came along and started shouting at us in Russian and waving her hands around. Seems that we were in trouble for having a drink. She disappeared and was back a few minutes later waving a couple of bags of crisps under our nose. We politely declined but soon got the message that because we had been naughty we needed to buy them so I did – didn’t want to be on the wrong side of her! Each time she came past she would shake her head so in the end I tried to beg for forgiveness by going on bended knee with a bar of chocolate – it actually bought a slight smile to her face!
We played a few card games, had some dinner – bread, cheese and pickles – caught up with the rest of the group, got off for 20 minutes at a station – the attendants start yelling at you a good 5 minutes before the train leaves- and then settled down for the night. Slept well on the bottom bunk. I remember the train stopping s couple of times.
The is hot water at the end of each carriage so it’s always possible to have a cuppa! There is a loo+sink at each end of carriage – basic but acceptable apart from when the train start to rock at great speed.
This is now day 4 on the train and we have change time zones 4 times which makes the time go quicker. Sleeping is fine, although it can be quite hot. The beds fairly comfortable with sheets and blanket (I don’t use that). We seem to be retiring around midnight – sunset is around 11pm. Although the other night it was more like 1am as we had a whole group of people in our cabin – interesting conversations and of course the odd cup or two of alcohol! Helps you sleep!
We usually have 3 stops a day where we can get off the train. It’s usually between 20 and 30 minutes. There are little shops at these stops and you can get a variety of fresh and convenience food. We have been able to jeep ourselves going without resorting to the dining car. The dining car is far to small for the number of people on this train but that’s the way it is. The group usually meet there late afternoon for a bevie! It’s interesting going from carriage to carriage as the train belts along.
Seller at one of the stations. She looks like I felt! 
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