Meet the travelers on the Trans Mongolian/Siberian Railway we visited in their cabin during the first part of our train ride. In exchange for stroopwafels (a typical Dutch treat) they shared with us why they took this train and what certain not to mis on board.
Dimitri & Max
‘Bring vodka’
Our French roomies, from Paris. After graduation, these best friends decided to travel the world and booked a world ticket. The Trans Mongolian Railway is the start af their journey. After Beijing they fly to Delhi, Katmandu, Bangkok, Tokyo, Manilla, Sydney, Santiago, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo and Los Angeles.
Igor & Sergei
‘I love Poetin and Russia’
Our Russian neighbours welcome us with beer and vodka in their cabin. With help from a point it book and sign language we figure out they are on their way back home. They work in Moscow. Every week they take this train from Kirov to Moscow and back.
Charys
‘Bring something to eat or drink, which you can share’
The only Dutch girl we met on the train. As a secretary on the road she travels the world over land. In Amsterdam she took the train to Russia. She didn’t plan a thing, her trip might be for two years, or longer. Who knows ?
Alice
‘ In France many people dream of taking the Trans Mongolian Express’
A Parisian girl who always wanted to take the Tran Mongolian Express. After final stop, Ulaanbaatar, she goes back to her boyfriend in Paris.
Jacqueline, Barbara, Shirley and anoniem
‘You can always go to Beijing, but who the hell would go to Vladivostok? I can’t even pronounce it.’
Four friends from the U.S.A. traveling together to Vladivostok. The Trans Siberian Railway was a real bucket list. Jacqueline and anonymus are from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After Vladivostok they go back to Philly. Barbara and Shirley from Mississippi go further by ferry to South Korea and Japan. The ladies have one advise: ‘Don’t bring so many clothes, because you wont wear them in the train. Bring body wipes!’.
Just stumbled across your blog… And specifically this article – which is a journey I have been dreaming to take for years. I love train travel especially in foreign countries no better way to meet the people. Great post… I must get on planning my next train trip!
Thanks Joseph! Part two will be posted today! You have a nice blog as well ;-) The Trans Mongolian Railway is a journey many people dream of. Especially French people. I red on your blog you have a French mother, me too! You should really plan this trip. Amazing views, people and ambiance.