Siberia Russia Part 8 The Slow Train
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Siberia, Russia - Part 8: The Slow Train Adventure
Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway
When I decided to spend a year teaching at Chita State Technical University in Siberia, I never imagined the adventure that awaited me. This part of my journey unfolds on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway.
The Unexpected Trek
After a chat with a new Russian friend, I discovered the train journey from Khabarovsk to Chita would take three days. With four days of travel already behind me, this wasn’t exactly welcome news. Surveying my fellow passengers as they settled in with pillows, sheets, and bags of food, it became apparent we were in for a long haul.
Determined to reframe the situation, I told myself, "This is an adventure!"
Sustenance: Crackers and Grape Juice
Maintaining a balanced diet is important to me. On stressful workdays, I’ve given in to the lure of fast food, but now, I would’ve welcomed it eagerly. Contrary to what I'd been told, the train’s food car was indeed open. However, it only offered crackers and grape juice.
Though not a fan of crackers, I could manage. Grape juice? I used to like it. For the next 48 hours, my travel companion, Grae, and I alternated between munching crackers and sipping juice. Our creativity knew bounds as we tried every combination possible?"until we vowed never to touch either again.
A Humbling Discovery
After two days of this unusual diet, both Grae and I were desperate for real food. Finally, Grae decided to ask our fellow passengers for help. Traveling teaches you humility, especially when you face language barriers.
Grae returned with a revelation: we could buy food at every station stop. We laughed at our oversight and as the train paused at a small town, we dashed into the station. Funnily enough, no more crackers or grape juice awaited us. Instead, we discovered the best meal I had ever tasted?"though I’m not sure what it was exactly.
On to Chita!
This unexpected journey taught me more than just navigating a foreign land; it taught me to embrace the unpredictable. Next stop?"Chita!
For more stories from my Russian travels, visit NomadJournalTrips.com.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Siberia Russia Part 8 The Slow Train.
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