The Start of our epic adventure holiday in Russia

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Learning about Russia

So here we are at the very beginning of a huge adventure. It really is a train trip of a life time. We can't stop thinking about it. Look at this photo of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow with its onion domed roofs. Who wouldn't want to go there.

Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

We are trying to find people who have already done the journey. We've spoken to a couple of people who have lead the tours but we want to speak to everyday people about their experiences. It is hard to find these "everyday people". We have heard of a trio from our home town here in Bunbury who are doing the tour in 3 months time so we hope to meet up with them both before and after their trip. Next week there should be a Letter To The Editor from us in tour local paper asking if there is anyone out there who has done this train trip who would care to get in contact with us.

The letter in the Bunbury Mail

The letter in the paper was published and we have had three people phone us.

The first was an ex British army man who travelled on the train as an interpreter for the British forces. He did this several years ago but he could be of great help to us and he is willing to help us with our language skills. He is rather busy until after Easter so we'll call him then and set up a meeting.

The second was a teacher who, as it turns out, lives only a short distance from us. His wife is Russian and he has travelled on part (but not all) of the Trans Siberian many times. He has always made his own travel arrangements and is quite confident we would save thousands of dollars if we travelled independently. He, his wife and his two young children are going to visit us in a week or so.

The third was a lady who travelled on the train 20 years ago as part of an overall European holiday. She and her husband travelled quite independently and apparently had a ball. She said the only thing now that would worry her is the crime in Russia. She said it was reasonably safe when she and her husband went there 20 years ago but she fears it may not be as safe these days.

It was wonderful to speak to all three people and I hope some others contact us as the week goes on.

Next page - Gathering travel facts

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