Way to Russia Talk Lounge

randystein · Just Starting Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

i've been thinking of taking the train to beijing sometime in jan or feb, and would like to stop of at various points along the way. now this is just the begining of a idea and i have no knowledge of what traveling through siberia at this time of year would entail or any of the places along the way that would be worth visiting. if any one could throw a light on this for me it would be most appriciated particularly with regard to the affect of the weather on the train service and the access to towns and their local area. i'm up for a challenge but i see little point in making the trip if it solely consists of looking out the train window for a week.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

check out the trans-siberian folder. Lots of recommendations and info there.

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

Better yet, you'll be looking out a train window in the dark. I won't call it "sunset" because then you'd expect sun, but any discernible "daylight" will commence about about 9 AM and expire about 3:30 in the afternoon. Don't forget how short the days are when you're this far north in the winter. Very very short indeed.

randystein · Just Starting Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

being from the north of england and moscow not being as high in the hemispere as edinburgh i'm sure i'm used to short days and long nights, what i'm not used to is snow bound trains and sub zero conditions, and how would this limit any excersions i would like to make when i get off the train? smart arse! scenery and landscape is more my interest and i'm sure that being on the interior of a fucking huge land mass there'll be plenty bright if short crisp days, and being rather fond of booze i'm sure i'll be able to amuse myself in the long dark nights.
the trans-siberia page is very informative but i can find no info about this time of year apart from a temp. chart. obviously life goes on for the russians ,siberians and mongolians that live in this area but being a tourist problems would be magnified. and i was hoping for some practical advise hopefully based on experience

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

Since I had no way of knowing where you were from "smart arse" I was trying to be "helpful". You'd be surprised how many people don't take into account the shortness of winter days and the lack of scenery to be seen in the dark.

Go to Siberia in the dark. Have fun. Silenced