Hi All,

Just to let you know that life on board the Train is not always on the train. There was a stop to enjoy an evening BBQ meal on our exclusive rail section for Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is known worldwide as the largest lake by volume in the world. It is the deepest lake in the world, and its bottom is ever-changing as it forms a section of the continental plate that connects Western and Eastern Europe.

Its sea vegetation and sea life have evidence going back for millions of years. It is also pretty cold, being 4 degrees most of the year both winter and summer. So good for a refreshing dip. Our tour provided the opportunity to sample this fresh water Lake, with some swimming, before ending the day with a BBQ. However, upon arrival at the lake we took a leisurely trip on the lake to see the extent of its shores. Although there was a smoke haze from some wild fires in the pine forests some hundreds of miles away, we could still imagine the size of the shore line around the lake. It has a look similar to Lake Geneva in Switzerland for those who may have been there.

While on our sail around we saw some families enjoying a summer swim in the lake on one or two areas of “sandy” beaches. The ‘sand’ is really finely crushed rock, so still hard on the feet instead of the sand that Australians are used to on their beaches. Some locals like to take a huge boat out on the lake for a few weeks over the summer. There is no fishing allowed and so it is just a sailing/ cruising opportunity. Some of the boats have cars parked on their decks for when the house boats pulls into any of the larger wharves allowing the holiday makers to travel further afield to see the countryside.

Soon we arrive at our private beach and swimmers from the train ready themselves for the cold dip. The train stops on a private section of rail line just opposite a local village that assists with the BBQ and local entertainment. The local village has the local radio station broadcasting from the village hall, for the “late night hour”. Villagers come out with some handcrafts for sale and some local artists show their paintings. The local kids have picked bunches of flowers and herbs for passengers to purchase and hang in their cabins. The families would be regarded as being pretty poor from a personal wealth perspective, but are very well fed and do enjoy their simple and uncomplicated lives.

Most of the brave souls from the train are now ready for the cold dip into Lake Baikal. We have been told that a dip in this water makes you look 10 years younger and our guides admit they are over 150 years old but look just mid 30’s. They say it really works wonders every time. This encourages all ages to take the plunge in the icy waters. However we have been warned to take a towel or coat to dry off quickly after the swim so that no one develops a cold. The train doctor is however at hand for any emergency, if required.

I walk over the rough stones on the beach and out on the wooden landing as the Lake drops off very quickly. I roll up my trousers and get the water of Lake Baikal to my knees. I feel so much younger as the cold waters rise up my legs. Others take to the waters and let it cover their ankles. They say they also feel so much younger and refreshed for the BBQ to come. After the “swim” you walk over the blue metal rocks to get to your clothes and shoes, picking your steps slowly. This can be regarded as a massage, we are told as we topple from one side to the other to make our way back to our towels and shoes.

The cooks have been busy making the BBQ food. They have prepared for a group of around 170 guests from the train. The BBQ caters for many tastes and there is plenty for all as well as seconds.
Once all is ready there is the call for all to come and pick up their BBQ salads and their meats. There is plenty for every taste, with much to satisfy all. There are many additional Russian delicacies to try as well. Of course no BBQ would be complete without some dessert and hot drinks. Russians do their desserts very well and there is biscuits, chocolates, candied fruit, and fresh fruits. There is a selection of teas and coffee to sample, as well. Staff are dressed in traditional dress and very happy to pose for the tourist photo.

Our restaurant assistant Sasha shows us his traditional shirt as he assists diners to their particular flavour of tea. Then of course to complete the meal, is the required shot of vodka. A sample of vodkas are available but the one that goes down the best is the popular chilli vodka. This needs to be drunk like a Russian – in one full mouthful. The dinner has been magnificent and the time is coming for staff to pack up and for guests to retire to the train to avoid the many biting insects. A great day and fantastic food once again for our Trans Siberian trip.

I had forgotten to mention that throughout all this eating and drinking our group was entertained by a very well respected musician with his music box.

Dancing and drinking were the way to enjoy yourself around his music.

Regards
Wendy