Guro and Caroline Blog

Lake Baikal

Off the train!!! But the ground kept moving for a long time still... Felt a bit silly as we were guided off the train station following people with signs saying Russia Experience, whilst Jante and Daniel (a swede and a mexiacan who stayed in 3rd class on the train) ran after a publicbus... They might be a bit more hardcore than us.... but WE ARE NOT A GROUP!
After an hours drive (will not go further into russian driving as far will read this...) through more forrest, we arrived at Listvyanka, a small village just where river Angara leaves Lake Baikal. We accuired Mark and Michelle, and went to live with Olga for 2 days in a very cute house with snurredass!! Had a guided tour to the church (another one) and Lake Baikal museum. The lake holds enough water to supply the whole world for 40 years!! And it is the only lake any of us have seen with a horizon. Beautiful though. And finally had russian food!!! The guide said we were the lucky ones as Olga is a fantastic cook. Certainly turned out to be very true. So good that I have coped without meat for 2 days as Michelle is a vegetarian. Know some of you will not believe this, but it is true. It almost made up for sleeping in the hardest beds ever slept in.
Yesterday 10 of us went for a trek along the lake in lovely weather. So nice that Else (our very own leprachaun) went for a swim. A swim that lasted for at least 5 min in water at about 8C.... Mildly impressed. Even the local guides just stood there shaking their heads.
Then back to the bania (= russian dry heat sauna) to wash. Very good very good. Tried the local pub, and were thrown out again! Seem to be a recurring theme for us - the russians turn of the light and comes over and says bye bye!! We think they might have to work on their drinking up time.... Much fun as usual.
Arrived in Irkutsk again this morning, to our new host - Olga (there are many of us in this country). She speaks english! And the flat is nice (watercloset....) even though it is in The Oestblokk and its closest neighbour is a shop called Sex Supermarket.... We might not go out after dark.
Been to see the churches (!), and very pleased to realise it is a small town, so walking around only takes about 1 hour. Tired little legs....
Off to get food for the next train now, so will tell you more when get to mongolia!!!
G&C

posted by Guro @ 08:06