#cirilic

A character I made up on the spot for a friend of mine, based on the idea of superheroes always having a counterpart rival. Red here has such a fuzzy hat, it generates 8.62 gigawatts of power!

Firstly learn Cyrillic. Seriously. It is not that hard comparing to Chinese or Hindi and it will save you lots of trouble. Secondly try to speak some Russian. People don’t speak English in Russia, they will continue speaking Russian even if you can’t understand. And even basic language knowledge helps cause they like to see you trying. Platzkarne- open train class. We took the cheapest ticket for most of the time, because it is makes the journey more interesting, sociable, surprising and so on. We took the Kupe (4 beds) class from Naushki to Ulaanbataar because we had to and it is probably a better option for a couple or group of friends. Otherwise it bores after a day.

What to take for the train?

-Slippers. It is the first thing everyone puts on even before the train leaves.

- light shirt and leggings/ track bottoms. People change into their comfy clothes and stay like this day and night till they reach the destination. Also it is around +25C during the day and almost +30C at night.

- no need for sleeping bag. Once the train sets off everyone gets a bag of frFirstly learn Cyrillic. Seriously. It is not that hard comparing to Chinese or Hindi and it will save you lots of trouble. Secondly try to speak some Russian. People don’t speak English in Russia, they will continue speaking Russian even if you can’t understand. And even basic language knowledge helps cause they like to see you trying. Platzkarne- open train class. We took the cheapest ticket for most of the time, because it is makes the journey more interesting, sociable, surprising and so on. We took the Kupe (4 beds) class from Naushki to Ulaanbataar because we had to and it is probably a better option for a couple or group of friends. Otherwise it bores after a day.

What to take for the train?

-Slippers. It is the first thing everyone puts on even before the train leaves.

- light shirt and leggings/ track bottoms. People change into their comfy clothes and stay like this day and night till they reach the destination. Also it is around +25C during the day and almost +30C at night.

- no need for sleeping bag. Once the train sets off everyone gets a bag of fresh linen and a towel.

- time killing equipment. Books, music, films, A FRIEND :), food. The views are great, beds comfy, people interesting (or weird) but 4 days on a train takes patience. There are power sockets to charge phones

-food. We took some instant meals/soups, fruit&veg, couple tins, bread, porrige, sweets, teas and vodka. The hot and cold water is unlimited in every carriage. There is a standard restaurant carriage and possibility to buy snacks or tea/coffee at the Provadnik’s office. It is good to have sweets to share with your neighbours to break the ice and gain friends who look after your luggage. Jar of jam is a good idea too, we add it to porridge, tea, beer and even dipped a carrot once!

Definitely try shopping at the stations! You can get lots of ‘train-friendly’ food at the kiosks on the platforms or local specialities like stuffed pies, cabbage, boiled eggs, smoked fish and obviously meats.

- alcohol and cigarettes. There is a smoking room at the end of every carriage. Alcohol kills the boredom and helps practising Russian ;)

- hygiene. Wet wipes, deodorant, dry shampoo, toothbrush and something to tie your hair. esh linen and a towel.

- time killing equipment. Books, music, films, A FRIEND :), food. The views are great, beds comfy, people interesting (or weird) but 4 days on a train takes patience. There are power sockets to charge phones

-food. We took some instant meals/soups, fruit&veg, couple tins, bread, porrige, sweets, teas and vodka. The hot and cold water is unlimited in every carriage. There is a standard restaurant carriage and possibility to buy snacks or tea/coffee at the Provadnik’s office. It is good to have sweets to share with your neighbours to break the ice and gain friends who look after your luggage. Jar of jam is a good idea too, we add it to porridge, tea, beer and even dipped a carrot once!

Definitely try shopping at the stations! You can get lots of ‘train-friendly’ food at the kiosks on the platforms or local specialities like stuffed pies, cabbage, boiled eggs, smoked fish and obviously meats.

- alcohol and cigarettes. There is a smoking room at the end of every carriage. Alcohol kills the boredom and helps practising Russian ;)