Trans-Siberian: getting ready

27.09.2019
@Moscow, Russia 🇷🇺

day 7

embarking on the longest train tracks ever build is quite an adventure. The train has its own rules, logics, and you better be aware of them before jumping in, if you want to ease your travel. My first itinary will be Moscow -> Irkoutsk for around 84hours of train. I will be sleeping in there for 4 nights before arriving in the early morning at destination.

Keep in head that the items I am about to list will not only serve me in the train, but also potentially during my walking in the Baikal lake region. So, here is what I will be packing with me:

The newest additions to my already heavy backpack
ItemPurpose
blindfold, ear plugsSleeping is rough in the train. These will help against noisy neighbours and sleeping during daytime
Books, E-book, playing cards, musicDays might be long if I don’t meet too much people. Having something to occupy my mind will be very welcome
Wet wipes / soap and towelNo shower means low hygiene. These will help me stay clean
Swiss chocolate, cheese and sweetsCultural exchange oblige, I brought some gifts and things to share on the road
Instant noodles, polenta with mushrooms, miso pasteSeems like the go-to food on the train, as hot water is available at will. Good thing I love these dry foods!
cheese, sausage, dried meat, parfait, cenovisAnything you need to transform a piece of bread in a delicious treat
Dried muesli (or something like it) To change a bit and have a healthy and not too sugary start in the day
Aeropress + coffeeWell, I like my coffee, so In cas I dislike the one of the train, I’ll brew my own. Otherwise, I will keep it for the treks to come.
Tea bagsI might drink a LOT of tea in the train. So I’d better be ready.
VodkaI couldn’t spend a month in Russia without having good vodka at hand. Cultural immersion in a bottle.
A cupThe crew provides very fancy russian cups for your coffe, but I also have my trek cup with me to cook my meal in, or to be able to have my coffe at the same time as my breakfast.
CashCards might not be accepted on the train, so pack some cash to enjoy the restaurant wagon
training + flip-flopsAs soon as you board the train, everybody changes into comfy clothes. Clothing-wise, imagine a french camping, slightly colder and on tracks. You see it? There you go, now you imagine how the transsiberian looks. Socks and flip-flops allowed (Exceptionnaly!)