So here is the Trans Siberia line itself and the route across Russia
I was prepared for the isolation (especially whilst on the train) from the outside world and being very comfortable with my own company, I was quite confident that I would manage with little interaction with the outside world but not certain what long period of silence would be like. I would soon find out without any doubt. I also knew from my time in Russia that it was not a good idea to stand out from others and that silence was the best protection to highlighting the fact that I am not Russian and open possibilities of issues and problems.
Would the trip be as exciting as this? Lots of challenges and adventures to come but also stress and other unexcepted experiences as well. I felt ready for it but was certain that I would learn a lot about myself, various Russian ethic cultures and traditions, nature and have lots of unforgettable experiences.
This was the picture I had in my mind prior to the start of the trip
How would I cope with the isolation on the train and physical exertions of some of the side trips that I knew I would face as well as could I cope with undertaking such a trip with the rigours of Russian bureaucracy, Covid (which was still a major issue in Russia) and the growing fears of war with Ukraine and possibly the rest of Europe? In this respect, I had coped with the after- effects of the invasion of Georgia and Crimea whilst living and working in Moscow but how would the effects of a massive war affect me (as a foreigner) and also my trip? This was the unknown but I was about to find out. It was a personal quest and also a personal challenge.
I was prepared for every eventuality as much as I could be and it was just matter of waiting and seeing if the trip would actually happen and how developments might change to plans.
The planning for the trip and the side- trips was guided by the travel agent (Real Russia) who appointed a wonderful woman to handle the trip. Olga Zineeva based in Volgograd set out a basic plan (I assume from a template) and then tailored it for me to meet my objectives and ideas. It was very much a joint project and we built a trip which would meet all my objectives (and more). She arranged my visa (a multi entry 6-month visa under a new scheme established by the Russian government) and worked hard to make the plans work easily. She also kept in touch throughout the trip making certain that everything was going accordingly to plan and that I was satisfied with the planning and the service supplied. This was really critical as there would be last minute changes either notified to her or me and she worked hard to resolve issues. Her input, advice and caring attention was superb and really appreciated and our friendship continued after my return. I am proud to say that she and her family remain friends of mine since the trip finished and her time at Real Russia finished as their business collapsed.
