Toyama to Irkutsk

I am currently in the center of Siberia, in Irkutsk. We just got off the Trans-siberian train today after 3 nights and days. There were no showers, little food (bread,cheese,snacks,etc.), and no electronics; only time. It was amazing. The views were mostly of the Russian countryside which began much like the East with rolling hills and then became more like Oregon with dense pine forests. Russian people seem very nice and we haven't had any real problems yet. In fact, we were asked to have a drink with the train car attendants yesterday where we discussed American and Russian differences with the help of our guide book and hand-gestures. However, after they tried to charge us for what we ate and drink. That wasn't very friendly.

The ferry from Toyama to Vladivostok wasn't bad. We had pleasant weather and the seas were calm. There were various dancing groups on board too so we were given a free show! It was luxury compared to the dirty, dirty train!

Tomorrow we head out to our work project near the lake building trails for two weeks!