Trans Siberian Railway

04/08/2023

https://travelcentre.com.au/2023/08/04/navigate-some-of-the-worlds-cultural-customs-and-etiquette/

World customs and etiquette guide

26/07/2023

An interesting article about Mongolia, a country trying to maintain a delicate balance.

Wary of growing Chinese power, Mongolian ties to Moscow still run deep, even as its influence crumbles into the landscape.

17/05/2023

Whilst Trans Siberian is still not available there are train journeys available in Central Asia - part of the Silk Road Rail Journey.EW can arrange private packages using the standard train, or you can enjoy the comfort and splendour of a private train.

https://passporttravel.com.au/train-journeys/

21/03/2023

Whilst we have to forget Russia we don't have to forget Central Asia and its Silk Road journeys.
Air Astana (Kazakhstan) has released a very polished safety video. They must have employed a creative director from Air New Zealand, or Virgin Airlines as this video is very much in those styles. Some wonderful use of local cultural themes and scenery.

Air Astana-ның жаңа ұшу алдындағы нұсқауыНаурыз мерекесімен құттықтай отыра, назарыңызға ұшу қауіпсіздігі туралы жаңа видеомызды ұсынамыз. Air Astana-ның Қаз...

20/03/2023

Some things are improving in the world of travel. Transsiberian is not one of them:(

Airline onboard liquid rules

04/01/2023

Whilst travel to Russia is not sensible there are other destinations. Air tickets are usually required to get to many.

Cheap Airfare in the current environment.An extinct option? There are strategies to minimize costs.

Thanks to the post-pandemic travel boom, you might have noticed that airfare prices have skyrocketed over the last few months. While (most) travel restrictions are something we can leave behind in 2022, expensive air tickets are unfortunately here to stay – at least for a while. Luckily, knowing the right time to purchase them can help you save.It’s all about the timing.

Some might say it’s best to book way in advance when demand for a certain flight might not have built up yet. Others might tell you to book closer to the date (as late as possible, even), so that airlines might drop their prices to increase their load factor.

But what does the data say?
According to online (known accurate sites) airline bookings surveys, Sundays are the best days to score cheaper tickets. Fridays are the worst – costing you 5% more on domestic flights and 15% more on international routes, compared to Sundays. While there’s not a sure-fire day to get cheaper tickets, it’s always good to keep this in mind when booking flights. Results from research also found that Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week for flight departures. Departing at the start of the week could cost you 15% more on domestic flights and around 10% more on international flights. This is because travelers tend to prefer departing on Sundays and Mondays, so the demand for flights on these days is higher. Flight status data from 2022 shows that flights after 3 p.m. are 50% more likely to be cancelled – so try to schedule your flights earlier in the day.

Distance matters
The best time to book your flights depends on whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Domestic or short-haul flights tend to have more predictable pricing, while international or long-haul flights could fluctuate and end up costing more if you don’t book at the right time.

Domestic or short-haul Booking too far ahead could end up costing you 10% more, if it’s a domestic or short-haul flight. For such routes, it’s best to book one to four months out from departure. Domestic fares often rise around three to six months from the flight, so booking too early might cost you more. Popular tourist spots often see price-matching between airlines, especially among low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and AirAsia, that need more passengers to cover their costs. With these, you might want to keep an eye out for sudden price drops. If budget airlines aren’t your thing, full-service carriers like British Airways have short-haul sales a few times in the year – typically in February/March and after the northern hemisphere summer. International or long-haul Normally, you can save up to 10% if you book international flights as least six months ahead.

Traveling across borders require much more planning than taking a local holiday, so it’s good to plan ahead when it comes to international or long-haul flights. Deals often appear one to two seasons before departure, so you might want to book your summer trip during winter and spring.

BUT, this is not a guaranteed thing. Currently, with such turmoil in the aviation world you can’t rely 100% on this trend. As things improve we may see aspects of this trend return.Lastly, avoid peak season travel and be aware of blackout dates, such as Christmas Eve, when many discounted fares don’t apply.Whilst there are online booking sites – beware.

The recent covid implications showed how problematic some online sites were. The best option is to either deal directly on an airlines website, or with a travel agent. Dealing directly on an airlines site does have one major disadvantage, which a travel agent does not have – they only promote their airline. Travel agents, via the international airline booking system can look at a large range of options and also look at combinations airfares (more than one airline), which in the end may be a much better option for your overall flight plans. You are also dealing with a contactable human so that if a problem happens you have someone working on your behalf.

07/11/2022

Sadness still pervades anything to do with Russia. Mongolia is still a country of friendly people and hope. Unfortunately it is still very expensive to fly there as evidenced by the costs two of our clients just paid to get there!

We hope to see a general change to airfares after March 20233 - as long as nothing else happens in the world!

Here are some stunning images of Mongolian trains in Autumn.

30/08/2022

Russia resistance continues, not only outside Russia, but within.
This wonderful image Is from a Russian stamp collector. We understand these have become quite popular around the world.

24/08/2022

A Spy: A Russian Folk Song and a Number 1 pop music hit!

Some readers may have heard of 1960s’ folk music trio, “The Springfields”, from whom the fabulous Dusty Springfield emerged. The other Springfield, her brother Tom did his UK military service, training as a spy. Heard a Russian folk song and went on to write a number 1 hit for the Australian super group of the 1960’s – ‘The Seekers’. Judith Durham, the Seekers singer with her unique voice died recently. It has only emerged that Tom Springfield (The 5th Seeker) passed away 10 days before her!

Watch the video which shows the similarity of the melody.

From Crikey.com media

Australia Updates The carnival truly is over: vale Tom Springfield, a man who made his fame last.The late Tom Springfield wrote some of the Seekers’ greatest hits, and then spent over half a century reaping the rewards. Clever chap. With the announcement of the death of Tom Springfield the “fifth Seeker”, so soon after Judith Durham died, the carnival really is over.Springfield, dead at 88 just 10 days before Durham, was the writer of the group’s greatest hits, including “The Carnival Is Over”, “Georgy Girl” and “I’ll Never Find Another You”. Writer? Co-writer, really — especially of “The Carnival Is Over”, the tune of which was co-written by the Russian people. It’s a folk song called “Stenka Razin and it’s the heart warming tale of a Cossack hero who spends a night with a beautiful Persian princess — and is then so angered at being taunted by fellow Cossacks for having fallen in love that he throws her off the side of a boat into the Volga, where she drowns. Respectful relationships, 1600s-style.

Springfield heard the song while learning Russian during national service in the UK in the 1950s, having volunteered to train as a spy. But his true heroism consists in what he did after he’d written those half-dozen hits (and a couple of minor ones for his sister Dusty Springfield) — quitting the business in 1970, at the age of 36, and living off the radio-play royalties for the rest of his life. He was retired for 52 years, which might be a record. He is the patron saint of all those who try to strike it lucky from a little writing talent.This must be our last goodbye, Tom, so rest in — oh, you already have. Fifty-two years!

https://youtu.be/spl4x2dp3x4

Most all fans of The Seekers know that when Tom Springfield wrote "The Carnival Is Over" he set his lyrics to an old Russian folk song, "Senka Razin". I've ...

15/08/2022

The recent Nadaam Festival also had regional exhibitions housed in large Gers that were decorated using differing cultural styles from the various regions. Yes, there is a bit more glamour than what would be in a nomads rural Ger, but this is a national cultural display and this is where they can expand their design abilities.

13/07/2022

Its been Nadaam Festival time in Mongolia again. Time for familes to dress in their finest traditional formal clothes. And then there are the kids!

06/07/2022

Welcome to Russia?

Within Russia many still live in a delusional state, especially when they communicate via normal email methods. They have to keep the ‘Party Line’, or be arrested. We received this optimistic email. What is also amazing is that Australians can now get a visa, having been barred from a visa pre covid due to support for general sanctions at the time.

Perhaps they think tourist will flood back to the country and assist with refreshing the war chest?We politely informed them that we could not find anyone that would visit at the moment and reminded them of our previous discussions in that we are not dealing with arrangements to Russia until there is a regime change.

Test of email received. Almost could form part of a Monty Python script..................................
Hello

I would like to inform you that Russia has cancelled all entry restrictions imposed in connection with Covid.

I understand that the volume of tourism that was previously is unlikely now.

Nevertheless I inform you that we now have the opportunity to issue business and tourist invitations to enter Russia to citizens of Australia and other countries again.We are also ready to provide full tourist services on traditional and new routes.

We really hope that over time we will be able to resume our cooperation.

Kind regards,

24/06/2022

Actions speak louder than words. A true human being.

07/06/2022

We often hear the phrase, ‘History repeats itself’. Political Satire from 1904 repeats itself in 2022 as well! This cartoon was published in the British satirical and humour magazine, ‘Punch’. The period of history, in 1904, was known as the ‘Great Game’. Russia and China trying to expand their influence and conquests and many other nations opposing them. At that time many of those opposing nations were also trying to maintain their existing influences and empires. Make sure you read the cartoon caption.

Punch, or The London Charivari was a British weekly magazine of humour and satire established in 1841 by Henry Mayhew and wood-engraver Ebenezer Landells. Historically, it was most influential in the 1840s and 1850s, when it helped to coin the term "cartoon" in its modern sense as a humorous illustration. After the 1940s, when its circulation peaked, it went into a long decline, closing in 1992. It was revived in 1996, but closed again in 2002.

The term "cartoon" to refer to comic drawings was first used in Punch in 1843, when the Houses of Parliament were to be decorated with murals, and "cartoons" for the mural were displayed for the public; the term "cartoon" then meant a finished preliminary sketch on a large piece of cardboard, or cartone in Italian. Punch humorously appropriated the term to refer to its political cartoons, and the popularity of the Punch cartoons led to the term's widespread use

17/05/2022

News was announced by the Mongolian Government about a new railway line in Mongolia. The intention is to build new vertical lines in both the west and east of the country.

These routes will travel through several scenic areas. In particular the section in western part of Mongolia will pass through areas where the mountains reach 2500m plus.

Naturally this will take time, but may offer more variety with train lines for tourists. More details from this link. https://www.seetao.com/details/107807.html

12/04/2022

For lovers of modern Russian literature Alexander Sozhenitsyn is a name that looms large. He is not only known for his writing, but his preparedness to criticise the soviet regime. These actions resulted in gulag prison camps, exile and surviving a KGB assassination attempt (sound familiar?). Because of his profile in the West and being awarded a Nobel Literary prize, he was exiled out of soviet Russia to Switzerland and ultimately settling in Vermont U.S.A. He returned to Russia after the fall of the soviet regime.

The Gulag Archipelago and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich are two of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's most well recognized works; but the writer never shied away from experimentation or remained committed to one single literary form. Other writings include a multi-volume novel (The Red Wheel) and a series of binary tales (Apricot Jam and Other Stories), among others.

The following quote, from ‘The Gulag Archipelago’ is as true today as it was in his time.

09/04/2022

Pink Floyd is not known for many new releases. This is the first in 3 decades. Here they team up with Ukrainian artist, Andriy Khlyvnyuk from Ukrainian band Boombox, for an immotove release and fund raiser for the Ukrainian people. This editor still remembers waiting for the release of Dark Side. I still have that original vinyl. Share this video.

Here is the official video for 'Hey Hey Rise Up', Pink Floyd’s new Ukraine fundraiser feat Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox. Stream / download at http://pinkfloyd...

06/04/2022

Languages can be a key that open many doors when you travel. Learning one language can be a challenge. It is often said that the hardest one is the first language that you learn. This writer has regularly met people who can converse in up to 5 languages. This story highlights the extreme learner.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/us-canada/300559333/the-remarkable-brain-of-a-carpet-cleaner-who-speaks-24-languages?cid=app-android

In a city where interpreters command six-figure salaries and language proficiency is career gold, Vaughn Smith is a savant with a secret.

22/03/2022

In modern times (last 150 years) the Borsch is considered to be Ukrainian in origin, but like many things, including the actual people, the connection is wide ranging. From Poland through Russia, Ukraine and much of eastern Europe, you will find this tasty soup.

We offer up Alissa Timoshkina’s (London based writer of Russian/Ukrainian/Jewish heritage)modern take on Borsch which she warns is pretty iconoclastic!

You can view her blog here; https://www.alissatimoshkina.com/

INGREDIENTS
Serves 4

1 large onion
1 carrot
6 medium beetroots (raw)
2 red bell peppers
2 tbsp of tomato paste
2 litre of cold water
2 bay leafs
1 tbsp of black pepper corns
1 tbsp of coriander seeds
1 tbsp of fennel seeds
4 cloves of garlic
a bunch of dill
a small bunch of parsley
1 tbsp of salt
1 jar of fermented cabbage (preferably red)
1 tin of red kidney beans
2 tsp of smoked paprika
1 medium red onion
1 tbsp of brown sugar
2 tbsp of pomegranate molasses
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tbsp of sour cream
4 tbsp of chopped dill and parsley
unrefined sunflower oil for frying and roasting
Additional salt to taste

METHOD
1. Finely dice the onion, peel and grate the carrot.
2. Heat up a tbsp of sunflower oil in a large pot and fry the onion and carrot for about 8 minutes until golden.
3. Meanwhile, peel and grate two beetroots, thinly slice one red pepper, removing the seeds, and add the vegetables to the pot together with the tomato paste and a splash of water.
4. Season with salt to taste and fry for another 5-8 minutes.
5. Top with 2 litres of cold water, add the bayleaves as well as all the seeds, peeled whole garlic cloves, and half of the fresh dill and parsley.
6. Season with a tbsp of salt and bring to boil.
7. Lower the heat, add half of the fermented red cabbage with its brine and let simmer on low heat for 40 minutes to an hour.
8. Switch off the heat and let the borsch rest for another hour, while you prepare the rest of the elements. If you can make the broth 24 hours in advance you will be rewarded with an even better tasting soup, but a few hours of resting will also do the trick.
9. So far, so good, but here is where the recipe starts to deviate from the norm quite a lot. To prepare the vegetables that will grace the plate and also add extra flavour and texture to the soup, you will need to do a bit of roasting. Start by preheating the oven to 160C.
10. Peel the remaining 4 beetroots, cut into wedges and dress with oil, salt and a dash of pomegranate molasses.
11. Peel the red onion, cut into wedges and season with salt and brown sugar to bring out their sweetness and promote caramelisation.
12. Roast in the oven together with the beetroot for 30 minutes.
13. Next, drain the kidney beans, dress them with salt, oil and smoked paprika.
14. Deseed the red pepper and cut into thin strips, dressing with salt and oil.
15. Roast the two together as they will only need 10-15 minutes.
16. When ready to serve, strain the broth through a sieve or a muslin cloth, discarding the boiled vegetables. All we need is that rich broth!
17. Reheat again if necessary.

18/03/2022

Arnie certainly has a fan base in Russia and has had a positive relationship in the past. He makes a wonderful link to one of his heroes as a youth. In additional he warns about how things will affect everyone when comparing to his own fathers experiences.

https://fb.watch/bPKbbrBVCd/

07/03/2022

The tragedy of Ukraine continues. We are all aware of this. Our Russian friends are in contact. We have permission to release the following. Charlie Disney is a Russian Pop Music name. We don’t know if she is still in Russia but she and her friends want this shared as many times as possible. We and many Russian like her stand with Ukraine. She is one of 1000’ s who have made a very dangerous protest. Please SHARE.

"I am Russian. I have the friends and relatives in Ukraine as many other Russians. Today is the last day I could say what I think. There are more and more laws passed in my country on daily basis to prevent people from telling the truth. I just want my Russian brother to come back home. I just want my Ukrainian relatives to be able to leave the bomb shelters. I just want Peace. #нетвойне"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCCwceCR0-E

I am Russian.I have the friends and relatives in Ukraine as many other Russians.Today is the last day I could say what I think.There are more and more laws p...

28/02/2022

Naturally we will not be assisting with travel arrangements to, or across Russia, for quite some time. Tourism is, in our opinion, suspended until we see again the Russia we imagined we saw emerging in the 1990’s. We stand with the people of Ukraine as they valiantly fight this invasion. We also stand with the brave Russians (within Russia) who have protested against their Mad Czar.

You will have seen a lot of use of the Ukrainian flag. We choose to use the Ukrainian national flower – The Sunflower – as this symbolises the hope of a new bright future when the tyrant of Soviet mentality is finally beaten. Our other photo is of some of those brave Russians protesting in St Petersburg.

We will continue to publish (when appropriate) about the good aspects of Russia that were adding to our world’s collective range of culture. We will also, where appropriate and with permission, publish accounts from our many friends and contacts within Russia. As you can imagine they now have to be careful about their own security and protect themselves from their own government.

We can still talk about Mongolia:}

10/02/2022

Variations upon the Trans Siberian. Most of you will have heard of the, Trans Mongolian, Trans Manchurian and the Silk Road train routes. How many have heard of the Turksib?

A classic Soviet Movie was made about the construction of this route in 1929! Resisting the character-driven narrative adhered to by the rest of the world's filmmakers, Victor Turin formulated a grand, elemental drama centred around the struggle for survival in Asia, from the arid plains of Turkestan to the icy Siberian mountains. This unique film tells the story of the creation of a monumental Soviet construction project - a railway that connected Central Asia and Siberia.

Whilst the past Soviet states of Central Asia are now independent countries you can connect through by train. The Silk Route is one route. However, Turkmenistan does not allow any passenger carriages on its rail line, only freight. You can travel between Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Yekaterinburg (Siberia), so part of the history can be recreated. Once you start looking at a rail map of the region you can start to see many combinations are possible. For example; Vladivostok/Irkutsk to Novosibirsk, then southwest to Kazakhstan, on through to Uzbekistan and then north back to Russia and Yekaterinburg – simple with our assistance!

For movie enthusiasts here is a link to the 1929 classic. Sit back, it is a movie length, not a tiktok!
https://youtu.be/Scf1dxzfeOA

02/02/2022

It’s that other new year and our Mongolian friends nail it with a great image.

One of the Star countries on a Trans Mongolian train route.
Happy Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year)!

28/01/2022

At this time of year we usually publish some Russian winter scenes. This authors daughter (a cat lover) brought the following images to our attention. Whilst the Maine C**n Cat is not only confined to Russia, this particular cat is from Russia - note blue and white striped navy t-shirt. Naturally they enjoy a colder climate and a very strong owner!! One image, although showing a dog theme, could, with such a cat, have the words changed!

11/01/2022

As we are not travelling on the actual Trans Siberian Railway, with no current updates, we thought of other aspects of Russia. Chukotka is an area of far Eastern Russia that is hard to get to and then even harder to travel within. This editor has been there. We received a link to this magnificent Polar Bear images by Russian photographer Dmitry Kokh. Polar Bears occupying the old weather station on Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea bring back memories for the editor. We have added some of our images. Before landing, by zodiac, Russian crew went ashore, armed, to make sure no beers had remained after the sea ice melted! Dmitry Kokh did find some who stayed behind! The island is also well known for its abundant birdlife.

If anyone wants to go to places like this, before their train journey, we can get you there!

Dmtry used his drone for this amazing video.
https://youtu.be/9JHyUieKqoU

His Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/CXloZQvNgPR/

02/01/2022

2022. Some may feel that they haven’t travelled, but this is not quite correct😄

The year ahead is looking more positive, science is indicating a change. The year won’t be,full charge ahead’, but we think more steps will be taken.