Train notes

Here we are. On the second leg of our great trip.

Irkutsk to Yekateinburg.

This time we couldn't get a 2 berth coupé.

We're in a 4 berth coupé, and have been allotted the 2 lower berths.

With no network or Translate app, I managed to carry on a dialogue with the Provodnitsa, Vitilina, and the train manager, Svetlana, and have (maybe) that we have the coupé to ourselves.

Only way to find out.

Unlike the previous leg, there's no welcome pack of fruits, breads, snacks, tea, water etc., no fancy travel kit either.

The pillows are nice, but not as comfortable as last time. That leg we got 2 pillows each, this time it's only one for each of us.

At Vladivostok, the coupé was all set up, with the berths made up with sheets, a duvet with a cover, racks to hang hand towels, a bell, 3 charging points etc

This time around, we were just gives the sheets, pillows and blankets and we're left to our own devices to make up the bed.

The backrest of the berth is folded forward to make up the sleeping space. Then it's folded up as a backrest for seating.

Both berth and seating space are narrow.

Indian Railways, all said and done, has mastered trains for long distance travel. And we have vendors with bisi bisi maddur vade.

For dinner we pulled out thepla and pickles from our stash.

My taste buds sang the hallelujah.