Preparations

I have been preparing for the trip for the past 2 or so months. I have currently done the following:

• [x] Sold most of my stuff
• [x] Resigned my apartment
• [x] Quit my job
• [x] Bought a one-way ticket to Siberia (Ulan-Ude)
• [x] Obtained visas for Russia, Mongolia and China
• [x] Obtained most of my travel gear
• [x] Took five different vaccinations in six shots
• [x] Secured a travel insurance for the first 3 months

In addition to these obvious points, I have read a lot about trans-siberian train journey from forums.

So, reading about other peoples’ experiences I decided to opt for 3rd class ticket for the single longest leg of my journey (4days). 3rd class, or “platskartny” is composed of open carriages with 52 bunks stacked 3-high on the sides of the train. This is the way aboriginal people travel from all 3 countries passed. And this is how I’m going to travel too 🙂

Here’s a picture I found from internet:

Transrussia.com

The language worries me a little but I am well known of my great ability to fluently listen to any language. Also, I think my vodka-Russian is ok (after 3 shots)

Also I have been betting my farewells to people I might not meet for a very long time. A little sad but it’s not like I will never see them again 🙂 So I’m not too worried for that. Besides, anyone can check on me on this blog anyhow, so cheer up guys…

Next post will be about gearing up. (yes, I am a hardcore gear enthusiast, so expect a lot of “vital” stuff to pop out of my backpack)