Chapter 2: Cabin Fever

We boarded our 6 day train destined for Beijing and were pleasantly surprised by the nice cabin, or 'love grotto' as we preffered. But could we make it to China with our friendship in tact? My snoaring v Richards feet. A battle of the titans. Fortunately both were contained very well and we loved the whole trip. Even read 3 books! There was a lot of little stations in the middle of miles of barron wasteland that seemed to serve no purpose at all. Reminded us of Dilton Marsh.

Rich in the cabin doorway. The hawk-eyes amongst you will spot Malcolm Smith.

In the cabin next to us were 2 French twins. They were touring Russia and Asia as part of a voluntary twin-based study to meet other twins, and they were textbook examples. Basically imagine Paul and Barry Chuckle, remove the moustaches and you have Carolyn and Adelaide. Their English wasn't great but we were united by the Universal laws of 'Yahtzee'. We went passed Lake Baikel - the biggest volume of fresh water on the planet. At each stop the locals would wheel little carts for you to jump out and buy stuff. Handy, especially as I do enjoy a whole raw fish from time to time.

On our final night we ate in the restaurant cart with the twins. The first Chinese meal of many more to come.

Me, sans shave, with Carolyn and/or Adelaide.

So the train ride was a huge success, but it was nice to stretch our legs when we arrived in Beijing. But that tale has only just begun.....