In Helsinki

Day Two

April 7th 2008

Total Miles 2500

Trip Miles 0

This evening, with some trepidation we struggled across the cobbles at Helsinki train station.

As we approached our train it became immediately obvious that we were in entering a little bit of Russia. The train carriage attendants (Provodnitsas) were all lined up checking people's tickets. The men all had enormous hats - real KGB style beauties. We clambered aboard and found our cabin - all 2 metres square! Five people and 12 bags were squeezed into place and we were off.

The train was sparsely furnished but clean. At one end of the carriage near the Provodnitsa's office lurked the Samovar - a complicated and fearsome looking device designed to produce scalding hot water for making tea and pot noodles. The toilets, however were not great!

Max

Its different from the rest of Europe, but in a good way.  Everyone has funny accents.  The Hotel was nice, especially the internet.  Getting on the Russian train felt squidged.  I am excited for the journey ahead.