Russia and TransMongolian Train– Novosibirsk and Lake Baikal (panic story!!)

The worst scenario occurred, I was completely panicking. It appeared that my train did not arrive at the station at the designated time. How could this be? The Russians train are famous for their timeliness. It took 3 rail station workers and a volunteer for me to realize that I completely missed my train which supposed to be the night before. At this point, the patient ticket saleswoman also informed me that no more ticket is available for the train from Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk. After 30 minutes of consistently trying, the saleswoman handed me a ticket to Novosibirsk (located between Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk) and asked me to try my luck again there.

(Note: currently you can return your ticket for a new ticket if you missed your train within 24 hours.)

I have never thought to visit the unofficial capital of Siberia. The heavily industrialized city was brought alive when both Trans-Siberian railway and railway to Central Asia opened all the way to Novosibirsk. Well, I suppose this is the perfect opportunity to visit Russia’s largest ballet and opera theater, the Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theater. When World War II started, many famous Russian conductors, ballet directors, and opera directors escaped to Siberia for safety. This paved the way for building the “Colosseum of Siberia.” Just so happen that there was an opera concert with famous Italian conductor and opera singers performing. I made a point to stop by the theater first, take some pictures, and get a ticket to the opera concert.

The largest opera theater in Russia: Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theater

Another positive side of missing my train was that I get to watch the quarter-finals of the World Cup right after the opera concert. But before that, I had a lot of time to kill. Moving between museums, coffee shops, and even malls, I relied on TripAdvisor to help me more effectively kill time.

Then it was time to head to the opera house! I checked my bag and went into the theater. The interior design of the theater was truly inspiring. The Roman statues lined the top of the theater and illuminated dimly when the performance was on adding to the artistic atmosphere.

The statues with the blue tint lights

with lights on!

The performance was split into two parts, first was in Italian singing of the classic “Carmen.” The second part was in Russian.

The stage

Salut of the orchestra and of the singers

The luxurious hallway

Costume exhibits in the hallways of the theater

Before I left the city for a red-eye flight to Irkutsk, I watched the World Cup quarter-finals. Russians aren’t known for their soccer skills. Many Russians even considered this current team to be one of the worst in recent memory. However, with the Russian national team advancing to the last 8, passions were reignited. Many had flags painted on their faces and carried flags around on the streets shortly before they went to pubs to watch the crucial match.

Airport bound!

By the time we landed, we learned that Russians lost in the shoot-out. Even with the time difference, people of all 9 times zones in Russia toned in to watch the game. Many did not sleep that night, including my hostel hostess. Somehow she still managed to be super nice to me and let me check in 6 hours early. Props to “Rolling Stones Hostel.”(highly recommend!!)

Irkutsk

The chicken wings that I ate the day before seems not be settling in very well in my stomach. I have 25 km hike ahead of me today so I needed some rest. Though, my fatigue from the night before had me getting too much rest. I woke an hour later than intended. Panicking again of the fact that I may not make it in time for my boat back from the end point of the hike, I started speed walking right when I got to the trail. The trailhead was not so easy to find. There were barely any signs until you get through a village pretty far down a small road. Mixing trail running and speed hiking I rushed towards the end of the trail. The beginning section was a 400-meter to 500-meter climb in the woods steering away from the shores of Baikal. About 2 hours into your hike is when the scenery actually begins. That is when you arrive at the lake. Rest of the trek to Bolshie Koty is a pleasant trek by the lake. There are many points which you can camp or have a picnic.

The trail after climbing the initial hill leads you right along the side of Lake Baikal. Very scenic trail

My picnic spot!

Collected some fresh water from the lake!

View from the trail

The Great Baikal Trail is popular amongst Russians. Many hikers and campers I have met on the trail were Russians. At the end of the 25 km hike, you can come back by the Hydrofoil. If you are hiking this trail in the summer, reservation to the hydrofoil is advised as many will be fully packed.

The hydrofoil. Best to reserve your ticket 1 month to 2 weeks in advance so you are sure to have a seat.

The view at Hydrofoil harbor in Irkutsk

This was my last night in Russia. I managed to found a little Russian restaurant with very good vibes, music, alcohol, and food. I even struck up a conversation using Google Translate with a man from Moscow who builds salt houses. (Thanks Google!) I ended up drinking way too much vodka and even more when I got back to the hostel.

Very chill vibes and great music

Coasters from all over the place

The soupy version of pelmeni. Very delicious as well! It was because of these pelmenis that I did not black out after drinking with that Russian guy XD

Traditional Russian salad with pickles, potato, and carrots. Goes well with house beer!

The Russian man sat at my table was drinking a lot of vodka. This was just round one….