Rostov-Na-Dony

About 3 weeks ago, I went on a trip to the south to Rostov-Na-Dony. I am finally posting my adventure. I took a train that was about 30 hours each way. It was interesting. When I came home (at 4:30 am, no less), I smelled awful.

Train station in Samara. Photo was taken from the platform.

My train to Rostov. We sat in the 'platscart' class where all the compartments are open and people sleep in bunks. I couldn't get a decent picture of it. I'll try again next time. It's not as bad as one would think.

A glimpse of our wagon. This is Leka, my friend with whom I travelled with. She wanted to visit her family and wanted some company. I was the company. This seat converts from a two-seat dining table into a bed (think: RV-style). Above is my bunk. The beds are pretty comfortable (more comfortable than the beds in my old flat anyway) because they give you mattresses and fresh (dare I say 'clean') sheets.

Russian-style crossword. I had A LOT of help. On the return trip, we bought a children's crossword that better tailored to my needs.

The train ride itself was an adventure. I said it was 30 hours one way--that means something is bound to happen. It should go without saying, but many people drink and stay drunk on these trains. It can be a nuisance, but it can sometimes be entertaining.

1. One night, crew members were running up and down the aisles cursing under their breath about some drunk people. Turns out, one crew member got drunk, fell asleep (i.e. passed out), and didn't turn on the light in the last car. That meant that another train may have collided with us. That's a nuisance.

2. On our way to Rostov, our neighbors were two drunk men on their way home. They were so interested in me because I am American. They thought I was an important person with a translator. Right...that's why I was in the common class wagon. I decided to have fun...and I kept a straight face the whole time. The rest of the wagon could hear us and they were laughing hard.

Guys - What do you eat in the US?

Me - You already know the answer to that. Hamburgers, of course.

Guys - That's all?!?!

Me - Oh...and sometimes cheeseburgers!

Guys - Don't you cook at home?

Me - Why bother, it's easier to go to MacDonald's.

Guys - Strange. Don't you have meat? You know...from a cow??

Me - Um...what's a cow? I think you only have that in Russia.

Guys - (Making moo-ing noises and showing horns)

Me - Nope. No idea.

This went on for about 30 minutes. Then I stopped before they'd really believe me and I started to tell the truth. Just a note..I've yet to have a problem with being American. Knock on wood, but everyone has only been kind.

Rostov-Na-Dony

Rostov is a beautiful city. It's ACTUALLY a city. No offense to Samara, but Samara is basically a village where they threw big buildings in the middle of (true story). I actually felt like I was back in Mendoza. They have big parks...with THINGS in them...grass, flowers, playgrounds, etc.

One park has a collection of exotic birds. Here are non-pink flamingos. I didn't bother asking 'why?'

When I say that I play tennis, people often ask, "Big tennis, or table tennis?" Ping pong is popular here, but that's because it's so fun. :)

I just thought this was pretty and a little offbeat for Russia.

Slightly different public transportation vehicles here.

I just liked the building. The city is filled with beautiful buildings.

We went during Orthodox Easter. The Russian tradition is to dye eggs, just like we do in the US. And you give them to each other. There's a whole tradition and password thing that I can't explain.

I'm limited to the number of pictures I can have in one post...to be continued.