We have come to the end of our Trans Siberian adventure. Arriving in Vladivostok marked the end of a journey across 7 time zones, over 10,000km and in transit for 170 hours.
We leave Russia with a completely new outlook on the country. It gets a really bad name, considering the western media. We have experienced nothing but kindness (apart from one lady in a bus station).
Knowing just a few words and phrases of Russian, we were not treated like outsiders or with any contempt whatsoever. People went far, far out of their way to help us if they spoke English and we would always share a smile with those who didn't, while pointing at what it was we wanted. We highly doubt people who could only speak 5 or 6 phrases in English would be treated with the same respect in the uk or any other native English speaking country.
We also never felt unsafe, in danger, a target of crime, nothing of these fears that are often stereotypes of Russia.
Speaking to Russians, there are clearly some economic issues with the country and its development seems slow. Saying this, the major cities were no different to any European city.
We hope in the future, Russia won't be seen as "the other" and politics between them, and Europe at least, become normalised.
Sorry for getting political but we felt we needed to voice this to anyone reading the blog.
We will move on now to future plans.
We will have a trifecta of specials when we get home, animals (because we saw a lot and rescued a kitten), food (because it was so good) and go pro footage (because we need a laptop to upload).
After this with some time to spare for the next 3 months, we hope to start a new project involving crypto subjects. This is before we can bring you blogs of our move to Australia. It may take a bit of time to set up though, so bare with us.
For now, here are a few pictures from the end of our journey. Enjoy guys, and you know what to do if you like our stuff!
The iconic Trans Siberian steam engines!
Obligatory selfie!
Overview of Vladivostok train station.
Thanks to everyone who gave us feedback on the blog along the way, it really kept the motivation high, while doing it on the move!