The landscape has certainly become more beautiful. Since last night we're back on the train, this time from Irkutsk (Russia) to Ulan-Bataar (Mongolia). One crazy trip. Like we have a rather extensive customs form filled. Mongolians are apparently quite extensive set of documentation. We had to specify exactly which currency we had with us, or we wore our radioactive stuff and the radio equipment is all in our bags were. A lot of work. Fortunately, the forms, unlike the Russian, but all in English.
The departure of Jane and her family in Irkutsk yesterday was harder than expected. In a short time (which seemed to last an eternity), we were quite fond of each other. We felt very welcome. The warmth and hospitality were overwhelming. Jane gave us last night escorted to the station. Because we were on time, we have her the 'Ghot express' cafe where we can show our first early hours spent in Irkutsk. They appeared to have never been there and that gave us the chance at last to her something to show.
Incidentally, last night was my haughtiness note: I thought by now quite able to speak Russian, certainly good enough for a couple of pancakes with jam to order. Excited I tried blini djzamom sa '. After I briefly looked to have faded, I got the impression that she had understood the order. And settled back at the table arrived, glad I waited on my order. After a few minutes, my order: a plank of wood with cast iron bowl filled with fried dough snacks and raw onions. So good was my Russian apparently not.
About half an hour passport control. I'm curious. The process takes three hours and seems quite thoroughly carried out. Some chance that in a coupe with another Dutch couple ended, so it is here discussed the life on the train and the excitement for all customs practice is shared. A lot of crazy here ...
29 June 2010
3:21 p.m. Aunt and Uncle Jake Corry Loeve
Michiel congratulations on your birthday a wonderful day course also your friend. We follow you to the website to read it all very nice.
Another good travel further and see
30 June 2010
4:42 p.m. Chris and Jose
Michael happy birthday, just a leveling Daggie late and this time I can not blame the time difference. No we read again, just as your adventures.
That cake looks good!
Greetings from us!
2 July 2010
Michelle 11:06 p.m.
Hai Michael and Judica,
Michael, still congratulations!
How are you? I follow your site (I must say I can not keep everything, because Gee, what do you make a lot of them!) And I am very impressed with your stories and beautiful pictures! Now diving, wow. ... I think it beautiful, but scary! Have you not a problem? How do you like Thailand? What has most impressed you made so far?
Here everything goes as usual. It is currently very hot in the Netherlands, I move on as little as possible in order to deal with this. I feel really apathetic, lethargic creature at the moment. Giljam and I are going on vacation tomorrow. We will not follow you, of course, but hopefully it is somewhat impressive
. We go to the Alps and the Cote d'Azur in France and Lake Maggiore in Italy. In mid July we are already back.
I'm curious how you are feeling and to further détaillé of what you experience. You miss us? Probably not
! Michael, you're my only way call? I thought your voice on my voicemail to hear the word "Thailand" to understand, but I have no word of the text mean ...
It would be nice once a contact, call or msn or something.
Well, relax by enjoying!
And we keep in touch ...
Love, also Giljam!
Michelle