Almost forgot about our crew member #4…
Category: Trans Siberian 2012
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Trans Siberian Ducky
Ducky at Baikal Ducky and the Big Man! Ducky and the Big Man up close -
Aftermath, Part 1
I disagree with Pablo that this was his last post, as there are lots of cool photos left to be discovered on our cameras and we are all back to a world with non-Sputnik internet upload speeds… 😉
So, I’ll start off with a couple of shots*
* Disclaimer: I am a shit photographer, but the Lumix plus HDR / tonemapping software produces some cool results I think.
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The last day……
Well, this will no doubt be my past post for the trip. As I sit in the airport in Beijing, I can’t believe how quickly time flew; vast distances, many new people, amazing locations & the perfect travel buddies. To Ollie & Nat, thank you.x Can’t wait for the next one!
Tianiman Square
Fun Fact 1: For the 2008 Olympics, the IOC dictated that free speech should be implemented. Chinese Solution – a 10 meter square of unknown location within Tianiman Square. When the IOC questioned them on the location, the area was established & marked, but then completely surrounded so that nobody could get into it.
Gotta love getting around rules.
ps. Since I am still in China, I realise I am taking my life into my own hands by posting this. If I don’t make it home tomorrow, please contact Tilanqiao Prison, Beijing.
Forbidden City
Classic quote from our personal guide: “So, you mean in Australia, you swear about government & they no track you down & put in jail for 15 day?”
“Wow, how we get that here?”
Then it was time to go enjoy our last night on the town. Found some wicked little bars, funnily enough, with western prices! Had gotten used to paying 50 cents for a 600ML beer, so it was a shock to go back to 5 bucks.
Dropped into the Small Bar, owned by David, an intrepid traveler himself. Awesome guy, great location advice.
So, until next time…..mucho besos. 🙂
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Dinner at “Chef Dongs Braised Sea Cucumber & Duck House”
Dinner last night at Chef Dongs, on Sasha’s suggestion (thanks mate, awesome!)
Ollie pretty happy with the Bullfrog entree
And it was done beautifully. Some little green peppers that tasted like ginger & completely opened up the taste buds.
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Last leg of our wicked adventure…….
Well, we finally made it. Not sure of the exact KM count for the route, but somewhere between 8200KM & 8800KM. It’s been an adventure to remember, to say the very least. Just one more travel experience that reminds me of how huge the world is & how full of amazing, beautiful people. Cannot recommend this travel experience enough!
A quick review of our day before leaving UB. Our trip to the steppe included a quick Mongolian Wrestling Comp at the crest of the sacred mountain;
Time to leave early the next morning. Early start at UB Guesthouse, with the coffee room locked. Awesome…not!
Leaving Central Station, UB in Mongolia.
By far, the best ‘Pectopah’ we’ve had yet, the Mongolian version. It was absolutely kicking each day, with one German group getting the barmaid completely drunk for her birthday with Vodka & Champa’s. Pretty well certain there were a few free rounds in there, certainly when the bottle of Chengiss Gold Vodka came out!
And our new crew for the leg, Rob & Becky from England
And, our arrival to a perfect day in Beijing Central Station.
Simply amazed by how quickly the 15 days have flown. Seems like only yesterday we started the epic adventure………
On to explore Beijing tomorrow!
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Day 15: Beijing
We just finished the last leg on the train!
Off the train at the Beijing Central Station -
Last day in UB
Had a cool day venturing into the Steppe today and the weather God was kind to us.
Our driver for the day “El Capitano’
Our new travel buddy Aurelie joined us all the way from France….
Nat gets to know the Eagles trained by the Kazaks by the roadside.
Entrance to the temple on the hill walk
Great vistas during the drive into the national park
Just one of the Buddhist shrines on the long, winding climb to the summit
And of course, the big man
And he is strategically positioned directly at China. Must have just been luck the way it lined up…..
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Dschingis Khans
Hoy es nuestro último dÃa en Mongolia. He de reconocer que no me ha defraudado en lo más mÃnimo. El trafico es probablemente lo peor de Ulan Bator, pero una vez que sales, te invade una sensacion de paz y conexion con la naturaleza que te hace sentir muy pequeno. La grendeza de los aguilas, acompanandonos durante toda la ruta, las vacas pastando juntos a los yarks y el cabalgar de lo caballo libres hacen que este pais sea único.
