OK lets get this over with. And a fitting one for post no 13. You want to know, how are the loos on the train????? Come on, admit it, thats why you are really reading this……will you stop once you know????

The answer, I am delighted to report, is FINE! As good as it gets. In fact this Moscow to Vladivostok train’s loos are even better than the Paris to Moscow train for all that that one was supposed to be the positive royalty of trains with its showers and electronic locking compartments. Our loo on this train has a plethora of antiseptic wet wipes to wipe the loo seat, tissue seat covers for the squeamish (or the dextrous), soap, towels, hot water, clean walls. And one of those thick rubber mats with holes in it so if there is any spillage (there wasn’t) you don’t have to stand on it and anything can drain out onto the tracks below via a hole in the floor. The flush is formidable. Best not to drop anything down the loo, it will get atomised!

With my delightful next door neighbours (Swiss German) we ventured along the train to the restaurant car, through 2nd class (same as our 1st class but 4 berths instead of 2 – a bit cramped, I’ll be having a go at that before too long, don’t worry) and 3rd class with people kipping everywhere (mostly very nearly completely undressed, well it was hot) on shelves in an open carriage looking for all the world like the aisles in a supermarket. Sorry to disappoint you, I’m not going to try that one.

Sleeping is lovely. Rocked gently and lulled by the muted train sounds, cacooned in my cabin, I am happy. We have pristine white sheets and towels.

A notice on the wall in the corridor displays the stops along the way – decipher it if you can! (Now we are nearing Omsk where we will arrive at 13.20 Moscow time – all times are displayed in Moscow time – which is 16.20 local time and stay for 42 minutes – a chance to jump off and stretch our legs or buy food supplies).

This is our closest point to India so a wave to all my Indian friends far to the south across Khasakstan…………..