On the train, last leg of journey to Vldiovostok. Travelling 2nd class and surrounded by Russians – in marked contrast to every leg of the journey so far where my carriage companions have been foreigners – on the last one I felt positively hemmed in by Americans.

This carriage is a different design again, they all vary slightly – this one has the less delightful design of toilet – and my carriage attendant, Olga, is nothing like as assiduous in her cleaning duties as some! Ah well, I’m made of stern stuff and wet wipes may be unenvironmental but they make it all do-able.

I’m sharing with a large Russian woman (opposite, bottom bunk) who has done nothing but eat and sleep all afternoon and evening, and a young woman above. I can see the attraction of the top bunk, she’s in her own little private cacoon with her stuff around her and a good storage space off her bunk which goes above the corridor. Good for privacy and security. Very clever design – Scottish Caledonian take note.

Olga is relaxed and friendly, she has loose wavy hair and a slightly dishevilled look instead of the usual tight bun, tights and pristine trim uniform. She worried how I would communicate with my fellow travellers without a translation app. She chivvies me not to go too far when we all pile out at stations.

And Siberia? Very lush after Mongolia, long waving grass, lush river with trees and scrub in the early morning mist, larch and birch trees, sparse forest with open meadows , rolling landscape. My guidebook tells me I’ve slept through the most scenic part of the whole route. I don’t care. I’m happy. We’re running late. Doesn’t mean we go any faster!