The Trans-Siberian what?

I like big trips. (A sentence which so calls for a “and I cannot lie” conclusion, followed by a poorly-conceived parody of Sir Mix A Lot. Readers, I was sorely tempted.)

But no. (You’re welcome.)

I like big trips.

I like the kind of travel that is like a long stretch, where you feel your muscles and your mind lengthening, your limits reached and extended. I like travel that goes beyond the Top Ten lists on TripAdvisor and into the places that you only learn about when you have time to stop and listen for a while to the heartbeat of a place.

I’m not someone who enjoys travel that seeks to fit as many attractions and monuments as possible into the shortest time possible.

Consequently, I gravitate to fewer, longer vacations over frequent, shorter vacations.

My next vacation is three and a half weeks. And boy is it a doozy.

I’m doing the Trans Siberian Railway.

That’s right, y’all…THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY!

For any readers who are not totally sure what that is, here’s a map:

Map is from BaikalComplex.com. This site has loads of great information about Lake Baikal.
See: http://www.baikalcomplex.com/transsibmap.htm

You’ll note that there are several routes. The most traditional takes you from Moscow across Russia to Vladivostok. That is not the route I’m taking. I’m taking the Trans-Mongolian route, and am starting in Beijing. Instead of stopping in Moscow, I’m actually going a bit further, to Minsk.

Along the way, I’ll be walking the Great Wall in China, sleeping in a ger in Mongolia, hiking along the coast of Lake Baikal, visiting the Kremlin in Kazan, and strolling the streets of Moscow. Plus enjoying other amazing, exciting, not-yet-announced stops.

This trip has been more than a year in the planning. I’ll make every attempt to post regular updates along the route, as I have wi-fi access.

It all starts next week….look for regular updates, beginning some time after September 9.

Edited to add: View my traveling companion Steve’s pre-departure post here: Ready to Launch.