Train Trip!

Ok here is the story in a nut shell. So I get on a train from Bratislava, Slovakia heading for Kiev, Ukraine. I was told this train ride would be 8 hours long from start to finish. As I get on the train I see that I am placed in a “sleeper” cabin. I use the term lightly since this place was as wide as my arm span and about 7 feet long. You may be thinking that this is pretty luxurious and enough room for a short train ride but it was for three people, not one! Here is a picture of the setup.

I finally find someone who speaks English and asked how long the trip would actually take. My heart sank as they informed me that it was THIRTY hours by train to Kiev!!! I looked down at my supplies and realize that I have only a large bottle of water and a box of cereal for this gauntlet of a trip I am about to embark on. The train stopped at small villages constantly but it was only for five minutes at a time. I could see vendors with food but was too nervous to get off and possibly be stranded in the middle of Ukraine with spotty cell phone service.

While I hated this train ride as it was happening I now look back with a few fond memories. Most of my hours were spent with my head out the open windows of the train taking in the beautiful countryside. What was supposed to be a quick sightseeing trip to Kiev via train turned into quite the adventure. Who knew that the most memories would come from the voyage, not the destination.

Here are a few pictures of the countryside and finally Kiev.

And finally Kiev