Tuesday evening we were driven to the train station. We had tickets on the "night train" to Kharkov. We purchased four tickets for the two of us, giving us private use of one full sleeping compartment on the train.
Our departure time was 9:00 PM. We were boarded and settled in our "kupe" long before departure. Everything required exploration and discovery, including how to turn on the compartment lighting and how to open, lock, and unlock the compartment door.
Each compartment had four bunks: two upper and two lower. Bedding was provided in a sealed plastic bag. A toilet room was located at one end of each car, but we completed our trip without exploring that accomodation. The bunks were compact, the sleeping pads firm; the railroad atmosphere unmistakeable, complete with auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation. The sense of being part of some unreal and fantastic story was unmistakeable. Dad steeled himself for a sleepless night, certain that the rattling and tapping at the door of our kupe must be one of the "Death Eaters" from Harry Potter's adventures.
Morning did arrive and so did we. Without benefit of toothbrush, shaving cream or comb we disembarked in the city of Kharkov. What a relief it was to look see out the window of our train car, the familiar form of Elder Burr who had come in a taxi to retrieve us.
It was an amazing experience. Maybe we will try it again someday. . . . just not someday soon!
I was just reading a sad Russian transportation news blip and came over to "see if you were still there and ok."
ReplyDeleteHow comforting to see that you were, even in the midst of a different transportation adventure, even with a steel vibrating bed, steel locks, steeled nerves'. The story needed that HP touch to lighten the grim! I suppose you drove back? There must be lots of stops. it only looks like 3 or 4 u.s. driving hours on the map. Kris said those knockings were Death Eater popcorn and peanut calls, part of their amenities. You haven't mentioned meeting any couples before. You could post that someday. We would like to know more of the transition period. That must have its work and adventure, too.
Mom, in that picture, you look like I first remember Aunt Mooey! -but I'm glad its really you.
ReplyDeleteoh boy! that does sound like loads of fun!!!! what an exciting adventure you two are on . . . you will have zillions of new amazing and different adventure stories to tell my little ones when they come to visit you and beg for a tall tale!!
ReplyDeleteI too, am delighted that you are still there and ok. your are there standing firm and unshaken . . . what a breathe of confidence! I love you two incredibly!!