21.06.2024 18:30

Arrival at Rostov Glavny.

Greetings! As my dad and I step inside the impressive building of the Main train station, a familiar sight unfolds before us. A welcoming sign greets us at the entrance, setting the tone for our adventure. The souvenir stands catch our eye, offering a delightful array of treasures at reasonable prices, reminiscent of the local market scene. What a pleasant surprise! Just a fortnight ago, the prices seemed a tad steep, but now they rival those of the charming shops around the corner. Truly delightful! Our noses catch a whiff of the tempting aromas emanating from the food stands, beckoning us to indulge in a culinary experience. While we're not in need of a snack at the moment, we can't help but reminisce about the times we've savored a hot meal at a cozy canteen along our travels.

We ascended to the second floor and discovered my favored cafe named "Ataman." The cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of an ancient Russian village with its artisanal well, bucket, and charming decor, captured my heart. The displays here feature minerals, woods, and the lush greenery of the region. Intriguing miniatures of trains, the inaugural train production, and a railway exhibition adorn the space, creating a beautiful homage to the history of rail transport. The self-service luggage storage, conveniently located hostel within the train station building, and a playground beckoning to younger visitors all contribute to the enchanting atmosphere. Despite my eagerness to play, my father reminded me of our upcoming train departure.

As our train approached, we descended the stairs to the platforms, where the number of people was fewer than expected, adding a peaceful ambiance to the bustling train

station.

Rostov through the train window.

We reached the correct line for our sixteenth passenger car to board, which happened to be the last carriage in the train. As the entrance was located in the seventh passenger car, my dad and I made our way inside just as the train began its journey.

As the train set off, I captured an image of a Rostov's sparrow soaring upwards, bidding me farewell with its delicate wings. Next, I bid adieu to the suburban train station and the newly constructed stadium where my girlfriend and I strolled. The stadium boasts grandeur, hosting city events and concerts, while the adjacent park area provides a serene setting for leisurely walks. Turning my gaze towards the old wooden houses lining the banks of the Don River, I bid them farewell too. The area surrounding the main train station and residential neighborhoods exhibits a delightful mix of modern homes equipped with all conveniences and charming old yards adorned with wooden huts.

As we travelled past the Don River, a sight we typically admired from the embankment during daylight hours, the view from the train window presented a contrasting perspective. Each view possessed its own unique beauty, evoking a hint of nostalgia.

As we went through Rostov oblast, I went to bed.

Stations on the way.

I cannot say for certain whether I managed to sleep on the train. Throughout the night, I found myself waking up frequently. At times, I glimpsed the light seeping into other compartments of the passenger car, or caught snippets of fellow passengers boarding or disembarking, only to drift back into slumber once more. It wasn't until around six in the morning that I finally roused from my sleep. Peering out of the window, I observed trees, fields, and solitary houses passing by as we traversed the Voronezh oblast.

Curious about the dining options available, I made my way to the restaurant car to peruse the menu. The offerings were rather basic, featuring instant noodles, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and tea, albeit at prices higher than those found in supermarkets. Additionally, the carriage boasted a selection of souvenirs for purchase. En route, in the eleventh passenger car, I encountered a delightful co-passenger - a poodle with a charming ponytail adorning its curly fur. The friendly dog extended its paw in greeting, warming my heart.

Returning to my own passenger car, I found my dad had also awoken. We sated our hunger with boiled eggs and a couple of tomatoes we had brought along. I regaled my father with tales of our fellow travelers before settling down to write on my smartphone. After all, what better way to pass the time during a train journey?

Later, as we journeyed into Lipetsk Oblast, I encountered another dog at a stop. I extended my hand to pet him, and his joyful response warmed my heart. I have a deep affection for dogs of all sizes, shapes, and temperaments - the faithful companions of humans who possess a unique ability to empathize with our emotions.

Returning to the train, I watched as the landscape transitioned from passing village houses to towering apartment complexes. The scenery shifted once again as we passed under a bridge, revealing the expanse of electric fields. Approaching Elets, a town in Lipetsk Oblast, I caught a different perspective of the River Don. Along its banks, railway workers were diligently going about their duties.

As we disembarked in Elets, known for its military heritage, I was struck by the charm of the town. The playground and the rows of cozy chairs lined up in front of the station caught my eye, offering a welcoming place to rest and observe the bustling activity around us. The comfortable seating provided a perfect vantage point to soak in the atmosphere of the town, steeped in history and military pride.

We journeyed into Tula Oblast, where we were greeted by charming wooden fences and towering multi-storey buildings. The bustling streets were lined with shops, and we encountered a crowd of people bustling around us. Our train eventually pulled into Uzlovay 1 station, a city renowned for its military significance. The station's attractive pink-hued building stood proudly, complemented by the sight of a carefully parked steam locomotive nearby.

The steam locomotive FD20-1535, constructed by the Kolomna Locomotive Plant in 1934, served at the Uzlovaya locomotive depot, where it played a crucial role in transporting both national economic resources and military cargo during the Great Patriotic War.

At Uzlovay 1, we purchased a dish resembling Russian cold soup along with two beef patties for our meal.

Following a few hours of travel, we arrived in Moscow Oblast at the station known as Ozhirelye. Although the station itself appeared as an ordinary and slightly unclean train stop, the noteworthy feature was the water tower dating back to the year 1900. This three-tiered structure showcases distinct architectural elements, such as a lower tier constructed with rubble stone. Notably, a hexagram has been miraculously preserved in one of the windows of the second tier, while a characteristic round window sits above the entrance door. Additionally, the window of the lower tier is adorned with an ornate casing, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the building.

Subsequently, we traversed through the fields and observed the flowing waters of the River Oka, which is the largest right tributary of the Volga. The river courses through various regions, including Oryol, Tula, Kaluga, Moscow, Ryazan, Vladimir, and Nizhny Novgorod, and is navigable for a significant portion of its overall length, extending as far upstream as the town of Kaluga. Along the way, we encountered residential dwellings, man-made thoroughfares, and roads paved with asphalt.

As the sun set, we reached Moscow and made a brief stop at the Novocherkasky mall, likely named after a town in the Rostov region. It was there, in Moscow, that I encountered my final furry companion on this journey. We lingered in the city for a relatively lengthy interval, approximately thirty minutes, marking the longest pause that I can recall. During our stay, my father and I visited the canteen to savor a warm meal.

Following a satisfying meal, I retired to rest on the second level of the train.

The following day dawned at six o’clock, marking the beginning of my morning ritual. A warm cup of coffee breathed life back into me as we traversed through the picturesque landscapes of Leningrad Oblast, with quaint houses drifting past the train windows. Bid farewell to my furry companions who disembarked from the passenger car, I sat down to pen my final thoughts on the train journey as we approached our ultimate destination, the enchanting city of Neva Reka, Saint Petersburg.

It was a surreal moment standing on the solid earth, feeling as though time stood still and our journey had come to a halt. In that stillness, it felt as if the gaze of Peter the Great himself was upon us.