In the morning, Katia and I searched for train tickets. Since the transport for my motorcycle would take at least three days, I decided that spending a day and a half on a slower train was manageable. We found the last seat available on a night train for about 6,200 rubles (€65) and confirmed the purchase.

Preparing the journey

At 10:30 a.m., we went for a long walk with Dasha and the dog, stopping at the supermarket to buy provisions for my journey. Afterward, Artiëm went to work, and I spent the afternoon with Katia and Dasha, who didn’t seem keen on sleeping. When Artiëm returned, we had dinner together, and at 9:30 p.m., I said my goodbyes to Katia and Dasha before they headed to bed.

While waiting for my departure, Artiëm stayed with me, showing me photos from his wedding in February 2022 and his coin collection. Just before we leave, Katia sends him a message for me, wishing me a good trip and telling me that she will remember me with a smile. She mentions that both she and Dasha have grown used to having me around—something I completely understand, as the feeling is mutual. What was supposed to be a short 48-hour visit turned into a week of sharing daily activities, supporting Katia, and keeping Dasha entertained.

Departure from Ekaterinburg

We left with plenty of time, as Artiëm wanted to ensure I arrived at the station on time. The train departs at 1:45 a.m., but the doors only open 30 minutes before departure. We parked near the station around 12:30 a.m. and made it through security. It’s bitterly cold at midnight.

A few minutes later, they called my train to the platform. We waited outside for about ten minutes before the doors opened. Thankfully, it wasn’t snowing or raining anymore. After checking my ticket and passport, I boarded: Carriage 2, Door 4, Bed 16. I stored my belongings in the overhead compartment and noticed that each bed had USB ports at the headrest.

Artiëm, curious about my cabin mates, waited a while to see who I’d be traveling with, but by 1:35 a.m., he headed home. He had to work early in the morning. At 1:45 a.m., the train departed, and I realized I was traveling alone. I put in my earplugs to block out the loud ventilation and tried to sleep as the train rattled through the night.

New cabin mates

I woke up around 9:00 a.m. and we arrived at Chernushka. My cabin was still empty, but two people boarded and settled in while I was having breakfast. They were not regular passengers but railway workers traveling to Yanaul to clear snow from the tracks before returning to Chernushka. Using a translation app, I chatted with them and explained my situation and the reason for my journey.

At Yanaul, the workers disembarked, and a new passenger took the seat below me. At Badryash, another man, Alexander, boarded and introduced himself, taking the other upper bunk. Since it was more comfortable for writing and eating, I remained on the still-empty lower bunk throughout the day.

At Sarapul, the last available bunk is occupied, bringing our cabin to full capacity. Later, the first passenger disembarked at Kazan, and a woman took his place. For some reason, she insisted on keeping the cabin door open to the corridor. That night, we had to sleep with the bright hallway light illuminating the entire cabin. Fortunately, by 8:00 p.m., the train staff dim the lights slightly.

At 9:00 p.m., there was a long-scheduled stop where I had planned to stretch my legs, but I unexpectedly fell asleep, exhausted from the day. As we continued south, I noticed the snow outside was gradually disappearing.

Approaching my destination

By 9:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m. local time, two people disembarked in Saratov, leaving just the woman and me in the cabin. Instead of getting off to stretch, I had breakfast. While eating, a new passenger boards and takes the lower bunk where I’ve been sitting. He spent most of the time sleeping, while I struggled to do the same.

Thirty minutes before arrival, the train stewardess informs me to start getting ready. The new passenger, also getting off at this stop, offered me an apple while I had a snack.

Just before reaching our destination, I notice passengers gathering in the corridor, taking photos. As the train approached the station, I realized why. We are passing right by the perimeter of Mamayev Kurgan Park, home to the Stalingrad War Victory Monument, one of the places I plan to visit in the coming days.