NPR Does Russia By Rail

LAKE BAIKAL 03 01

It’s no secret that I think rail travel is still one of the most romantic and interesting ways to travel over long distances. I’d love to take a cross continental train-trip, stopping in various places along the way, and soaking up the scenery from a comfortable car, while chatting with friends and other passengers.

Someone at NPR obviously agrees with me, as they’ve sent reporter David Greene and photographer David Gilkey on a 6000 mile odyssey across Russia By Rail. They two Davids started in Moscow and end their journey in Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, covering the entire length of the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. Along the way, they got the chance to experience modern Russia in all of its glory.

This special report kicked off yesterday and will continue through tomorrow. It features a number of great stories about how Russia’s tumultuous history has shaped the country even today, and takes a look at where it is headed now that twenty years have passed since the fall of the Soviet Union. Greene’s words introduce us to the Russian people and give us a glimpse of their daily lives, while Gilkey’s amazing photographs capture moments in time from their epic journey.

Russia By Rail is equal parts travelogue, investigative reporting, and photo journalism. It all comes together very well, and will likely inspire some thoughts of making the journey for yourself.

Kraig Becker

1 thought on “NPR Does Russia By Rail”

  1. I really hope he traveled in Spalny Vagon / SV Lux (1st class)- http://www.trainsrussia.com/en/faq

    …cause everything else is horrible ! Riding a train in Russia is not an adventure, it's a nightmare.

    I've been reading about travel along Trans Sib, and I guess, for travelers it's exotic, adventurous.

    When I was a kid, I used to travel from Moscow to Noviy Urengoy by train ( 3+ days )every summer…worst childhood memories ever.

    Train travel is considered to be for poor people in Russia, and chances of being robbed is high. It's dirty, disgusting, and service is… non-existing.

    I still take an 8 hour ride from Moscow to Kursk whenever I go to see my family, but I try to stay awake most of the trip.

Comments are closed.