Thomas Kennedy

Several so-called "high – speed" Sapsam trains cover the 650 km between St Petersburg and Moscow in under 4 hours. Top speed of the Sapsam is 250 km/hr; not really high speed by world standards, but this train operates over joint use tracks that carry freight and passenger trains. These are very similar speeds achieved by the Acela trains on Amtrak between Boston and Washington. Ride was smooth and clearly, the maintenance standards are achieved for a comfortable ride; probab

There are many trains between Moscow and St Petersburg; the fastest make it in four hours. There are also many choices for overnight services, taking around eight hours. I chose the what I considered to be the best of the overnight services: The Grand Express, touted to be the only privately – operated passenger trains in Russia. Leaving Lenningradski Station in Moscow and arriving at Moscovskii station in St Petersburg just over eight hours later, this proved to be a fantast

There is an interesting story behind that tantalizing glass of Zhiguli beer I just posted. Food in the dining car was quite edible, though some of the descriptions were a bit unnerving: “The bread/bun wheat and rye of industrial production”. While meals are given free to sleeping car passengers they were pretty meager; best to supplement these with some additional food for purchase. Beer and wine were available (beer was warm and the red wine was cold), with wine at a steep p

After a quick 2 – hour flight from Tokyo, my Russia arrival couldn’t have been easier; no arrival forms needing completion; baggage arrived quickly, and an efficient taxi dispatcher applied fixed rates for destinations so there was no arguing with the driver about the price. ATM machines worked well so I had some cash to begin my trip. One night in the Zhemchuzhina Hotel (“Pearl Hotel”) then after a 10 - minute walk to the station, I was soon on board the westbound Rossiya. T

Trans Siberian rail journey has begun with first night in Nippori neighborhood of Tokyo; tomorrow on the Vladivostok by plane and boarding the Trans Siberian Express Monday morning. At Nippori Station, the Shimogoinden-bashi bridge is called a "railway museum" as from the viewing points, more than 2,500 trains pass each day. My hotel, "Tokiwa" is the only Tokyo hotel with an "onsen" (Japanese hot springs bath); quite small but a pleasant soaking experience.

Leaving this week for a return visit to Russia to ride the Trans Siberian railway...from Vladivostok this time. Also to find the old Circum Baikal railway line at that namesake lake and to experience a privately operated luxurious overnight train Moscow to St Petersburg the "Grand Express". Stay tuned for progress reports as I move slowly westward from the city called "Ruler of the East"....will add more details as the trip unfolds