Nizhny Novgorod
Population: 2 million
Distance from Moscow: 442km
Famous for: Having notorious 'Gulags' during the Soviet period, Nizhny was only open to foreigners in 1991. 

Nizhny Novgorod sits at the intersection of two rivers - the Volga and the Oka.  Its main attraction is an impressive 12-tower, red-bricked Kremlin, which is the center point of the beautiful old town center.  We spent a memorable couple of days exploring the city which is definitely worth a stop along the trans-siberian route. 

The Kremlin wall

The obelix inside the kremlin overlooking the Volga river

Our tram "stop" (!!) situated in the middle of a two-way eight-lane street.  We found the best way to catch the tram was to wait for a local to come along then hide behind them when standing in the middle of the road...

Nikki anxiously waiting with the locals for the tram.

Nearing our tolerance for visiting dusty cities in 30 degree-plus heat, we decided to take a break and booked ourselves on a 3-day river rafting trip.  This proved to be an excellent way of seeing much more of the beautiful Russian countryside and getting to know some Russians on a more personal level. 

Our campsite

A room with a view!

 
The Russian countryside

The trip included 4-6 hours of rafting each day, and two nights of camping.  In the evenings we enjoyed some tasty Russian cuisine prepared by our river guides; our nightly entertainment comprised of singing Russian folk songs around the campfire, playing group games on the beach, and conversing in a hybrid of English and Russian. 

Fun and games after a hard day rowing

Russian folk songs by the campfire

Group photo!

In four hours, we'll be on our way to Yekatinburg..... a 23 hour marathon train ride away!!!!!!!