terça-feira, 24 de maio de 2016

Erlian, China - The Dinosaurs Oasis




As we cross the Mongolia-China border in the Gobi desert, and we find this city.

 
At the cross we were amazed by the quantity of jeeps crossing the border with many inventory to trade and sell in Mongolia (they were filled to the roof), we were lucky has tourists to pass in front of this crowded border.


When we arrived to the city we were welcome with Chinese food, so we already felt we entered in China. From cow meat with almonds, very different kinds of fresh vegetables, to Chinese watermelon.


We passed the city limit, were we find 2 giant statues of Sauropods dinosaurs representing that this is a rich zone in dinosaurs findings. Some different species of dinosaurs statues were added in the spot to get us on the mood of some dinosaurs discovery.



Special thanks to Lernidee Trains & Cruises

terça-feira, 17 de maio de 2016

Trans-Siberian - The food in the train




On board the Zarengold we have many restaurant-wagons, at the beginning of the trip the organization lets us know which one is ours. Decorated in the soviet theme, the restaurant put us in the mood to try some different dishes.



The starters consists in raw fish from the region, and some salmon, or some fresh vegetables, a delicious start to our main course.



The main dish normally you can choose between fish or meat. Here you can try the Russian delicacies, a really healthy cuisine with were the use many vegetables. Every meal is different so we can try a lot of different Russian dishes. 


There is also some classic European dishes like spaghetti Bolognese.


Every now and then we get the surprise of having some caviar waiting for us, sometimes with the salad, other times with pancakes, a nice mix!


The train offer a wide variety of wines and juices to please every guest taste.


And off course we have to end the meal with some Russian vodka, actually there are many different kinds of tastes, we tried pine, raspberry and the classic simple.



Special thanks to Lernidee Trains & Cruises




quarta-feira, 11 de maio de 2016

Trans-Siberian - Inside the Train




So we say goodbye to our train Zarengold by Lernidee Train and Cruises, who brought us from Moscow to the Mongolia-China border.



A 5* star service with comfortable cabins, friendly and useful staff and restaurants with delicious food.


We were lucky to try 2 different compartments, Superior and Bolshoi. The Superior compartment we find 2 beds in the opposite sides of the cabin. We have some room to store our luggage under the beds and in the top of the cabin door. Waiting for us were some Russian candy and Vodka, Nah zda-rovh-yeh! (Cheers in Russian).



The Bolshoi compartment has 2 beds, one on the top and other at the bottom who is larger on the sides. You can find a lot of space to store your luggage, and they even you bed in a sofa in the day, with another small sofa with a table in front. There you can also find a TV and DVD player to see your movies or hear your music.




This cabin has access to a shower with hydro massage and a sink. In the front an in the back of every wagon you will have a bathroom.


The staff were incredible, from the people who took care of our cabin, to the guides and directors who make sure everyone had a good time. We can really see the true sympathy of everyone when we needed something.
Throughout the train we can see luxurious decoration you reminds us of the Soviet Era.


That decorations expands to the restaurants, were we can try different food from the Russian cosine but also some European classic and delicious dishes, in the next post we will see more about that...



Special thanks to Lernidee Trains & Cruises

quarta-feira, 4 de maio de 2016

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park - The pure and untouched heart of Mongolia





We depart from the capital to one of the most famous National Park in Mongolia. On the way we see some eagles, owls and other large birds from the area. 




As we arrive to our destiny we contemplate a zone were the Mongolian white tents called Yurts are installed. We are invited inside to try some of their dishes, like dumplings filled with meat, and of course the famous lamb.





Then waiting for us were some Mongolian wrestlers, archers, and to end in perfection a race between the kids from the villages nearby doing acrobatics with fast horses.








Special thanks to Lernidee Trains & Cruises