Join me, Allan Hill (the Nostalgic Vagabond) for weekly one-hour~ish travel talks with unique and interesting travellers / adventurers who Zoom-in from all around the world. In conversation, we share compelling personal stories of trial, triumph and sometimes tribulation from journeys, exploring this world and its cultures, languages and landscapes. None of us claim to be experts, we aren't necessarily pros, we are regular people like you. But we decided to say, “YES!” Decided to step outside our comfort zone and have a go at creating our own journey, going our own way. You also don't have to be an expert or professional, all you need is to say, “Yes!” Commit. And go on your own journey – your own way. You can be a traveller too! Hey - Maybe travel could help you discover, your best you. And you can also follow me, @thenostalgicv
https://redcircle.com/shows/the-nostalgic-vagabond
episode 5: From London to China - A Journey by Train
On this episode of 'the Nostalgic Vagabond' podcast, I talk again with an old travel pal, Jay Canning.
Jay was on the very first episode of the podcast way back in August 2020. That time we spoke about how Jay started travelling, with me, in California in 2009 and progressed, becoming more and more adventurous with subsequent trips in the Balkans, Morocco and then tackling the Tran-Siberian railway. A train journey that had fascinated him for years.
(If you want to listen to that podcast scroll right to the bottom of the archive, episode 1)
This time we're diving deeper into that Trans-Siberian journey and how Jay managed to successfully travel from London to China - by train.
In conversation, we discuss why, (5:00) including some of Jay's necessary preparations (8:20) like learning a bit of Russian which is covered in more details (13:00) on his previous episode. Jay also shares what were his greatest challenges (31:30) and how he could have completely screwed his journey in Cologne (36:20) literally days into the 3-month long trip.
Getting drunk with Russians is mandatory (40:15) but you have to have your wits about you when there are some interesting border crossings to navigate (53:15). Jay's adventure had its ups and downs but Jay explains how completing this journey has impacted his life (54:45) and recommends every young person go on adventures to test yourself and shape yourself, while your young (56:00)...
Enjoy.
Further links:-
Train Travel Guru: www.seat61.com
Mr Bald: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxDZs_ltFFvn0FDHT6kmoXA
A big thanks to Tom Forfar for creating the title tracks for the podcast series.
And, any comments or feedback feel free to email
the_n_v@yahoo.com