Day 4 - 25/7/11 - Monday

Beijing departure day involved an early start, 5.30, however there was bound to be ample sleeping time whilst on the train. 6.30 traffic in Beijing was example enough of the terrible congestion that exists, and this in a city that only 25% of residents currently have cars. The metro appeared busy, however the requirement to scan all bags prior to metro entry appears to add about 15-20 minute wait to every journey at the main stations. Is this a sign of things to come for the western world?

Cin was very excited at the start of the train trip, for this had been the defining aspect of the trip for a long time. Toot, toot, all aboard. Something culturally ironic that she would proceed to listen to Harry Potter and his adventures via Hogwarts Express, whilst beginning our own train adventure toward Mongolia.

Our 4-berth cabin was shared with a Polish girl, Aga, who had undertaken a fair amount of travel and hence this, along with life in Poland and Australia, became an interesting area of discussion.

The train was however very quiet in this stint, with probably more staff on board than passengers.
Travelling through the Northern Chinese landscape it was obvious that creating the Trans Mongolian railway had taken a lot of work, with long cuttings and tunnels ever present in the first third of the journey toward Ulan Bator.

The chaos of Beijing left behind, it was nice to change up to more scenic landscapes, firstly the mountains, then lakes and hills, and lastly flat lanscapes with farming. The flat landscape was also full of new development.... roads, bridges, quarries, and new train lines. Chinese development is not only confined to the cities.

The time allowed me to get more acquanted with my Kindle, and relax after the previous 2 days sightseeing.

The border was split, and the Chinese exit requirements also included changing gauge on the train, and hence we waited several hours on the platform, eager to continue on the journey, and finally get some dinner.