Most popular stop for tourists is the Irkutsk stop and Lake Baikal. Its not hard to see why. We arrived early (0615) and with three German friends I met on the train decided to use the day to best effect - a swim in Lake Baikal!
We took the 90 min bus to the lake which was an experience in itself and arrived at Listvyanka on the Southern part. Lake Baikal is 400 miles long, between 20 and 40 miles wide and 1637 metres deep. It is estimated it holds 20% of the worlds fresh water. It freezes to a depth of 3m for 4 months and the locals have great fun driving their cars over the ice!
As for now it is chilly but fine to swim, especially for someone used to the Bristol channel! So we swam and enjoyed the clear waters - which are completely safe to drink. Basked in the sun and shared lunch with the ants. This was a great experience, made better by sharing it with other travellers.
So now I am staying with my host, Irina, in Irkutsk. She lives some way outside the centre but the bus ride is fun as I know I only have to do it a few times! Like sardines we are packed in and driven so fast it feels at any moment the bus will turn over. 30 min bus ride 12 roubles = 25p so I am not complaining! All is well except its cold and wet today! So to some museums I think!
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