At this time The Ukraine had just separated from Russia. Both country’s were in a changing mode and 3rd world acting. We were taking the train from Kiev, Ukraine to Moscow, Russia. Arriving at the train station after dark. It was very unreal. There was only one light bulb in each of the big waiting rooms. 100’s of people all wearing dark clothing, walking around everywhere and nobody was talking.  Our security guides ushered us into the 1st class car section. Its was anything but 1st class but compared to the other cars was very over the top. The front cars had wood benches for passengers to sit on for the 10 hour train ride. We asked our guide how much it would be to buy and extra cabin to party in. They were very surprised and said it would cost at least 4 one way tickets. OK how much we asked? He answered $20 total. We smiled and said YES.

    After the train started to move a couple guys in our group went to purchase drinks. The guide insisted on going with them They returned with 24 quarts of beer and 2 bottles of vodka. Originally they paid $8 for everything then our guide & security guide stepped in and they paid the local price of $3. Thank goodness none of us got too cocktailed that night. Around 2 AM the train came to a stop in the middle of a field. Armed stern looking Russian soldiers came on board the train to check our paperwork & passports. It was so surreal and like a scene from an old war time movie and we were secret agents with the needed papers!. People were being tossed off the train while others were trying to sneak onboard. After we passed the check point we were told to lock ourselves into the cabin just in case they have stowaways on board. The next morning the young Russian man we had met the night before stopped by our cabin to drink cognac with him. Hello Moscow here we come.   next Week part 3 Red Square