stove
Well-known member
I'm putting this under the “other forms of travel” section for a reason: it's not Train-hopping as we know it in the US. In Siberia, it is apparently common and easy (and ALLOWED) to hitch-hiking on cargo ships and freight trains, in the unit. Trains are not manifested ahead of time, but instead are done on a day-to-day basis (CHAOS?!). This means that you show up at the 'yard' (really only a load/unload with a siding or two), and ask the workers or security for the engineer/brakeman lounge. Sometmes the security will hassle you, but if you simply explain that you are a traveler, it's totally allowed! So, ask around, find a train going your way, find out when it leaves, and ask if you can hop on. You ride in the unit, which while heated (Siberia is fucking cold), has no toilet, so don't drink too much, and take a pregame dump. Ride to where you're going, simple as that! Also, every yard has a cafe for the workers, and food is apparently wicked cheap.
Boat-hitching is apparently similar. Ask around, get permission, get on, and go! The only significant problem would be the language barrier, but people are absolutely THRILLED to meet travelers, especially ones from foreign lands (remember, Russia is HUGE).
Additionally, it's possible to stay for a night at monasteries all over Russia. If you want to stay longer, they will usually ask you to help out with chores. I REALLY want to try this!
This type of boat-hitching is also possible in Germany and to some extent France, and a lot of freight moves through the canals instead of on rail lines. My buddy Julien has done this a few times, and although a painfully slow way to travel (5-10km/hr, or 3-7MPH), it sounds pretty fucking cool. Stand at the locks, use the intercom to talk to someone on the cargo ship, get permission, and all aboard matey! Seriously, it's that easy. And apparently the boats have mini-motels on them, with a kitchen, shower, and usually they've got spare rooms. So if you do get invited on board, you're freaking SET.
I've also got some info on boat-hitching long distance, but I'll put that in another post.
Boat-hitching is apparently similar. Ask around, get permission, get on, and go! The only significant problem would be the language barrier, but people are absolutely THRILLED to meet travelers, especially ones from foreign lands (remember, Russia is HUGE).
Additionally, it's possible to stay for a night at monasteries all over Russia. If you want to stay longer, they will usually ask you to help out with chores. I REALLY want to try this!
This type of boat-hitching is also possible in Germany and to some extent France, and a lot of freight moves through the canals instead of on rail lines. My buddy Julien has done this a few times, and although a painfully slow way to travel (5-10km/hr, or 3-7MPH), it sounds pretty fucking cool. Stand at the locks, use the intercom to talk to someone on the cargo ship, get permission, and all aboard matey! Seriously, it's that easy. And apparently the boats have mini-motels on them, with a kitchen, shower, and usually they've got spare rooms. So if you do get invited on board, you're freaking SET.
I've also got some info on boat-hitching long distance, but I'll put that in another post.
