Baikal Lake!

Absolutely vast! Clear and very cold water.. The myth goes that if you take 100 steps in the water along the shore, you shall not become sick for one whole year!.. and if you really want to go for it, you could swim in the (freezing) lake, and prolong your life by 25 years.. Looking at the clear water, I really fancied a swim - but seriously, it's REALLY cold!

The next day, on the Circum-Baikal Railway; spectacular views!! The whole route is one big tour..the train stops at places of interest, plays picturesque movies of Baikal (at one point karaoke..) Seemed a very popular tourist attraction for both Russians and visitors from abroad.
Delicious home cooked food in a tiny villege..(They have what they call 'Social' train that transports food, other commodities!)
But, too slow!! I swear I shall never be on another slow train...ever.. And once the novelty of the Russki smell of smoked fish and roast chicken and all sorts of eating, drinking and card playing, it became a complete bore!! hmmm...

Staying at a 'charlet' - banya on first night - the whole place to myself!

Buryat Grave(coffin) - first type (@ Forest Museum of Wooden Architecture)

A camel(?) at the zoo of the museum

They are EVERYWHERE! beautiful.

Circum-Baikal

Lunch time! The Chef on the right..

Spot the luncheon house

Briges, retaining walls, galleries - All deigned by Italians