Who: Andre, Russian safety professional; unidentified local Lake Baikal resident; Darima, Russian ecologist; John Aronson of Fort Collins; Ebru, environmentalist; Olga, Russian geologist/interpreter; Aleona, Russian interpreter; Bob Ferriter of Lakewood
Where: A small, rustic fishing village named Snowy River (English translation) on the western shore of Lake Baikal, Buryatzoloto, Siberia.
Best meal: Fresh-baked Omul (freshwater) salmon served with home-cooked, traditional Russian pastas, soups, vegetables, breads, cabbage and salads at the Irokinda mine’s dining hall. Found the best vodka to be EAKA from Georgia.
Best deal: Excellent selection of Russian souvenirs and beautiful scenery. Hand-carved and painted stack dolls, ornamental eggs and all types of wood carvings at reasonable prices. If you travel during the summer months, don’t miss a cruise on the sparkling clear waters of Lake Baikal, and the views of its forested shores stretching to the jagged, snow-clad peaks of the Barguzin mountains.
Best time to go: Fall, especially September. Days are warm (70s), nights are cool (50s), and the fall foliage is spectacular. The larch tree’s (deciduous evergreens) needle-like leaves turn bright yellow before being shed as the weather turns cold.
Best travel tip: Fly or travel by train directly to Irkutsk unless you want to see the largest bust of Vladimir Lenin in the former Soviet Union at Ulan Ude. Make sure all your travel documents are in order as they are carefully scrutinized by local security officials. Also, Russians love chocolate, and Baby Ruth candy bars were a welcome treat with all local residents.
