Russia: From Beijing to Kyiv, By Train · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Derek Kedziora of The Kalpak is traveling by train from Beijing to Kyiv and is currently in Russia. Here's what he writes about his short stay in Irkutsk: “One of the first things I noticed is that people hold doors for each other here. […] Cars stop for you at crosswalks. In general people are very polite – oh to be called Вы again and hear such quaint words such as excuse me and please. […] It is funny how 13 months in China will make Russia seem so polite, orderly and even free.”