train-borne introduction to Crimea leaves Italian spouse bewildered, initial reactions far from anticipated
In the heart of Europe, a long and fascinating journey unfolds as Italian traveler Simone embarks on an adventure through Russia. His journey begins in Mineralnye Vody, a city known for its mineral waters and picturesque landscapes.
Simone's Russian rail experience was nothing short of extraordinary. He initially took the top side berth in a sleeper car, but later switched places due to unforeseen circumstances. The train, arriving on time, traversed the vast countrysides at a slow pace, "crawling" for over 17 hours.
As Simone looked out the window, he caught a glimpse of the Crimean Bridge, the longest bridge in Russia and Europe. However, the bright lights from the bridge posed a challenge for his eyes, as he had recently undergone a laser operation.
One of the minor inconveniences Simone faced was the closure of the toilet during their journey, which he inquired about around three in the morning. Despite this, he chose not to use the local toilets due to their poor condition.
Food and drink presented another challenge. When tea was served in the morning, Simone's companion found himself without cash, and bank cards were unusable in Crimea. Simone asked if he could buy the tea glasses in the train but had no luck. Fortunately, a kind boy offered them chokopai (Russian tea with milk and sugar), and a woman even offered Simone "English Breakfast" tea bags, despite his refusal.
The main issues at the border were not with Simone but with his Russian companion. A border guard made a joke to lighten the mood, and a boy who had earlier offered them chokopai was later greeted by his family in Simferopol.
Despite the challenges faced, Simone found the chokopai surprisingly delicious. He also discovered that transferring money without mobile internet in Russia is surprisingly straightforward. Here's a simple guide for five major banks:
- Sberbank
- VTB Bank
- Tinkoff Bank
- Yandex.Money (now YooMoney)
- Alfa-Bank
Each bank offers various options such as SMS banking, USSD codes, ATM transactions, and physical bank branches, ensuring that even without mobile internet, Russians can securely and effectively transfer money.
As Simone's journey continues, he encounters more of Russia's rich culture, friendly people, and offline banking solutions, making his adventure an unforgettable one.
Simone's train journey through Russia, despite its challenges, provided him with a unique insight into the country's culture and offline banking solutions, transforming his lifestyle and broadening his travel experiences.
The delicious chokopai he tried during his journey not only became a memorable part of his Russian rail experience but also sparked an interest in exploring various Russian teas, further enriching his travel-related lifestyle.
