Today we went to the Gulag museum. It was very sad seeing how Stalin treated his people. How one man took away thousands of people that where well educated, many scientists, doctors, lawyers etc, to this prison for unexplained reasons. People would wonder where a member of the family would disappear to. If this man thought you were a threat, he would lock you up in a concentration prison. The power he had. Reminds me of Hitler. 1950 was when this horrific place was found and had been running since post war days. There is so much history in every country I visit. Its just incredible how I am only hearing and learning about it all now. I really have to thank Mrs G. She has educated me more than any school could begin to teach me. Seeing and learning about the history in these countries absolutely fascinates me.

Tonight we met with the group who will be accompanying us on the train ride From Moscow through to Iran, exploring many of the Stan countries in-between. There are some people from Spain that can barely speak english, some South African that reminds me of Lauren, a few Americans, and later on we will be picking up 20 Australians in Uzbekistan! I can assure you, the train wont know whats hit them. The tone sure will lift.

Sadly our group leader has told us tonight we will not be having any internet. I have been in tears to Julien on the phone. Two weeks without hearing his voice! Im very sad hearing this.

The next 2 days we will be traveling to Kazakhstan. Not being able to get off the train. I’m looking forward to sitting reading my books and watching the world go by as we make our journey south.