We had an amazing assortment of food in the hotel restaurant for breakfast after a restless night for both Joyce and me.  Our tummies were rebelling one way or another from the excess of food.  However, we got our bus carrying our walking poles and carry on baggage...a chore I might say...and visited a old village made of wood.  It was a series of buildings that are just as they were.  Most interesting with great high steps to enter them and small doors, both because of their size and to keep the snow out.  I gather they have lots of snow starting October until April.  -35 C seems to be the norm.  Fur coats and hats worn by all.  We then drove to lake Baikal and had a walk along the waterfront where we helped out the local economy in the usual fashion.  Our walking poles have proven to be invaluable.  At 1:10 we boarded the ferry to rejoin our train and immediately went for lunch.  The train is proceeding along the shore of lake Baikal through tunnels and when we stop at 6 or 6:30 there will be a swim for those who wish it.  Apparently the water is 8 degrees Celsius so I’m not doing that!  
They use coal here to provide heat.   Also some hydroelectric dams, too.  Apparently average income is $500 per month.  One can buy an apartment for the same price as a Ford Explorer.  Flat income tax of 13%.  This is apparently an  earthquake prone area and the last big quake was 2008 and they have been coming about 10-12 years. Houses were built of wood because of the abundance of it.  
The Lake is approximately 1037 meters deep and 600 km long and varies from 20-70 km wide. The water is pure apparently and has more water than all the Great Lakes combined.
I just realized our cabin here on the train is about the same size as my walk in closet!  

Diane Draffin 🌷