ŷ������

COMPLETED 3/20/22

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express
September 1, 2021 to Completion
14/14

*Must be done in order!

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1.- A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth-.-9/17/21-
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MOSCOW.
�� Read a book with a red cover (post cover).

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM
�� Read a series book #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZANSKY.- Nishi in Spring Garden by Tomoka Shibasaki- 12/1/21
�� Read a book with a train, musical instrument or arch on the cover (post cover).

3. Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM
�� Read a series book #1, #8 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR.- the author- David is the MC- A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough 12/1/21-
�� Read a book with a white cover (post cover).

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM
�� Read a series book #2 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in GORKY.- Ramy in God in Pink by Hasan Namir-12/8/21-
�� Read a book with stairs on the cover (post cover).

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM
�� Read a series book #3, #9 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN.- Andrew, the author in The Trouser People: A Story of Burma in the Shadow of the Empire by Andrew Marshall-12/12/21
�� Read a book with a building that is domed or has spires on the cover (post cover).-

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM
�� Read a series book #9, #7 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV.- Aneeka in Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie-12/16/21-
�� Read a book with a mountain or statue on the cover (post cover).

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM
�� Read a series book #1, #5, #9 or #8.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in LENIN.- El Pachuco in Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez- 12/29/21
�� Read a book with a green cover (post cover).

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM
�� Read a series book #7, #9 or #2.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY.- Trace in Jazz by Toni Morrison-1/3/22-
�� Read a book with a fountain, tower or rock formation on the cover (post cover).

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM
�� Read a series book #1 or #6 or a series prequel (i.e O.5).
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in IRKUSTK.- Rowley in Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham-1/4/22-
�� Read a book with a wooden building or cemetery on the cover (post cover).

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM
�� Read a series book #1, #7 or a series prequel (i.e O.5).
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL.- Knox in Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum-1/6/22
�� Read a book with a lake on the cover (post cover).

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM
�� Read a series book #3 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ULAN UDE.- David, the author in Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denimby David Sedaris-1/7/22-
�� Read a book with a religious symbol on the cover (post cover).

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM
�� Read a series book #5, #8 or #3.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA.-Michael Corleone in The Godfather by Mario Puzo-3/1/22
�� Read a book with a desert scene, skeleton or horse on the cover (post cover).

13. Onboard: 3876 KM
�� Read a series book #3, #8, #7 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD.- Agatha Raisin in Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton-3/2/22- (also seies #7)
�� Read a book with a dining scene (tables, chairs, food, etc.) on the cover (post cover).

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read the LAST published book in a series.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MILITARY.- Idgie in Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg 3/20/22-
�� Read a book with bridge or something representing the military on the cover (post cover).

Congrats on your finish Ed!

All done with this one too! Thanks for all these fun challenges =)

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express

September 12, 2022 - Completion
Complete tasks in order
Goal: 14/14 tasks

***COMPLETE***

��1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1.
������ Little Lies by H. Hunting (09/18/22) - Lies, Hearts and Truths #1

��2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZANSKY.
������ Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris (09/30/22) - MC: Sookie

��3. Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR.
������ The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe (10/15/22) - MC: Aly

��4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM
�� Read a series book #2 or #4.
������ Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Reid (12/02/22) - Knitting in the City #4

��5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN.
������ Fake by Kylie Scott (12/08/22) - MC: Norah

��6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM
�� Read a series book #9, #7 or #6.
������ Dating-ish by Penny Reid (01/10/23) - Knitting in the City #6

��7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM
�� Read a series book #1, #5, #9 or #8.
������ Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (01/16/23) - Psy-Changeling #1

��8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY.
������ Layla by Colleen Hoover (01/26/23) - MC: Leeds

��9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in IRKUSTK.
������ Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid (02/03/23) - MC: Kat

��10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL.
������ Once We Were Starlight by Mia Sheridan (02/10/23) - MC: Karys

��11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM
�� Read a series book #3 or #4.
������ A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (02/24/23) - A Court of Thorns and Roses #4

��12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA.
������ Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (02/26/23) - MC: Naomi

��13. Onboard: 3876 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD.
������ Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan (02/28/23) - MC: Ryan

��14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read the LAST published book in a series.
������ The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang (03/10/23) - The Kiss Quotient #3

Way to go Laila Jane!! Looks like you are getting some needed updating done!

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express - Completed

From date started (26/11/23) to date completed (TBA)

Complete 14 tasks
�� One task from each number below
�� Must be completed IN ORDER

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1
Caching In by Tracy Krimmer - 27/11/23
Pastime pursuits #1

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station
�� Read a series book #4
The Pursuit by A.E. Jones -04 /12/23
Mind Sweeper #4

3. Moscow to Vladimir
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR
Dragon Kissed by A.E. Jones - 06/12/23
(MC is Megan)

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod
�� Read a series book #2 or #4
The Witch’s Royal Dragon Mate (Paranormal Women's Fiction) Book 2: Cress Dragon Shifters by Haley Weir - 16/12/23
Cress Dragon Shifters #2

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN
Demons are a Girl's Best Friend by A.E. Jones - 22/12/23
MC’s first name is Aleksei

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV
Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune by Anna Celeste Burke- 05/01/24
MC’s first name is Miriam

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk
�� Read a series book #1, #5, #9 or #8
Marshmallows & Mistletoe by Marianne Rice - 06/01/24
Book #1 in the “A Wilton Hills Christmas�� series

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
MC’s first name is Stephanie

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk
�� Read a series book #1 or #6 or a series prequel

Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame - 12/01/24
Book #1 in the “Imperfect�� series

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL
Alex and the Alpacas Save the World by Kathryn Lefroy - 13/01/24
MC is Alex

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude
�� Read a series book #3 or #4
Dorothy by Anya Wylde - 14/01/24
Book 3 in the ‘Fairweather Sisters�� series

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA
Chalk it up to Love: a second chance romance by Jill Haymaker - 16/01/24
MC is Mark

13. Onboard
�� Read a series book #3, #8, #7 or #6
Holiday Hexes by J.L. Collins - 23/02/24
3rd book in the ‘Winter Witches of Holiday Haven�� Series

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read the LAST published book in a series
Demons Just Want To Have Fun by A.E. Jones
5th and final book in ‘The Realm�� series

Welcome, Welcome Sally906!! And you managed to land on one of my favorite challenges! Enjoy your trip!!

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express
1 Feb - open
14/14

�� Must be completed IN ORDER

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1.
by Joy Ellis 2/2 4��

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZANSKY - Sam
by Patricia Briggs 6/2 4��

3. Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR - Mercy
by Patricia Briggs 7/2 3��

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM
�� Read a series book #2 or #4.
by L.T. Shearer 9/2 3��

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN - Aifric
by Dervla McTiernan 10/2 4��

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV - Mary
by Elisabeth Fairchild 12/2 2.5��

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM
�� Read a series book #1
by Camilla Läckberg 13/2 4��

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY - Shade
by Garth Nix 13/2 3��

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM
�� Read a series book #1
by Samantha Verant 14/2 3��

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL - Adam
by Adam Kay 15/2 3.5��

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM
�� Read a series book #4.
by Jenny O'Brien 16/2 3��

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA - Lottie
by Sasha Wasley 19/2 4.5��

13. Onboard: 3876 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD - Regina
by Edith Layton 23/2 3.5��

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MILITARY - Amanda
by Barbara Allister 24/2 2.5��

Have fun Kylie!

Done

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express
1 Feb - open
14/14

�� Must be completed IN ORDER

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1.
by Joy Ellis 2/2 4��

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZANSKY - Sam
by Patricia Briggs 6/2 4��

3. Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR - Mercy
by Patricia Briggs 7/2 3��

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM
�� Read a series book #2 or #4.
by L.T. Shearer 9/2 3��

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN - Aifric
by Dervla McTiernan 10/2 4��

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV - Mary
by Elisabeth Fairchild 12/2 2.5��

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM
�� Read a series book #1
by Camilla Läckberg 13/2 4��

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY - Shade
by Garth Nix 13/2 3��

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM
�� Read a series book #1
by Samantha Verant 14/2 3��

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL - Adam
by Adam Kay 15/2 3.5��

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM
�� Read a series book #4.
by Jenny O'Brien 16/2 3��

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA - Lottie
by Sasha Wasley 19/2 4.5��

13. Onboard: 3876 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD - Regina
by Edith Layton 23/2 3.5��

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MILITARY - Amanda
by Barbara Allister 24/2 2.5��

Great challenge work Kylie!

Trip completed

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express - Completed

Date started (26/11/23)

�� Complete 14 tasks
�� One task from each number below
�� Must be completed IN ORDER

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a series book #1
Caching In by Tracy Krimmer - 27/11/23
Pastime pursuits #1

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station
�� Read a series book #4
The Pursuit by A.E. Jones -04 /12/23
Mind Sweeper #4

3. Moscow to Vladimir
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR
Dragon Kissed by A.E. Jones - 06/12/23
(MC is Megan)

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod
�� Read a series book #2 or #4
The Witch’s Royal Dragon Mate (Paranormal Women's Fiction) Book 2: Cress Dragon Shifters by Haley Weir - 16/12/23
Cress Dragon Shifters #2

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN
Demons are a Girl's Best Friend by A.E. Jones - 22/12/23
MC’s first name is Aleksei

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV
Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune by Anna Celeste Burke- 05/01/24
MC’s first name is Miriam

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk
�� Read a series book #1, #5, #9 or #8
Marshmallows & Mistletoe by Marianne Rice - 06/01/24
Book #1 in the “A Wilton Hills Christmas�� series

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
MC’s first name is Stephanie

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk
�� Read a series book #1 or #6 or a series prequel

Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame - 12/01/24
Book #1 in the “Imperfect�� series

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL
Alex and the Alpacas Save the World by Kathryn Lefroy - 13/01/24
MC is Alex

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude
�� Read a series book #3 or #4
Dorothy by Anya Wylde - 14/01/24
Book 3 in the ‘Fairweather Sisters�� series

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA
Chalk it up to Love: a second chance romance by Jill Haymaker - 16/01/24
MC is Mark

13. Onboard
�� Read a series book #3, #8, #7 or #6
Holiday Hexes by J.L. Collins - 23/02/24
3rd book in the ‘Winter Witches of Holiday Haven�� Series

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read the LAST published book in a series
Demons Just Want To Have Fun by A.E. Jones - 05/03/24
5th and final book in ‘The Realm�� series

All done...way to go Sally! Would you mind adding a completed date to your #14 book.

Jan wrote: "All done...way to go Sally! Would you mind adding a completed date to your #14 book."

Ooops - fixed 👍

Thanks Sally!!

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express

01 Our Journey Begins in Moscow
�� Read a book with a red cover.
Serial Killers of Mexico: Chilling Stories of Evil Buried Beneath the Narco Drug Wars · Wensley Clarkson · 07-07 2024


02 Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM
�� Read a book with a train, musical instrument or arch on the cover.
The Last Hunt · Deon Meyer · 15-08 2024


03 Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR.
The Lady Vanishes · Ethel Lina White · 18-08 2024 · (Iris)


04 Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in GORKY.
The Shadow Murders · Jussi Adler-Olsen · 06-09 2024 · (Rose)


05 Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN.
Ghosts In Our Backyard - The Ramsays' real-life encounters with the supernatural · Alisha 'Priti' Kirpalani · 07-09 2024 · (Alisha)


06 Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV.
Mata Hari's Last Dance · Michelle Moran · 08-09 2024 · (Mata Hari)


07 Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in LENIN.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail · Ben Montgomery · 10-09 2024 · (Emma)


08 Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM
�� Read a series book #7, #9 or #2.
Niet alleen · Tim Voors · 29-09 2024 · (#2)


09 Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in IRKUSTK.
Zoals vogels vliegen: het bewogen leven van twee zusjes na MH17 · Els Quaegebeur · 05-10 2024 · (Sandra)


10 Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM
�� Read a series book #1, #7 or a series prequel.
The Dark Flood · Deon Meyer · 18-10 2024 · (#7)


11 Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM
�� Read a book with a religious symbol on the cover.
Abroad in Japan: Ten Years in the Land of the Rising Sun · Chris Broad · 23-10 2024 · (Typical tempel gate)


12 Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA.
The Woman Next Door · Cass Green · 29-10 2024 · (Melissa)


13 Onboard: 3876 KM
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD.
The Island House · Amanda Brittany · 21-12 2024 · (Alice)


14 Vladivostok: Final Destination
�� Read a book with bridge or something representing the military on the cover.
Nieuwe eeuwelingen · Steffie van den Oord · 28-12 2024 · (An old soldier)

All Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express
Start date: January 1, 2025
Progress: 1/14

1. Our Journey Begins in Moscow

Upon arrival at Moscow airport, you will be transferred to the five-star Four Seasons Hotel which is within walking distance of Red Square. Spend the afternoon visiting Red Square with its eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil's Cathedral's magnificent onion-domed spires, the world famous GUM Department store constructed in Tsarist times and the somber site of Lenin's tomb. You will enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel that includes a champagne reception.

�� Read a series book #1.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MOSCOW. - The Last One - MC's first name is Caz.
�� Read a book with a red cover (post cover).

2. Four Seasons Hotel to Kazansky Station: 4 KM

Today begins with a panoramic city tour that includes Novodevichiy Convent, Victory Park, and the Triumphal Arch. You will enjoy an authentic Russian lunch at Café Pushkin, a legendary Moscow restaurant. You then head to Kazansky Station where you are greeted by a Russian marching band as you prepare to board your home for the rest of the journey: The Golden Eagle Luxury Train. The staff will escort you to your well-appointed ensuite cabin where you can relax and dress for an evening of fine dining as the train leaves Moscow and begins its trip into Siberia.

�� Read a series book #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZANSKY.
�� Read a book with a train, musical instrument or arch on the cover (post cover).

3. Moscow to Vladimir: 186 KM

Heading out of Moscow, the train passes a cluster of ancient cities known as The Golden Ring. The first stop is Vladimir, whose history began in 1108, when the legendary Prince Vladimir Monomakh built a mighty fortress to protect the area. In the city center, the Cathedral of the Assumption houses a richly decorated altar and 15th-century frescoes.
It is one of the most historically important Russian Orthodox Churches and for a short period, it was the seat of the Metropolitan, the leader of the Church. West of the cathedral is an imposing white stone tower known as the Golden Gate, with copper-gilded oak doors. It is all that remains of the wall that once surrounded the city.

�� Read a series book #1, #8 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in VLADAMIR.
�� Read a book with a white cover (post cover).

4. Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod: 242 KM

The next stop is Nizhny Novgorod, a large city formerly known as Gorky. It is set on the banks of the majestic Volga river and is famous for its 16th-century Kremlin, which is ringed by 13 fortified towers. The enormous red-brick Kremlin is one of the strongest and earliest preserved citadels in Russia. And be sure to check out the Chkalov Stairs which has the distinction of being the longest staircase in Russia with 560 steps. It is named after a famous Russian pilot and connects two of the city’s public squares.

�� Read a series book #2 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in GORKY.
�� Read a book with stairs on the cover (post cover).

5. Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan: 394 KM

Also situated on the River Volga, the historic city of Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Within the walls of its Kremlin, you will explore the stunning Qolsharif Mosque and "picture perfect" onion-domed Annunciation Cathedral. This whole area is designated
as an UNESCO World Heritage site. As Kazan is the birthplace of one of Russia’s most famous opera singers, Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), you have the opportunity to attend a private concert of his music.

�� Read a series book #3, #9 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in KAZAN.
�� Read a book with a building that is domed or has spires on the cover (post cover).

6. Kazan to Yekaterinburg: 976 KM

Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Known as the Great Divide, the Ural Mountains create the natural border between Europe and Asia so that the cultural and architectural influences of both civilizations come together in this cosmopolitan landscape. You will take a city tour that includes the obelisk which marks the geographical border letting you have the chance to literally have one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. The tour also includes the poignant site where the Romanov Royal family was executed. Now a church and memorial dedicated to their memory, this site provides a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.

�� Read a series book #9, #7 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ROMANOV.
�� Read a book with a mountain or statue on the cover (post cover).

7. Yekaterinburg to Novosibirsk: 1598 KM

Our next destination is over 19 hours away, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Ural region with its mighty rivers and taiga forests. Passing through several towns, you arrive in Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia and third largest city in Russia. After departing the impressive (green) neoclassical railway station, you board a bus for a city tour that takes you to Lenin Square where the imposing Opera House is located. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is one of the largest opera houses in the world. The 19th-century, Byzantine-style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its golden domes is another highlight of the tour.

�� Read a series book #1, #5, #9 or #8.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in LENIN.
�� Read a book with a green cover (post cover).

reply | flag

message 2: by Jan, ModeratorAug 28, 2021 09:14AM
Jan | 19316 commentsJourney Continued . . .

8. Novosibirsk to Krasnoyarsk: 792 KM

Today you visit the city of Krasnoyarsk. It is the geographical center of Russia and lies
on both sides of the Yenisei River. Known for its natural landscape, it was called the most beautiful city in Siberia by author Anton Chekhov. The morning will be spent walking the city center, checking out the 130 fountains that grace the area. You then head to the Chapel of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa which offers stunning views - it is an important landmark and is pictured on the ten-ruble banknote! The rest of the day is reserved for exploring the Stolby Nature Reserve, a mecca for rock climbers due to the unique granite rock formations found throughout the park.

�� Read a series book #7, #9 or #2.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in STOLBY.
�� Read a book with a fountain, tower or rock formation on the cover (post cover).

9. Krasnoyarsk to Irkutsk: 1060 KM

After another full day on the train you arrive the next morning in Irkutsk, a settlement with an interesting history. Started as a gold and fur trading center in the 17th century, it became an “exile�� location during the Decembrist revolt in 1825. The Volkonsky House Museum offers a great overview of that time in Russian history. The Znamensky Monastery is another key location where you can see the graves of the Decembrists. Due to this influx of individuals from St. Petersburg, Irkutsk became a center of intellectual and cultural life and by 1900, the city had earned the nickname “The Paris of Siberia.�� Today Irkutsk has become a college town known for its unique wooden architecture.

�� Read a series book #1 or #6 or a series prequel (i.e O.5).
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in IRKUSTK.
�� Read a book with a wooden building or cemetery on the cover (post cover).

10. Irkutsk to Lake Baikal: 107 KM

Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. The train stops in an extremely picturesque location for photo ops and a chance for the brave-hearted
to take a swim in the crystal clear and ice-cold waters. You then take a boat ride to the shoreline village of Listvyanka where you visit the Museum and Aquarium, learning that this massive lake breaks all records. It is the largest body of fresh water on earth, containing 20 percent of the world´s surface fresh water. It is also the deepest, the oldest (estimated to be over 25 million years old), and home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The day ends with a delicious BBQ on the shores of the lake.

�� Read a series book #1, #7 or a series prequel (i.e O.5).
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in BAIKAL.
�� Read a book with a lake on the cover (post cover).

11. Lake Baikal to Ulan Ude: 344 KM

Your destination today is Ulan Ude, the culturally diverse capital of the Buryat Republic. This will actually be the first city on your trip where you really feel like you are in Asia. It is an important trade center and gateway for the Trans-Mongolian Railway that travels into Mongolia and China. It is also the center of Buddhism in Russia and a high percentage of the population are practicing Buddhists. Ivolginsky Datsan is the city’s largest Buddhist complex and the temple is a museum and pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. Another interesting museum the city has to offer is the Ethnographic Museum, an open-air museum that charts the history of the Transbaikal people from the Bronze Age to the mid-20th century.

�� Read a series book #3 or #4.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ULAN UDE.
�� Read a book with a religious symbol on the cover (post cover).

12. Ulan Ude to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia: 583 KM

We cross the border into Mongolia to visit its capital, Ulaan Baatar. Your tour begins at Gandan Monastery, an important Buddhist Monastery housing a community of over
500 monks. At Sukhbaatar Square you see the central monument to Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most revered Mongol. Next stop is the Natural History Museum that highlights the impressive skeletons of two dinosaurs discovered in the Gobi Desert. You then drive out of the city to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, visiting a traditional Ger, meeting a nomadic family and trying your hand at horse-riding, an intrinsic part of Mongolian life.

�� Read a series book #5, #8 or #3.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MONGOLIA.
�� Read a book with a desert scene, skeleton or horse on the cover (post cover).

13. Onboard: 3876 KM

We have a great distance to cover, so your next three days are spent onboard, enjoying all the amenities the luxury train has to offer. Relax in your stateroom, sample exquisite cuisine in the dining room, enjoy conversation in the bar, attend the available lectures
or language lessons. Be sure to take time to marvel at the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East, enjoying the country at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on your way to your final destination.

�� Read a series book #3, #8, #7 or #6.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in ONBOARD.
�� Read a book with a dining scene (tables, chairs, food, etc.) on the cover (post cover).

14. Vladivostok: Final Destination

Vladivostok is a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan and is home to the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Due to its military importance, the city was closed to foreigners between 1930 and 1992. It now offers tourists an opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a visit to a preserved World War II submarine. Your tour also includes a photo op of the iconic suspension bridge over Golden Horn Bay, one of the largest of its kind worldwide. Your journey ends tonight with a Farewell Dinner at a five-star hotel.

�� Read the LAST published book in a series.
�� Read a book whose MC's first name begins with a letter in MILITARY.
�� Read a book with bridge or something representing the military on the cover (post cover).

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Terrific challenge work Monica!!

Have fun with the challenge Chie! Welcome back to the group!!!