Bars and bags....

I wondered if we were being a little harsh on our view of Tyumen - it is after all (according to posters we have seen) celebrating 430 years. Of what I am not sure - existence/name? Anyway we decided to google to see if that would throw up some highlights we may have missed. We discovered amoung the top ten places to visit included the Siberian Cat park where there are gold statues of cats and a monument dedicated to a homeless dog. We visited neither. Instead we ventured out to visit an outdoor clothing shop Mr L had spotted when we left a nearby restaurant the night before where I purchased another base layer (it's all about the base) as the weather has turned cold and there is snow already at our next stop.

Later our wanderings took us into an Irish bar (or Ireland Bar as the sign described it) where we had a local beer and got chatting to a Russian lad with some English who kindly offered us a good rate on currency exchange and to show us places. We politely declined and left. We found another bar/restaurant which was much more entertaining as they were clearly just reopening after a refurbishment which was still being completed as we arrived. It was a great place for people watching  although the food suggested the focus was more on style over substance. Great local band though - it was like Friday night at the Fighting Cocks a la Russian style.  

Today we head back to the train station and travel overnight to our next destination Novosibirsk. This time travelling second class so that should be interesting. More on that next time.

Whilst I have the time I was going to answer a question my friend A asked. What's in your bag?? We are after all travelling for sometime through different climates. Both our bags are currently weighing in at about 11kg so slightly out of hand luggage but we will be disposing of things once we get out of the cold. Without stating the obvious everything we have is lightweight, easy wash/dry and requires no/little ironing

Contents (Me):
Blouse/ shirts - 3
Jeans - 2 (always travel in heavier ones)
Linen trousers - 1
Trackie/casual trousers - 1 (ideal for wearing on train)
PJ 3/4 bottoms - 1 (ideal for running to bathroom at night when staying in hostels)
Shorts -1
Vest tops - 4.   T.shirts - 3
Sundress/long tops - 3
Swimming costume - 1.   Scarf/sarong - 1
Long sleeved tops (including base layers) - 3.   Hoodie - 1
Leggings - 1. Thermal leggings - 1
Underwear (enough for 5 days).  Socks - 4
Hiking boots (always wear when carrying bag - may be disposed of )
Trainers - 1.  Flipflops - 1.  Pumps - 1

Next time toiletries!!