To Moscow
All the rushing around was over, Max was in the baggage car, hopefully safe from all of the other crates and boxes.I again felt as though I had been cheated by the motorcycle gods by not riding in western Mongolia. I didnt even get a chance to ride the road to the northern border crossing. I dont like the anger I felt but it was there. I have to remember, I dont always get what I want when I want it. I also know that Ill be back and I will ride through the western Gobi and more.The Train to Moscow
Friday, September 22, 2006
All the rushing around was over, Max was in the baggage car, hopefully safe from all of the other crates and boxes. Janet and I were in car 5; compartment VI where there were only two beds and a small table attached to the exterior wall of the compartment and under the large window that was to be our view of the world for the next four days. Our luggage was safely stored under the beds and in an overhead compartment. Tunga had introduced us to the compartment attendant and to the woman in compartment V (Tunga must know everyone in Mongolia).
At exactly 1:50 pm the train pulled away from the station at UB headed north for the Russian border. All our documents were in order: our Russian visas, Mongolian customs forms for the bike, Russian permission for over weight baggage, shipping documents, everything. I hadnt called Ella as I promised but the morning was so busy that I just didnt have time. I hadnt checked e-mail, again because of time. In fact neither Janet nor I had clearer some last minute items from out to-do list but there was nothing critical pending so we just relaxed as the vast openness that is Mongolia swept past.
I again felt as though I had been cheated by the motorcycle gods by not riding in western Mongolia. I didnt even get a chance to ride the road to the northern border crossing. I dont like the anger I felt but it was there. I have to remember, I dont always get what I want when I want it. I also know that Ill be back and I will ride through the western Gobi and more.
Shortly after 9:00 pm we arrived at the Mongolian border for passport checks and from there to the Russian Customs and Immigration. From our experience at Customs and Immigration at Zamin Uud, I knew that this was the easy part, that the more officious Russian Border Guards would be tougher.
Imagine my surprise when the young Immigration officer came into our compartment and said, There is a problem, a serious problem. What problem, I asked? You have overstayed your visa and must pay a penalty. But, I am an American, I dont need a visa for Mongolia, I protested. She handed me a slip of paper on which the regulations governing stays in Mongolia were clearly stated.
She was really sorry that she had to charge me this penalty by she had no choice. Will this be expensive for you? she asked, I have only charged you the minimum fine. I said, My friend Agi in Zamin Uud told me to call him if I had any problems here, please wait a moment. I called Agi but the connection was not good and I didnt know if I got the message across or not. You must come with me to the office and pay the penalty. I agreed and as we were leaving the train she turned and said, Please put on a coat, it is cold tonight and I want you to be warm. She cares.
By the time I arrived at the Immigration office, there were others gathered there. One very tall beautiful young woman said, Agi told me to come and help you but I got here too late, I wouldnt have charged you the penalty but she is young, pointing to the young officer who was now writing out the fine. Then another man spoke up, I am Agis friend, he asked me to come and help. Dont worry, the fine is low and you will not be charged for the exit visa you now should have. Then Shogi, Agis wife called to see if everything was ok.