Russia, a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway

My dream vacation is inspired by a trip I never got to take.

Eleven years ago, in a remote area of Russia, at the stunning Lake Baikal in Siberia, actors and artists from all over the world met to study the Michael Chekhov acting technique at the first ever conference held in his honor.  I was a junior in college, studying at an acting conservatory when I missed my opportunity to attend this amazing event.  (I fell short of raising money for my plane fare by just $250!)  Though this was many years ago and I’ve since changed career paths, I still dream of reviving that opportunity.  

First stop: The Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, Moscow

From a production at the original MAT

The Trans-Siberian Railway originates in Moscow, Russia so it's a great place to start this journey to Lake Baikal. But before hopping on the train, the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater is a must see! The original Moscow Art Theater was founded in 1898 as a venue to feature naturalistic theater, under the direction of Constantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko.  Few Americans know the tremendous influence that Constantin Stanislaski has had on modern American theater.  Many, if not most, of today’s popular actors have studied techniques, often referred to as method acting, that were directly influenced by Stanislavski.  Additionally, Michael Chekhov, the founder of one my favorite acting techniques, studied under Stanislavski here at this theater.


For more information about Michael Chekhov visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Chekhov.

This clip, from the documentary film Stanislavsky and the Russian Theatre, describes Stanislavski's role in the founding of the Moscow Art Theater and the major themes of his acting technique.

All aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway!


Now it's time to buy a ticket and hop aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway.  Visit this site for information about the railroad, get tips like "pack a pocket knife" and learn how to buy tickets.

How to read a Russian train ticket.

Second stop: Ivolginsky Datsan, Ulad Ude

Before arriving on the shores of Lake Baikal, gain a little enlightenment at Ivolginsky datsan.  This is the center of Buddhism in Russia and  attracts hundreds of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The datsan is located about 30 km from Ulan-Ude city in the village of Verkhnaya Ivolga.

This temple was built in 1945 as the only Buddhist spiritual center in the USSR.  Buddhism was originally introduced to areas that are now Russia by the Kalmyk people who traveled into and settled in Siberia in the 17^th century.  Buddhism is now recognized as one of Russia’s historical religions.  According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, 63% of respondents to a poll considered themselves Russian Orthodox, 6% Muslim and less than 1% considered themselves either Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant or Jewish. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Russia#cite_note-religionsurvey-5 –accessed 10/2/2011]


This temple is unique in that it    is home to the 12th Pandito Hambo Lama,Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov,  who died in 1927 in the lotus position and whose body, while never having been embalmed or mummified, has not yet decomposed! For info about this phenomenon and the temple visit this New Times article. 

This video was taken in 2002, when over 20,000 people traveled to the datsun to see and honor this famous lama's body. 

Last stop: Lake Baikal, Siberia


At last, we've arrived at the shores of Lake Baikal! All you need now is a pair of hiking boots or a kayak and a paddle to enjoy the spectacular beauty and the abundant wildlife of this area.


"The water of Lake Baikal is the colour of turquoise, more transparent than the Black Sea. They say that in deep places you can see the bottom over a verst below; and I myself have seen to such a depth, with rocks and mountains plunged in the turquoise-blue, that it sent a shiver all over me." - playwright Anton Chekhov in a letter to his mother, Letters of Anton Chekhov.

Visit Lonely Planet for all the information you need to enjoy Lake Baikal.

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This traditional Russian folk song is about a convict who had escaped from jail and was attempting to return home from Transbaikalia on Lake Baikal, Siberia. This performance is by Pyort Leshchenko.


                                              by Shannon Kirk