Last time I told you about the first day of our train trip, and today we will talk about the second day. The morning greeted us with soft light - the sun no longer blinded the compartment windows, but was on the opposite side of the carriage. Thanks to this, the photos turned out a little better than the day before. True, at the stations I still shot in automatic mode - the stops were so short that there was simply no time to mess with the camera settings. But this added some spontaneous sincerity to the photos.
As always, my attention was drawn to people - their lives, activities, everyday life!
In the endless steppes of Kazakhstan, most locals are associated with cattle breeding or service the railway, which is a real artery of the region here. It was interesting to observe this: the rhythm of life seems slow, but it has its own depth and thoroughness.
In some of the photos I took that day, you can see local cemeteries. They are strikingly different from those we are accustomed to in Europe or Russia. Here's what immediately catches your eye:
Cemeteries are often located right in the middle of the steppe, far from villages and towns, sometimes at the foot of hills or among low mountains.
These are open, free spaces - no fences, strict rows or clear planning, especially in areas where nomadic traditions have been preserved.
Steles or stones with carved images of the deceased are often found on graves - echoes of ancient Turkic customs that still live in these parts.
At one of the stations, I got carried away trying to photograph a local dog. It was so indifferent to my presence that not a single shot came out the way I intended - the dog simply ignored me, busy with its own business. But I was lucky by chance: behind the station building, I noticed an old steam locomotive, covered in the dust of time, and managed to take one atmospheric photo. Such finds always make me happy - they have a story.
The day was gradually drawing to a close. The sun was setting behind the horizon, painting the steppe in warm tones, and we were approaching the border of Kazakhstan and Russia.
The train crossed it at night, and by morning we should have already been home. Time flows differently on the road, and even familiar things acquire a special taste. For example, I rarely drink tea at home, but on the train it turns into a small ritual. Especially when tea is served in a branded cup holder - with a slice of lemon it seems incredibly delicious. After drinking a cup, I decided it was time to go to bed.
Thank you for reading my notes! Soon I will tell you how the journey home went and what else I managed to see along the way.
I write my texts myself, correct mistakes and translate via ChatGPT (which is not a violation on Hive)!
All photos were taken by me personally - I am a beginner photographer, so I ask professionals not to judge strictly.
Thank you for sharing these moments with me! Until new stories and new holidays!
Camera 📷: Sony Alpha 7 IV full-frame
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 70-200mm F: 2.8 GM OSS II
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 20-70 mm F: 4 G
Processed 🛠: Lightroom
photo by openai
That old locomotive is awesome. I haven't seen many like that around here, I think you really have to hunt for them in certain areas.
A lot of that landscape is incredibly similar to the way between Armenia and Georgia. Going to be taking the night train on the same route back in a few weeks. Unfortunately won't be able to capture all that nature and former industry.
Also can relate to those train station strays. Encountered some at the border, they just sit there and only move around if it looks like someone has something to feed them. Interesting life for a dog :^)
Yes, you are right - the nature is similar but with its differences. I wish you a pleasant trip and I am waiting for photos from Armenia!!!
!PIZZA
Would love to do a train trip and have looked into the St Petersburg to China trip. Maybe will start with a 3-4 day trip first and make sure it is what I expected it to be. I need to read your first post now.
Wow, this is not a short way) you will get very tired - maybe it would be better to choose several stops in cities with history and then this trip will be more productive. Good luck on your trip!
!BEER
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