On the Track of Eastern Europe Trains

They are old, they smell and sometimes they shake so heavily that one gets bruised when standing. Their charm seems to have faded and their curtains flap tiredly in the wind. Often they are the last survivors of Soviet times and not much more than a nuisance to the locals. “The bus will be faster”, I will be told many times.

Once having taken your seat, you can suddenly breathe freely and feel relaxed in those stifling waggons. Time stands still for a very long moment. Gently rocking, they carry you and your thoughts to distant destinations. And if you watch closely enough, small parallel universes will unfold within the waggons tight bellies.

In 2013 and 2014, I repeatedly went on journeys in Eastern Europe to look out for special moments within old Soviet Union trains and their surroundings. Most of the old trains I found in Ukraine. During my journeys I discussed with many locals what was going on politically in the country. The trains not only show you war in Ukraine but also the real lives of local people and let you explore colourful humanity.